Even though Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) reported stellar earnings that beat both the top and bottom line, shares found it difficult to hold a bid in the after market trading session on Thursday October 5, 2017.
Even though shares initially popped on the earnings report- actually hitting a high of $170.50- after the details were read and absorbed by traders and investors it was clear that Costco had one factor that would weigh heavy on the future share price.
The stock wound up closing at $162.20, which was down -$4.88 or down 2.92% in the aftermarket session. The shares have traded in a 52-week range from a low of $142.11 to a high of $183.18. Costco pays a hefty dividend of 1.21% or $2 per share per year.
The factor outshining the stellar earnings was the gross margin of profits on a year-over-year basis. The fiscal quarter saw a decrease of about 15 basis points in their gross margins.
It seems Costco has been spending heavily to drive new sales and to keep existing members through their loyalty sales program. Clearly the drive to increase memberships had a positive effect because membership fees accounted for 72% of the actual operating income that Costco earned in the quarter. The quarter also saw an increase in these fees by $5 for their Gold star and Business members and by $10 for their executive membership members.
COST Numbers
When Costco reported earnings after the bell on Thursday, their fourth-quarter net income came in at $919 million dollars which compares with $779 million a year ago. Earnings per share came in at $2.08 versus $1.77 in the year prior. Revenues rose to $42.3 billion dollars from $36.5 billion dollars a year ago. These numbers are huge and represent the scope of Costco’s influence on the American Consumer.
The Chart
It is clear to see how shares initially rose after the earnings were reported on the right side of the chart in the shaded region, and the subsequent sell-off once the numbers and details were digested.
Clearly, shares of Costco have been underperforming the overall market indices. It is easy to see that there is no clear trend going back the last 5 to 6 months on the daily chart timeframe.
Analyst Comments
In a pre-earnings client note, BMO Capital Markets analysts had this to say:
We believe near-term sentiment and fear of the long-term impact of Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) on Costco’s business could continue to create an overhang on COST shares and limit valuation upside.
Company Profile
Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), together with its subsidiaries, operates membership warehouses. It offers branded and private-label products in a range of merchandise categories. The company provides dry and packaged foods, and groceries; snack foods, candies, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and cleaning supplies; appliances, electronics, health and beauty aids, hardware, and garden and patio; meat, bakery, deli, and produces; and apparel and small appliances.
It also operates gas stations, pharmacies, optical dispensing centers, food courts, and hearing-aid centers; and engages in the travel businesses. In addition, the company provides gold star individual and business membership services.
As of August 28, 2016, it operated 715 warehouses, including 501 warehouses in the United States, Washington, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico; 91 in Canada; 36 in Mexico; 28 in the United Kingdom; 25 in Japan; 12 in Korea; 12 in Taiwan; 8 in Australia; and 2 in Spain. Further, the company sells its products through online. The company was formerly known as Costco Companies, Inc. Costco Wholesale Corporation was founded in 1976 and is based in Issaquah, Washington.