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 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: 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 data of Costco Wholesale Corp. over a period spanning from 2005 to 2025 reflects consistent growth in key financial metrics, including net income, net sales, and net profit margin. The analysis of these trends provides insights into the company’s performance trajectory and profitability dynamics.
- Net Income
-
Net income demonstrated a steady upward trend throughout the period, beginning at approximately US$1.06 billion in 2005 and reaching over US$8.1 billion by 2025. This consistent increase indicates successful expansion and enhanced profitability over the two decades. Notably, there are no periods of significant decline, suggesting resilience in earnings despite various market conditions.
- Net Sales
-
Net sales also exhibited continuous growth, rising from about US$51.8 billion in 2005 to close to US$270 billion in 2025. The growth in sales volume is steady, with sales increasing almost every year, reflecting the company’s strong market presence and effective sales strategies. The increase in sales aligns with the rise in net income, indicating effective conversion of revenue into profit.
- Net Profit Margin
-
The net profit margin showed a generally positive trend over the period evaluated. Starting at 2.05% in 2005, the margin experienced some fluctuations in early years, dipping as low as 1.55% in 2009 before gradually increasing thereafter. From about 2010 onwards, the margin steadily improved, reaching approximately 3.0% by 2025. This improvement suggests enhanced operational efficiency and/or pricing power, contributing to increased profitability relative to sales.
Overall, the company's financial data indicate strong and consistent growth in revenue and profitability. The upward trend in net profit margin further highlights improved financial health, potentially due to efficiencies gained or cost management strategies. These findings reflect positively on the company's sustained ability to expand its business while enhancing profitability.
Comparison to Competitors
Costco Wholesale Corp., net profit margin, long-term trends, comparison to competitors
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | Target Corp. | Walmart Inc. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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: 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 31, 2025 | 3.00% | — |
| 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: 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 31, 2025 | 3.00% | — |
| 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: 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).