Costco reported its fiscal third-quarter results Thursday after the close, and the numbers show the warehouse giant is still humming along nicely. Total revenue came in at $70.53 billion, beating the Street consensus of $69.81 billion, according to market data.
Net sales were $69.15 billion, up 11.6% from $61.97 billion in the same quarter last year. Membership fees — that steady, high-margin stream — rose to $1.37 billion from $1.24 billion. Earnings per share landed at $4.93, right in line with what analysts expected.
Comparable sales were solid across the board: U.S. stores saw a 9.4% increase, Canada was up 10.7%, and other international markets climbed 11.2%. Total company comps rose 9.8%. But the standout was digital sales, which jumped 21.5% — a reminder that even a brick-and-mortar powerhouse like Costco is leaning into e-commerce.
Costco ended the quarter with 931 warehouses worldwide, including 639 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and 115 in Canada. The stock edged up 0.4% in after-hours trading to $999.40, hovering just below the $1,000 mark. Its 52-week range is $844.06 to $1,096.50.
So, what's next? With membership revenue growing and sales beating expectations, Costco continues to prove that its model — bulk goods, low prices, and a loyal membership base — works even in a shifting retail landscape.
