Summary
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) reported strong financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended November 22, 2020, demonstrating significant growth across key metrics. Net sales increased by a robust 17% year-over-year, reaching $42.35 billion, driven by a 15% increase in comparable sales and contributions from new warehouse openings. This performance was further bolstered by a 7% rise in membership fee revenue, indicating continued member loyalty and acquisition. The company also saw an improvement in gross margin percentage, up 50 basis points, and a decrease in SG&A as a percentage of net sales, suggesting effective cost management alongside sales growth. Net income attributable to Costco surged by 38% to $1.166 billion, translating to a diluted EPS of $2.62, a substantial increase from $1.90 in the prior year period. The company also announced a special cash dividend of $10.00 per share, demonstrating a strong commitment to returning capital to shareholders. Despite some headwinds from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in ancillary businesses and incremental wage costs, Costco's core operations, including fresh foods and e-commerce, showed resilience and strong performance, positioning the company favorably amidst a dynamic economic environment.
Financial Highlights
49 data points| Revenue | $43.21B |
| Cost of Revenue | $37.46B |
| Gross Profit | $5.75B |
| SG&A Expenses | $4.32B |
| Operating Income | $1.43B |
| Interest Expense | $39.00M |
| Net Income | $1.17B |
| EPS (Basic) | $2.63 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $2.62 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 442.95M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 444.39M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales increased 17% to $42.35 billion, driven by a 15% rise in comparable sales and new warehouse openings.
- 2Membership fee revenue grew 7% to $861 million, indicating strong member retention and growth.
- 3Net income attributable to Costco increased 38% to $1.166 billion.
- 4Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose to $2.62, up from $1.90 in the prior year period.
- 5Gross margin percentage improved by 50 basis points to 11.55%, supported by core merchandise categories.
- 6Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 15 basis points to 10.15%.
- 7The company declared a special cash dividend of $10.00 per share, demonstrating robust capital return to shareholders.