Highlights

  • Costco's September sales increased 13% YoY, with its latest five-week trading period recording growth across all reported geographic regions.
  • Comparable sales rose 7.6% after excluding gasoline and currency effects, while the timing of Labor Day supported reported growth.
  • Digital purchases increased during September, covering orders fulfilled through warehouses, distribution centres and the company's travel operations as well.
  • FY26 net income reached USD 9.23bn as higher annual sales supported earnings growth across the membership warehouse retail business.

Regional sales gains and expanding digital activity have carried growth into a new financial year for Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST). The warehouse membership retailer recorded a higher September sales total after reporting increased annual revenue and earnings. On 26 October 2026, Costco shares closed at USD 1,005.16, rising 0.18% after the market session ended. The current trading picture combines growth across geographic operations with a business model built around limited merchandise selection, high sales volumes and efficient inventory turnover.

Monthly Trading Shows Growth Across Geographic Operations

Net sales for the five weeks ended 4 October reached USD 30.02bn, increasing 13% YoY. The September release recorded total comparable sales growth of 11.4%. Excluding changes in gasoline prices and foreign-exchange rates, comparable growth was 7.6%.

On that adjusted basis, the United States increased 8.0%, Canada rose 4.9% and other international operations gained 7.7%. The timing of Labor Day in the United States and Canada added a little more than 50 basis points to both total and comparable sales growth.

Digitally-enabled sales increased 19.0% YoY, or 19.1% excluding currency effects. This measure covers purchases initiated on digital devices, including orders fulfilled through warehouses, distribution centres and travel operations. Its scope therefore extends beyond goods delivered from an online-only distribution channel.

The latest figures describe a five-week trading period. The calendar contribution and currency-adjusted comparisons provide additional detail about the growth recorded during that interval.

Completed Financial Year Establishes Profitability and Network Scale

FY26 net sales increased 10.1% to USD 297.2bn for the 52 weeks ended 30 August. Net income rose to USD 9.23bn from USD 8.10bn, while diluted earnings increased to USD 20.76 per share from USD 18.21.

During the sixteen-week final quarter, net sales rose 11.2% to USD 93.9bn. Quarterly diluted earnings of USD 6.75 included a non-recurring USD 0.15 benefit from tariff refunds. Part of the refunds was reinvested in member value.

At the annual results announcement, Costco operated 939 warehouses, including 647 in the United States and Puerto Rico and 115 in Canada. The network also covered markets across Asia, Europe, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. E-commerce operations were present in nine markets.

Member Value Continues to Shape the Operating Model

Costco offers a limited range of branded and private-label products at low prices. Volume purchasing, efficient distribution and reduced merchandise handling support an approach designed around high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover.

Its customer base includes individuals buying for personal use and small or medium-sized businesses purchasing for resale or day-to-day operations. The warehouses combine product categories under one roof, with self-service facilities and digital access forming parts of the wider offering.

Maintaining member value remains the company's stated operating focus. The September sales update measures current trading activity, while the annual results establish the completed year's earnings and network footprint. Neither turns the latest monthly growth rate into a new annual earnings forecast. Continuing efficient operations and serving members through warehouses and digital channels remain the strategic priorities supporting the business.