Analysis of Profitability Ratios
Profitability ratios measure the company ability to generate profitable sales from its resources (assets).
Profitability Ratios (Summary)
Costco Wholesale Corp., profitability ratios
Based on: 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).
The analysis of the financial performance over the six-year period reveals several noteworthy trends across profitability and return metrics.
- Gross Profit Margin
- This margin remained relatively stable, fluctuating slightly around the 11% range. It peaked at 11.2% in 2020 before experiencing a gradual decline to a low of 10.48% in 2022, followed by a modest recovery to 10.92% in 2024. The overall trend suggests maintained pricing power or cost control, albeit with some pressures in the middle years.
- Operating Profit Margin
- The operating margin showed a consistent upward trajectory from 3.17% in 2019 to a peak of 3.72% in 2024. Despite minor fluctuations, the general increase indicates improved operational efficiency or effective management of operating costs over time.
- Net Profit Margin
- Net margin demonstrated a steady, incremental improvement, rising from 2.45% in 2019 to 2.95% by 2024. This positive trend reflects enhanced profitability at the bottom line, which could stem from improved cost structures, higher sales efficiency, or tax factors.
- Return on Equity (ROE)
- ROE experienced some volatility, starting at 24% in 2019, dipping to around 21.89% in 2020, and then climbing sharply to a high of 31.19% in 2024. This indicates fluctuating but overall increasing effectiveness in generating returns for shareholders, possibly influenced by varying net income levels or changes in equity base.
- Return on Assets (ROA)
- ROA saw a clear and steady increase throughout the period, rising from 8.06% in 2019 to 10.55% in 2024. This continuous improvement implies better utilization of assets to generate profits, highlighting operational enhancements and asset management efficiency.
In summary, the data reflects strengthening profitability and efficiency over the period, with margins holding steady or improving slightly and returns on equity and assets showing marked growth. These trends suggest successful strategic and operational initiatives leading to enhanced financial performance.
Return on Sales
Return on Investment
Gross Profit Margin
Costco Wholesale Corp., gross profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Sep 1, 2024 | Sep 3, 2023 | Aug 28, 2022 | Aug 29, 2021 | Aug 30, 2020 | Sep 1, 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||
| Gross margin | 27,267) | 25,124) | 23,348) | 21,368) | 18,281) | 16,465) | |
| Net sales | 249,625) | 237,710) | 222,730) | 192,052) | 163,220) | 149,351) | |
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||
| Gross profit margin1 | 10.92% | 10.57% | 10.48% | 11.13% | 11.20% | 11.02% | |
| Benchmarks | |||||||
| Gross Profit Margin, Competitors2 | |||||||
| Target Corp. | 27.54% | 24.57% | 29.28% | 29.27% | 29.76% | — | |
| Walmart Inc. | 23.73% | 23.46% | 24.44% | 24.30% | 24.10% | — | |
Based on: 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).
1 2024 Calculation
Gross profit margin = 100 × Gross margin ÷ Net sales
= 100 × 27,267 ÷ 249,625 = 10.92%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial data indicates an overall positive trend in the company’s revenue and profitability metrics over the six-year period. The analysis of net sales and gross margin reveals consistent growth, while the gross profit margin percentage demonstrates relative stability with minor fluctuations.
- Net Sales
- There is a steady increase in net sales from approximately US$149.4 billion in 2019 to US$249.6 billion in 2024. This represents significant expansion over the six years, indicating successful revenue generation and potential market growth.
- Gross Margin
- The gross margin follows a similar upward trajectory, rising from about US$16.5 billion in 2019 to US$27.3 billion in 2024. This increase aligns with the growth in net sales, suggesting that costs related to goods sold have been managed in a way that supports profitability expansion.
- Gross Profit Margin Percentage
- The gross profit margin percentage remains relatively stable, fluctuating slightly between 10.48% and 11.2%. The highest recorded margin was 11.2% in 2020, followed by a moderate decline and then a gradual increase reaching 10.92% in 2024. This indicates that while the company has managed to grow its sales and gross profit, the proportion of profit relative to sales has been relatively consistent over the period.
In summary, the company demonstrates strong revenue and gross profit growth with a broadly stable gross profit margin ratio. This suggests effective cost control in the context of increasing sales volume, supporting sustainable profitability improvements.
