COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW - Quarter Report: 2020 November (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the quarterly period ended November 22, 2020
or
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
Commission file number 0-20355
Costco Wholesale Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Washington | 91-1223280 | |||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
999 Lake Drive, Issaquah, WA 98027
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code): (425) 313-8100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
| Common Stock, $.01 Par Value | COST | The NASDAQ Global Select Market | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | ||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | ||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock as of December 9, 2020 was 442,955,229.
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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
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| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 3. | ||||||||
| Item 4. | ||||||||
| PART II | ||||||||
| Item 1. | ||||||||
| Item 1A. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 3. | ||||||||
| Item 4. | ||||||||
| Item 5. | ||||||||
| Item 6. | ||||||||
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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1—Financial Statements
COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(amounts in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
| REVENUE | |||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 42,347 | $ | 36,236 | |||||||
| Membership fees | 861 | 804 | |||||||||
| Total revenue | 43,208 | 37,040 | |||||||||
| OPERATING EXPENSES | |||||||||||
| Merchandise costs | 37,458 | 32,233 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 4,298 | 3,732 | |||||||||
| Preopening expenses | 22 | 14 | |||||||||
| Operating income | 1,430 | 1,061 | |||||||||
| OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | (39) | (38) | |||||||||
| Interest income and other, net | 29 | 35 | |||||||||
| INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 1,420 | 1,058 | |||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 239 | 202 | |||||||||
Net income including noncontrolling interests | 1,181 | 856 | |||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (15) | (12) | |||||||||
| NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO | $ | 1,166 | $ | 844 | |||||||
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 2.63 | $ | 1.91 | |||||||
| Diluted | $ | 2.62 | $ | 1.90 | |||||||
| Shares used in calculation (000s): | |||||||||||
| Basic | 442,952 | 441,818 | |||||||||
| Diluted | 444,386 | 443,680 | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(amounts in millions) (unaudited)
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
NET INCOME INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS | $ | 1,181 | $ | 856 | |||||||
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net | 209 | 125 | |||||||||
| Comprehensive income | 1,390 | 981 | |||||||||
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 28 | 22 | |||||||||
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO | $ | 1,362 | $ | 959 | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(amounts in millions, except par value and share data) (unaudited)
| November 22, 2020 | August 30, 2020 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 13,590 | $ | 12,277 | |||||||
| Short-term investments | 833 | 1,028 | |||||||||
| Receivables, net | 1,646 | 1,550 | |||||||||
| Merchandise inventories | 14,901 | 12,242 | |||||||||
| Other current assets | 1,126 | 1,023 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 32,096 | 28,120 | |||||||||
| OTHER ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 22,288 | 21,807 | |||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 2,785 | 2,788 | |||||||||
| Other long-term assets | 3,048 | 2,841 | |||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 60,217 | $ | 55,556 | |||||||
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 17,014 | $ | 14,172 | |||||||
| Accrued salaries and benefits | 3,586 | 3,605 | |||||||||
| Accrued member rewards | 1,451 | 1,393 | |||||||||
| Deferred membership fees | 1,985 | 1,851 | |||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 96 | 95 | |||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 8,535 | 3,728 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 32,667 | 24,844 | |||||||||
| OTHER LIABILITIES | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, excluding current portion | 7,529 | 7,514 | |||||||||
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | 2,574 | 2,558 | |||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 2,138 | 1,935 | |||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 44,908 | 36,851 | |||||||||
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | |||||||||||
| EQUITY | |||||||||||
Preferred stock $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding | — | — | |||||||||
Common stock $0.01 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 442,955,000 and 441,255,000 shares issued and outstanding | 4 | 4 | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 6,725 | 6,698 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,101) | (1,297) | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 9,232 | 12,879 | |||||||||
| Total Costco stockholders’ equity | 14,860 | 18,284 | |||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | 449 | 421 | |||||||||
| TOTAL EQUITY | 15,309 | 18,705 | |||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $ | 60,217 | $ | 55,556 | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(amounts in millions) (unaudited)
| 12 Weeks Ended November 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Retained Earnings | Total Costco Stockholders’ Equity | Noncontrolling Interests | Total Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares (000s) | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE AT AUGUST 30, 2020 | 441,255 | $ | 4 | $ | 6,698 | $ | (1,297) | $ | 12,879 | $ | 18,284 | $ | 421 | $ | 18,705 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 1,166 | 1,166 | 15 | 1,181 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net | — | — | — | 196 | — | 196 | 13 | 209 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | 342 | — | — | 342 | — | 342 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects | 1,913 | — | (311) | — | — | (311) | — | (311) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | (213) | — | (4) | — | (73) | (77) | — | (77) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared | — | — | — | — | (4,740) | (4,740) | — | (4,740) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | 442,955 | $ | 4 | $ | 6,725 | $ | (1,101) | $ | 9,232 | $ | 14,860 | $ | 449 | $ | 15,309 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 Weeks Ended November 24, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Retained Earnings | Total Costco Stockholders’ Equity | Noncontrolling Interests | Total Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares (000s) | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 | 439,625 | $ | 4 | $ | 6,417 | $ | (1,436) | $ | 10,258 | $ | 15,243 | $ | 341 | $ | 15,584 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 844 | 844 | 12 | 856 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net | — | — | — | 115 | — | 115 | 10 | 125 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | 302 | — | — | 302 | — | 302 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Release of vested RSUs, including tax effects | 2,253 | — | (326) | — | — | (326) | — | (326) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | (100) | — | (2) | — | (28) | (30) | — | (30) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividend declared | — | — | — | — | (287) | (287) | — | (287) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 24, 2019 | 441,778 | $ | 4 | $ | 6,391 | $ | (1,321) | $ | 10,787 | $ | 15,861 | $ | 363 | $ | 16,224 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(amounts in millions) (unaudited)
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||
| Net income including noncontrolling interests | $ | 1,181 | $ | 856 | |||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 404 | 369 | |||||||||
| Non-cash lease expense | 63 | 39 | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 341 | 301 | |||||||||
| Other non-cash operating activities, net | (2) | 16 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (9) | 5 | |||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Merchandise inventories | (2,580) | (2,384) | |||||||||
| Accounts payable | 2,785 | 2,664 | |||||||||
| Other operating assets and liabilities, net | 464 | 236 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,647 | 2,102 | |||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||
| Purchases of short-term investments | (273) | (321) | |||||||||
| Maturities of short-term investments | 484 | 397 | |||||||||
| Additions to property and equipment | (893) | (715) | |||||||||
| Other investing activities, net | — | 9 | |||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (682) | (630) | |||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||
| Change in bank payments outstanding | 40 | 122 | |||||||||
| Tax withholdings on stock-based awards | (311) | (326) | |||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | (80) | (30) | |||||||||
| Cash dividend payments | (310) | (573) | |||||||||
| Other financing activities, net | (39) | (29) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (700) | (836) | |||||||||
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 48 | 7 | |||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 1,313 | 643 | |||||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR | 12,277 | 8,384 | |||||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD | $ | 13,590 | $ | 9,027 | |||||||
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | |||||||||||
| Cash paid during the first quarter for: | |||||||||||
Interest | $ | 64 | $ | 50 | |||||||
| Income taxes, net | $ | 123 | $ | 97 | |||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid | $ | 4,430 | $ | — | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in millions, except share, per share, and warehouse count data)
(unaudited)
Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco or the Company), a Washington corporation, and its subsidiaries operate membership warehouses based on the concept that offering members low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories will produce high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover. For the period ended November 22, 2020, Costco operated 803 warehouses worldwide: 558 in the United States (U.S.) located in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, 102 in Canada, 39 in Mexico, 29 in the United Kingdom (U.K.), 27 in Japan, 16 in Korea, 14 in Taiwan, 12 in Australia, three in Spain, and one each in Iceland, France and China. The Company operates e-commerce websites in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Costco, its wholly owned subsidiaries, and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest. The Company reports noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company’s equity. All material inter-company transactions between and among the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s net income excludes income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Taiwan. Unless otherwise noted, references to net income relate to net income attributable to Costco.
