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 - The company reported non-GAAP earnings per share of $3.77, exceeding expectations, with a gross profit margin increase of 140 basis points quarter over quarter [5][15] - Cash flow from operations was generated despite a working capital investment to support growth efforts, with a capital expenditure budget of $325 million for 2025 [5][18] - The LIFO expense for the first quarter was $25 million, impacting earnings per share by $0.35, with a revised full-year LIFO estimate of $100 million [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Record tons sold increased by 12.8% compared to Q4 2024, with a 9% increase year over year, outperforming the service center industry's decline of 0.5% [8][9] - Non-residential construction products represented approximately one-third of Q1 sales, showing significant growth in shipments [10] - Aerospace products accounted for about 10% of sales, with stable demand despite supply chain challenges [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong demand in non-residential construction, driven by data center construction and publicly funded infrastructure projects [10] - General manufacturing demand remained robust, particularly in industrial machinery and military sectors, while consumer products showed weaker demand [11] - Semiconductor industry shipments faced pressure due to excess inventories, impacting overall market conditions [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on growth and profitability, with a commitment to executing additional acquisitions that align with strategic criteria [6][19] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with domestic producers to mitigate risks associated with tariffs and imports [26][29] - The company is exploring opportunities for value-added processing and potential fabrication operations, while being selective to avoid competition with existing customers [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to maximize earnings power despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, with positive pricing momentum expected [6][20] - The outlook for Q2 2025 anticipates stable demand across diversified end markets, with tons sold expected to be down 1% to up 1% compared to Q1 2025 [20] - Management noted that the current inventory levels are above target, with strong relationships with domestic mills ensuring access to inventory [64] Other Important Information - The company has $1 billion remaining for share repurchases under its $1.5 billion plan, with a cumulative 2.3% reduction in total shares outstanding since December 31, 2024 [19][18] - A quarterly dividend increase of 9.1% was announced, marking the 32nd increase since the company's IPO in 1994 [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Exposure to COGS and CapEx regarding imports and tariffs - Management indicated that over 95% of metal purchases are from domestic producers, resulting in limited exposure to imports [26] Question: Long-term CapEx considerations due to tariffs - Management stated that while tariffs can influence decisions, the majority of sourcing remains domestic, and there are no major shifts in CapEx strategy [29] Question: Customer conversations regarding reshoring activity - Management noted increased discussions with customers about reshoring and bringing supply chains closer to U.S. operations [30] Question: LIFO calculation changes and aerospace assumptions - Management confirmed that the baseline assumption for aerospace remains unchanged, with LIFO expense indicating rising prices [39][40] Question: Current inventory levels and restocking needs - Management reported that inventory levels are slightly above target, with no immediate need for restocking due to strong relationships with domestic mills [64] Question: General steel market conditions and company performance - Management acknowledged macroeconomic challenges but emphasized the company's focus on growth and customer service [72]