Kirkland Signature is now bigger than some of the world’s biggest companies—and it has become essential to Costco’s business. https://t.co/mhPi4G9G6p ...

When Costco tried to make a Kirkland Signature mayonnaise, things fell apart—literally. Here's why you only see name-brand mayo on U.S. shelves. https://t.co/jgDGwc6Fvq ...

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]

Core Viewpoint - Lululemon Athletica has filed a lawsuit against Costco Wholesale, alleging trademark infringement due to the sale of clothing that closely resembles Lululemon's designs [2][3]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit was filed in a California federal court, where Lululemon claims that Costco has unlawfully capitalized on its reputation and goodwill by selling unauthorized apparel that infringes on Lululemon's trade dress and design patents [3]. - Lululemon identified six specific products sold by Costco that allegedly violate its trademarked designs, including a Kirkland Signature pair of pants and jackets from various brands [5]. - The company is seeking damages for potential lost sales due to Costco's sale of these similar products and has requested a jury trial [5]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Despite the lawsuit, neither Lululemon nor Costco's stock prices have been significantly affected, with both companies seeing slight increases in premarket trading [6]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - The lawsuit highlights a trend where consumers actively seek out "dupes" of popular products, with Lululemon referencing articles from The Washington Post and Wirecutter that discuss Costco's products as near-identical replicas of its own [4].

Core Insights - Costco's shares have seen a significant increase of 40% in 2024 and an additional 7% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500's 2% growth, driven by a robust membership model and value-oriented offerings [3][4] - In fiscal Q3 2025, Costco reported revenues of $63.2 billion and an operating profit of $2.5 billion, with $1.2 billion coming from membership fees, highlighting the importance of recurring revenue [3][5] - The company's valuation is high, trading at 55 times earnings and 59 times free cash flow, resulting in a cash flow yield of only 1.7%, which raises concerns about potential volatility [4][9] Business Model Strength - Costco achieved earnings per share of $4.28 in Q3 2025, a 13% year-over-year increase, with comparable-store sales rising by 8% and e-commerce growing nearly 15% [5][6] - Membership renewal rates are strong at 92.7% in the U.S. and Canada, and 90.2% globally, with total household memberships increasing by 6.6% [5] Competitive Positioning - Costco's U.S. same-store sales growth of 8% outperformed Walmart's 4.5% and Target's decline of 3.8%, indicating the effectiveness of its warehouse model for value-oriented consumers [6] - The company operates 905 warehouses globally, leveraging thin margins and its private-label brand, Kirkland Signature, to maintain pricing advantages [7] Supply Chain and Operational Efficiency - Costco's supply chain flexibility allows it to manage tariffs effectively, with two-thirds of merchandise sourced domestically and limited exposure to trade risks [8] - The company is localizing Kirkland production and experiencing steady demand for essential goods, which supports its pricing power [8] Valuation Concerns - Despite solid revenue growth, Costco's expansion has slowed to less than 3% for the fiscal year, raising questions about the sustainability of its high valuation [9] - If comparable sales growth trends towards mid-single digits, investor confidence and Costco's valuation multiple may face pressure [9]

Key Takeaways TJX delivered 3% comparable sales growth in Q1, driven entirely by higher customer traffic. All four segments, led by HomeGoods and international units, contributed to the sales gain. Management guided for 2-3% comparable sales growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) delivered comparable store sales growth of 3% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with all four major divisions contributing to the gain. The growth was entirely driven by increased customer tr ...

