Costco Posts 5 Percent Comps Growth in February

The warehouse club generated net sales of $7.58 billion for the four week period, up 8 percent from $7.01 billion during the similar period last year. For the 26 weeks ended March 3, 2013, the company reported net sales of $51.35 billion, an increase of nine percent from $47.22 billion during the similar period last year.

Unadjusted comparable sales for the four-week and 26-week periods ended March 3, 2013, were as follows:

		4 Weeks		26 Weeks
U.S.		6%		6%
International		4%		7%
Total Company		6%		6%

Inflation in gasoline prices had a positive impact on comparable sales for both periods. Changes in foreign exchange had a negative impact for the four-week period, but a positive impact for the 26-week period. Excluding these effects, comparable sales were as follows:

		4 Weeks		26 Weeks
U.S.		6%		6%
International		7%		5%
Total Company		6%		5%

The company today also reported net sales for the second quarter (12 weeks) and first half (24 weeks) of fiscal 2013, ended Feb. 17, 2013. Net sales for the quarter increased 8 percent, to $24.3 billion, from $22.5 billion last year. Net sales for the first half increased 9 percent, to $47.6 billion, from $43.7 billion last year.

Comparable sales were as follows:

Inflation in gasoline prices and stronger foreign currencies had positive impacts on comparable sales for both reporting periods. Excluding these effects, comparable sales were as follows:

 

12 Weeks		24 Weeks
U.S.		5%		6%
International		4%		5%
Total Company		5%		5%