Though it is worth noting that on a total-company basis, adjusted comparable sales were 6.2% in December, compared to 6.4% in November. The total company adjusted comparable sales figure was weighed down by a deceleration in Canada and the company's "other international" segment.Costco's December comparable sales rose 7% in December, or 6.2% on an adjusted basis. But here's the particular detail behind this metric that may excite investors about Costco's comparable sales trends. Costco's U.S. adjusted compa ...

When I last covered Costco Wholesale Corporation ( COST ) in April 2024, shares were trading around $705. I gave it a buy rating with a price target of $848. By February 2025, the stock had increased by over 52% to $1,078. NowI'm Ashish, a medical graduate turned research analyst, offering a unique perspective on investment opportunities. My background in healthcare combined with financial analysis skills allows me to provide nuanced insights into companies, particularly those with growth potential and stab ...

When I last covered Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ: COST ) in April 2024, shares were trading around $705. I gave it a buy rating with a price target of $848. By February 2025, the stock had increased by over 52% to $1,078. NowI'm Ashish, a medical graduate turned research analyst, offering a unique perspective on investment opportunities. My background in healthcare combined with financial analysis skills allows me to provide nuanced insights into companies, particularly those with growth potential a ...

The company's dependable business model continues to deliver strong growth for shareholders. But its stock price remains difficult to justify.Costco Wholesale (COST +2.49%) has a habit of turning "boring" retail into impressive compounding. But the stock didn't deliver in 2025. After a rare weak stretch for the stock, investors are looking at 2026 and asking whether the membership-based wholesale retailer's shares will finally resume their upward march.After all, it's not like the underlying business is sho ...

Core Viewpoint - Costco's stock has declined by 10% over the past year, attributed to investor reallocations towards high-growth sectors and concerns over slowing membership renewal rates [1][4]. Group 1: Current Stock Performance - Costco's stock is currently under pressure, with concerns about its growth not being as impressive as in the past [4]. - Membership sign-ups in the most recent quarter were only 400,000, significantly lower than the typical 1 million [4]. Group 2: Management Insights - Management indicated that lower membership sign-ups are primarily due to younger shoppers who sign up online and renew at a slower pace [5]. - The company aims to improve renewal rates by enhancing engagement with digitally signed-up members, although a slight decline in overall renewal rates may persist for a few more quarters [5]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Despite stock underperformance, Costco reported strong financial results, with earnings per share of $4.50, exceeding the consensus estimate of $4.27 [7]. - Revenue increased by 8% to $67.3 billion, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $67.1 billion [7]. - Comparable sales rose by 5.9% in the U.S. and 6.4% overall, with record Black Friday sales exceeding $250 million in non-food orders [8]. Group 4: Market Sentiment - Concerns regarding Costco's renewal rates are considered overblown, as North American membership renewal rates remain high at 92% [6]. - The recent share price pullback is viewed as a potential buying opportunity, given the company's ongoing growth trajectory [6].

Retail giant Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) could highlight the impact of tariffs on business when the company reports first-quarter financial results Thursday after market close.Here are the earnings estimates, what experts are saying before the report and the key items to watch.Earnings Estimates: Analysts expect Costco to report first-quarter revenue of $67.17 billion, up from $62.15 billion in last year's first quarter, according to data from Benzinga Pro.The company has beaten analyst estim ...

Core Viewpoint - Costco is challenging the Trump administration's tariffs through a lawsuit, highlighting the economic risks associated with the tariffs and the political implications for the company [1][5][6]. Legal Context - The lawsuit was filed in early December with the US Court of International Trade, seeking refunds if the Supreme Court rules the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful [5]. - The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the case, with arguments heard on November 5, raising doubts about the justification for such tariffs [3]. Financial Implications - Costco's annual revenue stands at $275.2 billion, and even a small share of the disputed tariff amount could significantly impact its profitability, especially given its thin margins [4][7]. - The company reported $86.16 billion in net sales and $2.61 billion in net income for Q4 2025, with comparable sales increasing by 5.7% [9]. Earnings Call Focus - The upcoming Q1 2026 earnings call on December 11 will serve as a platform for Costco to explain its legal strategy and the financial stakes involved in the lawsuit [8]. - Investors are particularly interested in management's comments regarding the lawsuit and its potential impact on profit margins [10]. Margin Protection Strategies - Costco's CFO indicated a mix of efficiency gains and sourcing shifts as strategies to manage tariff impacts, with a focus on maintaining profit margins [10][12]. - The private-label brand Kirkland Signature is seen as a key tool against tariff pressures, with management noting improved margins due to increased penetration [13]. E-Commerce and Supply Chain - E-commerce growth of over 15% in fiscal 2025 provides Costco with strategic flexibility to mitigate tariff impacts [14]. - The company is working on diversifying its supply chain to reduce reliance on imports from China, which is crucial for long-term tariff exposure management [15]. Competitive Landscape - Costco faces competitive pressures from rivals like Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale, which may benefit from avoiding political entanglements [18]. - Despite these challenges, Costco's membership model and plans to open 35 new warehouses in fiscal 2026 indicate confidence in long-term demand [19][20].

Wholesale retail giant Costco has sued the federal government to ensure it will receive a “complete refund” on import duties if the Supreme Court rules against President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York on Nov. 28 and reviewed by USA TODAY, asked the court to find Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs as unlawful. Costco, the largest warehouse club operator in the United States, said it has ...

Core Viewpoint - Costco is suing the US government to recover tariff payments made under tariffs imposed by President Trump, claiming these tariffs were unlawfully collected [1][2][3] Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit targets the United States, the US Customs and Border Protection agency, and its Commissioner, Rodney S. Scott [1] - Costco is seeking a "full refund" of duties paid after tariffs were levied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act [2] - The complaint references a previous case, VOS Selections, Inc. vs. Trump, which was heard by the US Supreme Court [2] Group 2: Legal Justification - The complaint argues that even if the Supreme Court rules the IEEPA duties unlawful, importers like Costco may not automatically receive refunds without their own legal action [3] - The necessity of this separate action is emphasized to ensure judicial relief for unlawfully collected tariffs [3] Group 3: Current Status - The situation is ongoing, with updates expected as the case develops [4]

Costco Wholesale Corporation is suing the federal government to block President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs and recover the funds the retailer says it was improperly required to pay on imported goods. The case, filed in the Court of International Trade, argues that Trump used an emergency-powers law to impose tariffs on goods from China, Mexico, Canada and dozens of other countries, even though the statute does not allow the president to create or raise tariffs.Costco says it has paid these duties thro ...