Costco Beats Q3 Revenue Estimates on Record Gas Sales, Digital Growth
Costco (COST) reported fiscal Q3 2026 results that beat revenue estimates, driven by record gas volumes and strong digital growth. Revenue reached $58.5B, EPS was $3.78, and membership fees rose 5.7%.
Key Numbers
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) reported fiscal third-quarter 2026 results that exceeded analyst revenue expectations, fueled by record gasoline volumes and robust e-commerce growth. Revenue came in at $58.5 billion, above the consensus estimate of $57.8 billion, while earnings per share (EPS) reached $3.78, beating the $3.65 forecast. The stock rose 1.2% in after-hours trading.
Key Financial Results
| Metric | Q3 2026 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $58.5B | +8.3% |
| Net Income | $1.68B | +7.1% |
| EPS | $3.78 | +7.4% |
| Comparable Sales | +6.1% | — |
| E-commerce Revenue | — | +12.5% |
| Membership Fee Income | $1.1B | +5.7% |
Highlights from the Report
- Gas Volumes: Record gasoline sales drove member traffic and boosted overall revenue.
- Digital Growth: E-commerce sales surged 12.5%, supported by an improved mobile app.
- Membership: Membership count grew 4.2% year-over-year, with renewal rates hitting 92.5%.
- AI Investments: Costco is leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize supply chain and inventory management, potentially driving future efficiency gains.
Guidance
Costco did not provide formal quarterly guidance, but management indicated continued investment in digital expansion and customer experience. Inflationary pressures remain manageable due to the company's purchasing power.
Stock Impact
COST shares rose 1.2% in after-hours trading to $785. The stock is up 15% year-to-date, reflecting investor confidence in the company's resilient business model.
What This Means for Investors
Costco's results underscore the strength of its membership-based model and diversified revenue streams. Record gas sales boost foot traffic, while digital growth and AI investments enhance efficiency. Investors will watch for sustained growth amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.
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