Group 1 - Texas Roadhouse is being compared to Costco in the restaurant industry due to its elevated trading multiples and consistent growth, showing resilience despite quarterly results [1] - The company is recognized for its strong qualitative attributes, which makes it an attractive investment opportunity [2] Group 2 - The focus is on investing in companies with solid fundamentals and holding them long-term, indicating a strategy aimed at maximizing exposure to high-performing stocks [2]

Core Viewpoint - Costco's third-quarter earnings exceeded expectations, demonstrating its resilience amid tariff challenges and economic uncertainty, supported by its scale and loyal membership base [1] Financial Performance - Costco reported third-quarter revenue of $63.2 billion, an 8.0% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations [1] - Earnings per share reached $4.28, exceeding analyst forecasts [1] - Membership fee income for Q3 was $1.24 billion, up from $1.12 billion in the same period last year [1] - Net profit for the quarter was $1.9 billion, compared to $1.68 billion in the previous year [1] Sales and Market Trends - Same-store sales growth, excluding fuel and currency effects, was 8% [1] - E-commerce sales increased by approximately 16%, with both online and offline traffic showing improvement [1] - Best-selling categories included gold, toys, and health and beauty products, indicating strong consumer demand despite a focus on essential goods [1] Strategic Responses to Tariffs - The CEO indicated that Costco is implementing various strategies to mitigate tariff impacts, such as sourcing products from lower-tariff countries and increasing local procurement [2] - The company is evaluating potential price adjustments on goods affected by tariffs, while maintaining prices on essential imports from Central America [2] - Recent declines in commodity costs have allowed for price reductions on core consumer goods like eggs and butter [2] Consumer Behavior and Economic Outlook - Costco's membership base is relatively affluent, providing a buffer against economic fluctuations [3] - The company has historically prioritized membership growth and customer loyalty over short-term profit margins [3] - Despite stable consumer spending, the inflationary effects of tariffs are becoming evident, particularly in categories like clothing, electronics, and home goods [3]

Market Overview - Major indexes showed positive performance with the Dow up +108 points (+0.26%), S&P 500 rising +0.40%, Nasdaq increasing +0.39%, and Russell 2000 growing +0.33% [2] - Bond yields decreased, with the 10-year yield at +4.42%, 2-year at +3.94%, and 30-year at +4.92% [2] Real Estate Sector - Pending Home Sales fell -6.3% month over month in April, significantly worse than the expected -1.0% drop, following a +5.5% increase in March [3] - The overall index for Pending Home Sales stood at +71.3, with the West and South regions experiencing the largest declines of -8.9% and -7.7% respectively [3] Company Earnings Reports - Costco reported fiscal Q3 earnings of $4.28 per share, exceeding expectations by $0.05, with revenues of $63.2 billion, an 8% year-over-year increase [4][5] - The Gap's shares fell -17% despite beating earnings estimates with $0.51 per share on revenues of $3.5 billion, as tariffs could cost the company $100-150 million [5] - Dell Technologies reported Q1 earnings of $1.55 per share, missing expectations but showing a +17% year-over-year growth, with Infrastructure Solutions up +12% [6] - Marvell Technology narrowly beat earnings expectations with $0.62 per share and $1.89 billion in revenues, a record high, and raised next-quarter guidance [7] - Ulta Beauty reported earnings of $6.70 per share, surpassing expectations of $5.77, with revenues of $2.85 billion exceeding the $2.80 billion forecast [9]

