Revenue segments as reported by the company.

Net Sales

Membership Fees

Revenue Segments

Gross Profit, Operating Income, and Net Income as a percentage of Revenue

Gross Margin

Operating Margin

Profit Margin

Margins

An operating expense is an expense a business incurs through its normal business operations. Often abbreviated as OPEX.

SG&A

Preopening expenses

Operating Expenses

Year over year growth in Revenue and Operating Expenses.

Revenue Y/Y

OpEx Y/Y

Growth

Shares outstanding refer to a company's stock currently held by all its shareholders, including share blocks held by institutional investors and restricted shares owned by the company's officers and insiders.

Outstanding Shares

Market Cap

Also known as Price/Sales Ratio. Calculated using Average market cap for the quarter / Annualized quarterly revenue.

Revenue Multiple

Costco

"Kirkland Signature" is Costco's private label. It is sold by Costco at their website and warehouses, and is trademarked by the company. The name is derived from the location (from 1987 to 1996) of Costco's corporate headquarters, Kirkland, Washington. Costco introduced Kirkland Signature as its private label in 1992. The idea was to provide brand name quality products at discounted prices. To counteract the consumer confidence problem common in store branding, Kirkland Signature occasionally employs co-branding. According to Costco, while consumers may be wary of same-store-branding, they are less likely to be wary of brands that they are familiar with and trust.

Kirkland Signature

Costco Wholesale Corp. engages in the provision of operation of membership warehouses through wholly owned subsidiaries. It operates through the following geographical segments: United States, Canada, and Other International Operations. The company was founded by James D. Sinegal and Jeffrey H. Brotman in 1983 and is headquartered in Issaquah, WA.

Earnings data Q2 2021

Earnings data Q3 2021

Earnings data Q4 2021

Earnings data Q1 2022

Earnings data Q2 2022

Earnings data Q3 2022

Earnings data Q4 2022

Earnings data Q1 2023

Earnings data Q2 2023

Earnings data Q3 2023

Earnings data Q4 2023

Earnings data Q1 2024

Earnings data Q2 2024

Earnings data Q3 2024

Earnings data Q4 2024

Earnings data Q1 2025

Costco reports mixed Q1 earnings, eyes growth in China

Costco's Q1 earnings reflect a mixed performance, with a decrease in net income and diluted earnings per share, but an increase in net sales and membership fee income. The company faces challenges in certain categories and e-commerce sales, but is focused on driving business in-store and improving digital capabilities. Costco is optimistic about growth opportunities in international markets, particularly in China.

Costco reports robust Q2 earnings, eyes international expansion for growth

Costco's Q2 2023 performance showcased strong financial results, driven by sales growth and membership fee income.
While facing challenges in e-commerce and margin declines, Costco's focus on efficiency and cost management is key.
The company's strengths in sales growth, membership loyalty, and cost advantages position it well for future opportunities.
With plans for international expansion and strategic cost-saving initiatives, Costco aims to sustain growth and competitiveness.

Costco reports solid Q3 earnings, eyes growth in Asia

Costco delivered strong financial performance in Q3 2023, driven by increased net sales and membership fee income.
While facing challenges like declining e-commerce sales and inflation, Costco's focus on quality goods and strategic initiatives positions it well for growth.
Opportunities in digital investments, inventory management, and international expansion offer avenues for future expansion and revenue growth.
Overall, Costco's solid earnings, customer loyalty, and competitive positioning indicate a resilient and promising outlook for the company.

Costco reports robust Q4 earnings, eyes expansion and digital growth

Costco's Q4 2023 performance reflects solid financial results, strong customer retention, and ongoing investments in digital initiatives to enhance the customer experience.
The company's competitive wages, rich benefits, and operational strengths position it well in the market, while challenges like managing inflation and digital advancements require continued focus.
Opportunities for expansion, leveraging profitable segments, and enhancing customer engagement through digital platforms present avenues for future growth and value creation.
Costco's commitment to balancing financial stability, customer satisfaction, and shareholder value underscores its strategic approach to sustainable growth and market leadership.

Costco posts robust Q1 earnings, eyes international expansion for growth

Costco's Q1 fiscal '24 performance reflects strong sales, membership growth, and operational improvements, despite challenges from inflation and operating expenses.
The company's focus on value, trust, and personalized offerings, along with international expansion plans, positions Costco for continued growth and revenue enhancement.
Efforts to drive e-commerce sales, improve membership engagement, and manage operational challenges will be key focus areas for Costco in the coming quarters.
Balancing cost pressures with revenue growth strategies will be crucial for Costco to sustain its financial performance and member loyalty in a competitive retail landscape.

