BJ’s Wholesale Club beats estimates as sales surge
Investing.com -- BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) reported first-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations, with both earnings and revenue surpassing estimates as the warehouse retailer benefited from strong membership growth and fuel sales.
The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.10, beating the analyst consensus of $1.03 by $0.07. Revenue reached $5.66 billion, up 9.9% YoY from $5.15 billion and above the $5.41 billion analyst estimate. Comparable club sales increased 6.3% YoY, while comparable club sales excluding gasoline rose 1.5% YoY. Membership fee income climbed 9.9% YoY to $132.4 million, driven by strength in membership acquisition, retention, and higher-tier membership penetration.
Shares rose 2.6% premarket following the announcement.
"We delivered a strong first quarter as our value proposition continued to resonate with members across our clubs and at our gas stations," said Bob Eddy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Momentum in membership, fuel and digital sales reflects the disciplined execution of our teams and our focus on delivering value and convenience for the families who depend on us."
The company reported digitally enabled comparable sales growth of 28%, reflecting two-year stacked comparable growth of 63%. During the quarter, BJ’s opened one new club and six new gas stations.
Net income declined 4.7% to $142.7 million from $149.8 million in the prior-year period, while adjusted EBITDA increased 4.3% to $298.1 million. The company repurchased 2.1 million shares for $206.6 million during the quarter, with approximately $545.0 million remaining under its share repurchase program.
For fiscal 2026 ending January 30, 2027, BJ’s maintained its guidance for adjusted EPS of $4.40 to $4.60. The midpoint of $4.50 is slightly below the analyst consensus of $4.52. The company expects comparable club sales, excluding gasoline, to increase 2.0% to 3.0% YoY.
