Costco continues to deliver positive results and closed the third quarter of fiscal 2026 with double-digit sales growth and a strong increase in net income, confirming the strength of its model based on membership, convenience, and international expansion.
For the quarter ended May 10, 2026, the U.S. wholesale distribution giant reported net sales of $69,15 billion, an 11,6% increase from $61,96 billion in the same period the previous year. For the first nine months of the fiscal year, revenue reached $203,37 billion, a 9,6% increase year-over-year.
Comparable sales performance was particularly significant, increasing 9,8% globally in the quarter and 6,6% excluding the exchange rate and fuel effect. Growth in the United States stood at 9,4%, while Canada and international markets recorded increases of 10,7% and 11,2%, respectively.
The digital channel also continues to thrive. Digitally enabled sales increased 21,5% in the quarter and 21,6% in the first 36 weeks of the fiscal year, confirming the growing importance of e-commerce in the group's strategy.
On the profitability front, Costco closed the quarter with net income of $2,19 billion, up from $1,90 billion a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share rose from $4,28 to $4,93. For the first nine months of the fiscal year, net income reached $6,23 billion, compared to $5,49 billion in 2025.
Membership revenue also continued to grow, reaching $1,37 billion in the quarter and over $4 billion in the first nine months of the year, a testament to the loyalty of the customer base.
Financially, the company generated over $11 billion in cash from operating activities in the first 36 weeks of the fiscal year and has nearly $19 billion in liquidity.
The network also continues to expand. Costco now has 931 warehouses worldwide, including 639 in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as a consolidated presence in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, China, and numerous other international markets.
The results confirm the retailer's ability to attract consumers even in an economic environment characterized by inflation, geopolitical tensions, and consumer uncertainty. The combination of competitive pricing, digital growth, and international development continues to support the group's expansion.