Core Insights - The article highlights the stark difference in membership renewal rates between Sam's Club and Costco in China, with Sam's Club achieving a renewal rate of 92% compared to Costco's 60% [1][3][29] - It emphasizes that the success of Sam's Club in China is attributed to its localized strategies and effective operational tactics, while Costco struggles due to its rigid adherence to global practices [22][20][30] Group 1: Membership and Operational Strategies - Sam's Club's high renewal rate is a key indicator of its operational strength in the Chinese market, contrasting sharply with Costco's performance [1][3] - The article suggests that the membership retail model is viable, as evidenced by Costco's global success, but its execution in China has been flawed [2][20] - Sam's Club employs effective internet marketing strategies, leveraging social media platforms to create buzz and engagement around its products [6][7] Group 2: Delivery and Customer Experience - Sam's Club's innovative "front warehouse + online delivery" model significantly enhances customer convenience, addressing a major pain point for warehouse membership stores [9][22] - In contrast, Costco's online services are described as inadequate, with a limited product range and additional delivery fees that deter potential customers [15][16][18] Group 3: Market Adaptation and Future Prospects - Sam's Club's ability to adapt to local preferences, such as offering convenient delivery options and engaging marketing, positions it as a leader in the Chinese market [22][24] - The article raises the possibility that Sam's Club's successful strategies in China could influence its global operations, potentially reversing the current dynamics with Costco [25][26] - The future of both companies in China hinges on their understanding of local consumer behavior and market conditions, with Sam's Club currently having the upper hand [30][31]

在美国总统唐纳德·川普重新掀起一波贸易保护主义浪潮、对全球多国加征关税的大背景下，零售巨头 Costco 正在悄悄调整其供应链策略 —— 将更 多"Kirkland"自有品牌商品转为在销售地本地采购，以规避高额关税成本，加拿大市场成为其中关键一环。 这一变动，不仅关系到大型零售商如何应对全球政治经济变局，更直接影响到普通消费者能否继续买到物美价廉的商品。 Costco季度销售增长8%，开始转移供应链 在上周举行的第三季度财报电话会议上，Costco 宣布，其净销售额达到了 620 亿美元，同比增长 8%。尽管整体表现强劲，但公司高层坦言，川普政府 近期重新实施的关税政策，对企业运营构成了实质性压力。 Costco 首席执行官 Ron Vachris 在会议上指出，公司已积极采取多项应对措施，其中之一便是调整 Kirkland 品牌商品的采购地。 "我们将许多原本来自高关税国家的商品改为供应给非美国市场，"Vachris 表示。"我们持续将 Kirkland Signature 商品的采购来源，转移到商品销售的 本地或区域市场。这一策略帮助我们有效降低成本，缓解关税可能带来的冲击。" CIBC银行资深贷款专家 ...

以下为Costco FY25Q3 的财报电话会纪要，财报解读请移步《特朗普关税狂舞，Costco "稳如狗"》 一、财报核心信息回顾 | | | | | Costco quarterly results wrap | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | $'00 mn | 3023 | 4023 | 1024 | 2024 | 3024 | 4024 | 1025 | 2025 | 3025 | 3025E | Var. | | Total revenue | ટરૂર | 789 | 578 | 584 | રક્ષર | 797 | 622 | 637 | 632 | 633 | -0.1% | | yoy | 2.0% | 9.5% | 6.2% | 5.7% | 9.1% | 1.0% | 7.5% | 9.0% | 8.0% | 8.2% | | | Net sales | 526 | 774 | 567 | 573 | 574 | 782 | 610 | ...

开市客(COST.US)第三财季盈利超出预期，表明这家美国最大仓储式连锁零售商正凭借其规模优势和忠 实会员基础，在关税风波与经济动荡中稳健前行。财报显示，开市客第三财季营收为632亿美元，同比 增长8.0%，超出市场预期；每股收益达4.28美元，超越分析师的预期。 开市客首席执行官罗恩.瓦克里斯在分析师电话会议上表示，公司正采取多种措施应对关税影响，例如 将原产自高关税国家的商品转销其他市场。该公司约三分之一的美国销售额来自进口商品。 在美国本土，公司正加大采购本地生产的床垫、枕头等商品，并提前储备运动器材等夏季商品，这些举 措有助于维持低价优势。 管理层透露，面对关税推高的成本压力，开市客正逐项评估商品调价可能性。例如维持从中南美洲进口 的菠萝、香蕉等商品价格，但对其他非必需品类进行提价。 瓦克里斯强调，"我们正全力推进所有可能的降价措施。" 该数据表明，即便消费者为节省开支而优先购买生活必需品，开市客仍能保持盈利能力。 作为最新发布季度业绩的大型零售商，开市客的表现正被投资者和分析师视为研判消费趋势的重要风向 标。近几周，包括塔吉特、宝洁和卡夫亨氏在内的众多面向消费者的企业纷纷下调全年预期，业绩普遍 疲软 ...