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q for interim financial reporting pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While these statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for fair presentation of the results of the interim period, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for complete financial statements. Therefore, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2020.
Fiscal Year End
The Company operates on a 52/53 week fiscal year basis, with the fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to August 31. Fiscal 2021 is a 52-week year ending on August 29, 2021. References to the first quarter of 2021 and 2020 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended November 22, 2020, and November 24, 2019, respectively.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions take into account historical and forward looking factors that the Company believes are reasonable, including but not limited to the potential impacts arising from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and related public and private sector policies and initiatives. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
8
Note 2—Acquisition of Innovel
On March 17, 2020, the Company acquired Innovel Solutions for $998 using existing cash and cash equivalents. Innovel (now known as Costco Wholesale Logistics or CWL) provides final-mile delivery, installation and white-glove capabilities for big and bulky products across the United States and Puerto Rico. Its financial results have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
As of November 22, 2020, the initial accounting for the acquisition was incomplete, pending determination of the final purchase price, working capital adjustments, the fair value of operating lease right-of-use assets, operating lease liabilities, and other assumed obligations. The net purchase price of $998 was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets of $283 and liabilities assumed of $219, based on their preliminary fair values on the acquisition date. The remaining unallocated net purchase price of $934 was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill represents the acquisition's benefits to the Company, which include the ability to serve more members and improve delivery times, enabling growth in certain segments of our U.S. e-commerce operations. The Company assigned this goodwill, which is deductible for tax purposes, to reporting units within the U.S. segment. There were no changes to goodwill during the first quarter of 2021. The changes to the purchase price allocation originally recorded in the third quarter of 2020 were not material. As additional information becomes available, the provisional fair value estimates will be refined.
Note 3—Investments
The Company's investments were as follows:
| November 22, 2020: | Cost Basis | Unrealized Gains, Net | Recorded Basis | ||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale: | |||||||||||||||||
| Government and agency securities | $ | 471 | $ | 10 | $ | 481 | |||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity: | |||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 352 | — | 352 | ||||||||||||||
| Total short-term investments | $ | 823 | $ | 10 | $ | 833 | |||||||||||
| August 30, 2020: | Cost Basis | Unrealized Gains, Net | Recorded Basis | ||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale: | |||||||||||||||||
| Government and agency securities | $ | 436 | $ | 12 | $ | 448 | |||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity: | |||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 580 | — | 580 | ||||||||||||||
| Total short-term investments | $ | 1,016 | $ | 12 | $ | 1,028 | |||||||||||
Gross unrecognized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were not material for the periods ended November 22, 2020, and August 30, 2020. At those dates, there were no available-for-sale securities in a continuous unrealized-loss position. There were no sales of available-for-sale securities during the first quarter of 2021 or 2020.
9
The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at November 22, 2020, are as follows:
| Available-For-Sale | Held-To-Maturity | ||||||||||||||||
| Cost Basis | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||
| Due in one year or less | $ | 199 | $ | 199 | $ | 352 | |||||||||||
| Due after one year through five years | 272 | 282 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 471 | $ | 481 | $ | 352 | |||||||||||
Note 4—Fair Value Measurement
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The table below presents information regarding financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the level within the fair value hierarchy reflecting the valuation techniques utilized.
| Level 2 | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | August 30, 2020 | ||||||||||
Investment in government and agency securities(1) | $ | 481 | $ | 508 | |||||||
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in asset position(2) | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in (liability) position(2) | (20) | (21) | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 462 | $ | 488 | |||||||
_______________
(1)At November 22, 2020, $481 short-term investments are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. At August 30, 2020, $60 cash and cash equivalents and $448 short-term investments are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(2)The asset and liability values are included in other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
At November 22, 2020, and August 30, 2020, the Company did not hold any Level 1 or 3 financial assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no transfers between levels during the first quarter of 2021 or 2020.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Assets and liabilities recognized and disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as financial assets measured at amortized cost and long-lived nonfinancial assets. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired. There were no fair value adjustments to these items during the first quarter of 2021 or 2020.
