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Costco’s $7.5 Billion Expansion Push: Can 33 New Warehouses Fuel Growth?

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported solid fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results, supported by continued sales growth, membership expansion, and international development. The company opened 12 warehouses during the quarter, bringing its global total to 939, and plans to accelerate openings to 33 locations in fiscal 2027 across the U.S., Europe, Canada, Mexico, Asia, and Australia. Net sales increased 11.2% year-over-year to $93.87 billion, while comparable sales rose 9.4%. Excluding gasoline price inflation and foreign exchange effects, comparable sales increased 6.7%. Digitally enabled sales grew nearly 20%, supported by broader delivery partnerships including Uber Eats and DoorDash. Paid memberships increased 3.8% to 84.1 million, while executive memberships rose 9.4% to a record 42.3 million. Renewal rates improved modestly, indicating stable member retention. Ancillary businesses continued to outperform overall growth. Pharmacy sales increased nearly 20%, benefiting from digital prescription services, while gasoline recorded record sales volumes as members sought value amid higher fuel prices.