Costco Reports Strong Q3 Sales Growth Despite Market Weakness
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 28 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
Costco's stock fell by 3.00% and hit a 20-day low amid broader market gains, with the Nasdaq-100 up 0.46% and the S&P 500 up 0.28%.
Despite the stock's decline, Costco reported significant sales growth in Q3, with net sales reaching $69.15 billion, an 11.6% increase year-over-year, although it fell short of Wall Street's expectations. The company also saw a net income increase to $2.19 billion, reflecting effective cost control and strong consumer demand for essentials, which positions Costco favorably in the retail market.
The strong sales performance indicates that Costco is maintaining its competitive edge, particularly as consumers prioritize essential goods during economic uncertainty. This could lead to continued growth in future quarters, despite the current stock price decline.
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Analyst Views on COST
Wall Street analysts forecast COST stock price to rise
24 Analyst Rating
19 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 947.500
Low
769.00
Averages
1061
High
1205
Current: 947.500
Low
769.00
Averages
1061
High
1205
About COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) operates membership warehouses and e-commerce sites that offer a selection of nationally branded and private-label products in a wide range of categories. The Company buys the majority of its merchandise directly from suppliers and route it to cross-docking consolidation points (depots) or directly to its warehouses. It operates 891 warehouses, including 614 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 108 in Canada, 40 in Mexico, 35 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 19 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, two in France, and one each in Iceland, New Zealand and Sweden. It also operates e-commerce sites in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia. The Company provides wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Costco Reports 10.6% Sales Growth in June
- Sales Growth: Costco reported net sales of $29.24 billion for June, reflecting a robust 10.6% year-over-year increase, which reinforces its leadership position in the retail sector.
- Annual Sales Performance: The total net sales for the first 44 weeks reached $250.43 billion, up 10.1% from $227.46 billion last year, indicating the company's success in attracting consumers consistently.
- Comparable Sales Increase: Comparable sales for June rose by 8.8%, with the U.S. market growing by 10.6%, Canada by 3.7%, and other international markets by 4.7%, showcasing the company's strong performance across various regions.
- E-commerce Surge: E-commerce comparable sales surged by 20.9% in June, not only boosting overall sales but also indicating a growing consumer preference for online shopping, which further drives the company's digital transformation.
See More
Costco Reports June Sales Growth Amid Economic Pressures
- Sales Growth Overview: Costco reported net sales of $29.24 billion for the five weeks ending July 5, 2026, marking a 10.6% increase year-over-year, demonstrating the company's resilience amid economic pressures despite challenges in the broader retail environment.
- Regional Performance Variance: The U.S. market exhibited the strongest growth at 10.6%, while Canada and other international markets grew by 3.7% and 4.7%, respectively, indicating that the U.S. remains the primary driver of the company's growth.
- Strong Digital Sales: Digital sales surged by 20.9% during the period, further underscoring Costco's ongoing success in the e-commerce sector, even as the overall retail landscape faces difficulties.
- Investor Reaction: Despite the sales data indicating growth, Costco's stock fell 1.2% in after-hours trading, reflecting investor concerns over the company's slowing comparable sales figures.
See More
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- Amazon's Growth Potential: Amazon's AWS cloud computing division boasts an annual revenue run rate of $150 billion, and with its e-commerce business and revamped cost structure, earnings are expected to strengthen further in the coming quarters, showcasing robust growth potential.
- Costco's Membership Model: Costco's renewal rates exceed 90% in its largest markets, the U.S. and Canada, providing visibility for future earnings, while its high-margin membership fees significantly contribute to profit growth, positioning the company for long-term success.
- Walmart's Market Advantage: Walmart's low-price strategy and advancements in digital sales led to a 26% increase in global e-commerce sales and a 17% rise in membership fee revenue in the latest quarter, ensuring stable revenue and growth potential amid competition.
- Investment Choice Analysis: While Amazon, Walmart, and Costco each have their strengths, Amazon is viewed as the best investment choice for the second half due to its lower valuation and superior revenue growth potential, particularly as it remains competitive even during economic slowdowns.