10
Note 5—Debt
The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following:
| November 22, 2020 | August 30, 2020 | ||||||||||
| 2.300% Senior Notes due May 2022 | $ | 800 | $ | 800 | |||||||
| 2.750% Senior Notes due May 2024 | 1,000 | 1,000 | |||||||||
| 3.000% Senior Notes due May 2027 | 1,000 | 1,000 | |||||||||
| 1.375% Senior Notes due June 2027 | 1,250 | 1,250 | |||||||||
| 1.600% Senior Notes due April 2030 | 1,750 | 1,750 | |||||||||
| 1.750% Senior Notes due April 2032 | 1,000 | 1,000 | |||||||||
| Other long-term debt | 872 | 857 | |||||||||
Total long-term debt | 7,672 | 7,657 | |||||||||
Less unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs | 47 | 48 | |||||||||
Less current portion(1) | 96 | 95 | |||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current portion | $ | 7,529 | $ | 7,514 | |||||||
_______________
(1)Net of unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs.
The fair value of Senior Notes is estimated using Level 2 inputs. Other long-term debt consists of Guaranteed Senior Notes issued by the Company's Japan subsidiary, valued using Level 3 inputs. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including the current portion, was approximately $8,024 and $7,987 at November 22, 2020, and August 30, 2020, respectively.
Note 6—Equity
Dividends
The Company’s current quarterly dividend is $0.70 per share, compared to $0.65 in the first quarter of 2020. On October 14, 2020, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.70 per share, which was paid on November 13, 2020. On November 16, 2020, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $10.00 per share, which was paid on December 11, 2020. The special dividend was approximately $4,430 and was included in other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at November 22, 2020.
Stock Repurchase Programs
Stock repurchase activity during the first quarter of 2021 and 2020 is summarized below:
| Shares Repurchased (000s) | Average Price per Share | Total Cost | |||||||||||||||
| First quarter of 2021 | 213 | $ | 359.45 | $ | 77 | ||||||||||||
| First quarter of 2020 | 100 | $ | 295.97 | $ | 30 | ||||||||||||
These amounts may differ from the stock repurchase balances in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows due to changes in unsettled stock repurchases at the end of a quarter. The remaining amount available for stock repurchases under the approved plan was $3,668 at November 22, 2020. Purchases are made from time to time, as conditions warrant, in the open market or in block purchases and pursuant to plans under SEC Rule 10b5-1.
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Note 7—Stock-Based Compensation
The 2019 Incentive Plan authorized the issuance of 17,500,000 shares (10,000,000 RSUs) of common stock for future grants, plus the remaining shares that were available for grant and the future forfeited shares from grants under the previous plan, up to a maximum aggregate of 27,800,000 shares (15,885,000 RSUs). The Company issues new shares of common stock upon vesting of RSUs. Shares for vested RSUs are generally delivered to participants annually, net of shares withheld for taxes.
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity
At November 22, 2020, 11,663,000 shares were available to be granted as RSUs, and the following awards were outstanding:
•4,262,000 time-based RSUs, which vest upon continued employment over specified periods;
•27,000 performance-based RSUs, granted to executive officers of the Company, for which the performance targets have been met. The awards vest upon continued employment over specified periods of time; and
•102,000 performance-based RSUs, granted to executive officers of the Company, subject to achievement of performance targets for fiscal 2021, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors after the end of the fiscal year. These awards are not included in the table below or in the amount of unrecognized compensation cost.
The following table summarizes RSU transactions during the first quarter of 2021:
| Number of Units (in 000s) | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||||||||||
| Outstanding at August 30, 2020 | 5,174 | $ | 207.55 | ||||||||
| Granted | 1,880 | 368.97 | |||||||||
| Vested and delivered | (2,744) | 235.77 | |||||||||
| Forfeited | (21) | 252.77 | |||||||||
| Outstanding at November 22, 2020 | 4,289 | $ | 260.03 | ||||||||
The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSUs at November 22, 2020, was $1,045, and the weighted-average period over which this cost will be recognized is 1.8 years.
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation
The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefits:
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | $ | 341 | $ | 301 | |||||||
Less recognized income tax benefit | 75 | 66 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense, net | $ | 266 | $ | 235 | |||||||
Note 8—Taxes
The Company's reported effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2021 was 26.3%, excluding the impact of discrete net tax benefits. The provision for income taxes was favorably impacted by discrete tax items, including $75 related to the excess tax benefit on stock compensation and $70 related to the special cash dividend payable to employees, who through the Costco 401(k) plan owned approximately 27,000,000 shares of Costco common stock through an employee stock ownership plan. Dividends on these shares are deductible for U.S. income tax purposes.
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Other Taxes
The Company is subject to multiple examinations for value added, sales-based, payroll, product, import or other non-income taxes in various jurisdictions. In certain cases, the Company has received assessments from the authorities. The possible losses or range of possible losses associated with these matters are either immaterial or an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss cannot be made at this time. If certain matters or a group of matters were to be decided adversely to the Company, it could result in a charge that might be material to the results of an individual fiscal quarter or year.
Note 9—Net Income per Common and Common Equivalent Share
The following table shows the amounts used in computing net income per share and the weighted average number of shares of basic and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding (shares in 000s):
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to Costco | $ | 1,166 | $ | 844 | |||||||
Weighted average basic shares | 442,952 | 441,818 | |||||||||
| RSUs | 1,434 | 1,862 | |||||||||
Weighted average diluted shares | 444,386 | 443,680 | |||||||||
Anti-dilutive RSUs | 432 | — | |||||||||
Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in a number of claims, proceedings and litigation arising from its business and property ownership. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes an accrual for legal proceedings if and when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. There may be exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company monitors those matters for developments that would affect the likelihood of a loss (taking into account where applicable indemnification arrangements concerning suppliers and insurers) and the accrued amount, if any, thereof, and adjusts the amount as appropriate. As of the date of this Report, the Company has recorded immaterial accruals with respect to certain matters described below, in addition to other immaterial accruals for matters not described below. If the loss contingency at issue is not both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company does not establish an accrual, but will continue to monitor the matter for developments that will make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. In each case, there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred, including a loss in excess of the applicable accrual. For matters where no accrual has been recorded, the possible loss or range of loss (including any loss in excess of the accrual) cannot, in the Company's view, be reasonably estimated because, among other things: (i) the remedies or penalties sought are indeterminate or unspecified; (ii) the legal and/or factual theories are not well developed; and/or (iii) the matters involve complex or novel legal theories or a large number of parties.
