Costco sees sales increase for fourth quarter; no rise in membership fees

Costco Wholesale Corp. continues to be a strong choice for shoppers grappling with high food prices, reporting fourth-quarter earnings of $1.87 billion that were helped by strong demand for its fresh food, candies and fuel offerings, Costco said on its fourth quarter earnings call on Thursday.

Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 15.2% to $70.76 billion. In comparison, net sales for the fourth-quarter 2021 was $61.44 billion. Net sales for the fiscal year increased 16% to $222.73. billion, from $192.05 billion last year, Costco reported. Comp sales were up 15.8% in the United States and 13.7% globally for the fourth quarter, Costco reported. The Issaquah, Wash.-based wholesaler said total inventory at the end of the fourth quarter, which ended Aug. 28, was up 26% year-over-year.

For the quarter, gross margin on a reported basis came in at 10.18% —down 74 basis points from last year's reported gross margin of 10.92%, Costco reported.

Profits from its membership fees remain high as the Unites States and Canada renewal rate for the fourth quarter came in at 92.6% , which is 0.3% higher than last quarter Costco. When it comes to membership fee increases, Costco said there will be no increases at this time.

“In terms of membership fees and a possible increase, there are no specific plans regarding a fee increase at this time,” CFO Richard Galanti said on the earnings call. "We're pleased with our growth in both top line sales and membership households over the last several quarters and in member loyalty as reflected in increasing member renewal rates.”

Warehouse expansion for the fourth quarter included five warehouses in the United States, Costco reported. Regarding inflation, Costco reported seeing minor improvements in certain areas.

“We've seen minor improvement in a few areas, Galanti said on the earnings call. “But all in, pressures from higher commodity prices, higher wages and higher transportation costs and supply chain disruptions, they're still present, but we are seeing just a little light at the end of the tunnel.”