BUZZ — Costco shares fall as several brokers lower their price targets after the quarterly earnings report.

September 25 - ** Costco Wholesale (COST.O) shares fell nearly 1% in pre-market trading, quoted at $889.67

** JPMorgan and four other brokerages lowered their price targets for the stock after the company released its quarterly results

** JPMorgan cut its price target from $1,100 to $1,015, stating that although there are concerns over membership growth, Costco remains a company with continuously increasing market share and strong long-term unit growth potential

** The brokerage said the slower membership growth reflects a greater adoption of a "fill-in" location strategy in the US market—a strategy that increases investment returns and enhances convenience, and that no new stores will open in Asia before fiscal 2028

** The warehouse retailer reported quarterly results on Thursday that exceeded expectations, (link) with strong same-store sales growth as inflationary pressures drove consumers to its discount gas stations and boosted demand at its warehouse locations

** According to LSEG data, the company’s adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter were $6.60 (excluding a 15-cent gain from tariff refunds), higher than the expected $6.53

** According to LSEG data, the average rating for the stock among 39 analysts is “Buy,” with a median price target of $1,095

** As of the previous trading session’s close, the stock had risen about 4% year-to-date

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