The Company is a defendant in an action under the California Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) alleging violation of California Wage Order 7-2001 for failing to provide seating to member service assistants who act as greeters in the Company’s California warehouses. Canela v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al. (Case No. 5:13-CV-03598; N.D. Cal.; filed July 1, 2013). The complaint seeks relief under the California Labor Code, including civil penalties and attorneys’ fees. The Company filed an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint. The action has been remanded to state court.
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In January 2019, an employee brought similar claims for relief concerning Costco employees engaged at member services counters in California. Rodriguez v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. RG19001310; Alameda Superior Court). The Company filed an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint. In December 2018, a depot employee raised similar claims, alleging that depot employees in California did not receive suitable seating or appropriate workplace temperature conditions. Lane v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Dec. 6, 2018 Notice to California Labor and Workforce Development Agency). The Company filed an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint. In October 2019, the parties reached an agreement to settle the seating claims on a representative basis, which received court approval in February 2020.
In January 2019, a former seasonal employee filed a class action, alleging failure to provide California seasonal employees meal and rest breaks, proper wage statements, and appropriate wages. Jadan v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 19-CV-340438; Santa Clara Superior Court). The complaint seeks relief under the California Labor Code, including civil penalties and attorneys’ fees. In October 2019, the parties reached an agreement on a class settlement, which received preliminary court approval in July 2020.
In March 2019, employees filed a class action against the Company alleging claims under California law for failure to pay overtime, to provide meal and rest periods and itemized wage statements, to timely pay wages due to terminating employees, to pay minimum wages, and for unfair business practices. Relief is sought under the California Labor Code, including civil penalties and attorneys' fees. Nevarez v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 2:19-cv-03454; C.D. Cal.). The Company filed an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint. In December 2019, the court issued an order denying class certification. In January 2020, the plaintiffs dismissed their Labor Code claims without prejudice, and the court remanded the action to state court. The remand is being appealed.
In May 2019, an employee filed a class action against the Company alleging claims under California law for failure to pay overtime, to provide itemized wage statements, to timely pay wages due to terminating employees, to pay minimum wages, and for unfair business practices. Rough v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 2:19-cv-01340; E.D. Cal.). Relief is sought under the California Labor Code, including civil penalties and attorneys' fees. The Company has moved to dismiss or strike portions of the complaint. In August 2019, Rough filed a companion case in state court seeking penalties under PAGA. Rough v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. FCS053454; Sonoma County Superior Court). Relief is sought under the California Labor Code, including civil penalties and attorneys' fees. The state court action has been stayed pending resolution of the federal action.
In June 2019, an employee filed a class action against the Company alleging claims under California law for failure to pay overtime, to provide meal and rest periods, itemized wage statements, to timely pay wages due to terminating employees, to pay minimum wages, and for unfair business practices. Martinez v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 3:19-cv-05624; N.D. Cal.). The Company filed an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint.
In April 2020, an employee, alleging underpayment of sick pay, filed a class and representative action against the Company, alleging claims under California law for failure to pay all wages at termination and for Labor Code penalties under PAGA. Kristy v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 20CV366341; Santa Clara County Superior Court). A motion to dismiss was filed as to the plaintiff's amended complaint, and the case has been stayed due to the plaintiff's bankruptcy.
In July 2020, an employee filed an action under PAGA on behalf of all California non-exempt employees alleging violations of California Labor Code provisions regarding meal and rest periods, minimum wage, overtime, wage statements, reimbursement of expenses, and payment of wages at termination. Schwab v. Costco Wholesale Corporation (Case No. 37-2020-00023551-CU-OE-CTL; San Diego County Superior Court). In August 2020, the Company filed a motion to strike portions of the complaint.
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In December 2017, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated numerous cases concerning the impacts of opioid abuses filed against various defendants by counties, cities, hospitals, Native American tribes, third-party payors, and others. In re National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL No. 2804) (N.D. Ohio). Included are federal cases that name the Company, including actions filed by counties and cities in Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia and South Carolina and a third-party payor in Ohio, class actions filed on behalf of infants born with opioid-related medical conditions in 40 states, and class actions and individual actions filed on behalf of individuals seeking to recover alleged increased insurance costs associated with opioid abuse in 41 states and American Samoa. In 2019, similar actions were commenced against the Company in state court in Utah. Claims against the Company in state courts in New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Arizona have been dismissed. The Company is defending all of these matters.
The Company and its CEO and CFO are defendants in putative class actions brought on behalf of shareholders who acquired Company stock between June 6 and October 25, 2018. Johnson v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al. (W.D. Wash.; filed Nov. 5, 2018); Chen v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al. (W.D. Wash.; filed Dec. 11, 2018). The complaints allege violations of the federal securities laws stemming from the Company’s disclosures concerning internal control over financial reporting. They seek unspecified damages, equitable relief, interest, and costs and attorneys’ fees. On January 30, 2019, an order was entered consolidating the actions, and a consolidated amended complaint was filed on April 16, 2019. On November 26, 2019, the court entered an order dismissing the consolidated amended complaint and granting the plaintiffs leave to file a further amended complaint. A further amended complaint was filed on March 9, which the court dismissed with prejudice on August 19, 2020. Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal in September 2020.
Members of the Board of Directors, one other individual, and the Company are defendants in a shareholder derivative action related to the internal controls and related disclosures identified in the putative class actions, alleging that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties. Wedekind v. Hamilton James, Susan Decker, Kenneth Denman, Richard Galanti, Craig Jelinek, Richard Libenson, John Meisenbach, Charles Munger, Jeffrey Raikes, John Stanton, Mary Agnes Wilderotter, and Costco Wholesale Corp. (W.D. Wash.; filed Dec. 11, 2018). The complaint seeks unspecified damages, disgorgement of compensation, corporate governance changes, and costs and attorneys' fees. Because the complaint is derivative in nature, it does not seek monetary damages from the Company, which is a nominal defendant. By agreement among the parties the action has been stayed pending further proceedings in the class action. Similar actions were filed in King County Superior Court on February 20, 2019, Elliott v. Hamilton James, Susan Decker, Kenneth Denman, Richard Galanti, Craig Jelinek, Richard Libenson, John Meisenbach, Charles Munger, Jeffrey Raikes, John Stanton, Mary Agnes Wilderotter, and Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 19-2-04824-7), April 16, 2019, Brad Shuman, et ano. v. Hamilton James, Susan Decker, Kenneth Denman, Richard Galanti, Craig Jelinek, John Meisenbach, Charles Munger, Jeffrey Raikes, John Stanton, Mary Agnes Wilderotter, and Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 19-2-10460-1), and June 12, 2019, Rahul Modi v. Hamilton James, Susan Decker, Kenneth Denman, Richard Galanti, Craig Jelinek, John Meisenbach, Charles Munger, Jeffrey Raikes, John Stanton, Mary Agnes Wilderotter, and Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 19-2-15514-1). These actions have also been stayed.
