Summary
Costco Wholesale Corporation's 2019 10-K filing reveals a company demonstrating steady growth and operational efficiency. The company reported an 8% increase in net sales, reaching $149.35 billion, driven by a 6% rise in comparable sales and contributions from new warehouse openings. Membership fee revenue also saw a healthy 7% increase, underscoring the loyalty and value proposition offered to its member base, with global renewal rates remaining robust at 88%. The company continues to execute its growth strategy by opening new warehouses, including its first in China, and investing in its e-commerce capabilities. Financially, Costco maintained strong operational control, with selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales showing only a marginal increase. The effective tax rate significantly decreased due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, contributing to a 17% increase in net income, which reached $3.66 billion, or $8.26 per diluted share. The company also returned capital to shareholders through increased dividends and initiated a new $4 billion share repurchase program, signaling confidence in its financial health and future prospects. The company also successfully remediated a previously identified material weakness in internal IT controls.
Financial Highlights
51 data points| Revenue | $152.70B |
| Cost of Revenue | $132.89B |
| Gross Profit | $16.46B |
| SG&A Expenses | $14.99B |
| Operating Income | $4.74B |
| Interest Expense | $150.00M |
| Net Income | $3.66B |
| EPS (Basic) | $8.32 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $8.26 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 439.75M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 442.92M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales grew 8% to $149.35 billion in fiscal year 2019, driven by a 6% increase in comparable sales and new warehouse openings.
- 2Membership fee revenue increased by 7% to $3.35 billion, demonstrating strong member retention with a worldwide renewal rate of 88%.
- 3Costco opened 25 new warehouses, expanding its global footprint, including its first location in China.
- 4Net income increased by 17% to $3.66 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $8.26.
- 5The effective tax rate decreased to 22.3% in 2019 compared to 28.4% in 2018, largely due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
- 6The company declared a 17% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.65 per share and authorized a new $4 billion share repurchase program.
- 7Internal control over financial reporting was deemed effective as of September 1, 2019, with a previously identified material weakness related to IT general controls successfully remediated.