{"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) is a leading retailer known for its membership-based warehouse clubs. Operating in the consumer staples sector, Costco offers a wide range of products from groceries to electronics, making it a key player in consumer spending trends.","keyMetrics":[{"name":"EPS (Earnings Per Share)","why":"EPS is a crucial indicator of profitability and will help gauge how well Costco managed costs and sales during the quarter.","consensus":"N/A"},{"name":"Membership Growth","why":"Membership growth is vital for Costco's business model, as it drives sales and customer loyalty.","consensus":"N/A"},{"name":"Same-Store Sales Growth","why":"This metric reflects how existing stores are performing and is a key indicator of overall business health.","consensus":"N/A"}],"lastQuarterRecap":{"summary":"In Q3-2026, Costco reported an EPS of $4.93, slightly beating estimates. However, the stock reacted negatively the following day, indicating some investor caution.","promises":["Focus on maintaining strong membership growth.","Commitment to managing costs effectively amidst inflation.","Plans to expand product offerings in key categories."]},"wallStreetExpectations":{"summary":"Investors are cautiously optimistic about Costco's upcoming earnings, given its history of beating EPS estimates. However, concerns remain about inflation and consumer spending.","bullCase":"If Costco continues its trend of strong membership growth and manages to improve same-store sales, it could see significant upside in its stock price.","bearCase":"Conversely, if inflation pressures lead to weaker sales or if membership growth stalls, the stock could face downward pressure."},"optionsSignal":{"impliedMove":"3.27%","context":"The options market is pricing in a move of about 3.27%, indicating that traders expect some volatility around the earnings report."},"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%"}],"pivotalQuestions":[{"question":"What is the membership growth rate for this quarter?","whyItMatters":"Membership growth is critical for Costco's revenue and profitability, and any slowdown could raise concerns."},{"question":"How did same-store sales perform compared to last year?","whyItMatters":"Same-store sales growth is a key indicator of customer demand and overall business health, which investors will closely monitor."}],"thesisBreakLevels":{"bullTrigger":"Membership growth of 10% or higher would confirm the bull case.","bearTrigger":"Same-store sales growth below 3% would confirm the bear case.","context":"This quarter's performance will hinge on how well Costco navigates inflation and maintains customer loyalty."},"scenarioPlaybook":{"beatAndRaise":"If Costco beats expectations, history suggests a potential stock increase of around 1.15% on the next trading day, confirming strong operational performance.","inLineCautious":"If results are in line with expectations, the stock may see muted movement as investors digest the details.","miss":"Should Costco miss expectations, history suggests a potential decline of around 2.02%, reflecting investor disappointment."},"whatTheStreetIsMissing":{"thesis":"The Street may underestimate Costco's ability to attract new members despite economic pressures, as its value proposition remains strong.","supportingPoints":["Costco's historical EPS beat rate of 88% suggests resilience in performance.","The company's focus on cost management may mitigate inflation impacts more effectively than expected.","Recent consumer trends indicate a shift towards value-oriented shopping, which could benefit Costco."],"riskToConsensus":"If membership growth exceeds 10%, it could challenge the current cautious sentiment."},"whatToListenFor":["Updates on membership growth and retention rates.","Details on same-store sales performance and any regional variations.","Management's commentary on cost management strategies amidst inflation.","Insights into product categories driving sales growth.","Any changes in pricing strategy or promotional activities."],"metaDescription":"Costco (COST) reports Q4 2026 earnings on September 24. Investors are watching for membership growth and same-store sales performance."}}