On June 23, 2020, a putative class action was filed against the Company, the “Board of Directors,” the “Costco Benefits Committee” and others under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Dustin S. Soulek v. Costco Wholesale, et al., Case No. 20-cv-937. The class is alleged to be beneficiaries of the Costco 401(k) plan from June 23, 2014, and the claims are that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties in the operation and oversight of the plan. The complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, interest, costs, and attorneys' fees. On September 11, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, and on September 21 the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which the defendants have also moved to dismiss.
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The Company does not believe that any pending claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows; however, it is possible that an unfavorable outcome of some or all of the matters, however unlikely, could result in a charge that might be material to the results of an individual fiscal quarter or year.
Note 11—Segment Reporting
The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the operation of membership warehouses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Japan, Korea, Australia, Spain, Iceland, France and China and through a majority-owned subsidiary in Taiwan. Reportable segments are largely based on management’s organization of the operating segments for operational decisions and assessments of financial performance, which consider geographic locations. The material accounting policies of the segments are as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2020, and Note 1 above. Inter-segment net sales and expenses have been eliminated in computing total revenue and operating income. Certain operating expenses, predominantly stock-based compensation, are incurred on behalf of the Company's Canadian and Other International operations, but are included in the U.S. operations because those costs generally come under the responsibility of the Company's U.S. management team.
The following table provides information for the Company's reportable segments:
| United States Operations | Canadian Operations | Other International Operations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 Weeks Ended November 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 31,292 | $ | 6,011 | $ | 5,905 | $ | 43,208 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 848 | 293 | 289 | 1,430 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 12 Weeks Ended November 24, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 27,065 | $ | 5,127 | $ | 4,848 | $ | 37,040 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 635 | 228 | 198 | 1,061 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 52 Weeks Ended August 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 122,142 | $ | 22,434 | $ | 22,185 | $ | 166,761 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 3,633 | 860 | 942 | 5,435 | |||||||||||||||||||
Disaggregated Revenue
The following table summarizes net sales by merchandise category; sales from business centers and e-commerce are allocated to the relevant categories:
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
| Foods and sundries | $ | 18,019 | $ | 14,532 | |||||||
Hardlines | 7,330 | 5,843 | |||||||||
| Fresh foods | 5,863 | 4,576 | |||||||||
Softlines | 5,054 | 4,297 | |||||||||
| Ancillary and other | 6,081 | 6,988 | |||||||||
Total net sales | $ | 42,347 | $ | 36,236 | |||||||
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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(amounts in millions, except per share, share, and warehouse count data)
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For these purposes, forward-looking statements are statements that address activities, events, conditions or developments that the Company expects or anticipates may occur in the future and may relate to such matters as net sales growth, changes in comparable sales, cannibalization of existing locations by new openings, price or fee changes, earnings performance, earnings per share, stock-based compensation expense, warehouse openings and closures, capital spending, the effect of adopting certain accounting standards, future financial reporting, financing, margins, return on invested capital, strategic direction, expense controls, membership renewal rates, shopping frequency, litigation, and the demand for our products and services. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, domestic and international economic conditions, including exchange rates, the effects of competition and regulation, uncertainties in the financial markets, consumer and small-business spending patterns and debt levels, breaches of security or privacy of member or business information, conditions affecting the acquisition, development, ownership or use of real estate, capital spending, actions of vendors, rising costs associated with employees (generally including health-care costs), energy and certain commodities, geopolitical conditions (including tariffs), the ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, COVID-19 related factors and challenges, including among others, the duration of the pandemic, the unknown long-term economic impacts, reduced member shopping due to illness, travel restrictions or financial hardship, shifts in demand away from discretionary or higher-priced products, reduced workforce due to illness, quarantine, or government mandates, temporary store closures due to reduced workforces or government mandates, supply-chain disruptions, or capacity constraints of third-party logistics suppliers and other risks identified from time to time in the Company's public statements and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake to update these statements, except as required by law.
This management discussion should be read in conjunction with the management discussion included in our fiscal 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, previously filed with the SEC.
OVERVIEW
We operate membership warehouses and e-commerce websites based on the concept that offering our members low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories will produce high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover. When combined with the operating efficiencies achieved by volume purchasing, efficient distribution and reduced handling of merchandise in no-frills, self-service warehouse facilities, these volumes and turnover enable us to operate profitably at significantly lower gross margins (net sales less merchandise costs) than most other retailers.
We believe that the most important driver of our profitability is increasing net sales, particularly comparable sales growth. Net sales includes our core merchandise categories (foods and sundries, hardlines, softlines, and fresh foods), warehouse ancillary and other businesses. We define comparable sales as net sales from warehouses open for more than one year, including remodels, relocations and expansions, and sales-related to e-commerce websites operating for more than one year. Comparable sales growth is achieved through increasing shopping frequency from new and existing members and the amount they spend on each visit (average ticket). Sales comparisons can also be particularly influenced
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by certain factors that are beyond our control: fluctuations in currency exchange rates (with respect to the consolidation of the results of our international operations); and changes in the cost of gasoline and associated competitive conditions. The higher our comparable sales exclusive of these items, the more we can leverage certain of our selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, reducing them as a percentage of sales and enhancing profitability. Generating comparable sales growth is foremost a question of making available to our members the right merchandise at the right prices, a skill that we believe we have repeatedly demonstrated over the long-term. Another substantial factor in net sales growth is the health of the economies in which we do business, including the effects of inflation or deflation, especially the United States. Net sales growth and gross margins are also impacted by our competition, which is vigorous and widespread, across a wide range of global, national and regional wholesalers and retailers, including those with e-commerce operations. While we cannot control or reliably predict general economic health or changes in competition, we believe that we have been successful historically in adapting our business to these changes, such as through adjustments to our pricing and merchandise mix, including increasing the penetration of our private-label items and through online offerings.
