Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)

Sector: Consumer Staples|Industry: Discount Stores|Market Cap: $439.05B|Employees: 333K


Costco Wholesale Corporation operates membership warehouses in multiple countries, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The company's core business model focuses on offering low prices on a limited selection of nationally-branded and private-label products, generating high sales volume and rapid inventory turnover. Costco's competitive advantages include its efficient distribution and warehouse facilities, strong member loyalty, and direct relationships with suppliers.

  1. Filings

Filing Highlights

Financial Performance

Net sales increased by 6% to $56,717 million in Q1 2024, exceeding expectations. This growth was fueled by a 4% rise in comparable sales and the addition of 25 net new warehouses since the previous quarter.

Gross margin percentage increased by 43 basis points to 11.04%, exceeding expectations. Excluding the impact of gasoline price deflation, the increase was even more significant at 36 basis points.

SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales rose by 25 basis points to 9.45%, primarily due to increased costs in warehouse operations and other businesses, including the impact of wage increases.

Growth & Strategy

Management Execution

Risk Factors

Competitive Position

Operational Efficiency

Innovation & Technology

Capital Allocation

ESG Initiatives

Market Environment