How did COST's Q3 2025 EPS forecast compare to past trends?

Costco's Q3 2025 EPS forecast is expected to show a continuation of the company's historical earnings growth trend, although the specific figures differ slightly from past periods.

1. **Comparison to Historical Trends**:
- Costco's EPS has shown a general upward trajectory over the past few years, with notable increases from 2020 to 2021 and 2021 to 2022.
- The EPS for Q3 2025 is forecasted to be $3.78, which is a 9.1% increase from the same period the previous year.
- This growth aligns with Costco's historical performance, where EPS has increased consistently, except for a slight dip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the retail sector.
2. **Forecasted Growth**:
- The forecasted EPS for Q3 2025 represents a continued strong performance for Costco, reflecting the company's effective cost management and robust sales growth.
- The 9.1% year-over-year increase indicates a healthy business environment and consumer spending habits, which are favorable for Costco's earnings growth.
3. **Market Position and Outlook**:
- Costco's market position as a leading retailer with a strong brand and loyal customer base is expected to support continued earnings growth.
- The company's focus on membership retention and acquisition, along with its strategic expansion into new markets, is likely to contribute to future earnings growth.
4. **Institutional Confidence**:
- Institutional investors have shown confidence in Costco, with some increasing their stakes in the company, which suggests confidence in its future performance.
- The institutional ownership percentage indicates that the market perceives Costco as a stable and profitable investment, which could lead to continued earnings growth as these investors maintain their positions.

In conclusion, Costco's Q3 2025 EPS forecast is in line with the company's historical trend of earnings growth, considering the challenges posed by the pandemic and the broader economic environment. The forecast reflects the company's strong market position, effective cost management, and positive sales trends, indicating a positive outlook for future earnings.