Costco(US:COST)2026-01-15 23:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's pre-tax profit grew from $5.4 billion in fiscal 2020 to over $10.8 billion in fiscal 2025, indicating a significant increase in profitability [12]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has installed over 20 EV charging locations globally this year, reflecting its commitment to adapting to member needs [16]. - The company continues to rotate products based on member demand, as seen with the discontinuation of the MyPillow product due to declining sales [18]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively pursuing new locations, with plans to open 30 new warehouses in the upcoming year, indicating ongoing market expansion [25]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on balancing emissions reductions with business growth, emphasizing a practical approach to its climate action plan adopted in 2020 [12]. - The company is committed to enhancing its product offerings with a Clean Ingredient Index, focusing on healthier products for consumers [22]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth potential, stating that there is still room for expansion in both North America and internationally [25]. - The company is monitoring the impact of tariffs on products and is involved in a lawsuit to seek refunds on tariffs paid, indicating a proactive approach to regulatory challenges [26]. Other Important Information - The shareholder proposal regarding financial risks and costs of climate commitments was overwhelmingly rejected, with over 98% voting against it [14]. - The company has reformulated certain products, such as Roundup, to remove concerning chemicals while still meeting member needs [22]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Has the company considered installing additional EV charging stations? - Yes, over 20 locations have been added this year, and the company will continue to monitor member needs for future installations [16]. Question: What happened to the MyPillow product? - Sales declined, leading to its removal from warehouses, which is a common practice based on member demand [18]. Question: Are the company's Scope 3 reduction targets voluntary or business imperatives? - Currently, there are no business imperatives related to Scope 3; all imperatives are related to Scope 1 and 2 [19]. Question: Is there any consideration for a stock split or special dividend? - Both topics are regularly discussed with the board, but no updates are available at this time [20]. Question: Will Costco commit to removing Roundup products from its warehouses? - The company plans to continue selling Roundup, having reformulated it to remove glyphosate [22]. Question: What are the company's plans for entering new markets? - The company will open 30 new locations, with a third in new markets and ongoing international expansion [25]. Question: How have tariffs impacted certain products? - The impact varies by product code and country of origin, and the company is seeking legal relief regarding tariffs [26]. Question: When will the company open a store in Wyoming? - The company has not found a suitable location in Wyoming due to population density challenges [28]. Question: How will the company maintain its corporate culture with new executives? - The company is focused on teaching its culture to new hires, particularly in IT, to ensure alignment with corporate values [29]. Question: Will food court prices increase in the foreseeable future? - There are currently no plans to raise food court prices [30]. Question: Are there plans to expand into South America or India? - There are no current plans for expansion into these regions [31].