COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW - Quarter Report: 2021 May (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 May 9, 2021


☐			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 May 26, 2021 was 442,069,091.

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q


		Page
PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	4
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	8
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	9
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	19
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	29
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	29

PART II	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	30
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	30
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	30
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	30
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	30
Item 5.	Other Information	30
Item 6.	Exhibits	31
	Signatures	31

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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				36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020		May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020
REVENUE
Net sales	$	44,376	$	36,451	$	130,611	$	110,943
Membership fees	901		815		2,643		2,435
Total revenue	45,277		37,266		133,254		113,378
OPERATING EXPENSES
Merchandise costs	39,415		32,249		115,951		98,538
Selling, general and administrative	4,189		3,830		12,829		11,305
Preopening expenses	10		8		41		29
Operating income	1,663		1,179		4,433		3,506
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(40)		(37)		(119)		(109)
Interest income and other, net	27		21		75		101
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	1,650		1,163		4,389		3,498
Provision for income taxes	417		311		1,004		843
Net income including noncontrolling interests	1,233		852		3,385		2,655
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(13)		(14)		(48)		(42)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO	$	1,220	$	838	$	3,337	$	2,613
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO:
Basic	$	2.75	$	1.90	$	7.53	$	5.91
Diluted	$	2.75	$	1.89	$	7.51	$	5.89
Shares used in calculation (000s):
Basic	443,043		442,322		443,043		442,054
Diluted	444,127		443,855		444,336		443,754

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				36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020		May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020
NET INCOME INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	$	1,233	$	852	$	3,385	$	2,655
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net	54		(396)		411		(224)
Comprehensive income	1,287		456		3,796		2,431
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	15		16		71		60
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO	$	1,272	$	440	$	3,725	$	2,371

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(amounts in millions, except par value and share data) (unaudited)


	May 9, 2021		August 30, 2020
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	10,226	$	12,277
Short-term investments	900		1,028
Receivables, net	1,595		1,550
Merchandise inventories	13,975		12,242
Other current assets	1,220		1,023
Total current assets	27,916		28,120
OTHER ASSETS
Property and equipment, net	23,177		21,807
Operating lease right-of-use assets	2,875		2,788
Other long-term assets	3,306		2,841
TOTAL ASSETS	$	57,274	$	55,556
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	$	15,538	$	14,172
Accrued salaries and benefits	3,826		3,605
Accrued member rewards	1,617		1,393
Deferred membership fees	2,102		1,851
Current portion of long-term debt	92		95
Other current liabilities	4,807		3,728
Total current liabilities	27,982		24,844
OTHER LIABILITIES
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	7,495		7,514
Long-term operating lease liabilities	2,641		2,558
Other long-term liabilities	2,182		1,935
TOTAL LIABILITIES	40,300		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; 442,141,000 and 441,255,000 shares issued and outstanding	4		4
Additional paid-in capital	6,921		6,698
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(909)		(1,297)
Retained earnings	10,466		12,879
Total Costco stockholders’ equity	16,482		18,284
Noncontrolling interests	492		421
TOTAL EQUITY	16,974		18,705
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	57,274	$	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 May 9, 2021
	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 FEBRUARY 14, 2021	442,654	$	4	$	6,843	$	(961)	$	9,766	$	15,652	$	477	$	16,129
Net income	—	—		—		—		1,220		1,220		13		1,233
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net	—	—		—		52		—		52		2		54
Stock-based compensation	—	—		87		—		—		87		—		87
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects	6	—		(1)		—		—		(1)		—		(1)
Repurchases of common stock	(519)	—		(8)		—		(171)		(179)		—		(179)
Cash dividend declared	—	—		—		—		(349)		(349)		—		(349)
BALANCE AT MAY 9, 2021	442,141	$	4	$	6,921	$	(909)	$	10,466	$	16,482	$	492	$	16,974

