Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q3 was $1.9 billion or $4.28 per diluted share, up more than 13% from $1.68 billion or $3.78 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [13] - Net sales for Q3 were $61.96 billion, an increase of 8% from $57.39 billion in the same quarter last year [15] - Membership fee income was $1.24 billion, an increase of $117 million or 10.4% year over year [18] - Gross margin rate increased by 41 basis points to 11.25% compared to 10.84% last year [21] - SG&A rate was higher by 20 basis points at 9.16% compared to 8.96% last year [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh category comparable sales were up high single digits, led by double-digit growth in meat [29] - Non-foods also had comparable sales in the high single digits [29] - E-commerce comparable sales were up 14.8% or 15.7% adjusted for foreign exchange [16] - Gas comps were negative low double digits due to lower average price per gallon [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. comparable sales were up 6.6% or 7.9% excluding gas deflation [15] - Canada comparable sales were up 2.9% or 7.8% adjusted for gas deflation and foreign exchange [15] - Other international comparable sales were up 3.2% or 8.5% adjusted [15] - Traffic increased by 5.2% worldwide and 5.5% in the U.S. [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open another 10 warehouses in Q4, bringing the total to 914 worldwide [6] - Focus on maintaining competitive pricing despite macroeconomic challenges [7] - Continued investment in digital and technology to enhance member experience [10] - Strategic sourcing to mitigate tariff impacts and lower costs [9][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate challenges posed by tariffs and inflation [12] - The company remains committed to providing quality items at the lowest possible prices [35] - Management noted that in uncertain times, value resonates strongly with members [12] Other Important Information - Capital expenditure in Q3 was approximately $1.13 billion, with an estimated full-year CapEx of over $5 billion [29] - The company ended Q3 with 79.6 million paid household members, up 6.8% year over year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is Costco's current pricing strategy given the market conditions? - Management indicated that they are focused on lowering prices wherever possible and have seen improvements in the competitive landscape [42][43] Question: How has the company managed inventory in light of tariffs? - Management noted proactive measures to pull forward inventory to mitigate tariff impacts and maintain pricing [49] Question: What should be expected regarding growth in non-food categories? - Management acknowledged that while growth is strong, there may be a deceleration as they cycle tougher comparisons from the previous year [60] Question: How is the company addressing member experience in high-volume warehouses? - Management is strategically opening new warehouses to alleviate congestion and improve member experience [63][64] Question: What is the outlook for LIFO charges in the upcoming quarters? - Management provided estimates for LIFO charges based on current inflation rates, indicating a potential increase in Q4 [81][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q3 was $1.9 billion or $4.28 per diluted share, up more than 13% from $1.68 billion or $3.78 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [12][13] - Net sales for Q3 were $61.96 billion, an increase of 8% from $57.39 billion in the same quarter last year [14] - Membership fee income was $1.24 billion, an increase of $117 million or 10.4% year over year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. comparable sales were up 6.6% or 7.9% excluding gas deflation, while Canada comp sales were up 2.9% or 7.8% adjusted for gas deflation and FX [14] - E-commerce comp sales were up 14.8% or 15.7% adjusted for FX [15] - Fresh category comparable sales were up high single digits, led by double-digit growth in meat [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Traffic or shopping frequency increased 5.2% worldwide and 5.5% in the U.S. [15] - Average transaction or ticket was up 0.4% worldwide and up 1.1% in the U.S. [16] - Gas comps were negative low double digits during the quarter, driven by a lower average price per gallon [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open another 10 warehouses during Q4, including locations in Sweden, Korea, and Canada, bringing the total warehouse count to 914 worldwide [5] - The focus on digital and technology is seen as crucial for future growth, with investments aimed at improving member experience [9][10] - The company is committed to providing quality items at the lowest possible prices, viewing price increases as a last resort [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate challenges posed by tariffs and inflation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining competitive pricing [11][35] - The company noted that in uncertain times, its value proposition resonates strongly with members [11] - Management highlighted the importance of agility in sourcing and pricing strategies to mitigate tariff impacts [35] Other Important Information - Membership renewal rates were 92.7% in the U.S. and Canada, with a worldwide rate of 90.2% [18] - The company ended Q3 with 79.6 million paid household members, up 6.8% year over year [20] - Capital expenditure in Q3 was approximately $1.13 billion, with an estimated full-year CapEx of over $5 billion [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is Costco telling merchants regarding pricing strategy? - Management indicated that they are focused on lowering prices wherever possible and have seen improvements in the competitive landscape [41][43] Question: How are price gaps changing in the current inflationary environment? - Management noted that they are closely monitoring pricing and have been proactive in lowering prices as commodity costs decrease [46][48] Question: How should expectations be recalibrated as Costco laps outsized growth from precious metals and gift cards? - Management acknowledged that some deceleration in growth is expected but remains confident in the ability to find quality items at great value [55][61] Question: What is being done to improve member experience in high-volume warehouses? - Management emphasized strategic openings of new warehouses to alleviate congestion and improve member experience [62][65] Question: What is the outlook for LIFO charges in the coming quarters? - Management provided insights into the LIFO charge calculations and indicated that future charges will depend on inflation rates and tariff impacts [76][82]

3rd Quarter FY 2025 Supplemental Information 1 Q3 Highlights - Sales $62.0B Net Sales +8.0% Growth +5.7% Comparable Sales +8.0% +5.2% Comparable Ticket Comparable Traffic Adjusted Comparable Ticket1 +14.8% E-Comm Comparable Sales +15.7% Adjusted E-Comm Comparable Sales2 1 - Excluding impacts from changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange 2 - E-commerce Comparable Sales excluding impacts from FX Q3 Highlights – Sales - Segment Reporting | Comp Sales | US | Canada | Other | Total | | --- | --- | --- | - ...

