Costco sales, income up in Q3

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco reported net sales of nearly $21.9 billion for the third quarter, an 8% increase over sales of about $20.2 billion for the same period last year.

Comparable-club sales for the quarter increased 5%, which consisted of a 5% increase in the United States and a 5% increase internationally. Excluding the impact of fuel, total comps were still up 5%, however U.S. comps were 4% and international comps were 8% when adjusted for gasoline inflation.

Net income for the quarter was $386 million, or 88 cents per diluted share, compared with $324 million, or 73 cents per diluted share, last year.

Costco currently operates 602 warehouses, including 435 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.