Costco Wholesale Corporation COST shares were down in early trading on Friday, even after the company reported upbeat results for its fiscal fourth quarter.
Costco (COST), one of the biggest names in retail, slips after earnings. Despite a beat on the top line and membership fees, revenue and comp.
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Costco's current valuation “has become extremely stretched,” says Truist Securities.
Costco's unique business model, acting as a buyer for its members and passing on savings, drives its success and profitability. High membership renewal rates and upfront fees provide Costco with 0% interest financing, aiding in its expansion and financial stability. In this article, we review Costco's earnings and tackle the issue of valuation.
The company continues to grow net sales at robust rates. A recent boost to its annual membership fee should bolster the company's net income growth.
Shelby McFaddin, senior analyst at Motley Fool Asset Management, says customers are in a better place now than they have been for a few years, but continue to look for savings in both staples and discretionary items.
I reiterate a 'Buy' rating for Costco with a fair value of $980 per share, driven by strong same-store sales and membership growth. COST's traffic and shopping frequencies increased significantly, contributing to a 6.9% same-store sales growth, supported by a 9.6% year-over-year membership increase. The membership fee increase starting September 2024 will significantly boost the Company's operating profits, enhancing their financial outlook for FY25.
Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST ) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call September 26, 2024 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Gary Millerchip - EVP & CFO Ron Vachris - CEO Conference Call Participants Simeon Gutman - Morgan Stanley Chris Horvers - JPMorgan Chuck Grom - Gordon Haskett Brandon Cheatham - Citigroup John Heinbockel - Guggenheim Securities Scott Ciccarelli - Truist Securities Rupesh Parikh - Oppenheimer Kelly Bania - BMO Capital Markets Michael Baker - D.A. Davidson Karen Short - Melius Research Greg Melich - Evercore ISI Operator Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by.
Costco's Q4 FY2024 report showed mixed performance, with a tiny top-line miss and a significant bottom-line beat, driving a slight stock price decline. Despite robust membership renewal rates and higher margins, Costco's valuation remains exorbitant, leaving little margin of safety for investors. Costco's growth rates have slowed, and its stock is overvalued, with a 5-year expected CAGR of -4.14%, making it a tactical "Sell".
Joe Feldman, Telsey Advisory Group senior analyst, joins 'Closing Bell Overtime' to talk Costco earnings.
Ex-fuel and foreign exchange costs, Costco saw +6.9% gains year over year, demonstrating the importance of lower gasoline prices to its top line.