How Did International Comps Boost Costco's Q3 Growth Story?

Core Insights - Costco Wholesale Corporation's third-quarter fiscal 2025 results highlight the significant contribution of international operations to overall comparable sales performance, with adjusted total company comparable sales increasing by 8% [1][8] - The "Other International" segment achieved an impressive 8.5% adjusted comparable sales increase, outperforming both the United States (up 7.9%) and Canada (up 7.8%) [1][4] Sales Performance - Traffic in international warehouses rose by 4.8%, closely aligning with the company-wide average of 5.2%, indicating strong engagement in newer markets [2] - The adjusted average ticket internationally increased by 3.6%, reflecting the growing strength of Costco's presence outside the domestic market [2] Strategic Initiatives - Management noted that a shift towards localized sourcing has aided in margin preservation and pricing flexibility in international markets, exemplified by a 40% price reduction for Kirkland Signature laundry products sourced within Asia [3] - The strategy of rerouting tariff-sensitive goods to non-U.S. regions has optimized inventory deployment and improved margin outcomes [3] International Market Impact - International markets played a crucial role in Costco's third-quarter performance, showcasing the effectiveness of a globally coordinated yet locally tailored business model [4] - Adjusted comparable sales for Other International regions remained robust in May, with an increase of 8.4% [4] Competitive Landscape - Dollar General Corporation reported a 2.4% increase in first-quarter fiscal 2025 same-store sales, while Target Corporation experienced a 3.8% decline in comparable sales [5][6] - Costco's stock performance has been strong, with shares rising 16.5% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 7.2% [7] Valuation Metrics - Costco's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is 50.34, significantly higher than the industry average of 32.3, indicating a relatively high valuation [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects year-over-year growth of 8.1% in sales and 12% in earnings per share for the current financial year [10]