Our philosophy is to provide our members with quality goods and services at competitive prices. We do not focus in the short-term on maximizing prices charged, but instead seek to maintain what we believe is a perception among our members of our “pricing authority” on quality goods – consistently providing the most competitive values. Our investments in merchandise pricing may include reducing prices on merchandise to drive sales or meet competition and holding prices steady despite cost increases instead of passing the increases on to our members, all negatively impacting gross margin as a percentage of net sales (gross margin percentage). We believe our gasoline business draws members, but it generally has a lower gross margin percentage relative to our non-gasoline business. It also has lower SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales compared to our non-gasoline business. A higher penetration of gasoline sales will generally lower our gross margin percentage. Rapidly changing gasoline prices may significantly impact our near-term net sales growth. Generally, rising gasoline prices benefit net sales growth which, given the higher sales base, negatively impacts our gross margin percentage but decreases our SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales. A decline in gasoline prices has the inverse effect. Additionally, actions in various countries, particularly China and the United States, have created uncertainty with respect to how tariffs will affect the costs of some of our merchandise. The degree of our exposure is dependent on (among other things) the type of goods, rates imposed, and timing of the tariffs. The impact to our net sales and gross margin will be influenced in part by our merchandising and pricing strategies in response to cost increases. While these potential impacts are uncertain, they could have an adverse impact on our results.
We also achieve net sales growth by opening new warehouses. As our warehouse base grows, available and desirable sites become more difficult to secure, and square footage growth becomes a comparatively less substantial component of growth. The negative aspects of such growth, however, including lower initial operating profitability relative to existing warehouses and cannibalization of sales at existing warehouses when openings occur in existing markets, are continuing to decline in significance as they relate to the results of our total operations. Our rate of operating floor space square footage growth is generally higher in foreign markets, due to the smaller base in those markets, and we expect that to continue. Our e-commerce business growth, domestically and internationally, has also increased our sales but it generally has a lower gross margin percentage relative to our warehouse business.
The membership format is an integral part of our business and has a significant effect on our profitability. This format is designed to reinforce member loyalty and provide continuing fee revenue. The extent to which we achieve growth in our membership base, increase the penetration of our Executive members, and sustain high renewal rates materially influences our profitability. Our paid membership growth rate may be adversely impacted when warehouse openings occur in existing markets as compared to new markets.
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Our financial performance depends heavily on controlling costs. While we believe that we have achieved successes in this area, some significant costs are partially outside our control, particularly health care and utility expenses. With respect to the compensation of our employees, our philosophy is not to seek to minimize their wages and benefits. Rather, we believe that achieving our longer-term objectives of reducing employee turnover and enhancing employee satisfaction requires maintaining compensation levels that are better than the industry average for much of our workforce. This may cause us, for example, to absorb costs that other employers might seek to pass through to their workforces. Because our business operates on very low margins, modest changes in various items in the consolidated statements of income, particularly merchandise costs and selling, general and administrative expenses, can have substantial impacts on net income.
Our operating model is generally the same across our U.S., Canada, and Other International operating segments (see Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1, of this Report). Certain countries in the Other International segment have relatively higher rates of square footage growth, lower wage and benefit costs as a percentage of country sales, less or no direct membership warehouse competition, or lack an e-commerce business.
In discussions of our consolidated operating results, we refer to the impact of changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, which are references to the differences between the foreign-exchange rates we use to convert the financial results of our international operations from local currencies into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. This impact of foreign-exchange rate changes is calculated based on the difference between the current period's currency exchange rates and that of the comparable prior period. The impact of changes in gasoline prices on net sales is calculated based on the difference between the current period's average price per gallon sold and that of the comparable prior period.
Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to August 31. References to the first quarter of 2021 and 2020 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended November 22, 2020, and November 24, 2019, respectively. Certain percentages presented are calculated using actual results prior to rounding. Unless otherwise noted, references to net income relate to net income attributable to Costco.
Highlights for the first quarter of 2021 as compared to the first quarter of 2020 include:
•Net sales increased 17% to $42,347, driven by an increase in comparable sales of 15% and sales at 18 net new warehouses opened since the end of the first quarter of 2020;
•Membership fee revenue increased 7% to $861, primarily due to sign-ups at existing and new warehouses and online and upgrades to Executive Membership;
•Gross margin percentage increased 50 basis points, driven by certain core merchandise categories, partially offset by certain ancillary and other businesses;
•SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 15 basis points primarily due to leveraging increased sales, partially offset by incremental wages as a result of COVID-19;
•On October 14, 2020, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per share, which was paid on November 13, 2020;
•On November 16, 2020, our Board declared a special cash dividend of $10.00 per share, which was paid on December 11, 2020;
•The provision for income taxes was impacted by: a benefit related to stock compensation of $75, or $0.17 per diluted share compared to $77, or $0.17 in the first quarter of 2020; and a benefit of $70, or $0.16 per diluted share, in connection with the portion of the special dividend payable to our 401(k) participants; and
•Net income was $1,166, or $2.62 per diluted share, compared to $844, or $1.90 per diluted share in 2020.
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COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists and, in many areas, confirmed cases rise, we have operated as an essential business. We remain focused on our strategy while prioritizing the health and safety of our members and employees. We have taken a variety of measures, as described in Item 1A Risk Factors of our fiscal 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and their implications on our results of operations have impacted us across all reportable segments to varying degrees. We have recorded strong sales increases in our fresh foods and foods and sundries merchandise categories. This growth has led to improved gross margin and SG&A percentages, as we leveraged these sales to achieve greater efficiency. Our e-commerce business has also benefited, as more members have shopped online. Conversely, we have experienced decreases in both the sales and profitability in certain of our ancillary and other businesses. Additionally, we paid $212 in incremental wages during the first quarter of 2021 related to COVID-19.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
Net Sales | $ | 42,347 | $ | 36,236 | |||||||
Increases in net sales: | |||||||||||
| U.S | 16 | % | 6 | % | |||||||
| Canada | 18 | % | 3 | % | |||||||
| Other International | 22 | % | 7 | % | |||||||
| Total Company | 17 | % | 6 | % | |||||||
Increases in comparable sales: | |||||||||||
| U.S | 15 | % | 5 | % | |||||||
| Canada | 16 | % | 3 | % | |||||||
| Other International | 19 | % | 3 | % | |||||||
| Total Company | 15 | % | 4 | % | |||||||
Increases in comparable sales excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency and gasoline prices: | |||||||||||
| U.S | 17 | % | 5 | % | |||||||
| Canada | 17 | % | 5 | % | |||||||
| Other International | 18 | % | 4 | % | |||||||
| Total Company | 17 | % | 5 | % | |||||||
Net Sales
Net sales increased $6,111 or 17% during the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020. This improvement was attributable to an increase in comparable sales of 15% in the first quarter of 2021, and sales at the 18 net new warehouses opened since the end of the first quarter of 2020. During the first quarter of 2021, we experienced strong results in our core merchandise categories, primarily fresh foods and foods and sundries, as well as in our e-commerce business as a result of COVID-19. Sales in certain ancillary and other businesses weakened compared to the first quarter of 2020, largely driven by price deflation and lower volume in our gasoline business, and minimal demand in our travel business.
