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Mar 8, 2024, 6:50:07 AM
Costco Fiscal Q2 2024 Earnings: Misses Revenue Expectations Despite Sales Growth
Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ: COST) encountered a slight setback as it fell short of Wall Street’s revenue projections for its fiscal second quarter of 2024, despite witnessing an uptick in sales and e-commerce performance. The retail giant experienced a decrease in aftermarket trading by approximately 4%, following a day where its stocks reached a 52-week peak.
Fiscal Q2 2024 Financial Summary:
- Earnings Per Share (EPS): Costco reported an EPS of $3.92, surpassing the analysts' expectations of $3.62 by LSEG.
- Revenue: The company posted revenue of $58.44 billion, missing the forecast of $59.16 billion by a narrow margin.
During the quarter ending on February 18, Costco achieved a net income of $1.74 billion, or $3.92 per share, an improvement from the $1.47 billion, or $3.30 per share, reported in the same quarter the previous year. This performance was backed by a year-over-year increase in revenue from $55.27 billion.
Key Performance Indicators:
- Comparable Sales Growth: Costco saw a 5.6% increase in comparable sales, with a 4.3% rise in the U.S. Adjusting for gas prices and foreign currency impacts, these figures jump to 5.8% and 4.8%, respectively.
- E-commerce Strength: The retailer's digital sales climbed by 18.4%, indicating a robust growth trajectory in online shopping.
Operational Insights:
Costco continues to attract more visitors, with a reported 5.3% rise in global traffic and a 4.3% increase in the U.S. The company's strategic pricing adjustments in response to inflation have allowed for price reductions in select items, showcasing Costco's commitment to value for its members.
Expansion and Membership Engagement:
With 875 warehouses worldwide, Costco is expanding its physical presence while enhancing its digital footprint. The quarter saw the opening of new clubs, including a strategic expansion into Shenzhen, China. Membership sign-ups have seen an uptick as Costco intensifies efforts to curb membership sharing, ensuring a fair and exclusive shopping experience for its members.
Looking Ahead:
Despite the slight miss in revenue expectations, Costco's solid performance in e-commerce and steady growth in shopper traffic underline its resilience and adaptability in a competitive retail landscape. The retailer's ongoing investments in digital innovations and international expansion are poised to drive future growth, reinforcing its position as a leading warehouse club operator.
As Costco navigates through market challenges and consumer behavior shifts, its focus on delivering value through diverse product offerings and efficient operations remains central to its strategy for sustained growth and profitability.