Costco Wholesale Corporation reported stronger-than-expected earnings results for the first quarter of fiscal 2023 and announced a $15 per share special dividend, sending its shares higher in premarket trading on Friday December 15th.
The Issaquah, Washington-based company posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.58 on revenue of $57.8 billion for the period ending November 20th. Wall Street analysts had been expecting EPS of $3.40 on revenue of $57.73 billion.
Costco’s comparable sales increased by 3.9% in the first quarter. Growth was led by the company’s U.S. and Canada segments, which saw comparable sales rise by 2.6% and 8.2% respectively. The international segment also impressed with a 7.1% increase in comparable sales.
In addition to beating earnings estimates, Costco announced a special cash dividend of $15 per share. The one-time payout will be given to shareholders of record as of December 28th and is payable on January 13th, 2023.
Costco shares climbed 2% in premarket trading on Friday following the better-than-expected quarterly results and special dividend announcement.
Analysts praised Costco’s “strong value offering” and “high renewal rates” but noted that the stock’s valuation seems too high at current levels. Several analysts reiterated “buy” ratings on the stock while acknowledging its premium price.
Costco operates on a membership warehouse model and is considered a best-in-class retailer by many analysts. It has cultivated unmatched loyalty among its customer base thanks to its low prices, generous return policy, and exclusive in-house brands. The company also ranks highly in consumer surveys and has room to grow its store count over time.
However, even factoring in Costco’s industry-leading attributes, some analysts argue that the stock is simply too expensive based on customary valuation metrics. While analysts applaud the company’s consistent execution, some believe current shareholders should wait for a better entry point before building or adding to positions.
With the holiday season underway, investors will be monitoring whether Costco can sustain momentum amid a murky economic landscape in 2023. Higher costs related to wages, merchandise, and transportation present headwinds that threaten to deflate profitability going forward. Nevertheless, Costco possesses an ideal business model and cost structure to navigate inflationary pressures over the long run.