	12 Weeks Ended May 10, 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 FEBRUARY 16, 2020	441,622	$	4	$	6,506	$	(1,280)	$	11,384	$	16,614	$	385	$	16,999
Net income	—	—		—		—		838		838		14		852
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net	—	—		—		(398)		—		(398)		2		(396)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		90		—		—		90		—		90
Release of vested RSUs, including tax effects	7	—		(1)		—		—		(1)		—		(1)
Repurchases of common stock	(106)	—		(2)		—		(29)		(31)		—		(31)
Cash dividend declared	—	—		—		—		(310)		(310)		—		(310)
BALANCE AT MAY 10, 2020	441,523	$	4	$	6,593	$	(1,678)	$	11,883	$	16,802	$	401	$	17,203

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)


	36 Weeks Ended May 9, 2021
	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	—	—		—		—		3,337		3,337		48		3,385
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net	—	—		—		388		—		388		23		411
Stock-based compensation	—	—		552		—		—		552		—		552
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects	1,926	—		(312)		—		—		(312)		—		(312)
Repurchases of common stock	(1,040)	—		(17)		—		(351)		(368)		—		(368)
Cash dividends declared	—	—		—		—		(5,399)		(5,399)		—		(5,399)
BALANCE AT MAY 9, 2021	442,141	$	4	$	6,921	$	(909)	$	10,466	$	16,482	$	492	$	16,974

	36 Weeks Ended May 10, 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 SEPTEMBER 1, 2019	439,625	$	4	$	6,417	$	(1,436)	$	10,258	$	15,243	$	341	$	15,584
Net income	—	—		—		—		2,613		2,613		42		2,655
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net	—	—		—		(242)		—		(242)		18		(224)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		510		—		—		510		—		510
Release of vested RSUs, including tax effects	2,266	—		(328)		—		—		(328)		—		(328)
Repurchases of common stock	(368)	—		(6)		—		(104)		(110)		—		(110)
Cash dividends declared	—	—		—		—		(884)		(884)		—		(884)
BALANCE AT MAY 10, 2020	441,523	$	4	$	6,593	$	(1,678)	$	11,883	$	16,802	$	401	$	17,203

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(amounts in millions) (unaudited)


	36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	3,385	$	2,655
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,222		1,140
Non-cash lease expense	189		116
Stock-based compensation	550		508
Other non-cash operating activities, net	19		(23)
Deferred income taxes	(16)		(5)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories	(1,531)		265
Accounts payable	1,256		(571)
Other operating assets and liabilities, net	944		534
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,018		4,619
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of short-term investments	(802)		(1,034)
Maturities of short-term investments	955		1,149
Additions to property and equipment	(2,494)		(1,958)
Acquisitions	—		(1,133)
Other investing activities, net	(39)		26
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,380)		(2,950)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Change in bank payments outstanding	1		(145)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—		3,992
Repayments of long-term debt	—		(1,700)
Tax withholdings on stock-based awards	(312)		(328)
Repurchases of common stock	(367)		(111)
Cash dividend payments	(5,050)		(860)
Other financing activities, net	(41)		(77)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(5,769)		771
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	80		2
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(2,051)		2,442
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR	12,277		8,384
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD	$	10,226	$	10,826

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the first thirty-six weeks of the year for:
Interest	$	98	$	71
Income taxes, net	$	867	$	458
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid	$	349	$	310

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 May 9, 2021, Costco operated 809 warehouses worldwide: 559 in the United States (U.S.) located in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, 105 in Canada, 39 in Mexico, 29 in the United Kingdom (U.K.), 29 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 third quarter of 2021 and 2020 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended May 9, 2021, and May 10, 2020. References to the first thirty-six weeks of 2021 and 2020 relate to the 36 weeks ended May 9, 2021, and May 10, 2020.

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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.

