Costco Q4 Preview: Stock Hits 8-Month Lows, Will Higher Gas Prices Help Turn Things Around?
Key takeaways
- Costco’s Q4 earnings will test whether higher gas prices can lift sales and memberships enough to reverse a sharp share decline.
- Revenue Q4 2026: $94.82 billion
- EPS Q4 2026: $6.53
- Visitor growth Q2 2026: 8.2% YoY
What happened
Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ: COST) is set to report fourth‑quarter results Thursday, with analysts expecting revenue of $94.82 billion and earnings per share of $6.53. The company’s stock has slid to an eight‑month low, near its January trough, and higher gasoline prices are highlighted as a potential driver of both sales and membership growth.
Why it matters
Costco’s earnings beat streak and membership model make it a bellwether for consumer spending. Higher fuel prices could lift gas station traffic, boost in‑store visits, and increase membership renewals, all of which could improve margins and offset the current share decline.
Short-term and longer-term
Short-term. Short‑term traders should watch the $850 support level and the earnings announcement for a potential breakout or breakdown.
Longer-term. Long‑term investors should assess whether the gas‑price lift translates into sustainable membership growth and higher margins.