Costco profit up in Q2

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco is off to a good start in 2012, with high increases in second-quarter sales and earnings.

The company reported that net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 increased 10% to $22.5 billion, from $20.5 billion last year. Total comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 8%, consisting of an 8% increase at both U.S. and international clubs. Excluding the impact of fuel, comparable-store sales were up 7%, consisting of a 7% increase at U.S. clubs and a 10% increase at international clubs.

Net income for the quarter was $394 million, or 90 cents per diluted share, compared with $348 million, or 79 cents per diluted share, last year.

Costco currently operates 600 warehouses, including 433 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 82 in Canada, 32 in Mexico, 22 in the United Kingdom, 13 in Japan, eight in Taiwan, seven in Korea and three in Australia.