Net Profit Margin
since 2005
Calculation
Costco Wholesale Corp., net profit margin, long-term trends, calculation
| Net profit margin | = | 100 | × | Net income attributable to Costco1 | ÷ | Net sales1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 30, 2026 | 3.10% | = | 100 | × | 9,226) | ÷ | 297,247) |
| Aug 31, 2025 | 3.00% | = | 100 | × | 8,099) | ÷ | 269,912) |
| Sep 1, 2024 | 2.95% | = | 100 | × | 7,367) | ÷ | 249,625) |
| Sep 3, 2023 | 2.65% | = | 100 | × | 6,292) | ÷ | 237,710) |
| Aug 28, 2022 | 2.62% | = | 100 | × | 5,844) | ÷ | 222,730) |
| Aug 29, 2021 | 2.61% | = | 100 | × | 5,007) | ÷ | 192,052) |
| Aug 30, 2020 | 2.45% | = | 100 | × | 4,002) | ÷ | 163,220) |
| Sep 1, 2019 | 2.45% | = | 100 | × | 3,659) | ÷ | 149,351) |
| Sep 2, 2018 | 2.26% | = | 100 | × | 3,134) | ÷ | 138,434) |
| Sep 3, 2017 | 2.12% | = | 100 | × | 2,679) | ÷ | 126,172) |
| Aug 28, 2016 | 2.02% | = | 100 | × | 2,350) | ÷ | 116,073) |
| Aug 30, 2015 | 2.09% | = | 100 | × | 2,377) | ÷ | 113,666) |
| Aug 31, 2014 | 1.87% | = | 100 | × | 2,058) | ÷ | 110,212) |
| Sep 1, 2013 | 1.98% | = | 100 | × | 2,039) | ÷ | 102,870) |
| Sep 2, 2012 | 1.76% | = | 100 | × | 1,709) | ÷ | 97,062) |
| Aug 28, 2011 | 1.68% | = | 100 | × | 1,462) | ÷ | 87,048) |
| Aug 29, 2010 | 1.71% | = | 100 | × | 1,303) | ÷ | 76,255) |
| Aug 30, 2009 | 1.55% | = | 100 | × | 1,086) | ÷ | 69,889) |
| Aug 31, 2008 | 1.81% | = | 100 | × | 1,283) | ÷ | 70,977) |
| Sep 2, 2007 | 1.72% | = | 100 | × | 1,083) | ÷ | 63,088) |
| Sep 3, 2006 | 1.87% | = | 100 | × | 1,103) | ÷ | 58,963) |
| Aug 28, 2005 | 2.05% | = | 100 | × | 1,063) | ÷ | 51,862) |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-08-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-08-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-08-28).
1 US$ in millions
The financial performance over the observed period demonstrates a consistent expansion in both total revenue and net profitability. Net sales grew from approximately $51.86 billion in 2005 to a projected $297.25 billion by 2026, representing a significant increase in operational scale. This top-line growth is mirrored by a substantial rise in net income, which ascended from $1.06 billion in 2005 to $9.23 billion by 2026.
- Net Profit Margin Volatility (2005–2010)
- During the initial period, net profit margins experienced a moderate contraction and period of volatility, decreasing from 2.05% in 2005 to a low of 1.55% in 2009. This downward trend suggests a period of margin pressure where cost increases or pricing strategies outpaced revenue growth.
- Margin Stabilization and Recovery (2011–2016)
- Profit margins transitioned into a phase of stabilization between 2011 and 2016, fluctuating within a range of 1.68% to 2.09%. By 2015, the margin surpassed 2.00% for the first time since 2005, indicating a recovery in operational efficiency.
- Sustained Margin Expansion (2017–2026)
- A consistent and accelerating upward trajectory in net profit margins is observable from 2017 onward. The margin rose from 2.12% in 2017 to a projected 3.10% by 2026. This steady growth indicates that the increase in net income is growing at a faster rate than the increase in net sales, reflecting enhanced profitability per dollar of revenue generated.
The overall correlation between the growth in net sales and the expansion of the net profit margin suggests a successful scaling strategy. The transition from margins below 2% in the first decade to projected margins exceeding 3% in the latter period highlights a long-term improvement in the company's ability to convert sales into net earnings.
AI Ask an analyst for more
Hi, I’m an AI-powered financial analyst at Stock Analysis on Net.
How can I help you?
