Costco Stock Climbs After Beating Adjusted Earnings Estimates

Costco Wholesale Corp. reported adjusted earnings of $4.93 per share for its fiscal third quarter ended May 10, 2026, beating analyst expectations. The company’s store visits and spending per trip increased, while its membership renewal rate reached 89.7%, according to filings. Competitive pricing and lower gasoline costs helped Costco gain market share as consumers sought to offset rising fuel expenses.

The warehouse giant, which ranks No. 53 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of largest private carriers in North America and No. 6 in the wholesale/retail sector, continues to expand its e-commerce and third-party delivery partnerships, including with Instacart.

Costco’s stock rose less than 1% in extended trading after the report, bringing its year-to-date gain to 15% through May 28, 2026. The company’s strategy of offering a limited assortment of about 4,000 products, along with paid memberships, has driven repeat visits. Top-selling categories included pharmacy, jewelry, home furnishings, and tires.

Costco’s results align with those of Walmart and Target, which also reported resilient consumer spending, though lower-income households remain more cautious. The retailer is also targeting younger shoppers through expanded online services, though their membership renewal rates lag behind other groups.