Form 4: Costco EVP Reports Routine Stock Withholding for Taxes

Costco Executive Vice President Caton Frates reported the withholding of common stock for tax obligations related to restricted stock unit vesting.

Summary

• Caton Frates, Executive Vice President of Costco Wholesale Corp, reported transactions on October 22, 2025.
• The transactions involved the disposition of common stock to cover tax liabilities associated with the vesting of previously granted restricted stock units.
• A total of 2,768.69 shares of common stock were withheld by the company for taxes.
• The price per share for these transactions was $944.68, representing the closing market price on Nasdaq on October 22, 2025.
• Following these reported transactions, Caton Frates beneficially owns 6,515.004 shares of Costco common stock directly.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing reports a routine administrative transaction (tax withholding for RSU vesting) which is neutral in its implications for the company's operational or financial performance.

Positives

• The vesting of restricted stock units indicates a component of executive compensation, aligning management interests with shareholder value.

Negatives

• The disposition of shares, while for tax purposes, reduces the direct beneficial ownership of the executive.

Future Outlook

This filing does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future performance or outlook.

Industry Context

Routine insider transactions, such as tax withholdings upon RSU vesting, are common across all industries for publicly traded companies. They reflect standard compensation practices and tax compliance for executives.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Minimal direct impact as this is a routine tax-related transaction for an executive's compensation.

Key Dates

Keywords

Costco, COST, Insider Transaction, Form 4, Executive Compensation, Stock Withholding, Restricted Stock Units, Tax Obligations