Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports Strong December Sales Results
Costco Wholesale Corporation (Nasdaq: COST) has released its sales results for December 2025, showcasing impressive growth amid a challenging retail landscape. The company reported net sales of $29.86 billion for the five-week retail month ending January 4, 2026, which represents an 8.5% increase from $27.52 billion in the same period last year. This performance highlights Costco's resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving market.
1. Year-to-Date Performance
For the first eighteen weeks of the fiscal year, Costco's net sales reached $101.83 billion, marking an 8.3% increase compared to $94.04 billion from the prior year. This consistent growth trajectory underscores the strength of Costco's business model and its ability to attract and retain customers.
2. Comparable Sales Analysis
Costco's comparable sales figures reveal a robust performance across various regions:
| 5 Weeks | 18 Weeks | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Region | U.S. | 6.0% | 5.9% | ||
| Canada | 8.4% | 7.0% | |||
| Other International | 10.6% | 9.5% | |||
| Total Company | 7.0% | 6.6% | |||
| Digitally-Enabled | 18.9% | 19.6% |
In the five-week period, the U.S. saw a 6.0% increase in comparable sales, while Canada led with an 8.4% rise. Notably, Costco's other international markets experienced significant growth, with a remarkable 10.6% increase in comparable sales. The total company comparable sales stood at 7.0%, showcasing the effective strategies employed by Costco to cater to its diverse customer base.
3. Excluding Gasoline Prices and Foreign Exchange
When adjusted for changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange, the comparable sales figures still demonstrate solid growth:
| 5 Weeks | 18 Weeks | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Region | U.S. | 6.3% | 5.9% | ||
| Canada | 6.0% | 8.0% | |||
| Other International | 5.6% | 6.5% | |||
| Total Company | 6.2% | 6.3% | |||
| Digitally-Enabled | 18.3% | 19.4% |
The adjusted figures indicate that Costco's core retail business remains strong, with total company comparable sales increasing by 6.2% in the five weeks and 6.3% over the eighteen-week period.
4. E-Commerce Growth
Costco's digital sales continue to soar, with a 18.9% increase in the five-week period and a 19.6% rise over the first eighteen weeks. This trend reflects the increasing consumer preference for online shopping and Costco's successful investment in its e-commerce capabilities.
5. Global Footprint
Currently, Costco operates 923 warehouses worldwide, including 633 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, 114 in Canada, and locations in Mexico, Japan, the U.K., Korea, Australia, Taiwan, China, Spain, France, Sweden, Iceland, and New Zealand. The company also maintains e-commerce platforms in several of these regions, enhancing its global presence and accessibility.
6. Conclusion
Costco Wholesale Corporation's December sales results indicate a strong performance driven by effective strategies, customer loyalty, and robust e-commerce growth. As the company continues to navigate the complexities of the retail environment, its focus on providing value and quality to its members remains paramount. Investors and analysts will be keen to see how Costco leverages its strengths in the coming quarters, particularly in the face of economic uncertainties and changing consumer behaviors.