Costco reports robust Q2 earnings, eyes e-commerce expansion and value focus

Costco's Q2 2024 performance reflects strong financial results, driven by sales growth, membership strength, and e-commerce expansion. While facing challenges such as inflation impacts and membership sharing concerns, the company's focus on value and operational efficiency positions it well for future growth. Costco's strategic initiatives in e-commerce, customer acquisition, and product offerings present promising opportunities for continued success.

Costco reports robust Q3 earnings, eyes growth through digital innovation

Costco's Q3 performance reflects strong financial results, high member engagement, and strategic growth initiatives driving profitability.
While facing challenges in certain segments like gas profitability and flat food sales, Costco's focus on digital innovation and member value enhancement positions it well for future growth.
Opportunities in unit growth, curated marketplaces, and operational enhancements present avenues for Costco to sustain its market leadership and drive continued success.

Costco reports strong Q4 earnings, eyes e-commerce growth opportunities

Costco's Q4 2024 performance showcased solid revenue growth, driven by strong net income, sales, and membership fees, despite some challenges in profitability.
The company's strengths lie in high membership renewal rates, core merchandising focus, and improving e-commerce profitability, while facing challenges in deferred fee impacts and interest income decline.
Opportunities for Costco include expanding e-commerce and core sales, leveraging consumer trends, and exploring new markets for sustained growth and diversification.
To maintain growth momentum, Costco must address challenges in cost management, revenue realization, and investment optimization while capitalizing on emerging opportunities.

Revenue

Cost of revenue

Gross profit

Operating expenses

Other

Operating income

EBITDA

Net income

Earnings per share

Total assets

Current assets

Cash & equivalents

Receivables

Inventory

Non-current assets

Net PPE

Intangibles

Total liabilities

Current liabilities

Short term debt

Income tax payable

Non-current liabilities

Long-term debt

Total equity

Stockholders equity

Minority interest

Total liabilities & equity

Total debt

Net debt

Book value per share

Cash from operations

Funds from operations

Change in working capital

Cash from investing

Capital expenditure

Purchase/sale of investments

Purchase/sale of business

Other sources

Cash from financing

Change in stock

Change in debt

Cash dividends paid

Cash from other sources

Net change in cash

Free cash flow

Carnival

Chewy

Carnival's continued success indicates its potential for further growth and expansion within the cruise sector. Costco's membership approach resonates with budget-conscious shoppers, giving it a market advantage.

3 Top Stocks to Buy in September

The retailer updated investors on sales trends ahead of its upcoming earnings report. Online sales are still declining, but Costco shouldn't feel much of a profit pinch from this shift.

Costco's Sales Update: Can Wins in Stores Offset Weakness Online?

Amazon

Five Below

Visa

Walmart

Back-to-school shopping is fun for students—but investors get a piece of the action, too. In this article we discuss five stocks to watch as families hit the stores for school supplies, apparel and technology.

5 Best Retail Stocks To Buy During Back-To-School Season

Airbnb

Costco's efforts to keep costs down make it a hugely popular and unstoppable business. Airbnb's growing supply of listings and increasing brand awareness should drive solid returns.

2 Stocks to Hold for the Next 20 Years

Costco stock is up nearly 61,000% since its IPO in the mid-1980s. It usually sells at a higher earnings multiple than its peers.

Is Costco Stock Overvalued? 2 Things Investors Should Know Before They Buy.

Avery Dennison

Salesforce

PriceSmart

Shopify

Target

The takeaway from Q2 earnings results for the retail sector is that consumer habits have changed. Once flush with stimulus cash and little to do but spend it, the consumer buys less discretionary items in favor of everyday items like food, health, and personal grooming.

5 Ways to Play Retail that will Profit in 2023

Costco (COST) has an impressive earnings surprise history and currently possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely beat in its next quarterly report.

Why Costco (COST) is Poised to Beat Earnings Estimates Again

Costco's (COST) distinctive membership business model and pricing power set it apart from traditional players. Comparable sales for the retail month of August rise 3.4%.

Costco's (COST) Comparable Sales Display Strength in August

Lowe's

Consumer retail sentiment is back in a big way. While still hovering around 70% of its pre-pandemic levels, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Indicator jumped 20% in the past two months and is 45% higher than its 2022 low.

