Costco Wholesale is set to report its fiscal first-quarter earnings, following its first membership fee increase in seven years. Analysts expect earnings of $3.79 per share on $66.52 billion in revenue, with a 5.2% rise in same-store sales. Costco's stock recently hit an all-time high, and analysts have raised its price target, citing strong market share gains and merchandising efforts. Despite inflation concerns, Costco and Walmart have emerged as winners, with both companies seeing faster e-commerce growth than Amazon.
BJ's Wholesale Club is set to increase its membership fees for the first time since 2018, with the basic plan rising by $5 to $60 and the Club+ plan by $10 to $120, effective January 1, 2025. The company aims to use the additional revenue to enhance its value proposition for its 7.5 million members. This move follows similar fee hikes by competitors Costco and Sam's Club in recent years.
BJ's Wholesale Club is raising its membership fees for the first time in seven years, following a similar move by competitor Costco. Starting January 1, 2025, BJ's basic membership will increase by $5 to $60 annually, while its Club+ membership will rise from $110 to $120, with added benefits like two free same-day deliveries per year. The decision comes amid strong membership growth and increased sales, despite some consumer pushback due to inflation. BJ's aims to invest in labor and member value with the additional revenue.
BJ's Wholesale Club will increase its membership fees for the first time in seven years starting January 1, 2024, with standard memberships rising to $60 and premium Club+ memberships to $120. The company aims to enhance its value proposition for members, following a similar move by competitor Costco. BJ's reported $339.49 million in membership fee income over the first three quarters of the year, with membership fees comprising 2.1% of its total third-quarter revenues.
Costco announced a membership fee increase starting September 1, with basic memberships rising by $5 and executive memberships by $10. The executive membership will also see an increase in the maximum annual 2% reward from $1,000 to $1,250. While some shoppers are annoyed, many understand the hike, especially with recent employee pay raises.
Costco is raising its annual membership fees for the first time in seven years, with regular memberships increasing from $60 to $65 and premium memberships from $120 to $130, effective September 1. The company also raised the maximum annual executive member reward from $1,000 to $1,250. Despite the fee hike, Costco will maintain the price of its $1.50 hot dog combo.
Costco's CEO has reaffirmed that the price of its iconic $1.50 hot dog and drink combo will remain unchanged, a commitment that has been upheld for nearly four decades. This price stability is part of Costco's broader strategy to signal low prices and build customer loyalty, which is crucial for maintaining its membership-driven profit model. Despite rising costs, Costco has managed to keep the price fixed by bringing production in-house and making strategic supplier changes.
Costco's sales surged by 9.1% in the third fiscal quarter of 2024, driven by unique items like wagyu beef, $1,200 swing sets, and artificial trees. The company reported a net income increase of 29.1% and significant growth in e-commerce and app downloads. Despite strong performance, shares remained flat in premarket trade. Costco plans to open 12 new locations and may raise membership fees in the future.
Costco has decided to keep its membership fees at their current prices for now, but CFO Richard Galanti indicated that a future hike is inevitable. The company's second-quarter earnings call revealed that factors such as renewal rates, new member sign-ups, and overall business performance will influence the timing of any fee increase. With total cardholders reaching 132 million and a significant increase in membership fee revenue, Costco's decision reflects its current strong performance and positive business metrics.
Costco's second quarter report showed mixed results, with adjusted earnings per share beating estimates but revenue slightly missing expectations. The retailer saw a 5.8% increase in same-store sales, with digital sales growing by 18% year-over-year. Costco is focusing on e-commerce and technological advancements, such as the rollout of Apple Pay, to move into the future. Additionally, the company is considering potential membership fee hikes as its renewal rate in the US and Canada reached 92.9%. Costco is also expanding internationally and experimenting with new food offerings, including a switch from churros to chocolate chip cookies in its food courts.
Costco's adjusted earnings per share of $3.92 beat estimates, driven by sales of gold bars and everyday essentials, with revenue at $58.44 billion, up 5.7% year over year. Same-store sales, excluding gas and foreign exchange, jumped 5.8%, with strong growth in the US, Canada, and international stores. Digital sales grew over 18%, fueled by demand for gold bars, silver, and appliances. Membership fees increased to $1.11 billion, and Costco's shares are up 55% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500. However, shares pulled back 4.6% in pre-market trading as Wall Street views the stock as fairly valued at current levels.
Costco's fiscal 2024 Q2 results showed adjusted earnings per share of $3.92, surpassing estimates, while revenue of $58.44 billion slightly missed expectations. Same-store sales grew 5.8%, with strong performance in the US, Canada, and international markets. Membership fees increased to $1.11 billion, and e-commerce sales rose over 18% compared to last year. Despite the stock dipping, Costco's shares have risen over 60% in the past year, outperforming the S&P 500.
Costco's fiscal 2024 Q2 results showed adjusted earnings per share of $3.92, surpassing estimates, while revenue of $58.44 billion slightly missed expectations. Same-store sales grew 5.8%, with strong performance in the US, Canada, and international markets. Membership fees increased to $1.11 billion, and e-commerce sales rose over 18% compared to last year. Despite the stock dipping, Costco's shares have risen over 60% in the past year, outperforming the S&P 500.
Costco missed revenue expectations for its holiday quarter, reporting $58.44 billion in revenue compared to the expected $59.16 billion, causing its stock to fall about 4% in aftermarket trading. Despite the miss, the company saw year-over-year sales growth and strong e-commerce gains, with e-commerce sales growing 18.4% in the quarter. Costco also reported increased membership sign-ups as it cracked down on membership sharing, and it has made changes to its website to improve the online shopping experience. The company's CFO, Richard Galanti, mentioned that a fee hike for membership is inevitable but did not specify when it would occur.
Costco has no immediate plans to raise its membership fees for Gold Star and Executive members, citing strong renewal rates and new sign-ups. The retail giant, known for its low prices on groceries and essentials, typically raises fees every five to six years but has not felt the need to do so at this time. While a price hike is expected in the future, analysts speculate it may happen next summer. Membership fees are a crucial source of revenue for Costco, generating $1.08 billion in the first quarter.
