Costco's Q4 Sales Rise 11.3% as Digital Momentum Remains Strong

The DOJ expanded its antitrust probe into beef prices to include eight major grocery retailers, seeking records on pricing, costs, and profit margins. The investigation follows a 74% increase in ground beef prices from 2020 to 2026. The DOJ previously targeted major meatpackers, with Tyson Foods settling a lawsuit for $82.5 million. The probe aims to address rising beef prices and their impact on consumers.

The DOJ expanded its beef price investigation to include major retailers: Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize, Costco, and Amazon. The probe, initially focused on the 'Big Four' meatpackers, now scrutinizes retail-level price increases. The DOJ seeks information on recent beef price hikes, citing it as a critical concern for Americans.

The DOJ is investigating Walmart, Amazon, and six other major grocery retailers regarding beef prices, citing inflation as a key concern. The probe follows a prior antitrust investigation into meatpackers and Trump administration efforts to lower beef costs, including tariff adjustments and import policies. Retailers and the DOJ declined to comment. Beef prices are influenced by factors like reduced cattle supply and high production costs.

Costco reported a 9.9% rise in August sales, with comparable sales up 8.4% YoY. Digital sales grew 17.9%, and net sales reached $23.70B. Regional growth varied, with the U.S. up 9%, Canada up 4%, and Other International up 9.5%. Costco's shares are up 7.3% YTD, with a forward P/E of 45.26. Analysts expect 9.7% sales growth and 13.5% earnings growth for the current fiscal year.

Jefferies and UBS rated Costco (COST) Buy, while Wells Fargo maintained Hold. Q3 revenue was $70.53B, up from $63.21B YoY, with net profit at $2.19B. Insider sentiment is negative, with recent sales by directors.

The US Department of Justice has expanded its anti-trust probe into beef prices to include eight major retailers, such as Walmart and Costco, according to a DoJ post on X. The investigation, which began in May with four large meatpackers, now examines retailers' beef pricing strategies, profit margins, and purchasing arrangements since 2020. The DoJ seeks records and briefings from the companies to assess trends in beef prices, a critical concern for the American public.