Costco (COST) Receives a Buy from Jefferies

The DOJ is investigating Walmart, Amazon, and six other major grocery retailers regarding beef prices, citing inflation as a key concern. The probe follows a prior antitrust investigation into meatpackers and Trump administration efforts to lower beef costs, including tariff adjustments and import policies. Retailers and the DOJ declined to comment. Beef prices are influenced by factors like reduced cattle supply and high production costs.

The US Department of Justice has expanded its anti-trust probe into beef prices to include eight major retailers, such as Walmart and Costco, according to a DoJ post on X. The investigation, which began in May with four large meatpackers, now examines retailers' beef pricing strategies, profit margins, and purchasing arrangements since 2020. The DoJ seeks records and briefings from the companies to assess trends in beef prices, a critical concern for the American public.

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating eight major retailers, including Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon, over beef pricing strategies. The probe, expanded from an earlier investigation into meatpackers, seeks details on pricing, costs, and wholesale arrangements. Tyson Foods previously settled a lawsuit for $82.5 million over beef price allegations, according to Reuters.

The U.S. DOJ is investigating Walmart, Costco, and other retailers for high beef prices, according to Reuters. The Trump administration has accused meatpackers of price manipulation. Tyson Foods settled a lawsuit for $82.5 million over beef price inflation claims. Beef prices have risen 5.4% year-over-year, per the BLS.

The DOJ expanded its beef pricing probe to include major retailers like Walmart, Costco, Amazon, and Kroger. The investigation, initially focused on meatpackers, now examines retail price surges. Tyson Foods previously settled a lawsuit for $82.5M over beef price allegations. US beef prices hit a record high in May, impacting consumers.

Costco reported fiscal 2026 net sales of $297.3B, up 10.2% YoY. August sales rose 9.9% YoY to $23.7B. Comparable sales, excluding gasoline and FX, increased 5.6% for the month and 6.6% for the year. Bank of America maintains a Buy rating with a $1,200 price target, citing Costco's value proposition and share gains.