Note 2—Acquisition of Innovel

On March 17, 2020, the Company acquired Innovel Solutions for $999, 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 May 9, 2021, the provisional period of the acquisition has ended, and the Company has completed the accounting for the acquisition. The net purchase price of $999 has been allocated to the tangible and intangible assets of $294 and liabilities assumed of $235, based on fair values on the acquisition date. The remaining unallocated net purchase price of $940 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. Changes to the purchase price allocation originally recorded in the third quarter of 2020 were not material.

Note 3—Investments

The Company's investments were as follows:


May 9, 2021:	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains, Net		Recorded Basis
Available-for-sale:
Government and agency securities	$	427	$	8	$	435



Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit	465		—		465


Total short-term investments	$	892	$	8	$	900


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

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Gross unrecognized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were not material for the periods ended May 9, 2021, 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 thirty-six weeks of 2021 or 2020.

The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at May 9, 2021, are as follows:


	Available-For-Sale				Held-To-Maturity
	Cost Basis		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	219	$	220	$	465
Due after one year through five years	208		215		—

Total	$	427	$	435	$	465

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
	May 9, 2021		August 30, 2020

Investment in government and agency securities(1)	$	435	$	508



Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in asset position(2)	3		1
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in (liability) position(2)	(21)		(21)
Total	$	417	$	488

_______________

(1)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 May 9, 2021, 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 thirty-six weeks 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 thirty-six weeks of 2021 or 2020.

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Note 5—Debt

The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following:


	May 9, 2021		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	830		857
Total long-term debt	7,630		7,657
Less unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs	43		48
Less current portion(1)	92		95
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	7,495	$	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 $7,750 and $7,987 at May 9, 2021, and August 30, 2020.

Note 6—Equity

Dividends

The Company’s current quarterly dividend is $0.79 per share, compared to $0.70 in the third quarter of 2020. On April 14, 2021, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.79 per share, which was paid on May 14, 2021.

Stock Repurchase Programs

Stock repurchase activity during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2021 and 2020 is summarized below:


	Shares Repurchased (000s)	Average Price per Share		Total Cost
Third quarter of 2021	519	$	346.19	$	179
First thirty-six weeks of 2021	1,040	$	353.87	$	368

Third quarter of 2020	106	$	296.38	$	31
First thirty-six weeks of 2020	368	$	298.53	$	110

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 quarter end. The remaining amount available for stock repurchases under the approved plan was $3,377 at May 9, 2021. 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 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.

As required by the Company's Seventh Restated 2002 Incentive Plan and 2019 Incentive Plan, in conjunction with a special cash dividend paid in the second quarter of 2021, the number of shares subject to outstanding RSUs was increased on the dividend record date to preserve their value. They were adjusted by multiplying the number of outstanding shares by a factor of 1.019 (rounded up to a whole share), representing the ratio of the Nasdaq closing price of $391.77 on November 30, 2020, which was the last trading day immediately prior to the ex-dividend date, to the Nasdaq opening price of $384.50 on the ex-dividend date, December 1, 2020. The outstanding RSUs increased by approximately 94,000. The adjustment did not result in additional stock-based compensation expense, as the fair value of the awards did not change. As further required by the plans, the maximum number of shares issuable was proportionally adjusted, which resulted in an additional 222,000 RSU shares available to be granted.

Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity

At May 9, 2021, 11,981,000 shares were available to be granted as RSUs, and the following awards were outstanding:

•4,242,000 time-based RSUs, which vest upon continued employment over specified periods;

•29,000 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 included in the table below. The Company recognized compensation expense for these awards in the third quarter of 2021, as it is currently deemed probable that the targets will be achieved.

The following table summarizes RSU transactions during the first thirty-six weeks of 2021:


	Number of Units (in 000s)	Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at August 30, 2020	5,174	$	207.55
Granted	1,982	369.15
Vested and delivered	(2,760)	235.67
Forfeited	(117)	251.89
Special cash dividend	94	N/A
Outstanding at May 9, 2021	4,373	$	257.87

The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs at May 9, 2021, was $852, and the weighted-average period over which this cost will be recognized is 1.7 years.