Operating Profit Margin
Costco Wholesale Corp., operating profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Sep 1, 2024 | Sep 3, 2023 | Aug 28, 2022 | Aug 29, 2021 | Aug 30, 2020 | Sep 1, 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||
| Operating income | 9,285) | 8,114) | 7,793) | 6,708) | 5,435) | 4,737) | |
| Net sales | 249,625) | 237,710) | 222,730) | 192,052) | 163,220) | 149,351) | |
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||
| Operating profit margin1 | 3.72% | 3.41% | 3.50% | 3.49% | 3.33% | 3.17% | |
| Benchmarks | |||||||
| Operating Profit Margin, Competitors2 | |||||||
| Target Corp. | 5.31% | 3.53% | 8.44% | 6.99% | 5.96% | — | |
| Walmart Inc. | 4.20% | 3.37% | 4.57% | 4.06% | 3.96% | — | |
| Operating Profit Margin, Sector | |||||||
| Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail | 4.20% | 3.40% | 4.76% | 4.26% | 4.03% | — | |
| Operating Profit Margin, Industry | |||||||
| Consumer Staples | 7.96% | 7.31% | 8.44% | 8.48% | 8.17% | — | |
Based on: 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).
1 2024 Calculation
Operating profit margin = 100 × Operating income ÷ Net sales
= 100 × 9,285 ÷ 249,625 = 3.72%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Net Sales
- The net sales demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory over the six-year span. Starting at approximately 149.35 billion USD in 2019, sales increased each year, reaching 249.63 billion USD by 2024. This reflects a steady growth rate, indicating expanding revenue generation capabilities.
- Operating Income
- Operating income mirrored the positive trend seen in net sales, rising from 4.74 billion USD in 2019 to 9.29 billion USD in 2024. This near doubling of operating income indicates effective operational management and improved profitability over the years.
- Operating Profit Margin
- The operating profit margin showed minor fluctuations but maintained an overall upward trend. Beginning at 3.17% in 2019, it experienced incremental increases, peaking at 3.72% in 2024. Despite a slight decline in 2023 to 3.41%, the margin's recovery suggests enhanced efficiency and cost management capabilities.
- Overall Observations
- The data reveals strong financial growth characterized by rising revenues and improved profitability margins. The consistent increase in net sales coupled with expanding operating income indicates successful expansion and operational leverage. The slight variation in profit margin in 2023 warrants attention but does not offset the general positive trend in efficiency.
Net Profit Margin
Costco Wholesale Corp., net profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Sep 1, 2024 | Sep 3, 2023 | Aug 28, 2022 | Aug 29, 2021 | Aug 30, 2020 | Sep 1, 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||
| Net income attributable to Costco | 7,367) | 6,292) | 5,844) | 5,007) | 4,002) | 3,659) | |
| Net sales | 249,625) | 237,710) | 222,730) | 192,052) | 163,220) | 149,351) | |
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||
| Net profit margin1 | 2.95% | 2.65% | 2.62% | 2.61% | 2.45% | 2.45% | |
| Benchmarks | |||||||
| Net Profit Margin, Competitors2 | |||||||
| Target Corp. | 3.85% | 2.55% | 6.55% | 4.67% | 4.20% | — | |
| Walmart Inc. | 2.41% | 1.93% | 2.41% | 2.43% | 2.86% | — | |
| Net Profit Margin, Sector | |||||||
| Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail | 2.70% | 2.18% | 2.95% | 2.72% | 2.91% | — | |
| Net Profit Margin, Industry | |||||||
| Consumer Staples | 5.69% | 5.47% | 6.11% | 6.21% | 6.22% | — | |
Based on: 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).
1 2024 Calculation
Net profit margin = 100 × Net income attributable to Costco ÷ Net sales
= 100 × 7,367 ÷ 249,625 = 2.95%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Net Income Attributable to Costco
- The net income shows a consistent upward trend over the six-year period, increasing from $3,659 million in 2019 to $7,367 million in 2024. This indicates sustained profitability growth, with the largest annual increase observed between 2023 and 2024.
- Net Sales
- Net sales have steadily increased each year, rising from $149,351 million in 2019 to $249,625 million in 2024. The growth in sales reflects an expanding revenue base, with significant increments particularly noticeable between 2020 and 2024, implying effective sales expansion or increased market demand.
- Net Profit Margin
- The net profit margin has remained relatively stable but exhibits a gradual upward trend, moving from 2.45% in 2019 and 2020 to 2.95% in 2024. This improvement suggests enhanced efficiency or cost management, contributing to higher profitability relative to sales over time.
- Overall Analysis
- The simultaneous increase in net income, net sales, and net profit margin suggests a positive financial trajectory characterized by revenue growth alongside improved profitability. The data implies that the company has effectively managed operational costs and leveraged sales expansion to generate higher earnings, reinforcing its financial health and performance consistency across the reported years.
