Show Me the Money? Just Ask Costco

In spite of the sluggishness in many of the world’s largest economies, there are some companies that are doing well—so well, that they have more money than they can handle. One such company is Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ/COST), which was just in the news for reporting a substantial $7.00-per-share dividend to shareholders, on top of its regular quarterly dividend. The company just announced strong retail sales in the four weeks ended November 25, 2012, and its first fiscal quarter of 2013 experienced a solid 10% increase in revenues. On the stock market, Costco has been a powerhouse wealth creator over time. You have to imagine that those annual memberships are pure gravy for the company; having to pay a company in order to shop there is such a score. On the stock market, the stock appreciated to $54.00 from $10.00 between 1996 and 2000 on a split-adjusted basis. Then it did...