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Summary of Stock-Based Compensation

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefits:


	12 Weeks Ended				36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020		May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020
Stock-based compensation expense	$	87	$	88	$	550	$	508
Less recognized income tax benefit	18		18		115		105
Stock-based compensation expense, net	$	69	$	70	$	435	$	403

Note 8—Taxes

The Company's reported effective income tax rate for the first thirty-six weeks of 2021 was 26.4%, 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, $70 related to the portion of the special cash dividend payable through our 401(k) plan and $19 primarily related to a reduction in the valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets.

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				36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020		May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020
Net income attributable to Costco	$	1,220	$	838	$	3,337	$	2,613
Weighted average basic shares	443,043		442,322		443,043		442,054
RSUs	1,084		1,533		1,293		1,700

Weighted average diluted shares	444,127		443,855		444,336		443,754
Anti-dilutive RSUs	1,046		—		—		—

Anti-dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation of diluted shares and earnings per diluted share because their impact would increase earnings per diluted share.

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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 commenced in August 2013 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 work at entrance and exit doors in the Company’s California warehouses. Canela v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al. (Case No. 2013-1-CV-248813; Santa Clara Superior Court). 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.

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. On February 4, 2021, the court finally approved a settlement, under which payment of an immaterial amount has been made. 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. (Case No. CIVDS 1908816; San Bernardino Superior Court). The Company filed an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint. In October 2019, the parties reached an agreement to settle for an immaterial amount the seating claims on a representative basis, which received court approval in February 2020. The workplace temperature claims continue in litigation.

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 for an immaterial amount, which received court approval in January 2021.

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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 for partial summary judgment, and the parties have filed competing motions regarding class certification. 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. 5:20-cv-04119; N.D. Cal.). The Company filed a motion to dismiss 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 Corp. (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, which was denied, and an answer has been filed denying the material allegations of the complaint.

In December 2020, a former employee filed suit against the Company asserting collective and class claims on behalf of non-exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act and New York Labor Law for failure to pay for all hours worked on a weekly basis and failure to provide proper wage statements and notices. The plaintiff also asserts individual retaliation claims. Cappadora v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 1:20-cv-06067; E.D.N.Y.). An amended complaint has been filed, and the Company has denied the material allegations of the amended complaint.

In February 2021, a former employee filed a class action against the Company alleging violations of California Labor Code regarding payment of wages, meal and rest periods, wage statements, reimbursement of expenses, payment of final wages to terminated employees, and for unfair business practices. Edwards v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 5:21-cv-00716: C.D. Cal.) In May 2021, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the complaint.

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

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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 42 states and American Samoa. Similar actions were commenced against the Company in state courts in Utah (2019) and Texas (2021). 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. An appeal in the Ninth Circuit is pending.

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, 2020, 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.

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.

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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 May 9, 2021
Total revenue	$	32,759	$	6,299	$	6,219	$	45,277
Operating income	1,099		271		293		1,663
12 Weeks Ended May 10, 2020
Total revenue	$	27,626	$	4,722	$	4,918	$	37,266
Operating income	853		129		197		1,179
36 Weeks Ended May 9, 2021
Total revenue	$	96,178	$	18,311	$	18,765	$	133,254
Operating income	2,737		800		896		4,433

36 Weeks Ended May 10, 2020
Total revenue	$	83,214	$	15,080	$	15,084	$	113,378
Operating income	2,309		559		638		3,506

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 e-commerce are allocated to the relevant categories:


	12 Weeks Ended				36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020		May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020
Foods and sundries	$	17,551	$	16,897	$	53,194	$	46,413
Hardlines	8,206		5,891		23,842		18,508
Fresh foods	6,296		5,587		18,413		15,242
Softlines	4,693		2,806		15,164		11,607
Ancillary and other	7,630		5,270		19,998		19,173
Total net sales	$	44,376	$	36,451	$	130,611	$	110,943

