Business

Costco Beats Revenue Estimates with 11.6% Sales Jump, Digital Growth Surges 21%

📅 May 28, 2026 17:00 ET ⏱ 2 min 👁 views GazetaDay Editorial

Costco Wholesale reported net sales of $69.15 billion for its fiscal third quarter, exceeding Wall Street revenue expectations as comparable sales rose 6.6% and digital sales jumped nearly 21%. Shares were largely unchanged in extended trading following the results.

Earnings and Revenue Breakdown

For the three-month period ended May 10, Costco posted earnings per share of $4.93, matching analyst consensus compiled by LSEG. Revenue came in at $70.53 billion, above the $69.81 billion expected by analysts. Net income reached $2.19 billion, or $4.93 per share, compared with $1.9 billion, or $4.28 per share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose from $63.2 billion in the prior-year quarter.

Membership and Sales Trends

Costco reported paid membership growth of 4.1% for the quarter, along with a 37% increase in traffic on its website and app. The top sales categories included pharmacy, home furnishings, and gold and jewelry. Adjusted comparable sales rose 6.6% overall, with digital sales climbing nearly 21%.

Tariff Dispute and Demand Outlook

Costco has been at the center of a tariff dispute with the Trump administration after a Supreme Court decision invalidated some of President Donald Trump's levies on foreign imports. The retailer previously stated it would lower prices if it received tariff refunds following the ruling. Analysts had anticipated higher demand at the onset of the war in the Middle East, citing Costco's cheaper gas prices and value offerings that appeal to cost-conscious consumers. This story is developing.

Market Context

As of May 28, 2026, the Russian ruble exchange rates stood at 71.37 per U.S. dollar (change: +0.47) and 83.69 per euro (change: +0.97). Bitcoin traded at $73,490, down 2.2% over the past 24 hours. Oil prices were estimated at approximately $72 per barrel.

Costcoretail earningscomparable salesmembership growthtariff disputedigital salesconsumer spending