Latest news with #Issaquah
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Firefighters tackle two-alarm fire at Issaquah home, no injuries reported
Eastside Fire and Rescue (EF&R) responded to a two-alarm house fire in Issaquah Friday afternoon. According to EF&R, the fire was mostly contained in the garage due to the quick work of firefighters on the scene. All residents were able to exit the home safely and quickly. Redmond Fire, Bellevue Fire, and Fall City Fire assisted with the response.


Washington Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
Costco: Fiscal Q3 Earnings Snapshot
ISSAQUAH, Wash. — ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) on Thursday reported fiscal third-quarter earnings of $1.9 billion. On a per-share basis, the Issaquah, Washington-based company said it had profit of $4.28. The results topped Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 13 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $4.25 per share.


Globe and Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Should Costco Stock Be in Your Portfolio Pre-Q3 Earnings?
As Costco Wholesale Corporation COST prepares to unveil its third-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings results on May 29, after the market closes, investors face an important decision: Should they buy the stock now or hold their current positions? With earnings expectations and market conditions in mind, it is crucial to evaluate key factors influencing Costco's performance and whether the stock offers an attractive entry point ahead of its earnings report. Costco's strategic investments, customer-centric approach, merchandise initiatives and focus on membership growth have enabled it to navigate the market. These strengths have resulted in decent sales and earnings growth, positioning COST as a resilient consumer defensive stock. Analysts are optimistic about Costco's upcoming earnings. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter revenues stands at $63.1 billion, which indicates an increase of 7.9% from the prior-year reported figure. On the earnings front, the consensus estimate has improved by a penny to $4.25 per share over the past 30 days, implying a 12.4% year-over-year jump. Costco has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 0.8%, on average. In the last reported quarter, this Issaquah, WA-based company missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a margin of 1.7%. (See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.) Costco Wholesale Corporation Price and EPS Surprise Costco Wholesale Corporation price-eps-surprise | Costco Wholesale Corporation Quote What the Zacks Model Predicts About COST's Q3 Earnings As investors prepare for Costco's third-quarter announcement, the question looms regarding earnings beat or miss. Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Costco this time. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. However, that's not the case here. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Costco has a Zacks Rank #2 but an Earnings ESP of -0.61%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Costco: Key Factors at Play Costco's growth strategies, competitive pricing and membership-driven business model have been instrumental in its sustained success. By offering products at discounted rates, the company appeals to shoppers seeking value and convenience. These factors are expected to have a favorable impact on the overall results. The company's bulk purchasing power and efficient inventory management allow it to keep prices low. This competitive pricing strategy helps Costco maintain steady store traffic and robust sales volumes. We foresee comparable sales growth of 4.7% during the third quarter, which indicates an expected increase of 5%, 4.1% and 4.2% in the United States, Canada and Other International locations, respectively. Furthermore, high membership renewal rates, often surpassing 90%, reflect Costco's strong customer loyalty and provide a dependable revenue source. Membership fees contribute a steady income stream, regardless of broader economic fluctuations. We expect membership fees to increase 9.6% during the quarter under review. Costco continuously evolves to meet shifting market demands, regularly updating its product portfolio to include everyday necessities and unique, high-demand items. This adaptability has fueled Costco's domestic and international expansion, marked by the steady opening of new warehouse locations and the growth of e-commerce platforms in markets such as the United States, Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia. We expect e-commerce comparable sales to jump 21% during the quarter under discussion. With a clear emphasis on delivering value-oriented offerings, Costco remains well-positioned for continued success in the dynamic retail landscape. However, it is essential to acknowledge the presence of certain headwinds, including underlying inflationary pressures, which may pose challenges. Moreover, margins remain a critical area to monitor, with potential concerns stemming from any deleverage in the SG&A rate. We expect SG&A expenses to increase 6.4% year over year. Costco Surges Ahead, Leads the Pack Costco has witnessed an impressive surge in its stock price over the past year. The stock has rallied 24%, outpacing the industry 's rise of 12.5%. COST has outperformed its competitors, including Ross Stores, Inc. ROST, Dollar General Corporation DG and Target Corporation TGT. Shares of Ross Stores, Dollar General and Target have faced declines of 0.3%, 28.7% and 35.9%, respectively. Does Costco Tick the Boxes for Value Investing? From a valuation standpoint, Costco currently trades at a premium relative to its industry peers. The company's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 52.28, higher than the industry average of 33.09 and the S&P 500's 21.36. The stock is also trading above its median P/E level of 50.54, observed over the past year. This elevated valuation suggests that investors might be paying a premium relative to the company's anticipated earnings growth. Costco is trading at a premium to Target (with a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 11.99), Ross Stores (21.1) and Dollar General (17.61). COST Valuation Vs Industry Buy Costco Now or Wait for a More Attractive Entry Point? Costco has strengthened its position as a retail powerhouse, thanks to its strong membership model, competitive pricing and ability to adapt to evolving market trends. While the stock's premium valuation might deter some investors, its steady growth, robust financial health and strategic initiatives indicate the potential for further upside. Current investors may consider holding or adding to their positions, while prospective investors could see any dips as a buying opportunity. Costco's Strategic Moves Signal Promising Q3 Outcome Costco is poised to deliver a decent third-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings report, supported by its strategic growth initiatives and loyal customer base. The anticipated growth in revenues and earnings highlights the strength of its membership-driven model and pricing strategy, which continues to attract value-seeking consumers. For investors seeking a stable yet growth-oriented stock, Costco appears to be a compelling choice. Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock It's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom. With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028. See This Stock Now for Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Target Corporation (TGT): Free Stock Analysis Report Dollar General Corporation (DG): Free Stock Analysis Report Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST): Free Stock Analysis Report Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST): Free Stock Analysis Report
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
"Curious" crane escaped from Washington zoo found after adventures outside
An East African crowned crane that escaped from a Washington state zoo was found days after being on the lam, strolling on the town streets, and hanging with a group of "blue herons," officials said. Cougar Mountain Zoo officials documented "Alice's" adventures out in Wonderland, Washington, on social media, dubbing their missing wildlife "curious." Alice made her way outside the zoo grounds on May 21 and was last seen at Lake Sammamish State Park. That day, zoo officials posted: "Our team has eyes on her at Lake Sammamish State Park. If you see her, do not approach." Concerned spotters called the zoo's dedicated phone line to report animal sightings. She was seen strolling on neighborhood streets near Issaquah, Washington. The next day, it was reported that the crane flew east and was last sighted on the southeast shore of the Lake Sammamish State Park, then flew in the direction of the boat launch. Late in the afternoon on May 22, zoo officials posted, "It is believed that the crane might be hanging out with a group of Great blue herons around the Lake Sammamish State Park Area." Followers responded to the missive with promises to help and pithy comments. One poster wrote, "I hope it has a hot bird summer. Screw a cage and a zoo." On Friday evening, a community resident called to report that the crane was spotted "at a home near Peregrine Point." Then, a resident on Lake Sammamish spotted Alice in their yard along the waterfront and quickly reached out to the zoo. The zoo told CBS News that their team was nearby, and additional staff and volunteers came to help retrieve the bird. "Alice was gently retrieved at 11:57 PM without incident," the zoo confirmed to CBS News. "She is now back at the zoo, under the supervision of our staff and veterinarian, and will be closely monitored after her journey. Her bonded partner, Hatter, welcomed her home!" The Cougar Mountain Zoo was established in 1972, and its primary focus is on endangered species and promoting conservation through education. 4 women arrested for allegedly aiding escaped New Orleans inmates Biggest takeaways from RFK Jr.'s MAHA report Saturday Sessions: Lucius performs "Gold Rush"