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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, the United States and the United Kingdom, 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 is 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 operations in the Other International segment have relatively higher rates of square footage growth, lower wage and benefit costs as a percentage of 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 third quarter of 2021 and 2020 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended May 9, 2021, and May 10, 2020. References to the first thirty-six weeks of 2021 and 2020 relate to the 36 weeks ended May 9, 2021, and May 10, 2020. 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 third quarter of 2021 as compared to the third quarter of 2020 include:

•Net sales increased 22% to $44,376, driven by an increase in comparable sales of 21% and sales at 22 net new warehouses opened since the end of the third quarter of 2020;

•Membership fee revenue increased 11% to $901, driven by signups at warehouses and online and upgrades to Executive Membership;

•Gross margin percentage decreased 35 basis points, driven primarily by a shift in sales from our core merchandise categories to our ancillary and other businesses, partially offset by decreased incremental wages related to COVID-19, which ended on February 28, 2021;

•SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 107 basis points, primarily due to leveraging increased sales and decreased incremental wages related to COVID-19;

•On April 14, 2021, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.79 per share, which was paid on May 14, 2021; and

•Net income was $1,220, or $2.75 per diluted share, compared to $838, or $1.89 per diluted share in 2020.

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COVID-19

During the third quarter of 2021, our sales mix began returning to pre-pandemic levels. This included strong sales in hardlines and softlines, gasoline, and in many of our warehouse ancillary and other businesses, certain of which experienced closures or restrictions in the third quarter of 2020. COVID-related supply and logistics constraints have adversely affected some merchandise categories and are expected to do so for the foreseeable future.

We paid $57 and $515 in incremental wages during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2021, respectively, related to COVID-19. The incremental wage and benefit costs associated with COVID-19, which began on March 1, 2020 and ended on February 28, 2021, totaled approximately $825. Additionally, in certain areas where we do business in the United States, governments have mandated or are considering mandating extra pay for classes of employees that include our employees, which will result in higher costs.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales


	12 Weeks Ended						36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021			May 10, 2020			May 9, 2021			May 10, 2020
Net Sales	$	44,376		$	36,451		$	130,611		$	110,943
Changes in net sales:
U.S	19		%	8		%	16		%	8		%
Canada	34		%	(1)		%	22		%	4		%
Other International	27		%	11		%	25		%	10		%
Total Company	22		%	7		%	18		%	8		%
Changes in comparable sales:
U.S	18		%	6		%	15		%	7		%
Canada	32		%	(3)		%	20		%	3		%
Other International	23		%	6		%	21		%	6		%
Total Company	21		%	5		%	16		%	6		%
Changes in comparable sales excluding the impact of changes in foreign-currency and gasoline prices:
U.S	15		%	8		%	15		%	7		%
Canada	17		%	3		%	15		%	5		%
Other International	13		%	12		%	16		%	8		%
Total Company	15		%	8		%	15		%	7		%

Net Sales

Net sales increased $7,925 or 22%, and $19,668 or 18% during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2021, compared to the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2020. This improvement was attributable to an increase in comparable sales of 21% and 16% in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2021, and sales at the 22 net new warehouses opened since the end of the third quarter of 2020. While sales in all core merchandise categories increased, sales increases were particularly stronger in hardlines and softlines, and in many of our warehouse ancillary and other businesses, predominantly our gasoline business.

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Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar positively impacted net sales by approximately $1,032, or 283 basis points, compared to the third quarter of 2020, attributable to our Canadian and Other International operations. Changes in gasoline prices positively impacted net sales in the third quarter by $984, or 270 basis points, compared to 2020, due to a 32% increase in the average price per gallon. The volume of gasoline sold in the third quarter increased approximately 33%, positively impacting net sales by $820, or 225 basis points.

Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar positively impacted net sales by approximately $1,551, or 140 basis points, compared to the first thirty-six weeks of 2020, attributable to our Canadian and Other International operations. Changes in gasoline prices negatively impacted net sales in the first thirty-six weeks of 2021 by $309, or 28 basis points, compared to 2020, due to a 2% decrease in the average price per gallon. The volume of gasoline sold in the first thirty-six weeks of 2021 increased approximately 2%, positively impacting net sales by $266, or 24 basis points.

Comparable Sales

Comparable sales increased 21% and 16% in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2021, and were positively impacted by increases in shopping frequency and average ticket. There was an increase of 41% and 65% in e-commerce comparable sales in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2021. Certain merchandise categories were impacted by inflation, slightly higher than what we have experienced in recent years.

Membership Fees


	12 Weeks Ended						36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021			May 10, 2020			May 9, 2021			May 10, 2020
Membership fees	$	901		$	815		$	2,643		$	2,435
Membership fees as a percentage of net sales	2.03		%	2.24		%	2.02		%	2.20		%
Total paid members (000s)	60,600			55,800			—			—
Total cardholders (000s)	109,800			101,800			—			—

Membership fees increased 11% and 9% in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2021. Excluding the positive impact of changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, membership fees increased 8% and 7% for the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2021, driven by signups at warehouses and online and upgrades to Executive Membership. At the end of the third 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. In the fourth quarter of 2020, we standardized our membership count methodology globally to be consistent with the U.S. and Canada. If this standardization would have been done at the end of the third quarter of 2020, it would have resulted in an addition to the count of approximately 2.3 million total cardholders, of which 1.5 million were paid members. Membership fee income and the renewal rate calculations were not affected.

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Gross Margin


	12 Weeks Ended						36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021			May 10, 2020			May 9, 2021			May 10, 2020
Net sales	$	44,376		$	36,451		$	130,611		$	110,943
Less merchandise costs	39,415			32,249			115,951			98,538
Gross margin	$	4,961		$	4,202		$	14,660		$	12,405
Gross margin percentage	11.18		%	11.53		%	11.22		%	11.18		%

Quarterly Results

The gross margin of core merchandise categories, when expressed as a percentage of core merchandise sales (rather than total net sales), increased 27 basis points. This increase was predominantly in hardlines and softlines, partially offset by fresh foods. This measure eliminates the impact of changes in sales penetration and gross margins from our warehouse ancillary and other businesses.

Total gross margin percentage decreased 35 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation on net sales, gross margin percentage was 11.43%, a decrease of 10 basis points. This was primarily due to a 29 basis point decrease in our core merchandise categories, driven by changes in sales mix. Gross margin was also negatively impacted by two basis points due to increased spending by our members under the Executive Membership 2% reward program. Gross margin percentage was positively impacted by nine basis points due to decreased incremental wages related to COVID-19, which ended on February 28, 2021, and five basis points related to a reserve for certain inventory in 2020. Warehouse ancillary and other businesses increased seven basis points, primarily due to improvement in certain ancillary businesses, which had been negatively impacted by COVID-19 related closures or restrictions in 2020, and e-commerce, partially offset by gasoline.

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 (segment gross margin percentage), performed similarly to the consolidated results above for our U.S. segment, except warehouse ancillary and other businesses decreased primarily due to our gasoline business. Gross margin percentage increased in our Canadian and Other International segments, primarily due to increases in our warehouse ancillary and other businesses, core merchandise categories and decreased incremental wages related to COVID-19, partially offset by increased spending by members under the Executive Membership 2% reward program.

Year-to-date Results

The gross margin of core merchandise categories, when expressed as a percentage of core merchandise sales, increased 52 basis points. This increase was across all categories, most significantly in fresh foods where gross margins increased primarily as a result of efficiencies from increased sales.