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Changes in gasoline prices negatively impacted net sales by $727, or 201 basis points, compared to 2020, due to a 19% decrease in the average price per gallon. The volume of gasoline sold decreased approximately 10%, negatively impacting net sales by $399, or 110 basis points. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar positively impacted net sales by approximately $105, or 29 basis points, compared to the first quarter of 2020, attributable to our Canadian and Other International operations.
Comparable Sales
Comparable sales increased 15% in the first quarter of 2021, and were positively impacted by increases in average ticket and shopping frequency. There was an increase of 86% in e-commerce comparable sales in the first quarter of 2021.
Membership Fees
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
| Membership fees | $ | 861 | $ | 804 | |||||||
Membership fees as a percentage of net sales | 2.03 | % | 2.22 | % | |||||||
| Total paid members (000s) | 59,100 | 54,700 | |||||||||
| Total cardholders (000s) | 107,100 | 99,900 | |||||||||
Membership fees increased 7% in the first quarter of 2021, due primarily to signups at existing and new warehouses and online and upgrades to Executive Membership. At the end of the first quarter of 2021, our member renewal rates were 91% in the U.S. and Canada and 88% worldwide. Our renewal rate is a trailing calculation that captures renewals during the period seven to eighteen months prior to the reporting date.
We account for membership fee revenue on a deferred basis, recognized ratably over the one-year membership period. Our membership counts include active memberships as well as memberships that have not renewed within the 12 months prior to the reporting date.
Gross Margin
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 42,347 | $ | 36,236 | |||||||
| Less merchandise costs | 37,458 | 32,233 | |||||||||
| Gross margin | $ | 4,889 | $ | 4,003 | |||||||
Gross margin percentage | 11.55 | % | 11.05 | % | |||||||
The gross margin of core merchandise categories, when expressed as a percentage of core merchandise sales (rather than total net sales), increased 65 basis points. This increase was across all categories, but most significantly in fresh foods, where gross margins increased primarily as a result of efficiencies from increased sales. This measure eliminates the impact of changes in sales penetration and gross margins from our warehouse ancillary and other businesses.
Total gross margin percentage increased 50 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of gasoline price deflation on net sales, gross margin percentage was 11.35%, an increase of 30 basis points. This was primarily due to a 66 basis point increase in core merchandise categories, predominantly fresh foods and foods and sundries. Warehouse ancillary and other businesses decreased 20 basis points, as certain of these businesses were negatively impacted by lower sales due to COVID-19. Gross margin was also negatively impacted by incremental wages related to COVID-19 of 12
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basis points and increased spending by members under the Executive Membership 2% reward program of four basis points.
Gross margin on a segment basis, when expressed as a percentage of the segment's own sales and excluding the impact of changes in gasoline prices on net sales, performed similarly to the consolidated results above other than the warehouse ancillary and other businesses in our Canada and Other International segments, which increased overall due to their gasoline and e-commerce operations.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
| SG&A expenses | $ | 4,298 | $ | 3,732 | |||||||
| SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales | 10.15 | % | 10.30 | % | |||||||
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 15 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2020. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales, excluding the impact of gasoline price deflation, was 9.98%, a decrease of 32 basis points compared to the prior year. Warehouse operations and other businesses were lower by 62 basis points, largely attributable to payroll and benefits, primarily due to leveraging increased sales. Stock compensation expense was lower by four basis points and central operating costs were lower by three basis points. SG&A expenses were negatively impacted by 37 basis points due to incremental wages as a result of COVID-19.
Preopening Expense
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
| Preopening expenses | $ | 22 | $ | 14 | |||||||
| Warehouse openings, including relocations | |||||||||||
| United States | 7 | 3 | |||||||||
| Canada | 2 | 1 | |||||||||
| Other International | 1 | — | |||||||||
| Total warehouse openings, including relocations | 10 | 4 | |||||||||
Preopening expenses include startup costs related to new warehouses and relocations, developments in new international markets, new manufacturing and distribution facilities, and expansions at existing warehouses. Preopening expenses vary due to the number of warehouse openings, the timing of the openings relative to our quarter-end, whether the warehouse is owned or leased, and whether the opening is in an existing, new or international market. For the remainder of fiscal 2021, we expect to open 12 to 14 warehouses.
Interest Expense
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | 39 | $ | 38 | |||||||
Interest expense is primarily related to Senior Notes.
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Interest Income and Other, Net
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 10 | $ | 32 | |||||||
Foreign-currency transaction gains (losses), net | 8 | (4) | |||||||||
| Other, net | 11 | 7 | |||||||||
| Interest income and other, net | $ | 29 | $ | 35 | |||||||
Interest income decreased in the first quarter 2021 due to lower interest rates, partially offset by higher average cash and investment balances. Foreign-currency transaction gains (losses), net include the revaluation or settlement of monetary assets and liabilities by our Canadian and Other International operations and mark-to-market adjustments for forward foreign-exchange contracts. See Derivatives and Foreign Currency sections in Item 8, Note 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2020.
Provision for Income Taxes
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | $ | 239 | $ | 202 | |||||||
| Effective tax rate | 16.8 | % | 19.1 | % | |||||||
The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2021 was favorably impacted by net discrete tax benefits of $135. This was primarily attributable to $75 of excess tax benefits related to stock compensation and $70 related to the special cash dividend payable to employees, who through our 401(k) plan owned shares of Costco common stock through an employee stock ownership plan. Employees owned approximately 27,000,000 shares of Costco stock through our 401(k) plan. Excluding net discrete tax benefits, the tax rate was 26.3% for the first quarter of 2021.
