Costco Wholesale (COST) Earnings Date & Reports

Key Takeaways

• Net sales reached $69.15 billion, up 11.6% year-over-year for the 12 weeks ended May 10, 2026.
• Net income rose to $2.19 billion, or $4.93 per diluted share, compared to $1.90 billion, or $4.28 per share, a year earlier.
• Comparable sales increased 9.8%, with adjusted growth of 6.6% excluding gas inflation and foreign exchange effects.
• Year-to-date net sales for the first 36 weeks grew 9.6% to $203.37 billion.
• Digital sales showed strong momentum, with digitally enabled comparable sales up 21.5%.
• Results aligned closely with analyst expectations, reflecting steady demand in the membership warehouse sector.

Earnings Context and Why It Matters

Costco Wholesale Corporation operates on a fiscal year ending in late August, with quarters spanning 12 or 13 weeks. The third quarter of fiscal 2026, ended May 10, 2026, provides a key update on the retailer’s performance midway through the year. Investors track these results closely because Costco’s membership model and bulk-buying format make it sensitive to consumer spending trends, inflation, and e-commerce shifts. Strong prior quarters had set high expectations, and this report helps gauge whether growth can sustain amid economic uncertainties.

Reported Results

Costco reported net sales of $69.15 billion for the quarter, an 11.6% increase from $61.96 billion in the prior-year period. Year-to-date net sales reached $203.37 billion, up 9.6% from $185.48 billion. Net income totaled $2.19 billion, or $4.93 per diluted share, versus $1.90 billion, or $4.28 per share, last year. Comparable sales rose 9.8%, or 6.6% when adjusted for gas prices and currency. Revenue slightly exceeded consensus estimates, while earnings per share came in near expectations. No updated full-year guidance accompanied the release, consistent with the company’s typical quarterly approach.

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Market Reaction and Investor Sentiment

Following the May 28, 2026, release, shares of Costco experienced typical post-earnings volatility as investors digested the solid top-line growth. Sentiment remained positive overall, supported by the consistent comparable sales gains and digital momentum. Analysts highlighted the company’s resilience in a competitive retail environment, with limited downside surprises in the numbers.

Forward Outlook and Key Factors to Monitor

Investors will next focus on Costco’s fourth-quarter results, scheduled for release on September 24, 2026. Key areas include updates on membership fee income, which provides recurring revenue stability, and trends in comparable sales as the company enters its fiscal year-end period.

Cost trends, particularly in labor, transportation, and inventory, will influence gross margins. Demand signals from both core warehouse shoppers and online channels remain important amid shifting consumer priorities.

Broader industry dynamics, such as competition from other warehouse clubs and general merchandise retailers, along with any changes in gas prices affecting reported sales, warrant attention. Foreign exchange impacts on international operations could also play a role in year-over-year comparisons.

Upcoming monthly sales reports will offer early clues ahead of the full quarterly update, helping investors assess momentum heading into fiscal 2027.

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