Report
Valens Research

COST - Embedded Expectations Analysis - 2019 06 18

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST:USA) currently trades above corporate averages relative to UAFRS-based (Uniform) Earnings, with a 30.3x Uniform P/E, implying bullish expectations for the firm. However, management has concerns about electronic and appliances sales growth, the success of ecommerce initiatives, and the competitive retail climate.

Specifically, management may be concerned about the potential of new store openings and the impact of pricing on sales. Moreover, they may lack confidence in their ability to reduce costs, sustain gross margin improvements, and generate sales growth, particularly in electronics and appliances. Furthermore, management may be concerned about the competitive retail climate, and may be exaggerating the value-add of private label goods for customers.
Underlying
Costco Wholesale Corporation

Costco Wholesale and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the operation of membership warehouses based on the concept of providing its members low prices on a selection of nationally branded and private-label products. The company's merchandise are: food and sundries, which include dry foods, packaged foods, and groceries, snack foods, candy, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and cleaning supplies; hardlines, which include appliances, electronics, health and beauty aids, hardware, and garden and patio; fresh food, which include meat, produce, deli, and bakery; softlines, which include apparel and small appliances; and ancillary, which include gas stations and pharmacy businesses.

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Valens Research
Valens Research

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