Costco’s stock price has seen a significant increase recently, and there are several reasons behind this rise to $820:
Strong Sales Performance: Costco posted net sales of $19.8 billion for April, up 7.1% from $18.48 billion in the year-earlier period1. Net sales for the fiscal 35 weeks were $166.44 billion, up 7% from $155.62 billion a year earlier.
Shift in Consumer Behavior: Due to rising restaurant prices, many consumers are opting to buy groceries and cook at home instead. This shift in consumer behavior is benefiting grocery businesses like Costco.
Membership Model: Costco’s membership model is also a significant contributor to its success.
The warehouse club’s members pay $60 a year for a basic Gold membership or $120 for an Executive membership, which comes with 2% cash back up to $1,000.
Analyst Upgrades: After reviewing Costco’s strong April sales data, analysts have raised their price targets for the company. For instance, TheStreet Pro’s Chris Versace raised his price target on Costco to $830 from $800. Similarly, Loop Capital analysts raised the firm’s price target on Costco to $840 from $820.
Earnings Expectations: Costco is expected to report earnings on May 30, 2024, for the fiscal quarter ending May 2024. The consensus EPS forecast for the quarter is $3.69, which is higher than the reported EPS for the same quarter last year ($3.43). This positive earnings expectation could also be driving the stock price up.
Strong Sales Performance: Costco posted net sales of $19.8 billion for April, up 7.1% from $18.48 billion in the year-earlier period1. Net sales for the fiscal 35 weeks were $166.44 billion, up 7% from $155.62 billion a year earlier.
Shift in Consumer Behavior: Due to rising restaurant prices, many consumers are opting to buy groceries and cook at home instead. This shift in consumer behavior is benefiting grocery businesses like Costco.
Membership Model: Costco’s membership model is also a significant contributor to its success.
The warehouse club’s members pay $60 a year for a basic Gold membership or $120 for an Executive membership, which comes with 2% cash back up to $1,000.
Analyst Upgrades: After reviewing Costco’s strong April sales data, analysts have raised their price targets for the company. For instance, TheStreet Pro’s Chris Versace raised his price target on Costco to $830 from $800. Similarly, Loop Capital analysts raised the firm’s price target on Costco to $840 from $820.
Earnings Expectations: Costco is expected to report earnings on May 30, 2024, for the fiscal quarter ending May 2024. The consensus EPS forecast for the quarter is $3.69, which is higher than the reported EPS for the same quarter last year ($3.43). This positive earnings expectation could also be driving the stock price up.