Analysts’ Outlook on Costco Stock Before Earnings Report

Key Takeaways

Costco Wholesale (COST) will announce its earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 after trading hours on Thursday, with analysts anticipating an increase in both revenue and profits.

Costco is expected to reveal earnings per share of $4.13 on revenue of $63 billion, marking a rise from the previous year’s EPS of $3.92 on revenue of $58.44 billion.

The majority of analysts view the company’s stock as a “buy,” with 12 out of 18 analysts monitored by Visible Alpha recommending a “buy” or similar rating, while six rate it as “hold.” However, their average price target of $1,063 is only marginally higher than Thursday’s trading price.

Second Quarter Reflecting Membership Fee Hike

The upcoming quarter will be the second one since Costco implemented its first membership fee increase in seven years back in September. According to The Finance Avenue, company executives anticipate that the impact of the higher fees on margins will be more pronounced in the latter part of the fiscal year and into fiscal 2026 due to adjustments in employee wages and product pricing strategies.

Recent data from Costco shows a significant 7.5% year-over-year increase in comparable store sales for January, with a 9.2% surge in the U.S. and a notable 13.6% rise in online sales. Analysts are projecting a 6.6% growth in this metric for the entire quarter compared to the same period last year.

The Finance Avenue Analysis on Costco’s Sales Data

JPMorgan analysts from The Finance Avenue indicated that Costco’s recent sales data release showed no one-time effects like tariffs or weather impacting sales. This trend suggests that Costco is gaining market share while consumer sentiment is currently stronger compared to the previous summer, making the retailer’s stock a solid investment choice.

Costco Stock Performance Amid Market Volatility

Despite a broader market decline, Costco’s shares experienced a 1.5% decrease in recent trading, settling at $1,031.62. Over the past year, the stock has surged by more than 30%, reaching an all-time high on Feb. 13, showcasing its resilience and growth potential.

Update on Analyst Estimates and Share Price Values

UPDATE—March 6, 2025: The Finance Avenue has revisited this article to incorporate the latest analyst projections and share price values for accurate and updated insights.

Costco Wholesale Corporation: Financial Results for Fiscal 2024

Costco Wholesale Corporation recently announced its second-quarter and year-to-date operating results for fiscal 2024, along with the sales results for February. The company revealed strong performance in both areas, showcasing its financial stability and growth prospects.

February Sales Results

In February, Costco Wholesale Corporation reported robust sales figures, reflecting an increase in consumer demand for its products and services. The company’s ability to attract and retain customers in a competitive market was evident through these results.

January Sales Results

Additionally, Costco released its January sales results, further highlighting its consistent performance and strategic positioning in the retail industry. The company’s strong sales numbers underscore its effective business model and customer-centric approach.

JPMorgan: Elevating Performance and Strategic Decisions

JPMorgan continues to deliver impressive results, surpassing expectations and demonstrating operational excellence in various aspects of its business. The company’s strategic decisions and key hires have contributed to its success and reputation as a leading financial institution.

Key Company Takes and Lateral Movements

JPMorgan’s continuous commitment to excellence is evident through its key company takes and lateral movements. These initiatives underscore the company’s focus on talent acquisition, strategic growth, and market leadership, further solidifying its position in the financial services sector.