Core Viewpoint - Costco Wholesale Corporation is set to release its third-quarter earnings results, with expectations of increased earnings and revenue compared to the previous year [1]. Financial Performance - Analysts predict Costco will report quarterly earnings of $4.23 per share, an increase from $3.78 per share in the same quarter last year [1]. - Projected quarterly revenue is expected to be $63.1 billion, up from $58.52 billion a year earlier [1]. - The company beat revenue estimates in the second quarter but has only surpassed analyst estimates in four of the last ten quarters overall [2]. Stock Performance - Costco shares experienced a slight decline of 0.5%, closing at $1,013.14 [3]. Analyst Ratings - Telsey Advisory Group analyst Joseph Feldman maintains an Outperform rating with a price target of $1,100 [8]. - Loop Capital analyst Laura Champine has a Buy rating but reduced the price target from $1,150 to $1,045 [8]. - Stifel analyst Mark Astrachan also holds a Buy rating, lowering the price target from $1,075 to $1,035 [8]. - Evercore ISI Group analyst Greg Melich maintains an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $1,050 to $1,070 [8]. - Truist Securities analyst Scot Ciccarelli has a Hold rating and increased the price target from $935 to $995 [8].

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]

Group 1 - Costco has raised its membership fee just before a period of consumer distress, which may create mixed feelings among investors [1] - The company is operating in an uncertain global environment, which could impact its performance [1] Group 2 - The focus on long-term growth and dividend growth investing is emphasized, highlighting the importance of profitability over low valuation [1] - Key metrics such as margins, free cash flow stability and growth, and returns on invested capital are crucial for assessing the company's performance [1]

Core Viewpoint - Major retailers like Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart are expanding their fuel businesses despite the approaching electric vehicle era, indicating a continued reliance on gasoline and a slow transition to electric vehicles [1][2]. Group 1: Retail Expansion in Fuel Business - Walmart plans to open over 45 new gas stations across 34 states, with operations at more than 450 stores, offering low-cost fuel services to customers [2]. - Costco has extended the operating hours of its member-exclusive gas stations, with many locations now closing at 10 PM instead of 9 PM [2]. - Dollar General has cautiously expanded its fuel business, starting with a pilot store in Alabama and growing to over 40 locations primarily in the southern U.S. [2]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Retailers are increasingly competing for price-sensitive consumers, with gas stations serving as a strategic lever to attract customers away from competitors [3][4]. - The integration of gas stations with retail stores is seen as a way to enhance customer loyalty and provide convenience for shoppers [5]. Group 3: Future Opportunities - The rise of electric vehicles presents a unique opportunity for retailers, as charging times are longer than refueling, allowing retailers to attract customers into their stores during the wait [6]. - Retailers are betting on the future of electric vehicle charging stations, which could replace traditional gas pumps, providing potential business expansion opportunities [5][6].

2.周一（26日）：美团公布财报。 3.周二（27日）：将公布中国4月规模以上工业企业利润同比数据；拼多多、小米集团、快手发布财 报。 4.周五（30日）：上金所、上期所、郑商所、大商所无夜盘交易；台股休市一日。 钛媒体App 5月25日消息，下周市场大事预告： 1.下周央行公开市场将有9460亿元逆回购到期，其中下周一至下周五分别到期1350亿元、3570亿元、 1570亿元、1545亿元、1425亿元。 14.5月27日，中国国家统计局将公布规模以上工业企业利润。此前数据显示，4月份，规模以上工业增 加值同比实际增长6.1%（增加值增速均为扣除价格因素的实际增长率）。从环比看，4月份，规模以上 工业增加值比上月增长0.22%。1-4月份，规模以上工业增加值同比增长6.4%。 15.5月31日，中国国家统计局将公布5月采购经理指数（PMI）运行情况。此前数据显示，4月份，制造 业采购经理指数为49.0%，比上月下降1.5个百分点；非制造业商务活动指数为50.4%，比上月下降0.4个 百分点，仍高于临界点；综合PMI产出指数为50.2%，比上月下降1.2个百分点，继续高于临界点。 5.周六（31日）：将公布中 ...