The sign on the side of a Costco is seen in Hawthorne, California, on April 4, 2025.Costco on Thursday posted quarterly earnings and revenue that topped estimates as its sales climbed 8%. Here's how the warehouse club retailer did in its fiscal third quarter compared what Wall Street was expecting, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG:Earnings per share: $4.28 vs. $4.24 expectedRevenue: $63.21 billion vs. $63.19 billion expectedCostco's net income for the three-month period that ended May 11 rose to $1.90 ...

Financial Performance - Net sales for the second quarter increased by 9.1% to $62.53 billion, compared to $57.33 billion last year[2] - Net income for the quarter was $1,788 million, or $4.02 per diluted share, up from $1,743 million, or $3.92 per diluted share, last year[3] - Comparable sales for the second quarter showed a total company increase of 6.8%, with U.S. sales up 8.3% and e-commerce sales up 20.9%[2] - For the four-week reporting month of February, net sales were $19.81 billion, an increase of 8.8% from $18.21 billion last year[4] - Total revenue for the first 24 weeks was $125.87 billion, a rise of 8.3% from $116.24 billion last year[10] - Operating income for the quarter was $2.316 billion, compared to $2.062 billion last year[10] Membership and Fees - Membership fees for the quarter increased to $1.193 billion, up from $1.111 billion last year[10] Cash and Assets - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period were $12.356 billion, compared to $9.906 billion at the beginning of the year[14] - The company reported a net cash provided by operating activities of $6.008 billion for the first 24 weeks[14] Operations - Costco operates 897 warehouses globally, with 617 located in the United States and Puerto Rico[5]

ISSAQUAH, Wash., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Costco Wholesale Corporation (“Costco” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: COST) today announced its operating results for the third quarter (twelve weeks) and the first 36 weeks of fiscal 2025, ended May 11, 2025. Net sales for the quarter increased 8.0 percent, to $61.96 billion, from $57.39 billion last year. Net sales for the first 36 weeks increased 8.2 percent, to $185.48 billion, from $171.44 billion last year. Comparable sales for the third quarter and first ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) will report its third-quarter fiscal 2025 results on Thursday after the market closes. Thus, let’s analyze Costco’s anticipated earnings, the factors contributing to its long-term growth, and strategies for trading the stock post-earnings release.What to Expect From Costco’s Fiscal Q3 Earnings?For the fiscal third quarter, Costco’s revenues and earnings are expected to improve, banking on an uptick in comparable store sales in April. Costco’s core comparable sales in the ...

Costco Wholesale Corp COST is rolling up to earnings season with a full cart and a few mixed signals – and Wall Street is watching closely.The wholesale giant reports fiscal third quarter results after the bell Thursday, with analysts expecting earnings per share of $4.24 on revenue of $63.19 billion. It's a moment of truth for a stock that's gained 25% over the past year but has wobbled slightly in recent weeks, slipping nearly 2% in the past month.Read Also: Costco Earnings Are Imminent; These Most Accura ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation COST will release its third-quarter earnings results after the closing bell on Thursday, May 29.Analysts expect the Issaquah, Washington-based company to report quarterly earnings at $4.23 per share, up from $3.78 per share in the year-ago period. Costco projects to report quarterly revenue at $63.1 billion, compared to $58.52 billion a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro.The company beat revenue estimates in the second quarter, but has only beaten analyst estimate ...

Core Viewpoint - Costco Wholesale Corporation is preparing to release its third-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings results, with investors weighing the decision to buy or hold the stock based on earnings expectations and market conditions [1] Financial Performance Expectations - Analysts project third-quarter revenues to reach $63.1 billion, reflecting a 7.9% increase year-over-year, while earnings per share are estimated at $4.25, indicating a 12.4% year-over-year growth [3] - The company has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise average of 0.8%, although it missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.7% in the last quarter [4] Growth Strategies and Market Position - Costco's strategic investments, customer-centric approach, and focus on membership growth have contributed to its resilience as a consumer defensive stock [2] - The company’s competitive pricing and bulk purchasing power enable it to maintain low prices, which is expected to drive comparable sales growth of 4.7% in the third quarter [8] - High membership renewal rates, exceeding 90%, provide a stable revenue source, with membership fees anticipated to increase by 9.6% during the quarter [9] E-commerce and Expansion - Costco's adaptability in product offerings and continuous expansion into new markets, including e-commerce growth projected at 21%, positions it well for future success [10] Valuation and Market Comparison - Costco's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 52.28, significantly higher than the industry average of 33.09 and the S&P 500's 21.36, indicating a premium valuation [13] - The stock has outperformed competitors, with a 24% increase in price over the past year, compared to declines in competitors like Dollar General and Target [12] Investment Considerations - Despite its premium valuation, Costco's strong financial health and strategic initiatives suggest potential for further upside, making it a compelling choice for growth-oriented investors [18]