See More
Investment Outlook for Amazon, Walmart, and Costco
- Amazon's Earnings Potential: Amazon's AWS cloud computing division boasts an annual revenue run rate of $150 billion, and with the company's restructuring of its cost structure, earnings are expected to strengthen further in the coming quarters, boosting investor confidence.
- Costco's Membership Model: Costco's renewal rates exceed 90% in its largest markets of the U.S. and Canada, with high-margin membership fees providing a stable revenue source that ensures sustainable long-term profit growth.
- Walmart's Market Advantage: With global e-commerce sales rising 26% and membership fee revenue increasing by 17%, Walmart's advertising business also achieved 37% growth, showcasing its strong market competitiveness and revenue stability.
- Emerging Investment Opportunities: Despite recent stock price pullbacks for all three companies, their long-term prospects remain robust, particularly with Amazon trading at a relatively lower valuation, making it an ideal choice for investors in the second half of 2026.
See More
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- SK Hynix Listing Update: SK Hynix is set to list in the U.S. on Friday, holding a 25% weighting in the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF, which has dropped 18% since June 18 yet is up nearly 160% year-to-date, reflecting strong market interest in the semiconductor sector.
- Used Car Market Trends: CarMax shares are down 27% from last July's high, despite an 8% increase over the past month, while Carvana has fallen 30% since January, indicating ongoing pressure in the used car market.
- Costco Sales Data Preview: Costco is scheduled to release monthly sales data on Wednesday, with shares down 2.5% in the past month and 13% from the May high, prompting investors to monitor sales performance for future earnings assessments.
See More
Costco's Decade of Investment Returns Analyzed
- Membership Model Advantage: Costco's business model relies on membership fees, achieving a renewal rate of around 90%, which ensures a stable stream of high-margin income, allowing the company to maintain low prices and enhance customer loyalty, creating a positive feedback loop.
- Strong Sales Growth: In the fiscal third quarter ending May 2026, Costco's net sales rose 11.6% year-over-year to $69.2 billion, with May's sales climbing 14.5%, demonstrating sustained double-digit growth in the retail sector.
- Market Expansion Potential: While Costco has a high market penetration in North America, its warehouse presence in Asia and Europe remains relatively low, indicating significant room for future expansion that is expected to drive long-term growth.
- Valuation Risk Warning: With a current price-to-earnings ratio of about 48 times, despite strong fundamentals, the high valuation poses risks for future returns, prompting investors to carefully consider entry points to avoid buying at elevated prices.
See More
Costco Reports 10.6% Sales Growth in June
- Sales Growth: Costco reported net sales of $29.24 billion for June, reflecting a robust 10.6% year-over-year increase, which reinforces its leadership position in the retail sector.
- Annual Sales Performance: The total net sales for the first 44 weeks reached $250.43 billion, up 10.1% from $227.46 billion last year, indicating the company's success in attracting consumers consistently.
- Comparable Sales Increase: Comparable sales for June rose by 8.8%, with the U.S. market growing by 10.6%, Canada by 3.7%, and other international markets by 4.7%, showcasing the company's strong performance across various regions.
- E-commerce Surge: E-commerce comparable sales surged by 20.9% in June, not only boosting overall sales but also indicating a growing consumer preference for online shopping, which further drives the company's digital transformation.
See More
Costco Reports June Sales Growth Amid Economic Pressures
- Sales Growth Overview: Costco reported net sales of $29.24 billion for the five weeks ending July 5, 2026, marking a 10.6% increase year-over-year, demonstrating the company's resilience amid economic pressures despite challenges in the broader retail environment.
- Regional Performance Variance: The U.S. market exhibited the strongest growth at 10.6%, while Canada and other international markets grew by 3.7% and 4.7%, respectively, indicating that the U.S. remains the primary driver of the company's growth.
- Strong Digital Sales: Digital sales surged by 20.9% during the period, further underscoring Costco's ongoing success in the e-commerce sector, even as the overall retail landscape faces difficulties.
