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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 February 13,May 8, 2022
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 classTrading symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 Par ValueCOSTThe 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 filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller 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 March 2,May 25, 2022 was 443,224,290.442,962,949.
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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
  Page
PART I
Item 1.
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 Ended24 Weeks Ended12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
REVENUEREVENUEREVENUE
Net salesNet sales$50,937 $43,888 $100,354 $86,235 Net sales$51,612 $44,376 $151,966 $130,611 
Membership feesMembership fees967 881 1,913 1,742 Membership fees984 901 2,897 2,643 
Total revenueTotal revenue51,904 44,769 102,267 87,977 Total revenue52,596 45,277 154,863 133,254 
OPERATING EXPENSESOPERATING EXPENSESOPERATING EXPENSES
Merchandise costsMerchandise costs45,517 39,078 89,469 76,536 Merchandise costs46,355 39,415 135,824 115,951 
Selling, general and administrativeSelling, general and administrative4,575 4,351 9,293 8,671 Selling, general and administrative4,450 4,199 13,743 12,870 
Operating incomeOperating income1,812 1,340 3,505 2,770 Operating income1,791 1,663 5,296 4,433 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expenseInterest expense(36)(40)(75)(79)Interest expense(35)(40)(110)(119)
Interest income and other, netInterest income and other, net25 19 67 48 Interest income and other, net71 27 138 75 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXESINCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES1,801 1,319 3,497 2,739 INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES1,827 1,650 5,324 4,389 
Provision for income taxesProvision for income taxes481 348 832 587 Provision for income taxes455 417 1,287 1,004 
Net income including noncontrolling interestsNet income including noncontrolling interests1,320 971 2,665 2,152 Net income including noncontrolling interests1,372 1,233 4,037 3,385 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet income attributable to noncontrolling interests(21)(20)(42)(35)Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(19)(13)(61)(48)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCONET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO$1,299 $951 $2,623 $2,117 NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO$1,353 $1,220 $3,976 $3,337 
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO:NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO:NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO:
BasicBasic$2.93 $2.15 $5.91 $4.78 Basic$3.05 $2.75 $8.96 $7.53 
DilutedDiluted$2.92 $2.14 $5.90 $4.76 Diluted$3.04 $2.75 $8.94 $7.51 
Shares used in calculation (000s):Shares used in calculation (000s):Shares used in calculation (000s):
BasicBasic443,623 443,134 443,500 443,043 Basic443,700 443,043 443,567 443,043 
DilutedDiluted444,916 444,494 444,760 444,440 Diluted444,886 444,127 444,802 444,336 

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 Ended24 Weeks Ended 12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
NET INCOME INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTSNET INCOME INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS$1,320 $971 $2,665 $2,152 NET INCOME INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS$1,372 $1,233 $4,037 $3,385 
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, netForeign-currency translation adjustment and other, net(35)148 (107)357 Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net(388)54 (495)411 
Comprehensive incomeComprehensive income1,285 1,119 2,558 2,509 Comprehensive income984 1,287 3,542 3,796 
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests21 28 44 56 
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interestsLess: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(13)15 31 71 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCOCOMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO$1,264 $1,091 $2,514 $2,453 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO$997 $1,272 $3,511 $3,725 



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)




February 13,
2022
August 29,
2021


May 8,
2022
August 29,
2021
ASSETSASSETSASSETS
CURRENT ASSETSCURRENT ASSETSCURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$11,819 $11,258 Cash and cash equivalents$11,193 $11,258 
Short-term investmentsShort-term investments477 917 Short-term investments638 917 
Receivables, netReceivables, net2,232 1,803 Receivables, net1,991 1,803 
Merchandise inventoriesMerchandise inventories16,485 14,215 Merchandise inventories17,623 14,215 
Other current assetsOther current assets1,552 1,312 Other current assets1,563 1,312 
Total current assetsTotal current assets32,565 29,505 Total current assets33,008 29,505 
OTHER ASSETSOTHER ASSETSOTHER ASSETS
Property and equipment, netProperty and equipment, net24,052 23,492 Property and equipment, net24,143 23,492 
Operating lease right-of-use assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets2,840 2,890 Operating lease right-of-use assets2,731 2,890 
Other long-term assetsOther long-term assets3,621 3,381 Other long-term assets3,970 3,381 
TOTAL ASSETSTOTAL ASSETS$63,078 $59,268 TOTAL ASSETS$63,852 $59,268 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITYLIABILITIES AND EQUITYLIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIESCURRENT LIABILITIESCURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payableAccounts payable$17,089 $16,278 Accounts payable$17,651 $16,278 
Accrued salaries and benefitsAccrued salaries and benefits4,347 4,090 Accrued salaries and benefits4,090 4,090 
Accrued member rewardsAccrued member rewards1,798 1,671 Accrued member rewards1,828 1,671 
Deferred membership feesDeferred membership fees2,244 2,042 Deferred membership fees2,251 2,042 
Current portion of long-term debtCurrent portion of long-term debt— 799 Current portion of long-term debt77 799 
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities6,067 4,561 Other current liabilities5,948 4,561 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities31,545 29,441 Total current liabilities31,845 29,441 
OTHER LIABILITIESOTHER LIABILITIESOTHER LIABILITIES
Long-term debt, excluding current portionLong-term debt, excluding current portion6,658 6,692 Long-term debt, excluding current portion6,507 6,692 
Long-term operating lease liabilitiesLong-term operating lease liabilities2,588 2,642 Long-term operating lease liabilities2,452 2,642 
Other long-term liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities2,311 2,415 Other long-term liabilities2,535 2,415 
TOTAL LIABILITIESTOTAL LIABILITIES43,102 41,190 TOTAL LIABILITIES43,339 41,190 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIESCOMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIESCOMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITYEQUITYEQUITY
Preferred stock $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstandingPreferred stock $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding— — 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; 443,279,000 and 441,825,000 shares issued and outstanding
Common stock $0.01 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 443,029,000 and 441,825,000 shares issued and outstandingCommon stock $0.01 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 443,029,000 and 441,825,000 shares issued and outstanding
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital7,186 7,031 Additional paid-in capital7,272 7,031 
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(1,246)(1,137)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1,602)(1,137)
Retained earningsRetained earnings13,474 11,666 Retained earnings14,294 11,666 
Total Costco stockholders’ equityTotal Costco stockholders’ equity19,418 17,564 Total Costco stockholders’ equity19,968 17,564 
Noncontrolling interestsNoncontrolling interests558 514 Noncontrolling interests545 514 
TOTAL EQUITYTOTAL EQUITY19,976 18,078 TOTAL EQUITY20,513 18,078 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITYTOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$63,078 $59,268 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$63,852 $59,268 