CBS News
24-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Crane escaped from Washington zoo found after strolling near town, hanging with "group of blue herons"
An East African crowned crane that escaped from a Washington state zoo was found days after being on the lam, strolling on the town streets, and hanging with a group of "blue herons," officials said. Cougar Mountain Zoo officials documented "Alice's" adventures out in Wonderland, Washington, on social media, dubbing their missing wildlife "curious." Alice made her way outside the zoo grounds on May 21 and was last seen at Lake Sammamish State Park. That day, zoo officials posted: "Our team has eyes on her at Lake Sammamish State Park. If you see her, do not approach." Concerned spotters called the zoo's dedicated phone line to report animal sightings. She was seen strolling on neighborhood streets near Issaquah, Washington. The next day, it was reported that the crane flew east and was last sighted on the southeast shore of the Lake Sammamish State Park, then flew in the direction of the boat launch. Late in the afternoon on May 22, zoo officials posted, "It is believed that the crane might be hanging out with a group of Great blue herons around the Lake Sammamish State Park Area." Followers responded to the missive with promises to help and pithy comments. One poster wrote, "I hope it has a hot bird summer. Screw a cage and a zoo." On Friday evening, a community resident called to report that the crane was spotted "at a home near Peregrine Point." Then, a resident on Lake Sammamish spotted Alice in their yard along the waterfront and quickly reached out to the zoo. Staff said their team was nearby, and additional staff and volunteers came to help retrieve the bird. "At 11:57 PM, Alice was gently and safely retrieved without incident," the zoo said in a post. "She is now back at the zoo, under the supervision of our staff and veterinarian, and will be closely monitored after her journey. Hatter, her boyfriend, is happy to have her back by his side!" The Cougar Mountain Zoo was established in 1972, and its primary focus is on endangered species and promoting conservation through education. CBS News has reached out for comment.