Oppenheimer analysts stuck with their "outperform" rating on Costco Wholesale (
COST
) Thursday after the retailer posted
strong December sales numbers
, noting that catalysts for its shares "include a potential
stock split
."
Oppenheimer didn't give more details but companies with high share prices often split their stock to make it more affordable to
retail investors
.
The analysts said the wholesaler "remains a top pick" after its adjusted U.S.
comparable sales
rose nearly 10% year-over-year in December. Their price target for the company is $1,075 per share, above the analyst consensus of $1,047 from Visible Alpha.
Costco's "combination of gold bars and a powerful gift card assortment continues to resonate with consumers," the analysts wrote.
Costco shares have risen nearly 40% over the past year, closing Wednesday at $927.37.