Highlights

  • Costco increased September net sales 13% YoY, extending growth beyond the end of its recently completed financial year.
  • Adjusted comparable sales rose 7.6% during the five-week period, with increases across United States, Canadian and other international operations.
  • Digitally-enabled sales increased 19% YoY in September, covering purchases initiated digitally and fulfilled through several parts of the business.
  • Annual net sales reached USD 297.2bn in FY26, while net income increased to USD 9.23bn over the comparable period.

Sales growth has continued into the new financial year at Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), the membership warehouse and e-commerce retailer. September trading showed expansion across its geographic operations and digital channels, following higher annual sales and earnings. Shares closed at USD 1,005.16, up 0.18%, after the market session ended on 26 October 2026. The latest trading figures add a shorter-period view of customer activity to the completed FY26 results, while the company's low-price, high-volume operating model remains the strategic foundation.

September Growth Extends Across Regions and Digital Activity

Net sales reached USD 30.02bn for the five weeks ended 4 October, increasing 13% YoY. Total comparable sales rose 11.4%, or 7.6% after excluding gasoline price and foreign-exchange effects.

Adjusted comparable growth was 8.0% in the United States, 4.9% in Canada and 7.7% in other international markets. Digitally-enabled sales increased 19.0%, or 19.1% excluding currency effects. This measure includes sales initiated through a digital device, whether fulfilled through warehouses, distribution centres or the travel business.

The timing of Labor Day in the United States and Canada added a little more than 50 basis points to September total and comparable sales growth. The calendar effect therefore contributed to the reported increase alongside the underlying trading performance.

Annual Results Establish the Earnings Background

Net sales increased 10.1% to USD 297.2bn in FY26, the 52 weeks ended 30 August. Net income rose to USD 9.23bn from USD 8.10bn, with diluted earnings of USD 20.76 per share compared with USD 18.21 a year earlier.

The sixteen-week final quarter generated net sales of USD 93.9bn, up 11.2%. Quarterly diluted earnings were USD 6.75 per share and included a non-recurring USD 0.15 benefit from tariff refunds, after part of the refunds was reinvested in member value.

At the September results announcement, Costco operated 939 warehouses, including 647 in the United States and Puerto Rico and 115 in Canada. Its remaining network extended across Asia, Europe, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, with e-commerce operations in nine markets.

The Membership Model Sets Continuing Operating Priorities

Costco's strategy centres on a limited selection of branded and private-label merchandise sold at low prices. High sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover support the model, while volume purchasing, distribution efficiency and reduced merchandise handling help contain operating costs.

The warehouses serve both individuals and small or medium-sized businesses buying for resale or everyday use. Self-service facilities and a broad range of product categories are intended to combine purchasing convenience with operating efficiency. Digital fulfilment adds another way for members to access that offering.

Maintaining member value and efficient operations remains the company's stated approach. The latest monthly release does not establish a new numerical earnings forecast, while the annual results describe a completed period. Together, the disclosures provide separate measures of sales activity, profitability and the operating network supporting the next financial year.