After-Hours Alert: Why Costco Stock Is Sliding

Costco Wholesale Corp COST shares are trading lower in Monday's after-hours session in sympathy with Walmart Inc WMT, which cut guidance for the second quarter and full fiscal year.

Walmart said it revised its outlook as a result of pricing actions aimed to improve inventory levels at Walmart and Sam's Club in the U.S.

"The increasing levels of food and fuel inflation are affecting how customers spend, and while we've made good progress clearing hardline categories, apparel in Walmart U.S. is requiring more markdown dollars," said Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart.

Consolidated net sales growth for the second quarter is expected to be about 7.5%, while full-year growth is expected to be about 4.5%. Operating income is expected to decline between 13% and 14% in the second quarter and between 11% and 13% for the full year. 

Walmart said it expects adjusted earnings to decline between 8% and 9% in the second quarter and between 11% and 13% for the full year. The company maintained its expectations for Walmart U.S. comparable sales growth, excluding fuel, of about 3% in the second half of the year.

See Also: Check Out What Whales Are Doing With COST

Costco is a warehouse club retailer that sells memberships that allow customers to shop in its stores, which feature low prices on a limited product assortment. 

COST Price Action: Costco has traded between $406.51 and $612.57 over a 52-week period.

The stock was down 2.93% in after hours at $513.65 at press time, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

Photo: Mike Mozart from Flickr.