BJ’s Wholesale Club (BJ) Notches Record Members Amid A Split Economy

BJ's Wholesale Club reported record membership growth and strong performance in the second quarter of 2023, despite an uneven economy. The company's net sales increased by 15.9% to $6.1 billion, while adjusted earnings per share grew by 19.3% to $1.36. BJ's surpassed the 8.5 million member milestone, marking its 18th consecutive quarter of traffic growth and 15th consecutive quarter of market share gains.

Membership fee income rose 9.9% year-over-year to $135.6 million, with higher-tier memberships accounting for 43% of the base, an all-time high. The company's digital tools, including its AI shopping assistant, Bev, contributed to a 30% growth in digitally enabled comparable sales, a 64% two-year increase. Fuel sales also outperformed, with a 10.5% rise in comparable gallons sold, despite a broader industry decline of roughly 5%.

BJ's Wholesale Club opened 23 new clubs between 2022 and 2024, with 22 of them exceeding internal membership targets and all four gas stations in Texas ranking in the top 30% for gallon volume. However, the company's merchandise gross margin rate fell by 20 basis points, and CEO Bob Eddy acknowledged the persistent K-shaped economy, where growth continues to come from higher-income members.

CFO Laura Felice expects membership fee growth to moderate as the recent fee increase's boost fades. The company's stock trade at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 19.57, suggesting steady growth without pricing in outsized expectations. Despite the strong performance, the company's focus on higher-tier memberships and digital engagement as growth catalysts will be crucial for continued compounding.