Who is the real owner of Costco?

Costco is mainly owned by institutional investors, who own over 70% of shares. The largest shareholders as of September 2024 are: The Vanguard Group (9.40%) BlackRock (7.56%)

Who actually owns Costco?

Costco is a publicly traded company, meaning it is owned by its shareholders. There is no single owner.

Is Bill Gates a shareholder in Costco?

Bill Gates Costco Wholesale Corp

The first Costco Wholesale trade was made in Q3 2002. Since then Bill Gates bought shares ten more times and sold shares on four occasions. The investor sold all their shares in Q4 2012 and doesn't own any shares in Costco Wholesale anymore.

What nationality is the owner of Costco?

Walter Craig Jelinek (born August 8, 1952) is an American businessman who served as president and CEO of Costco from 2012 to 2023, when he succeeded the company's founder, James Sinegal.

Who is the CEO of Costco now?

Ron VachrisPresident, CEO and Director

Ron M. Vachris has been a director of the Company since February 2022, and Chief Executive Officer and President since January 2024.

How Costco Was Made | History of Costco

What is Costco CEO's salary?

As chief executive, Vachris was awarded a $12.2 million compensation package, including a base salary of $1.1 million and $10.5 million in stock awards and some perks such as a free executive Costco membership.

Is Ron Vachris Greek?

Kudos to Ron Vachris, this hard-working Greek-American compatriot! We are so proud of the work ethos, resilience, tenacity, and most of all philotimo shown by the new generations, the children of Greek immigrants.

What does Costco stand for?

Although there's no official verification, it's generally accepted that Costco's name originates as an amalgamation of 'Cost Company. ' This is due to the brand's goal of helping customers save money and manage their spending.

What is the religion of the owner of Costco?

Sinegal: I was raised and educated as a Catholic. I would not suggest to you that I am a practicing Catholic today, although I still consider myself a Catholic. I am involved in many Catholic charities, mainly because I have that background. I am a trustee on the board of Seattle University, a Jesuit University.

Is Costco's owner a billionaire?

The estimated net worth of James D Sinegal is at least $1.2 Billion dollars as of 2025-08-30. James D Sinegal is the Director of Costco Wholesale Corp and owns about 1,279,536 shares of Costco Wholesale Corp (COST) stock worth over $1.2 Billion.

Does Bill Gates own Coca-Cola?

13 Bill Gates Coca-Cola Femsa S.A.B.

Bill Gates acquired 6.21 Million Coca-Cola Femsa S.A.B. DE C.V. shares worth $528 Million. That's 1.16% of their equity portfolio (10th largest holding). The investor owns 2.96% of the outstanding Coca-Cola Femsa S.A.B.

Who is the largest investor in Costco?

How much does a Costco membership cost?

Gold Star Membership: $65.00 Annual membership fee* Includes a free Household Card. Valid at all Costco locations worldwide.

Where is the largest Costco in the world?

In this case, though, the title for the state with the world's largest Costco goes to Utah. By an impressive margin, the Salt Lake City Costco takes the cake for the world's largest, coming in at a whopping 235,000 square feet.

What is Costco's net worth?

Costco has a market cap or net worth of $418.34 billion as of August 29, 2025. Its market cap has increased by 9.38% in one year.

What is Ron Vachris's background?

In 1982, Vachris started as a forklift driver at Price Club, which merged with Costco in 1993, and worked his way up through the company over the years becoming CEO in January 2024. Along the way he held several management positions including warehouse manager in both Colorado and Arizona.

What does Ron mean in Greek?

Meaning "sovereign's advice,” “song of joy,” and “sacred name,” from Greek, Old Norse, and Hebrew roots, Ron is a name meant to live on.

How much does Ron Vachris make a year?

As Chief Executive Officer, President and Director at COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW, Ron M. Vachris made $12,160,603 in total compensation.

Did Ron Vachris go to college?

In 1982, Vachris got a job with Costco's predecessor while attending community college. Vachris joined Costco's predecessor, Price Club, as a part-time forklift driver during his winter break in 1982. He was studying business at Glendale Community College in Arizona at the time.

What did Costco CEO say about hot dogs?

In 2009, the Seattle Times asked Costco co-founder (and then-CEO) Jim Sinegal, "If [the price of the hot dog] ever goes up, what will it mean?" Sinegal replied, "That I'm dead."

What is Costco's biggest profit?

Some people may be surprised to learn that Costco generates most of its profit not from the products it sells in its warehouses, but rather from its membership fees.

Is Costco owned by Walmart?

Sam's Club is a subsidiary of Walmart, while Costco is a publicly traded company. Costco is considered the original warehouse store, because it began a discount warehouse in 1976 under the name Price Club. Costco as it is known today, opened its doors for the first time in 1983–the same year as Sam's Club.

What is Jim Sinegal's religion?

In describing his success, Sinegal attributes it to “just good business practices.” And while he was born into a Catholic family and supports Catholic causes, he does not necessarily tie his faith to the way he approaches business.