Summary
Costco Wholesale Corporation's (COST) Q1 fiscal year 2019 report for the period ending November 25, 2018, showcases a strong performance with a 10% increase in net sales, reaching $34.3 billion, driven by robust comparable sales growth of 9% and contributions from newly opened warehouses. Net income attributable to Costco saw a significant 20% rise to $767 million, translating to diluted EPS of $1.73, up from $1.45 in the prior year's comparable quarter. This growth was bolstered by a notable 10% increase in membership fees to $758 million, reflecting successful fee adjustments and membership growth. The company's operational efficiency is highlighted by a decrease in Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of net sales. While the gross margin percentage saw a slight dip of 50 basis points, management attributes this to factors like gasoline price inflation and the adoption of a new revenue recognition standard, with core merchandise categories showing resilience. Costco also continued its capital return strategy, declaring a quarterly dividend of $0.57 per share and actively managing its share repurchase program, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder value.
Financial Highlights
48 data points| Revenue | $35.07B |
| Cost of Revenue | $30.62B |
| Gross Profit | $3.69B |
| SG&A Expenses | $3.48B |
| Operating Income | $949.00M |
| Interest Expense | $36.00M |
| Net Income | $767.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.75 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.73 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 439.16M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 442.75M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales increased by 10% to $34.3 billion for the 12 weeks ended November 25, 2018, compared to the prior year's period.
- 2Comparable sales grew by 9%, indicating strong performance from existing stores and e-commerce.
- 3Membership fee revenue rose by 10% to $758 million, driven by fee increases and member growth.
- 4Net income attributable to Costco increased by 20% to $767 million, with diluted EPS growing to $1.73 from $1.45.
- 5Gross margin percentage decreased by 50 basis points to 10.75% due to gasoline price inflation and the adoption of a new revenue recognition standard.
- 6SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 23 basis points, reflecting improved operating leverage.
- 7The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.57 per share, an increase from the previous year's $0.50 per share.