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10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Nov 25, 2001

Filed December 28, 2001For Securities:COST

Summary

Costco Wholesale Corporation's (COST) first quarter fiscal year 2002 report, ending November 24, 2001, indicates stable net income compared to the prior year, with net income at $129.7 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, matching last year's results. However, the company demonstrated robust net sales growth of 11%, reaching $8.3 billion. This growth was primarily driven by the addition of 34 net new warehouses since the prior year's comparable period and a 5% increase in comparable warehouse sales, with pricing not being a significant factor. Membership fees saw a significant 23% increase, contributing 2.04% of net sales, due to prior year fee increases, new member acquisition, executive membership growth, and strong renewal rates (86%). While gross margin as a percentage of sales slightly decreased to 10.40% from 10.47%, this was attributed to the cost of the Executive Membership's 2% reward program and a shift in sales mix, partially offset by improvements in ancillary and international operations. The company is actively expanding, with plans for approximately 37-40 new US and Canadian warehouses and 3-5 international units in fiscal 2002, supported by a healthy cash flow from operations and available credit facilities.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income remained stable at $129.7 million ($0.28 per diluted share) for Q1 FY2002 compared to Q1 FY2001.
  • 2Net sales increased by 11% to $8.3 billion in Q1 FY2002, driven by new warehouse openings and comparable warehouse sales growth.
  • 3Comparable warehouse sales grew by 5% in Q1 FY2002, indicating healthy performance in existing stores.
  • 4Membership fees and other revenue surged by 23%, reflecting increased fees, new memberships, executive program growth, and high renewal rates (86%).
  • 5Gross margin as a percentage of net sales slightly declined to 10.40% from 10.47%, impacted by the Executive Membership reward program and sales mix shifts.
  • 6Significant capital expenditure planned for FY2002, with $1.0-$1.15 billion for US/Canada expansion and $100-$150 million for international growth.
  • 7Net cash provided by operating activities more than doubled to $224.7 million in Q1 FY2002 compared to $118.1 million in Q1 FY2001.

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