Costco Wholesale Corp Reports Strong Sales Growth for April 2026
Costco Wholesale Corporation, a leading global retailer, released its sales results for April 2026, showcasing a robust financial performance. The company reported net sales of $23.92 billion for the four-week retail month ending May 3, 2026, reflecting a notable increase of 13.0% compared to $21.18 billion during the same period last year.
1. Year-to-Date Performance
For the first 35 weeks of the fiscal year, Costco recorded net sales of $197.18 billion, which marks a 9.5% rise from $180.05 billion reported in the previous year. This upward trajectory highlights Costco's resilience and its ability to attract consumers even amidst fluctuating economic conditions.
Comparable Sales Breakdown
Costco's comparable sales for the periods ending May 3, 2026, revealed strong growth across various regions:
| Region | 4 Weeks | 35 Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. | 11.7% | 6.9% |
| Canada | 11.5% | 9.1% |
| Other International | 11.5% | 11.0% |
| Total Company | 11.6% | 7.8% |
In a digital landscape increasingly dominated by e-commerce, Costco's digitally-enabled sales also showed impressive growth, with a 4-week increase of 18.8% and a year-to-date increase of 21.6%.
Adjusted Comparable Sales
When excluding the effects of gasoline price fluctuations and foreign exchange rates, comparable sales figures were slightly lower:
| Region | 4 Weeks | 35 Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. | 8.0% | 6.3% |
| Canada | 7.6% | 7.8% |
| Other International | 6.5% | 6.6% |
| Total Company | 7.8% | 6.5% |
Notably, April 2026 benefitted from one additional shopping day compared to last year due to the calendar shift of Easter, positively influencing total and comparable sales by approximately 1.5% to 2%.
2. Global Presence
Costco currently operates a total of 928 warehouses worldwide, with 637 located in the United States and Puerto Rico. The company's geographical footprint extends to Canada (115), Mexico (42), Japan (37), the United Kingdom (29), Korea (20), Australia (15), Taiwan (14), China (7), Spain (5), France (3), Sweden (2), and one each in Iceland and New Zealand. Furthermore, Costco has established e-commerce platforms across multiple countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.
3. Looking Ahead
As Costco continues to expand and adapt to changing market demands, the company remains optimistic about future growth. Their forward-looking statements encompass a range of factors that may influence performance, including economic conditions, competitive pressures, and regulatory challenges. Costco’s management remains committed to navigating these uncertainties while maintaining its operational efficiency and customer-centric approach.
Investor Access
For those interested in a more detailed discussion of these results, Costco has made a pre-recorded message available for investors, accessible until 4:00 p.m. (PT) on May 13, 2026, through their investor relations website.
In conclusion, Costco's April sales report underscores its strong performance and strategic positioning in the retail market. With encouraging sales figures and a solid digital presence, Costco is poised for continued success in the coming months.
