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Will Strategic Efforts Give Costco (COST) a Lift in 2017?
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We believe that Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST - Free Report) prevails as one of the dominant retail wholesalers based on the breadth and quality of merchandise offered. The company’s strategy to sell products at heavily discounted prices has helped it to remain on growth track as cash-strapped customers continue to reckon Costco as a viable option for low-cost necessities.
A differentiated product range enables the company to provide an upscale shopping experience for its members, resulting in market share gains and higher sales per square foot. Moreover, Costco continues to maintain healthy membership renewal rate. Further, it is gradually expanding its eCommerce capabilities in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Mexico, Korea and Taiwan.
We noted that in the past three months Costco’s shares have increased 7.8%, while the Zacks categorized Retail-Discount & Variety industry – which occupies a space in the top 12% of the Zacks Classified industries (33 out of the 265) – has gained 5.1%. This can be attributed to positive comparable-store sales (comps) performance in the past four months.
Comps rose 3% in December, following an increase of 1% in November, 2% in October and 1% in September. Net sales were up 5% in December, following an increase of 3%, 4% and 3% in November, October and September, respectively.
What concerns investors a bit was the company’s soft start to fiscal 2017. Costco delivered a negative earnings surprise of 1.7% in the first quarter, and total revenue also fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the eighth straight quarter. Further, stiff competition from BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT - Free Report) , has been a threat.
Nevertheless, we believe Costco’s strategic initiatives will help propel the stock further, unless an unprecedented event derails the same. Given the pros and cons embedded the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Burlington Stores delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 25.6% in the trailing four quarters and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 19.9%.
Dollar Tree delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 2.4% in the trailing four quarters and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 17.8%.
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Will Strategic Efforts Give Costco (COST) a Lift in 2017?
We believe that Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST - Free Report) prevails as one of the dominant retail wholesalers based on the breadth and quality of merchandise offered. The company’s strategy to sell products at heavily discounted prices has helped it to remain on growth track as cash-strapped customers continue to reckon Costco as a viable option for low-cost necessities.
A differentiated product range enables the company to provide an upscale shopping experience for its members, resulting in market share gains and higher sales per square foot. Moreover, Costco continues to maintain healthy membership renewal rate. Further, it is gradually expanding its eCommerce capabilities in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Mexico, Korea and Taiwan.
We noted that in the past three months Costco’s shares have increased 7.8%, while the Zacks categorized Retail-Discount & Variety industry – which occupies a space in the top 12% of the Zacks Classified industries (33 out of the 265) – has gained 5.1%. This can be attributed to positive comparable-store sales (comps) performance in the past four months.
Comps rose 3% in December, following an increase of 1% in November, 2% in October and 1% in September. Net sales were up 5% in December, following an increase of 3%, 4% and 3% in November, October and September, respectively.
What concerns investors a bit was the company’s soft start to fiscal 2017. Costco delivered a negative earnings surprise of 1.7% in the first quarter, and total revenue also fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the eighth straight quarter. Further, stiff competition from BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT - Free Report) , has been a threat.
Nevertheless, we believe Costco’s strategic initiatives will help propel the stock further, unless an unprecedented event derails the same. Given the pros and cons embedded the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to Consider
Better-ranked stocks in the industry include Burlington Stores, Inc. (BURL - Free Report) sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR - Free Report) carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Burlington Stores delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 25.6% in the trailing four quarters and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 19.9%.
Dollar Tree delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 2.4% in the trailing four quarters and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 17.8%.
The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search
Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 ""Strong Buy"" stocks – absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 ""Strong Sells"" and other private research. See these stocks free >>