Costco Wholesale Corp

NASDAQ:COSTUnited States

1905 ET - Costco's upcoming results, expected for Sept. 26, will likely show that it's continuing to execute at a high level, UBS analysts say in a research note. The company's gaining market share, based on its monthly comparatives, and generating consistent and robust traffic growth, the analysts say. Costco is also seeing a faster recovery in general merchandise category than the rest of the market, the analysts add. UBS estimates 4Q sales will grow 0.9% on a core comp of 7.1%, with net member growth, rising traffic and store openings helping to contribute to growth. "Moving forward, we believe Costco can continue to appeal to a cash strapped consumer by investing some of its membership fee gains into prices." Shares closed up 1.6% to $915.03. (sabela.ojea@wsj.com; @sabelaojeaguix)