Total gross margin percentage increased four basis points compared to the first thirty-six weeks of 2020. Excluding the impact of gasoline price deflation on net sales, gross margin percentage was 11.20%, an increase of two basis points. This was primarily due to an increase of 31 basis points in our core merchandise categories, predominantly fresh foods and hardlines, and two basis points due to a reserve for certain inventory in 2020. These increases were partially offset by a 22 basis point decrease in warehouse ancillary and other businesses, certain of which were negatively impacted by lower sales due to COVID-19, predominantly our gasoline and travel businesses. The decreases in warehouse ancillary and other businesses were partially offset by e-commerce. Gross margin was also negatively impacted by incremental wages related to COVID-19 of six basis points and increased spending by members under the Executive Membership 2% reward program of three basis points.

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Gross margin percentage decreased in our U.S. segment primarily due to warehouse ancillary and other businesses and incremental wages related to COVID-19, partially offset by increases in our core merchandise categories. Our Canadian and Other International segments increased primarily due to certain of our core merchandise categories and warehouse ancillary and other businesses. These increases were partially offset by the incremental wages and increased spending by executive members discussed above.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses


	12 Weeks Ended						36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021			May 10, 2020			May 9, 2021			May 10, 2020
SG&A expenses	$	4,189		$	3,830		$	12,829		$	11,305
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales	9.44		%	10.51		%	9.82		%	10.19		%

Quarterly Results

SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 107 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2020. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation was 9.65%, a decrease of 86 basis points compared to the prior year. SG&A expenses were positively impacted by 56 basis points due to decreased incremental wages related to COVID-19, which ended on February 28, 2021, and sanitation costs. SG&A expenses were also positively impacted by 20 basis points in our warehouse operations and other businesses, largely attributable to payroll, primarily due to leveraging increased sales. SG&A expenses benefited five basis points from costs associated with the acquisition of Innovel in the third quarter of 2020, four basis points related to stock compensation expense, and one basis point related to central operating costs.

Effective March 1, 2021, we implemented permanent wage increases for hourly and most salaried warehouse employees. This increase was effective for 10 of the 12 weeks within the third quarter of 2021. The estimated annualized pre-tax cost of these permanent wage increases is approximately $400.

Year-to-date Results

SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 37 basis points compared to the first thirty-six weeks of 2020. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales excluding the impact of gasoline price deflation was 9.80%, a decrease of 39 basis points compared to the prior year. Warehouse operations and other businesses were lower by 38 basis points, largely attributable to payroll, 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 also benefited two basis points from the Innovel acquisition costs discussed above. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of eight basis points due to incremental wages related to COVID-19.

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Preopening Expense


	12 Weeks Ended				36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020		May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020
Preopening expenses	$	10	$	8	$	41	$	29
Warehouse openings, including relocations
United States	1		1		8		4
Canada	3		—		5		1
Other International	2		1		3		1
Total warehouse openings, including relocations	6		2		16		6

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 seven warehouses.

Interest Expense


	12 Weeks Ended				36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020		May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020
Interest expense	$	40	$	37	$	119	$	109

Interest expense is primarily related to Senior Notes.

Interest Income and Other, Net


	12 Weeks Ended				36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020		May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020
Interest income	$	8	$	10	$	29	$	72
Foreign-currency transaction gains, net	6		5		13		9
Other, net	13		6		33		20
Interest income and other, net	$	27	$	21	$	75	$	101

Interest income decreased in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2021, due to lower interest rates, partially offset by higher average cash and investment balances. Foreign-currency transaction gains, 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.

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Provision for Income Taxes


	12 Weeks Ended						36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021			May 10, 2020			May 9, 2021			May 10, 2020
Provision for income taxes	$	417		$	311		$	1,004		$	843
Effective tax rate	25.2		%	26.7		%	22.9		%	24.1		%

The effective tax rate for the first thirty-six weeks of 2021 was favorably impacted by net discrete tax benefits of $157, which primarily related to the first quarter. This included $75 of excess tax benefits related to stock compensation, $70 related to the portion of the special cash dividend payable through our 401(k) plan and $19 primarily related to a reduction in the valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate for the first thirty-six weeks of 2020 was favorably impacted by net discrete tax benefits of $68, primarily related to excess tax benefits from stock compensation. Excluding the discrete net tax benefits, the tax rate was 26.4% and 26.1% for the first thirty-six weeks of 2021 and 2020.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following table summarizes our significant sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents:


