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cnbc.comSEP 253 min read$COST

Costco makes progress on a key membership metric. Here's our new price target on the stock

Costco reported Q4 revenue of $95.72B (+11.1% YoY) and adjusted EPS of $6.75 (+15% YoY), beating estimates. Membership fee income grew 7.3% to $1.85B. Renewal rates improved slightly. The company lowered its price target to $1,050 from $1,100, citing compressed valuation multiples. Comparable sales rose 9.4%, driven by traffic and ticket size increases. Costco opened 12 new warehouses in the quarter.

Original reporting
cnbc.com
Published Sep 25, 2026, 1:30 AM UTC
Analysis
AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated
Added to AlphAI Sep 25, 2026, 2:17 AM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.
How this was made
AlphAI summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.
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Costco makes progress on a key membership metric. Here's our new price target on the stock — source image
Source · cnbc.com
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$COSTNeutralMed
01

Why it matters

The earnings beat offers a short-term catalyst, yet membership renewal concerns may limit sustained rally.

02

Market read

Earnings release provides fresh data for traders evaluating Costco and related retail stocks.

03

What to watch

AI-driven traffic growth and record gas savings may provide hidden upside not fully priced in.

Relevance 8/10Novelty 8/10Timing: after-hours Thursday

Background

Costco's Q4 results highlight strong revenue growth but mixed membership fee performance.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$COSTNeutralHigh confidence
Context

Costco reported Q4 revenue of $95.72B and EPS $6.75, beating estimates, with membership fee income slightly below forecasts.

Expected impact

Modest upside potential if membership renewal trends improve; downside risk if growth stalls.

Evidence & confidence

Large-cap earnings with beat on revenue and EPS provide fresh data, but mixed membership metrics temper enthusiasm.

Market effects

Sector

Retail sector may see modest pressure as membership growth concerns echo across warehouse clubs.

Regional

U.S. consumer discretionary stocks could be influenced by Costco's membership trends.

Global

Limited; Costco's performance primarily impacts North American retail markets.

Counterpoint

What could challenge this read

Despite earnings beat, the slowdown in paid membership growth could signal longer-term revenue headwinds.

Key entities

  • Company
    Costco Wholesale

    Retail warehouse club operator reporting Q4 earnings.

Read at source← All news

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