My Honest Take on Costco's Latest Earnings Report

Core Insights - Costco Wholesale reported strong net sales growth for fiscal 2025, with revenue reaching $275 billion, an 8% increase despite economic uncertainties and tariff concerns [1][4] - The company's stock performance has been modest, with only a 2% increase over the past year, leading to a cautious outlook for new investors [5] Financial Performance - Revenue growth was supported by a membership fee increase from $60 to $65, contributing to a $495 million rise in membership fee revenue [4] - Operating income rose by 12%, while net income increased by 10% to $8.1 billion, despite a 15% rise in income tax expenses [5] - Costco added 24 new locations, marking a nearly 3% increase in total warehouses to 914 [4] Valuation Concerns - The current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 52, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average of 31 and its major competitors [6] - The likelihood of Costco's valuation decreasing to more reasonable levels, such as Walmart's P/E ratio of 39, appears low [9] Expansion Outlook - Costco's expansion strategy remains steady, with successful penetration into new U.S. markets and international growth, unlike competitors such as Walmart and Home Depot [10] - There is uncertainty regarding whether Costco can or should accelerate its expansion efforts [8]