- Investor Reaction: Despite the sales data indicating growth, Costco's stock fell 1.2% in after-hours trading, reflecting investor concerns over the company's slowing comparable sales figures.
See More
Investment Outlook for Amazon, Walmart, and Costco
- Amazon's Growth Potential: Amazon's AWS cloud computing division boasts an annual revenue run rate of $150 billion, and with its e-commerce business and revamped cost structure, earnings are expected to strengthen further in the coming quarters, showcasing robust growth potential.
- Costco's Membership Model: Costco's renewal rates exceed 90% in its largest markets, the U.S. and Canada, providing visibility for future earnings, while its high-margin membership fees significantly contribute to profit growth, positioning the company for long-term success.
- Walmart's Market Advantage: Walmart's low-price strategy and advancements in digital sales led to a 26% increase in global e-commerce sales and a 17% rise in membership fee revenue in the latest quarter, ensuring stable revenue and growth potential amid competition.
- Investment Choice Analysis: While Amazon, Walmart, and Costco each have their strengths, Amazon is viewed as the best investment choice for the second half due to its lower valuation and superior revenue growth potential, particularly as it remains competitive even during economic slowdowns.
See More
Investment Outlook for Amazon, Walmart, and Costco
- Amazon's Earnings Potential: Amazon's AWS cloud computing division boasts an annual revenue run rate of $150 billion, and with the company's restructuring of its cost structure, earnings are expected to strengthen further in the coming quarters, boosting investor confidence.
- Costco's Membership Model: Costco's renewal rates exceed 90% in its largest markets of the U.S. and Canada, with high-margin membership fees providing a stable revenue source that ensures sustainable long-term profit growth.
- Walmart's Market Advantage: With global e-commerce sales rising 26% and membership fee revenue increasing by 17%, Walmart's advertising business also achieved 37% growth, showcasing its strong market competitiveness and revenue stability.
- Emerging Investment Opportunities: Despite recent stock price pullbacks for all three companies, their long-term prospects remain robust, particularly with Amazon trading at a relatively lower valuation, making it an ideal choice for investors in the second half of 2026.
See More
Levi Strauss Stock Fluctuations and Market Dynamics
- Levi Strauss Stock Performance: Levi Strauss shares have risen 25% over the past three months but are down 3.6% from the July 1 high, indicating increased market volatility as investors await the upcoming earnings report.
- SK Hynix Listing Update: SK Hynix is set to list in the U.S. on Friday, holding a 25% weighting in the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF, which has dropped 18% since June 18 yet is up nearly 160% year-to-date, reflecting strong market interest in the semiconductor sector.
- Used Car Market Trends: CarMax shares are down 27% from last July's high, despite an 8% increase over the past month, while Carvana has fallen 30% since January, indicating ongoing pressure in the used car market.
- Costco Sales Data Preview: Costco is scheduled to release monthly sales data on Wednesday, with shares down 2.5% in the past month and 13% from the May high, prompting investors to monitor sales performance for future earnings assessments.
See More
Costco's Decade of Investment Returns Analyzed
- Membership Model Advantage: Costco's business model relies on membership fees, achieving a renewal rate of around 90%, which ensures a stable stream of high-margin income, allowing the company to maintain low prices and enhance customer loyalty, creating a positive feedback loop.
- Strong Sales Growth: In the fiscal third quarter ending May 2026, Costco's net sales rose 11.6% year-over-year to $69.2 billion, with May's sales climbing 14.5%, demonstrating sustained double-digit growth in the retail sector.
- Market Expansion Potential: While Costco has a high market penetration in North America, its warehouse presence in Asia and Europe remains relatively low, indicating significant room for future expansion that is expected to drive long-term growth.
- Valuation Risk Warning: With a current price-to-earnings ratio of about 48 times, despite strong fundamentals, the high valuation poses risks for future returns, prompting investors to carefully consider entry points to avoid buying at elevated prices.
See More