The 3 Most Promising Retail Stocks to Own Now

Costco's economies of scale and low profit margins create a virtuous cycle that boosts customer loyalty and competitive advantage. Costco's global expansion and high renewal rates drive growth. Shareholder-friendly management, consistent dividends, and effective capital reinvestment.

Costco: A Strong Company At A Premium Price

Apple

Microsoft

NVIDIA

Realty Income Corp

Pfizer

Toyota Motor

Compiling a list of the ultimate buy-and-hold stock picks for forever investors is subjective. While you may disagree with some of the long-term stocks chosen for this article, each of them is fundamentally sound.

7 Ultimate Buy-and-Hold Stock Picks for Forever Investors

Costco Wholesale (COST) is seeing favorable earnings estimate revision activity and has a positive Zacks Earnings ESP heading into earnings season.

Should You Buy Costco Wholesale (COST) Ahead of Earnings?

Sales at stores open at least a year were 3.4% higher in August than a year earlier, the company said. That follows a 2.5% increase in July.

Costco Same-Store Sales Rise. U.S. Market Was the Weakest.

Costco Wholesale Corp.'s COST, -0.09% August sales rose 5% to $18.42 billion, from $17.55 billion in August 2022, the company said Wednesday. Same-store sales rose 3.4%, but e-commerce sales, which experienced double-digit growth during the pandemic, fell 2.5%.

Costco e-commerce sales drop 2.5% in August

Advanced Micro Devices

CrowdStrike

Freeport-McMoRan

Fiserv Inc

Hilton Worldwide Holdings

Lam Research

ServiceNow

NXP Semiconductors

Oracle

PPG Industries

Tesla

Trade Desk

Vipshop Hlds

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about using moving averages to find optimal entry points  for buying call options on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY).

16 Struggling Stocks to Buy on the Dip

Over 18 years of consecutive annual dividend increases underscore Costco's commitment to enhancing shareholder value. Membership fee revenue growth of 6% highlights the recurring revenue stream and customer loyalty cultivated by the company.

Is Costco Successfully Managing the Trade-Off Between Dividends and Growth?

Duke Energy

Kellogg

Monster Beverage

Merck

Procter & Gamble

Phillips 66

If there's any one theme that supports the concept of safe stocks to buy, it's ambiguity. At first glance, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently clarified that while inflation is finally moving in the right direction, policymakers still have much work to do.

Steady Eddies: 7 Unshakeable Stocks for Any Type of Market

AbbVie

Home Depot

Starbucks

The article ranks 5 dividend growth stocks based on their quality, focusing on factors such as balance sheet, management, growth, and stability. The Home Depot is ranked as a "MUST OWN" stock due to its leadership in the home improvement industry and strong dividend growth. AbbVie is ranked as "High-Quality" due to its transition period but still being a solid pharmaceutical company with consistent dividend growth.

Ranking 5 Dividend Growth Stocks From Highest To Lowest Quality

Costco's financial success stems from its low prices and membership model. In addition to regular payouts, Costco has paid sizable special dividends every few years.

Is This Top Dividend Stock a Screaming Buy Right Now?

American Express

Disney

Johnson & Johnson

Coca-Cola

McDonald's

Blue-chip stocks have long been “buy and hold” firms with a dominant position in their industry. While they often lack the growth potential of their tech or growth stock peers, they make up for it with stability and reliability.

The 7 Most Promising Blue-Chip Stocks to Own Now

Costco was forced to offer refunds on its Kirkland Signature American Vodka after a flurry of complaints that the booze "tasted like lighter fluid."

Costco offers refunds for tainted vodka with ‘bathroom urinal puke vibe'

PepsiCo

In the ever-changing landscape of financial markets, the search for stability and resilience remains a paramount concern, especially in the face of potential economic downturns. Ray Dalio (Trades, Portfolio), the visionary founder of Bridgewater Associates, is well-known for his strategic prowess in navigating market fluctuations.

Bridgewater's Approach: Stocks for an Upcoming Recession

BJ`s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc

One thing is clear from the Q2 retail earnings and guidance. There are winners and losers in the space, and the membership clubs are an area of strength.

How To Profit from these 3 Membership Club Stocks Strength

Persistent inflation is forcing consumers to adapt how they spend money and what they spend it on. Slowing sales growth suggests Costco's membership-based approach isn't as beneficial for consumers as it was just a couple of years ago.

Better Stock Buy: Walmart vs. Target vs.

Coca-Cola has a dominant market position and pays a hefty dividend. Costco's earnings are more stable than its peers.

News for Costco Stock (COST)