Costco(US:COST)2025-12-11 23:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q1 2026 was $2.001 billion, or $4.50 per diluted share, up from $1.798 billion, or $4.04 per diluted share in Q1 2025, reflecting a 13.6% growth excluding discrete tax items [14][15] - Net sales increased by 8.2% to $65.98 billion from $60.99 billion in the previous year, with comparable sales growth of 6.4% [15][16] - Membership fee income rose to $1.329 billion, a 14% increase year over year, driven by membership growth and fee increases [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital sales saw a significant increase, with digitally enabled comparable sales growing by 20.5% [15][25] - Fresh sales were up mid to high single digits, with double-digit growth in meat categories [22][24] - Non-foods had comparable sales in the mid-single digits, with strong performance in categories like gold jewelry and health and beauty [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Traffic increased by 3.1% worldwide, and average transaction size rose by 3.2% [15] - The U.S. and Canada renewal rate was 92.2%, and the worldwide rate was 89.7%, both slightly down from the previous quarter [17] - Digital engagement metrics showed a 24% increase in website traffic and a 48% increase in app traffic [25][78] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open 30-plus new warehouses annually in the future, with a total of 921 warehouses worldwide [5][6] - A focus on technology integration aims to enhance member experience and operational efficiency, including AI applications in inventory management [10][56] - The company is committed to maintaining competitive pricing while investing in technology and member services [34][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in consistent sales growth patterns despite some monthly fluctuations due to external factors [39] - The company is optimistic about future expansion opportunities, particularly in international markets [64][84] - Management acknowledged challenges with healthcare costs impacting productivity but remains focused on leveraging SG&A in the future [92][93] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for Q1 were approximately $1.53 billion, with an estimated $6.5 billion for the full year [20][22] - The company reported record sales in various categories during the holiday season, including a significant increase in food court sales [22][27] - The company continues to adapt its product assortment to mitigate tariff impacts and enhance value for members [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Observations on Costco's willingness to embrace technology and reinvestment strategies - Management confirmed a focus on technology integration and emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive pricing for members [32][34] Question: Concerns about traffic and the need to invest in pricing - Management noted consistent sales growth patterns and emphasized the importance of delivering value and quality to members [39][41] Question: Membership growth strategies with upcoming warehouse openings - Management indicated a balanced approach to new openings, focusing on both established and new markets [46][48] Question: Insights on retail media and digital advertising opportunities - Management acknowledged the potential of retail media and emphasized the importance of enhancing member experience through targeted marketing [50][52] Question: Warehouse openings and remodel philosophy - Management highlighted a strong pipeline for international growth and discussed the significant uplift from warehouse relocations and remodels [84][86] Question: Dynamics of SG&A leverage and productivity outlook - Management discussed headwinds affecting productivity, including healthcare costs, but expressed optimism about future leverage opportunities [92][93]