Market Performance - The S&P 500 index decreased by 2.6% this week, while the Nasdaq fell by 2.5%[3] - Among sectors, only the Household & Personal Products sector saw an increase of 1%, while the Technology Hardware & Equipment sector dropped by 6.3%[3] Fund Flows - Estimated fund outflow from S&P 500 components was $11.115 billion this week, compared to an inflow of $25.71 billion last week[4] - Three sectors experienced fund inflows: Healthcare Equipment & Services (+$200 million), Media & Entertainment (+$170 million), and Household & Personal Products (not significant)[4] Earnings Forecast - The dynamic F12M EPS forecast for S&P 500 components was adjusted upward by 0.2% this week, following a 0.1% increase last week[5] - The Automotive & Auto Parts sector saw the largest upward revision of +0.7%, while the Food & Staples Retailing sector was revised down by -1.1%[5] Economic Risks - Key risks include uncertainties in economic fundamentals, international political situations, U.S. fiscal policy, and Federal Reserve monetary policy[5]

Group 1: Market Overview - Trump's trade policies have caused volatility in broader equities, leading to investor concerns about future market conditions [1] - Despite short-term uncertainties, the stock market is expected to provide competitive returns over the long term [1] Group 2: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola has outperformed the market this year, benefiting from its position in the consumer staples industry, which is perceived as a safe haven during economic downturns [4] - The company's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 24.2, which is reasonable compared to the industry average of 22.2 [4] - Coca-Cola's extensive global presence and local manufacturing reduce the impact of tariffs, making it resilient to trade policy changes [5] - The brand's strong recognition and adaptability to changing consumer demands provide a competitive advantage [6][7] - Coca-Cola has a remarkable dividend track record, having increased payouts for 63 consecutive years, indicating robust underlying operations [8] Group 3: Costco - Costco's stock appears expensive with a forward P/E of 56.7, which is significantly above the average for consumer staples [9] - The company's membership model fosters customer loyalty and encourages repeat visits, enhancing its competitive position [10] - Costco has substantial growth opportunities, particularly in international markets, with 69% of its warehouses located in the U.S. [11] - The company holds a 1.5% share of the U.S. e-commerce market, with e-commerce sales growing faster, providing a long-term growth tailwind [12] - Although tariffs may impact margins, Costco's strong brand and global expansion strategy are expected to sustain its appeal and performance in the long run [13]

Core Insights - Home Depot and Costco are both leading retailers in their respective sectors, generating significant annual revenues, but their stock performances differ, with Costco showing stronger growth [1][13]. Home Depot - Home Depot reported Q1 2025 revenue of $39.9 billion, a 9.4% year-over-year increase, surpassing Wall Street expectations [3]. - Same-store sales (SSS) declined by 0.3% in Q1 2025, following previous declines of 1.8% in fiscal 2024 and 3.2% in fiscal 2023, indicating consumer hesitance in spending on home improvements amid economic uncertainty [4]. - The home improvement industry is valued at approximately $1 trillion, with Home Depot holding a 16% market share, suggesting potential for growth by attracting customers from smaller competitors [5]. - The company highlights significant untapped home equity built up since the pandemic, which could lead to increased demand if macroeconomic conditions improve [6]. - Aging housing stock, with 55% of homes being 40 years or older, is expected to drive future revenue growth as older homes require more maintenance [7]. Costco - Costco continues to report positive SSS growth, demonstrating strong consumer demand even during economic downturns [9]. - The company benefits from a scale advantage, with $62.5 billion in net sales for Q2 2025, allowing it to negotiate favorable pricing with suppliers due to its limited product range [10]. - Costco's membership model fosters customer loyalty, with renewal rates exceeding 92% in the U.S. and Canada, contributing to a high-margin, recurring revenue stream [11]. - The company maintains a consistent earnings stream, supporting a quarterly dividend of $1.30 and occasional special dividends, the last being $15 in January 2024 [12]. - Over the past five years, Costco's stock price has increased by 236%, compared to Home Depot's 56%, indicating a market preference for Costco's financial performance [13]. Investment Considerations - Costco is viewed as the higher-quality business, but its shares trade at a price-to-earnings ratio of 59.9, significantly higher than Home Depot's 24.9 [13]. - For investors prioritizing company quality, Costco is recommended, while those focused on valuation may find Home Depot to be the better investment at present [14].