	36 Weeks Ended
	May 9, 2021		May 10, 2020
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	6,018	$	4,619
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,380)		(2,950)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(5,769)		771

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 $11,126 and $13,305 at May 9, 2021, and August 30, 2020. Of these balances, unsettled credit and debit card receivables represented approximately $1,896 and $1,636 at May 9, 2021, and August 30, 2020. 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.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $6,018 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2021, compared to $4,619 in the first thirty-six weeks 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, the strategic forward deployment of inventory to accelerate delivery times to our members, 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 $2,380 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2021, compared to $2,950 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2020, and is primarily related to capital expenditures. In the third quarter of 2021, we acquired a distribution facility for $345 to support our logistics and delivery activities. In the third quarter of 2020, we acquired Innovel (Costco Wholesale Logistics). See N ote 2 in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Net cash from investing activities also includes purchases and maturities of short-term investments.

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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 thirty-six weeks of 2021, we spent $2,494 on capital expenditures. While COVID-19 has delayed certain construction projects, it is our current intention to spend between $3,300 and $3,500 during fiscal 2021. This increased from the second quarter of 2021 as a result of the distribution facility acquisition discussed above. We opened 16 new warehouses, including two relocations, in the first thirty-six weeks of 2021 and plan to open seven 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 $5,769 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2021, compared to net cash provided of $771 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2020. Cash flow used in financing activities was primarily related to the payment of dividends, repurchases of common stock, and withholding taxes on stock-based awards. During the first thirty-six weeks of 2020, we issued $4,000 in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes and we also repaid $1,700 of Senior Notes.

Dividends

On April 14, 2021, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.79 per share payable to shareholders of record on April 30, 2021, which was paid on May 14, 2021.

Stock Repurchase Program

During the first thirty-six weeks of 2021 and 2020, we repurchased 1,040,000 and 368,000 shares of common stock, at an average price per share of $353.87 and $298.53, totaling approximately $368 and $110. 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.

Bank Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Programs

We maintain bank credit facilities for working capital and general corporate purposes. At May 9, 2021, we had borrowing capacity under these facilities of $1,059. Our international operations maintain $583 of the borrowing capacity under bank credit facilities, of which $206 is guaranteed by the Company. Short-term borrowings outstanding under the bank credit facilities at the end of the third quarter of 2021 were immaterial, and there were none outstanding at the end of 2020.

The Company has letter of credit facilities, for commercial and standby letters of credit, totaling $213. The outstanding commitments under these facilities at the end of the third quarter of 2021 totaled $181, 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.

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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.

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 May 9, 2021 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 third quarter of fiscal 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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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 third 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)
February 15, 2021 — March 14, 2021	204,000	$	333.07	204,000	$	3,488
March 15, 2021 — April 11, 2021	183,000	342.44		183,000	3,426
April 12, 2021 — May 9, 2021	132,000	371.74		132,000	3,377

Total third quarter	519,000	$	346.19	519,000

_______________

(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.

Item 3—Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4—Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5—Other Information

None.

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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

Articles of Incorporation as amended of Costco Wholesale Corporation

10-Q

2/16/2020

3/12/2020

3.2

Bylaws as amended of Costco Wholesale Corporation

8-K

1/29/2020

3.2.1

Amendments to Sections 3.3, 3.4 and 3.6 of the Bylaws of Costco Wholesale Corporation, (to be effective and first apply with respect to the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders)

8-K

9/16/2020

31.1

Rule 13(a) – 14(a) Certifications

32.1

Section 1350 Certifications

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

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)

June 2, 2021	By	/s/ W. CRAIG JELINEK
Date		W. Craig Jelinek President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

June 2, 2021	By	/s/ RICHARD A. GALANTI
Date		Richard A. Galanti Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director