{"symbol":"COST","fiscalQuarter":"Q4-2026","reportDate":"2026-09-24","reportTime":"AMC","status":"upcoming","company":{"name":"Costco Wholesale Corporation","sector":"Consumer Staples","industry":"Consumer Staples Merchandise Retail"},"tier":"free","webUrl":"https://earningsnxt.ai/ticker/COST/earnings/Q4-2026","preBrief":{"companySnapshot":"Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs, offering a wide range of products from groceries to electronics. As a major player in the consumer staples sector, Costco benefits from steady consumer demand and a loyal customer base, making it a key indicator of retail health.","keyMetrics":[{"name":"Same-Store Sales Growth","why":"This metric indicates how well existing stores are performing, which is crucial for understanding customer demand and loyalty.","consensus":"5.5%"},{"name":"Membership Growth","why":"An increase in membership can drive sales and profitability, reflecting customer satisfaction and brand strength.","consensus":"1.5 million new members"},{"name":"Gross Margin","why":"Gross margin is vital for assessing profitability, especially in a low-margin retail environment.","consensus":"11.2%"}],"lastQuarterRecap":{"summary":"In Q3 2026, Costco reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $4.93, slightly exceeding expectations. However, the stock experienced a slight decline the following day, indicating mixed market reactions.","promises":["Focus on expanding product offerings to attract more customers.","Commitment to maintaining competitive pricing to drive sales.","Plans to enhance online shopping experience."]},"wallStreetExpectations":{"summary":"Overall, analysts expect Costco to continue its trend of steady growth, driven by strong membership and sales performance. However, concerns about inflation and consumer spending may temper expectations.","bullCase":"If Costco can report strong same-store sales and membership growth, it could signal robust consumer demand and operational efficiency, leading to a positive stock reaction.","bearCase":"Conversely, if the company reports weaker-than-expected sales or membership growth, it may raise concerns about consumer spending and competition, potentially leading to a negative market reaction."},"optionsSignal":{"impliedMove":"3.27%","context":"The options market is pricing in a move of about 3.27% following the earnings report, indicating some uncertainty among investors.","historicalAvgMove":"1.06%","richness":"rich","richnessContext":"Options are pricing a larger move compared to the stock's historical average, suggesting heightened expectations for volatility."},"earningsTrackRecord":[{"quarter":"Q3-2026","epsSurprise":"+0.31%","reaction":"-0.85%"},{"quarter":"Q2-2026","epsSurprise":"+0.75%","reaction":"-2.40%"},{"quarter":"Q1-2026","epsSurprise":"+5.68%","reaction":"+1.15%"},{"quarter":"Q4-2025","epsSurprise":"+1.05%","reaction":"-0.21%"},{"quarter":"Q3-2025","epsSurprise":"+0.71%","reaction":"-0.43%"},{"quarter":"Q2-2025","epsSurprise":"-1.62%","reaction":"-2.02%"},{"quarter":"Q1-2025","epsSurprise":"+6.71%","reaction":"-0.63%"},{"quarter":"Q4-2024","epsSurprise":"+4.84%","reaction":"-0.77%"}],"pivotalQuestions":[{"question":"What is the reported same-store sales growth for Q4-2026?","whyItMatters":"This figure will be crucial in assessing how well Costco is retaining and attracting customers in a competitive retail environment."},{"question":"How many new memberships were added in the last quarter?","whyItMatters":"Membership growth is a key driver of Costco's revenue and profitability, and any significant changes could impact future performance."}],"thesisBreakLevels":{"bullTrigger":"Same-store sales growth of 6% or better would confirm strong consumer demand and operational efficiency.","bearTrigger":"Same-store sales growth below 4% would raise concerns about consumer spending and competitive pressures.","context":"The market is closely watching Costco's ability to maintain growth in a challenging economic environment, with inflation and changing consumer habits at play."},"scenarioPlaybook":{"beatAndRaise":"If Costco beats expectations, history suggests the stock could rise by about 1.15% on average, confirming strong operational performance.","inLineCautious":"If results are in line but management provides cautious commentary, the stock may see muted movement as investors reassess future growth.","miss":"A miss on earnings could lead to a decline of around 2.02%, reflecting investor disappointment and concerns about future performance."},"whatTheStreetIsMissing":{"thesis":"Despite potential concerns about inflation, Costco's unique membership model and strong brand loyalty may allow it to outperform expectations this quarter.","supportingPoints":["Historical data shows Costco has consistently beaten EPS estimates, with an 88% success rate.","Options pricing suggests a larger move than historical averages, indicating investor uncertainty that could swing positively.","Recent trends in consumer spending show resilience in essential goods, which benefits Costco."],"riskToConsensus":"If same-store sales growth comes in below 4%, it could challenge the narrative of strong consumer demand."},"whatToListenFor":["Details on same-store sales growth and how it compares to previous quarters.","Insights into membership growth and retention strategies.","Any commentary on inflation's impact on pricing and consumer behavior.","Updates on online sales performance and its contribution to overall revenue.","Management's outlook for the upcoming holiday season and its expected impact on sales."],"metaDescription":"Costco (COST) reports Q4 2026 earnings on September 24. Analysts expect strong same-store sales growth amid consumer spending concerns."}}