Return on Equity (ROE)
Costco Wholesale Corp., ROE calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Sep 1, 2024 | Sep 3, 2023 | Aug 28, 2022 | Aug 29, 2021 | Aug 30, 2020 | Sep 1, 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||
| Net income attributable to Costco | 7,367) | 6,292) | 5,844) | 5,007) | 4,002) | 3,659) | |
| Total Costco stockholders’ equity | 23,622) | 25,058) | 20,642) | 17,564) | 18,284) | 15,243) | |
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||
| ROE1 | 31.19% | 25.11% | 28.31% | 28.51% | 21.89% | 24.00% | |
| Benchmarks | |||||||
| ROE, Competitors2 | |||||||
| Target Corp. | 30.81% | 24.75% | 54.15% | 30.25% | 27.73% | — | |
| Walmart Inc. | 18.50% | 15.23% | 16.42% | 16.69% | 19.93% | — | |
| ROE, Sector | |||||||
| Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail | 22.34% | 18.37% | 22.67% | 20.26% | 21.15% | — | |
| ROE, Industry | |||||||
| Consumer Staples | 32.18% | 30.71% | 32.10% | 31.40% | 30.98% | — | |
Based on: 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).
1 2024 Calculation
ROE = 100 × Net income attributable to Costco ÷ Total Costco stockholders’ equity
= 100 × 7,367 ÷ 23,622 = 31.19%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial data reveals several noteworthy trends regarding profitability, equity, and return on equity over the six-year period.
- Net Income Attributable to Costco
- The net income exhibits a consistent upward trajectory throughout the observed years. Starting at $3,659 million in 2019, there is a steady increase each year, culminating in $7,367 million by 2024. This represents more than a doubling of net income over the span, indicative of strong earnings growth and effective operational performance.
- Total Costco Stockholders’ Equity
- Stockholders’ equity generally trends upward from $15,243 million in 2019 to a peak of $25,058 million in 2023. However, a slight decline occurs in 2024, falling to $23,622 million. Despite this marginal decrease in the final year, the overall trajectory suggests sound capitalization and accumulation of equity value over the period.
- Return on Equity (ROE)
- ROE shows some variability but remains relatively high throughout the data range. Starting at 24% in 2019, it dips slightly in 2020 to approximately 21.89%, then rises to a peak of 28.51% in 2021. After a slight decrease in 2022 and 2023, ROE reaches its highest value of 31.19% in 2024. This upward movement in the final year signifies improved efficiency in generating profit from equity, reinforcing the strength in financial performance.
Overall, the data suggests consistent growth in profitability supported by increasing equity, with ROE levels indicating efficient use of shareholders’ funds. The combination of rising net income and strong ROE reflects positively on the company’s financial management and operational effectiveness over the reported years.
Return on Assets (ROA)
Costco Wholesale Corp., ROA calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Sep 1, 2024 | Sep 3, 2023 | Aug 28, 2022 | Aug 29, 2021 | Aug 30, 2020 | Sep 1, 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||
| Net income attributable to Costco | 7,367) | 6,292) | 5,844) | 5,007) | 4,002) | 3,659) | |
| Total assets | 69,831) | 68,994) | 64,166) | 59,268) | 55,556) | 45,400) | |
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||
| ROA1 | 10.55% | 9.12% | 9.11% | 8.45% | 7.20% | 8.06% | |
| Benchmarks | |||||||
| ROA, Competitors2 | |||||||
| Target Corp. | 7.48% | 5.21% | 12.91% | 8.52% | 7.67% | — | |
| Walmart Inc. | 6.15% | 4.80% | 5.58% | 5.35% | 6.29% | — | |
| ROA, Sector | |||||||
| Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail | 7.15% | 5.68% | 7.29% | 6.30% | 6.62% | — | |
| ROA, Industry | |||||||
| Consumer Staples | 8.89% | 8.28% | 8.95% | 8.75% | 8.24% | — | |
Based on: 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).
1 2024 Calculation
ROA = 100 × Net income attributable to Costco ÷ Total assets
= 100 × 7,367 ÷ 69,831 = 10.55%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Net Income Trend
- Net income attributable to the company has shown a consistent upward trend over the six-year period. Starting from $3,659 million in 2019, it rose steadily each year to reach $7,367 million in 2024. This represents more than a doubling of net income, indicating strong profitability growth.
- Total Assets Trend
- Total assets also increased during this period, growing from $45,400 million in 2019 to $69,831 million in 2024. Although the asset base expanded substantially, the rate of growth in assets is more moderate compared to net income growth.
- Return on Assets (ROA) Trend
- Return on assets experienced some fluctuation but generally trended upward. It decreased slightly from 8.06% in 2019 to 7.2% in 2020, then recovered and increased consistently to reach 10.55% by 2024. This suggests improving efficiency in asset utilization to generate net income over time.
- Overall Insights
- The data indicate a strong performance trajectory characterized by rising profitability alongside expanding asset size. The increasing ROA implies that the company is not only growing in scale but is also becoming more effective in leveraging its asset base for earnings. This trend reflects positively on operational efficiency and financial management.