Image Source: Costco
By Brian Nelson, CFA
On March 6, Costco (COST) reported mixed second quarter fiscal 2025 results with revenue exceeding the consensus forecast but GAAP earnings per share missing the mark. Net sales in the quarter advanced 9.1%, while total company comparable sales growth came in at 6.8%. E-commerce revenue increased 20.9% (22.2% adjusted) in the 12 weeks ended February 16, 2025. Backing out changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange, total company comparable store sales increased 9.1% (versus 6.8% consensus). Net income for the quarter came in at $1.788 billion, or $4.02 per share, compared to $1.743 billion, or $3.92 per diluted share in last year’s quarter.
Management noted the following about tariffs on the conference call:
As we look ahead to the remainder of this fiscal year, headwinds from foreign exchange look likely to continue. Given events over the last week, it is difficult to predict the impact of tariffs, but our team remains agile and our goal will be to minimize the impact of related cost increases to our members.
About a third of our sales in the US are imported from other countries and less than half of those are items coming from China, Mexico and Canada. In uncertain times, our members have historically placed even greater importance on the value of high quality items at great prices and our teams will continue to rise to this challenge by leveraging our global buying power, strong supplier relationships and innovation.
For the 24 weeks ended February 16, 2025, Costco’s net cash provided by operating activities increased to $6.0 billion from $5.4 billion in the same period a year ago. Additions to property and equipment came in at $2.4 billion for the 24 weeks ended February 16, 2025, up from $2.1 billion in last year’s quarter. Free cash flow was $3.6 billion over the 24 weeks. Cash and cash equivalents increased to $12.36 billion, higher than its long-term debt load of $5.76 billion. We like Costco, but its shares are mighty pricey, and tariffs may create short-term disruptions as the firm works to deal with the expected higher costs through its supply chain.
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Brian Nelson owns shares in SPY, SCHG, QQQ, QQQM, DIA, VOT, RSP, and IWM. Valuentum owns SPY, SCHG, QQQ, QQQM, VOO, and DIA. Brian Nelson’s household owns shares in HON, DIS, HAS, NKE, DIA, RSP, SCHG, QQQ, QQQM, and VOO. Some of the other securities written about in this article may be included in Valuentum’s simulated newsletter portfolios. Contact Valuentum for more information about its editorial policies.
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