Core Insights - Costco Wholesale's stock has surpassed the $1,000 mark, reflecting its strong operational performance and market presence [1][15] - As of May 22, 2025, Costco's shares were trading around $1,025, with a market capitalization of approximately $455 billion [2] - The membership-based business model is central to Costco's success, fostering customer loyalty and generating high-margin revenue from membership fees [3] Membership and Revenue - In Q2 FY25, membership fees generated $1.193 billion, with over 130 million cardholders as of early 2024 [4] - The renewal rates for memberships were reported at 92.9% in the U.S. and Canada, and 90.5% worldwide, indicating strong customer satisfaction [4] - Costco's net sales for Q2 FY25 increased by 9.1% year-over-year, reaching $62.53 billion, while net sales for the first 35 weeks of FY25 grew by 8.2% to $180.05 billion [5] Brand and Operational Efficiency - The Kirkland Signature private-label brand significantly contributes to member value and sales [6] - Costco's operational efficiency is enhanced by a limited number of SKUs, which streamlines inventory management and leverages high sales volumes for cost advantages [6] Shareholder Returns - Costco has a strong track record of returning value to shareholders, having increased its quarterly dividend for 22 consecutive years, with the latest payout at $1.30 per share [7] E-commerce Growth - The e-commerce channel has become a vital growth driver, with comparable sales in Q2 FY25 showing an adjusted increase of 22.2% [8] Valuation Considerations - As of mid-May 2025, Costco's trailing P/E ratio was approximately 60.21, with a forward P/E around 56.87, indicating a premium valuation compared to market averages [9][11] - Investors justify this premium due to Costco's consistent growth, predictable earnings, and resilience across economic cycles [11] Price Volatility and Market Dynamics - The stock's establishment above $1,000 may lead to increased price volatility as investors reassess growth potential and engage in profit-taking [12][13] - The $1,000 level may serve as a new psychological support or resistance area, indicating a period of price discovery [13]

Core Insights - The article highlights the 28th annual list of the world's most influential businesswomen, emphasizing the increasing competition as more women lead significant companies. The ranking is data-driven, utilizing a complex scoring system that considers various dimensions beyond just company size and performance [1][2]. Group 1: Rankings and Notable Leaders - The top three positions are held by Mary Barra (CEO of General Motors), Julie Sweet (CEO of Accenture), and Jane Fraser (CEO of Citigroup) [1][2]. - The list includes leaders from various global companies, with notable mentions from Walmart and Netflix [1]. Group 2: Geographic Representation - Over half of the women on the list work in the United States, with significant representation from China (10), France (7), the UK (7), and Brazil (3) [2]. - The Chinese representatives include notable figures such as Meng Wanzhou (Huawei), Joey Wat (Yum China), and others from leading companies [2]. Group 3: Emerging Leaders - Among the 16 new entrants, several have returned to the list after years, including Michelle Gass (CEO of Levi's) and Claudine Adamo (Chief Procurement Officer at Costco) [2]. - The list reflects a mix of seasoned executives and rising stars, indicating a dynamic shift in leadership [2]. Group 4: Business Performance and Challenges - General Motors, under Mary Barra, achieved record revenue in 2024, with a 9% year-over-year increase, and doubled its market share in electric vehicles [6]. - Citigroup, led by Jane Fraser, reported a net profit increase from $9.2 billion in 2023 to $12.7 billion in 2024, prompting a $20 billion stock buyback plan [10]. - Accenture, under Julie Sweet, demonstrated agility by hosting webinars for 900 clients in response to new tariffs, showcasing the ability to adapt quickly to market changes [7]. Group 5: Industry Trends and Innovations - The article notes a shift in evaluating business influence, with a diminishing absolute reliance on company size, as seen with Mira Murati of Thinking Machines Lab, who leads a seed-stage company [3]. - The focus on technology and innovation is evident, with leaders like Safra Catz of Oracle and Lisa Su of AMD navigating challenges in the tech sector while pushing for advancements in AI [11][42].