Costco reports 2025 results, touts exclusive member hours and global expansion
Executive-hour program cited as contributing to a sales lift; company plans 35 new warehouses in fiscal 2026
Costco Wholesale on Thursday reported its fourth-quarter and fiscal-year 2025 results, highlighting exclusive morning hours for executive members and an additional Saturday evening hour for all U.S. members as part of a broader push to boost value and convenience. The company said the changes were designed to increase value and convenience for members and support ongoing membership growth and sales.
Fourth-quarter net sales rose 8% to $84.4 billion from $78.2 billion a year earlier. For the full year, net sales climbed 8.1% to $269.9 billion, compared with $249.6 billion last year. The retailer reported 81 million paid members, up 6.3% from the prior year. Renewal rates were 92.3% in the United States and Canada and 89.8% worldwide. CFO Gary Millerchip noted that the decline in renewal rates largely reflected more online sign-ups entering the renewal calculation and a December 2023 Groupon campaign affecting the calculation.
During the quarter Costco opened 10 new warehouses, including a relocation in Canada, its 24th warehouse in Korea, its second in Sweden and five in the United States. For the fiscal year, the retailer opened 27 new warehouses—24 net new locations—bringing its global footprint to 914 warehouses. The company plans to open another 35 warehouses in fiscal year 2026, including five relocations, as it continues to pursue opportunities in both domestic and international markets.
Milestones outside store openings included the 40th anniversary of Costco’s famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo and a transition from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola in its food court.
Costco said its merchandising and operations teams delivered solid results while investing in employees and improving value and convenience for members. The company also noted that it adjusted sourcing to mitigate tariff impacts and to provide items members need, while maintaining low prices.
Looking ahead, Costco reiterated its expansion outlook, planning to open about 35 warehouses in fiscal year 2026, including five relocations, as it pursues growth in existing markets and new regions.
