Costco (COST) Options Pricing Signals 3% Post-Earnings Move

Costco Wholesale (COST) is set to report fiscal fourth-quarter earnings on the afternoon of September 24, 2026, with options pricing indicating a potential 3% swing in either direction by week's end. A move of that magnitude from Tuesday's close could send shares as low as $873 — largely erasing year-to-date gains — or as high as $925. Analysts project record quarterly revenue of $94.85 billion, up 10% year-over-year, with earnings per share of $6.52 versus $5.87 a year earlier, according to Visible Alpha. Comparable store sales are expected to rise 8.88%, and membership is forecast at 84.68 million, up from 81 million. Bank of America cut its price target to $1,095 from $1,200, citing margin pressure from elevated fuel costs and potential tariff-refund-driven price cuts. UBS flagged membership growth as a key investor focus. COST shares are up less than 5% this year. The mean analyst target of $1,048 implies 16% upside.