Comparison to Competitors
Costco Wholesale Corp., net profit margin, long-term trends, comparison to competitors
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | Target Corp. | Walmart Inc. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 30, 2026 | 3.10% | 3.54% | 3.10% |
| Aug 31, 2025 | 3.00% | 3.84% | 2.88% |
| Sep 1, 2024 | 2.95% | 3.85% | 2.41% |
| Sep 3, 2023 | 2.65% | 2.55% | 1.93% |
| Aug 28, 2022 | 2.62% | 6.55% | 2.41% |
| Aug 29, 2021 | 2.61% | 4.67% | 2.43% |
| Aug 30, 2020 | 2.45% | 4.20% | 2.86% |
| Sep 1, 2019 | 2.45% | 3.90% | 1.31% |
| Sep 2, 2018 | 2.26% | 4.08% | 1.99% |
| Sep 3, 2017 | 2.12% | 3.94% | 2.83% |
| Aug 28, 2016 | 2.02% | 4.56% | 3.07% |
| Aug 30, 2015 | 2.09% | -2.25% | 3.39% |
| Aug 31, 2014 | 1.87% | 2.72% | 3.39% |
| Sep 1, 2013 | 1.98% | 4.09% | 3.65% |
| Sep 2, 2012 | 1.76% | 4.19% | 3.54% |
| Aug 28, 2011 | 1.68% | 4.33% | 3.91% |
| Aug 29, 2010 | 1.71% | 3.81% | 3.54% |
| Aug 30, 2009 | 1.55% | 3.41% | 3.34% |
| Aug 31, 2008 | 1.81% | 4.50% | 3.40% |
| Sep 2, 2007 | 1.72% | 4.68% | 3.27% |
| Sep 3, 2006 | 1.87% | 4.58% | 3.59% |
| Aug 28, 2005 | 2.05% | 6.83% | 3.60% |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-08-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-08-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-08-28).
Comparison to Sector (Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail)
Costco Wholesale Corp., net profit margin, long-term trends, comparison to sector (consumer staples distribution & retail)
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail | |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 30, 2026 | 3.10% | — |
| Aug 31, 2025 | 3.00% | 3.01% |
| Sep 1, 2024 | 2.95% | 2.70% |
| Sep 3, 2023 | 2.65% | 2.18% |
| Aug 28, 2022 | 2.62% | 2.95% |
| Aug 29, 2021 | 2.61% | 2.72% |
| Aug 30, 2020 | 2.45% | 2.91% |
| Sep 1, 2019 | 2.45% | 1.80% |
| Sep 2, 2018 | 2.26% | 2.26% |
| Sep 3, 2017 | 2.12% | 2.82% |
| Aug 28, 2016 | 2.02% | 3.05% |
| Aug 30, 2015 | 2.09% | 2.56% |
| Aug 31, 2014 | 1.87% | 3.06% |
| Sep 1, 2013 | 1.98% | 3.43% |
| Sep 2, 2012 | 1.76% | 3.33% |
| Aug 28, 2011 | 1.68% | 3.62% |
| Aug 29, 2010 | 1.71% | 3.32% |
| Aug 30, 2009 | 1.55% | 3.12% |
| Aug 31, 2008 | 1.81% | 3.31% |
| Sep 2, 2007 | 1.72% | 3.24% |
| Sep 3, 2006 | 1.87% | 3.48% |
| Aug 28, 2005 | 2.05% | 3.78% |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-08-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-08-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-08-28).
Comparison to Industry (Consumer Staples)
Costco Wholesale Corp., net profit margin, long-term trends, comparison to industry (consumer staples)
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | Consumer Staples | |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 30, 2026 | 3.10% | — |
| Aug 31, 2025 | 3.00% | 6.10% |
| Sep 1, 2024 | 2.95% | 5.69% |
| Sep 3, 2023 | 2.65% | 5.47% |
| Aug 28, 2022 | 2.62% | 6.11% |
| Aug 29, 2021 | 2.61% | 6.21% |
| Aug 30, 2020 | 2.45% | 6.22% |
| Sep 1, 2019 | 2.45% | 4.62% |
| Sep 2, 2018 | 2.26% | 6.05% |
| Sep 3, 2017 | 2.12% | 5.52% |
| Aug 28, 2016 | 2.02% | 5.88% |
| Aug 30, 2015 | 2.09% | 5.62% |
| Aug 31, 2014 | 1.87% | 6.00% |
| Sep 1, 2013 | 1.98% | 6.75% |
| Sep 2, 2012 | 1.76% | 6.65% |
| Aug 28, 2011 | 1.68% | 6.99% |
| Aug 29, 2010 | 1.71% | 7.59% |
| Aug 30, 2009 | 1.55% | 6.93% |
| Aug 31, 2008 | 1.81% | 6.75% |
| Sep 2, 2007 | 1.72% | 6.11% |
| Sep 3, 2006 | 1.87% | 6.35% |
| Aug 28, 2005 | 2.05% | 6.29% |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-08-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-09-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-08-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-08-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-09-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-09-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-08-28).