Costco reports 8% sales growth in September amid digital surge

ISSAQUAH, Wash. - Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) reported net sales of $26.58 billion for September 2025, representing an 8.0% increase from $24.62 billion in the same period last year, according to a company press release issued Wednesday. This performance aligns with the company’s consistent growth trajectory, as InvestingPro data shows trailing twelve-month revenue reaching $275.24 billion, with an 8.17% growth rate.

The warehouse retailer posted total company comparable sales growth of 5.7% for the five-week period ended October 5. U.S. comparable sales rose 5.1%, while Canada and Other International markets saw increases of 6.3% and 8.5%, respectively. According to InvestingPro, the company maintains strong financial health with an overall score of 2.93 (GOOD), supported by robust profit and growth metrics. Investors can access 16 additional ProTips and comprehensive analysis through InvestingPro’s detailed research report.

Costco highlighted particularly strong performance in its digital business, introducing a new "digitally-enabled" comparable sales metric that showed 26.1% growth. The company explained this metric now encompasses all sales initiated through digital devices, whether fulfilled from warehouses or distribution centers, as well as Costco Travel.

When excluding the impacts of gasoline price fluctuations and foreign exchange, Costco’s total comparable sales increased 6.0%.

The company noted that last year’s comparable period benefited from approximately 2% increased sales in the U.S. and 1.5% worldwide due to consumer activity related to Hurricane Helene and port strikes.

Costco currently operates 914 warehouses globally, with 629 locations in the United States and Puerto Rico. The remainder span across 13 other countries including Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The retailer also maintains e-commerce operations in eight countries.

In other recent news, Costco Wholesale reported its fourth-quarter 2025 results, showcasing in-line comparable sales and margins. The company experienced a 5.7% growth in overall comparable sales, with a 6.4% increase when excluding gasoline price changes and foreign exchange impacts. In the U.S. market, comparable sales grew by 5.1%, or 6.0% when excluding gas and currency effects. Despite these strong figures, Truist Securities has lowered its price target for Costco to $1,033, citing valuation concerns, while maintaining a Hold rating. Meanwhile, UBS has reiterated its Buy rating with a price target of $1,205, suggesting optimism about future performance. Bernstein also raised its price target to $1,140, maintaining an Outperform rating based on the company’s growth outlook. Guggenheim has maintained a Neutral rating, noting a slight decrease in membership renewal rates. UBS also reiterated a Neutral rating with a $1,000 price target following the earnings release. These developments reflect a mix of optimism and caution among analysts regarding Costco’s future prospects.

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