Return on Equity (ROE)
since 2005
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Costco Wholesale Corp. pages available for free this week:
- Cash Flow Statement
- Analysis of Solvency Ratios
- DuPont Analysis: Disaggregation of ROE, ROA, and Net Profit Margin
- Price to FCFE (P/FCFE)
- Net Profit Margin since 2005
- Operating Profit Margin since 2005
- Return on Assets (ROA) since 2005
- Debt to Equity since 2005
- Price to Operating Profit (P/OP) since 2005
- Analysis of Debt
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Calculation
Costco Wholesale Corp., ROE, long-term trends, calculation
| ROE | = | 100 | × | Net income attributable to Costco1 | ÷ | Total Costco stockholders’ equity1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2025 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Sep 1, 2024 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Sep 3, 2023 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Aug 28, 2022 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Aug 29, 2021 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Aug 30, 2020 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Sep 1, 2019 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Sep 2, 2018 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Sep 3, 2017 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Aug 28, 2016 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Aug 30, 2015 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Aug 31, 2014 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Sep 1, 2013 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Sep 2, 2012 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Aug 28, 2011 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Aug 29, 2010 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Aug 30, 2009 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Aug 31, 2008 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Sep 2, 2007 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Sep 3, 2006 | = | 100 | × | ÷ | |||
| Aug 28, 2005 | = | 100 | × | ÷ |
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
- Net Income Attributable to Costco
- The net income shows a consistent upward trend from 2005 to 2025. Starting at $1,063 million in 2005, it steadily increases over the years with minor fluctuations, reaching $8,099 million in 2025. Notable growth periods include the years from 2017 to 2021, where net income rose from $2,679 million to $5,007 million, nearly doubling within four years. This demonstrates strong and sustained profitability improvement over two decades.
- Total Costco Stockholders’ Equity
- The stockholders’ equity generally trends upwards over the period, beginning at $8,881 million in 2005 and growing to $29,164 million in 2025. Some volatility is observed, particularly in the intervals around 2013 to 2016 where equity values experienced declines and recoveries (e.g., declining from $12,361 million in 2012 to $10,833 million in 2013 and again fluctuating near $10,617 million in 2015). After 2016, equity shows a stronger recovery trend with significant growth through to 2025, despite minor dips in certain years such as 2021 and 2024. Overall, the expansion of equity capital aligns with increased net income, suggesting reinvestment and retained earnings contributing to capital base growth.
- Return on Equity (ROE)
- Return on equity values indicate strong and improving efficiency in generating profits from shareholders’ equity. ROE starts at 11.97% in 2005 and generally increases over time, with some short-term fluctuations. Peak values occur between 2017 and 2025, with ROE consistently exceeding 20%, peaking at 31.19% in 2024. This upward trend in ROE amidst rising net income and expanding equity suggests enhanced management effectiveness in utilizing invested capital to generate earnings growth.
- Overall Analysis
- The financial data reveals a company exhibiting robust growth in profitability, equity, and efficiency over a 20-year span. The sustained increase in net income and equity reflects solid operational performance and successful capitalization strategies. Increasing ROE figures further emphasize improved returns for shareholders. Occasional periods of equity decline do not detract from the long-term positive financial trajectory, indicating effective recovery and adaptation to market conditions. The financial ratios and values suggest a healthy and expanding business with strong capacity to generate shareholder value.
Comparison to Competitors
Costco Wholesale Corp., ROE, long-term trends, comparison to competitors
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | Target Corp. | Walmart Inc. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2025 | |||
| Sep 1, 2024 | |||
| Sep 3, 2023 | |||
| Aug 28, 2022 | |||
| Aug 29, 2021 | |||
| Aug 30, 2020 | |||
| Sep 1, 2019 | |||
| Sep 2, 2018 | |||
| Sep 3, 2017 | |||
| Aug 28, 2016 | |||
| Aug 30, 2015 | |||
| Aug 31, 2014 | |||
| Sep 1, 2013 | |||
| Sep 2, 2012 | |||
| Aug 28, 2011 | |||
| Aug 29, 2010 | |||
| Aug 30, 2009 | |||
| Aug 31, 2008 | |||
| Sep 2, 2007 | |||
| Sep 3, 2006 | |||
| Aug 28, 2005 |
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., ROE, long-term trends, comparison to sector (consumer staples distribution & retail)
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail | |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2025 | ||
| Sep 1, 2024 | ||
| Sep 3, 2023 | ||
| Aug 28, 2022 | ||
| Aug 29, 2021 | ||
| Aug 30, 2020 | ||
| Sep 1, 2019 | ||
| Sep 2, 2018 | ||
| Sep 3, 2017 | ||
| Aug 28, 2016 | ||
| Aug 30, 2015 | ||
| Aug 31, 2014 | ||
| Sep 1, 2013 | ||
| Sep 2, 2012 | ||
| Aug 28, 2011 | ||
| Aug 29, 2010 | ||
| Aug 30, 2009 | ||
| Aug 31, 2008 | ||
| Sep 2, 2007 | ||
| Sep 3, 2006 | ||
| Aug 28, 2005 |
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., ROE, long-term trends, comparison to industry (consumer staples)
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | Consumer Staples | |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2025 | ||
| Sep 1, 2024 | ||
| Sep 3, 2023 | ||
| Aug 28, 2022 | ||
| Aug 29, 2021 | ||
| Aug 30, 2020 | ||
| Sep 1, 2019 | ||
| Sep 2, 2018 | ||
| Sep 3, 2017 | ||
| Aug 28, 2016 | ||
| Aug 30, 2015 | ||
| Aug 31, 2014 | ||
| Sep 1, 2013 | ||
| Sep 2, 2012 | ||
| Aug 28, 2011 | ||
| Aug 29, 2010 | ||
| Aug 30, 2009 | ||
| Aug 31, 2008 | ||
| Sep 2, 2007 | ||
| Sep 3, 2006 | ||
| Aug 28, 2005 |
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).