The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2020 was favorably impacted by $77 due to excess tax benefits from stock compensation.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table summarizes our significant sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents:
| 12 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| November 22, 2020 | November 24, 2019 | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 2,647 | $ | 2,102 | |||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (682) | (630) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (700) | (836) | |||||||||
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from our operations, cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $14,423 and $13,305 at November 22, 2020, and August 30, 2020, respectively. Of these balances, unsettled credit and debit card receivables represented approximately $2,048 and $1,636 at November 22, 2020, and August 30, 2020, respectively. These receivables generally settle within four days. Management believes that our cash position and operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital requirements for the foreseeable future.
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Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $2,647 in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $2,102 in the first quarter of 2020. Our cash flow provided by operations is primarily derived from net sales and membership fees. Cash flow used in operations generally consists of payments to merchandise suppliers, warehouse operating costs, including payroll and employee benefits, utilities, and credit and debit card processing fees. Cash used in operations also includes payments for income taxes. Changes in our net investment in merchandise inventories (the difference between merchandise inventories and accounts payable) is impacted by several factors, including how fast inventory is sold, payment terms with our suppliers, and the amount of payables paid early to obtain discounts from our suppliers.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $682 in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $630 in the first quarter of 2020, and is primarily related to capital expenditures. Net cash from investing activities also includes purchases and maturities of short-term investments.
Capital Expenditure Plans
Our primary requirements for capital are acquiring land, buildings, and equipment for new and remodeled warehouses. Capital is also required for information systems, manufacturing and distribution facilities, initial warehouse operations, and working capital. In the first quarter of 2021, we spent $893 on capital expenditures. While the impacts of COVID-19 have delayed certain construction projects, it is our current intention to spend between $3,000 and $3,200 during fiscal 2021. We opened 10 new warehouses, including two relocations, in the first quarter of 2021 and plan to open 12 to 14 additional new warehouses in the remainder of fiscal 2021. There can be no assurance that current expectations will be realized; plans are subject to change upon further review of our capital expenditure needs.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $700 in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $836 in the first quarter of 2020. Cash flow used in financing activities was primarily related to withholding taxes on stock-based awards, the payment of dividends, and repurchases of common stock.
Stock Repurchase Programs
During the first quarter of 2021 and 2020, we repurchased 213,000 and 100,000 shares of common stock, at an average price per share of $359.45 and $295.97, respectively, totaling approximately $77 and $30, respectively. These amounts may differ from the stock repurchase balances in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows due to changes in unsettled stock repurchases at the end of a quarter. Purchases are made from time to time, as conditions warrant, in the open market or in block purchases, pursuant to plans under SEC Rule 10b5-1. Repurchased shares are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act.
Dividends
On October 14, 2020, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per share payable to shareholders of record on October 30, 2020, which was paid on November 13, 2020. On November 16, 2020, the Board declared a special cash dividend of $10.00 per share, which was paid on December 11, 2020. The special dividend was approximately $4,430 and was included in other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at November 22, 2020.
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Bank Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Programs
We maintain bank credit facilities for working capital and general corporate purposes. At November 22, 2020, we had borrowing capacity under these facilities of $1,002. Our international operations maintain $526 of the borrowing capacity under bank credit facilities, of which $207 is guaranteed by the Company. There were no short-term borrowings outstanding under the bank credit facilities at the end of the first quarter of 2021 or at the end of 2020.
The Company has letter of credit facilities, for commercial and standby letters of credit, totaling $212. The outstanding commitments under these facilities at the end of the first quarter of 2021 totaled $177, most of which were standby letters of credit which do not expire or have expiration dates within one year. The bank credit facilities have various expiration dates, most of which are within one year, and we generally intend to renew these facilities. The amount of borrowings available at any time under our bank credit facilities is reduced by the amount of standby and commercial letters of credit outstanding.
Contractual Obligations
As of the date of this Report, there were no material changes to our contractual obligations outside the ordinary course of business since the end of our last fiscal year.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires that we make estimates and judgments. We base these on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Our critical accounting policies are discussed in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2020. There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies previously disclosed in that Report.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
There have been no material changes in recently issued or adopted accounting standards from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2020.
Item 3—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our direct exposure to financial market risk results from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. There have been no material changes to our market risks as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2020.
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Item 4—Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, with assistance from other members of management, have reviewed the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of November 22, 2020 and, based on their evaluation, have concluded the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1—Legal Proceedings
See discussion of Legal Proceedings in Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.
Item 1A—Risk Factors
In addition to the other information set forth in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2020. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 2—Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table sets forth information on our common stock repurchase program activity for the first quarter of 2021 (amounts in millions, except share and per share data):
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs(1) | Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| August 31, 2020 — September 27, 2020 | 83,000 | $ | 344.10 | 83,000 | $ | 3,716 | |||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2020 — October 25, 2020 | 82,000 | 367.82 | 82,000 | 3,686 | |||||||||||||||||||
| October 26, 2020 — November 22, 2020 | 48,000 | 371.55 | 48,000 | 3,668 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total first quarter | 213,000 | $ | 359.45 | 213,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
_______________
(1)Our stock repurchase program is conducted under a $4,000 authorization approved by our Board of Directors in April 2019, which expires in April 2023.
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Item 3—Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4—Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5—Other Information
None.
Item 6—Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or are incorporated herein by reference.
| Incorporated by Reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exhibit Number | Exhibit Description | Filed Herewith | Form | Period Ending | Filing Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.1 | 10-Q | 2/16/2020 | 3/12/2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.2 | 8-K | 1/29/2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.2.1 | 8-K | 9/16/2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.1 | 8-K | 10/15/2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.2 | x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31.1 | x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 32.1 | x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document | x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION (Registrant) | |||||||||||
| December 16, 2020 | By | /s/ W. CRAIG JELINEK | |||||||||
| Date | W. Craig Jelinek President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||||||||||
| December 16, 2020 | By | /s/ RICHARD A. GALANTI | |||||||||
| Date | Richard A. Galanti Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director | ||||||||||
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