Financial Performance - For the quarter ended May 2025, Costco reported revenue of $63.21 billion, an increase of 8% year-over-year [1] - EPS for the quarter was $4.28, up from $3.78 in the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $63.14 billion by 0.10%, and EPS also surpassed the consensus estimate of $4.25 by 0.71% [1] Key Metrics - Comparable sales for the total company increased by 5.7%, exceeding the average estimate of 5.4% from seven analysts [4] - Excluding the impact of foreign currency and gasoline prices, comparable sales for the total company rose by 8%, compared to the average estimate of 6.8% [4] - The number of warehouses worldwide was 905, slightly below the average estimate of 906 [4] - In the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the number of warehouses was 624, above the estimated 622 [4] Regional Performance - Comparable sales in the U.S. were up 6.6%, surpassing the average estimate of 5.5% [4] - Comparable sales excluding foreign currency and gasoline prices in the U.S. increased by 7.9%, compared to the average estimate of 6% [4] - Comparable sales in Canada were 2.9%, below the average estimate of 6% [4] - Comparable sales for Other International regions were 3.2%, below the average estimate of 5.6% [4] Membership Revenue - Membership fees revenue was reported at $1.24 billion, matching the average estimate from nine analysts and representing a year-over-year increase of 10.4% [4] - Net sales revenue was $61.97 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $62.05 billion, but still reflecting an 8% increase compared to the previous year [4] Stock Performance - Costco shares returned +1.9% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by +6.7% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential for outperformance in the near term [3]

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]

Sales Performance - Net sales reached $62.0 billion, representing an 8.0% growth [4] - Comparable sales increased by 5.7% [4] - Comparable ticket increased by 0.4% and adjusted comparable ticket increased by 2.7% [6] - Comparable traffic increased by 5.2% [4] - E-commerce comparable sales grew by 14.8%, with adjusted e-commerce comparable sales up by 15.7% [4] Segment Reporting - US comparable sales increased by 6.6%, Canada by 2.9%, and Other International by 3.2% [8] - Adjusted US comparable sales increased by 7.9%, Canada by 7.8%, and Other International by 8.5% [8] Financial Performance - Gross margin increased by 41 bps to 11.25% [9] - Net income reached $1.90 billion, a 13.2% growth [9] - Diluted EPS reached $4.28, a 13.2% growth [9] - SG&A decreased by 20 bps to 9.16% [9] Membership Metrics - Membership income grew by 10.4%, or 11.4% excluding FX impacts [11] - Worldwide membership renewal rate was 90.2%, with US/CN renewal rate at 92.7% [11] - Paid memberships reached 79.6 million, a 6.8% growth [13] - Total cardholders reached 142.8 million, a 6.6% growth [13] - Executive memberships totaled 37.6 million, with 73.1% penetration of sales to executive members [13] Digital Performance - E-commerce comparable sales increased by 14.8%, with adjusted e-commerce comparable sales up by 15.7% [16] - Site traffic increased by 20%, and average order value increased by 3% [17] - Costco Logistics deliveries increased by 31% [17] Warehouse Expansion - The company plans to expand to a total of 914 warehouses by the end of FY25 [20] - 8 new warehouses were opened in Q3 FY25 [20]

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]

Core Insights - Costco Wholesale Corporation reported a net sales increase of 8.0% for the third quarter, reaching $61.96 billion compared to $57.39 billion last year [1] - For the first 36 weeks of fiscal 2025, net sales rose by 8.2% to $185.48 billion from $171.44 billion in the previous year [1] Sales Performance - Comparable sales for the third quarter showed a total company increase of 5.7%, with adjusted comparable sales at 8.0% [2] - U.S. comparable sales increased by 6.6%, while Canada saw a 2.9% increase [2] - E-commerce sales experienced significant growth, with a 14.8% increase for the third quarter and 16.4% for the first 36 weeks [2] Profitability - Net income for the third quarter was $1.90 billion, or $4.28 per diluted share, compared to $1.68 billion, or $3.78 per diluted share, last year [3] - For the first 36 weeks, net income reached $5.49 billion, or $12.34 per diluted share, up from $5.01 billion, or $11.27 per diluted share, in the previous year [3] Operational Footprint - Costco operates 905 warehouses globally, with 624 located in the United States and Puerto Rico [4] - The company also runs e-commerce sites in multiple countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. [4] Financial Overview - Total revenue for the third quarter was $63.21 billion, up from $58.52 billion last year [8] - Membership fees contributed $1.24 billion for the quarter, an increase from $1.12 billion [8] - Operating income for the third quarter was $2.53 billion, compared to $2.20 billion last year [8]