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 February 13, 202212 Weeks Ended May 8, 2022
Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total Costco
Stockholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total Costco
Stockholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Shares (000s)Amount Shares (000s)Amount
BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 21, 2021443,434 $$7,064 $(1,211)$12,606 $18,463 $537 $19,000 
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 13, 2022BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 13, 2022443,279 $$7,186 $(1,246)$13,474 $19,418 $558 $19,976 
Net incomeNet income— — — — 1,299 1,299 21 1,320 Net income— — — — 1,353 1,353 19 1,372 
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, netForeign-currency translation adjustment and other, net— — — (35)— (35)— (35)Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net— — — (356)— (356)(32)(388)
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation— — 129 — — 129 — 129 Stock-based compensation— — 91 — — 91 — 91 
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effectsRelease of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects— (4)— — (4)— (4)Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects— (1)— — (1)— (1)
Repurchases of common stockRepurchases of common stock(159)— (3)— (80)(83)— (83)Repurchases of common stock(254)— (4)— (135)(139)— (139)
Cash dividend declaredCash dividend declared— — — — (351)(351)— (351)Cash dividend declared— — — — (398)(398)— (398)
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 13, 2022443,279 $$7,186 $(1,246)$13,474 $19,418 $558 $19,976 
BALANCE AT MAY 8, 2022BALANCE AT MAY 8, 2022443,029 $$7,272 $(1,602)$14,294 $19,968 $545 $20,513 





12 Weeks Ended February 14, 2021

12 Weeks Ended May 9, 2021
Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total Costco
Stockholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total Costco
Stockholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Shares (000s)Amount Shares (000s)Amount
BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 22, 2020442,955 $$6,725 $(1,101)$9,232 $14,860 $449 $15,309 
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 14, 2021BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 14, 2021442,654 $$6,843 $(961)$9,766 $15,652 $477 $16,129 
Net incomeNet income— — — — 951 951 20 971 Net income— — — — 1,220 1,220 13 1,233 
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, netForeign-currency translation adjustment and other, net— — — 140 — 140 148 Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net— — — 52 — 52 54 
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation— — 123 — — 123 — 123 Stock-based compensation— — 87 — — 87 — 87 
Release of vested RSUs, including tax effectsRelease of vested RSUs, including tax effects— — — — — — — Release of vested RSUs, including tax effects— (1)— — (1)— (1)
Repurchases of common stockRepurchases of common stock(308)— (5)— (107)(112)— (112)Repurchases of common stock(519)— (8)— (171)(179)— (179)
Cash dividend declaredCash dividend declared— — — — (310)(310)— (310)Cash dividend declared— — — — (349)(349)— (349)
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 14, 2021442,654 $$6,843 $(961)$9,766 $15,652 $477 $16,129 
BALANCE AT MAY 9, 2021BALANCE AT MAY 9, 2021442,141 $$6,921 $(909)$10,466 $16,482 $492 $16,974 

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)
24 Weeks Ended February 13, 202236 Weeks Ended May 8, 2022
Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total Costco
Stockholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total Costco
Stockholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Shares (000s)Amount Shares (000s)Amount
BALANCE AT AUGUST 29, 2021BALANCE AT AUGUST 29, 2021441,825 $$7,031 $(1,137)$11,666 $17,564 $514 $18,078 BALANCE AT AUGUST 29, 2021441,825 $$7,031 $(1,137)$11,666 $17,564 $514 $18,078 
Net incomeNet income— — — — 2,623 2,623 42 2,665 Net income— — — — 3,976 3,976 61 4,037 
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, netForeign-currency translation adjustment and other, net— — — (109)— (109)(107)Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net— — — (465)— (465)(30)(495)
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation— — 518 — — 518 — 518 Stock-based compensation— — 609 — — 609 — 609 
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effectsRelease of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects1,690 — (359)— — (359)— (359)Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects1,694 — (360)— — (360)— (360)
Repurchases of common stockRepurchases of common stock(236)— (4)— (114)(118)— (118)Repurchases of common stock(490)— (8)— (249)(257)— (257)
Cash dividends declaredCash dividends declared— — — — (701)(701)— (701)Cash dividends declared— — — — (1,099)(1,099)— (1,099)
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 13, 2022443,279 $$7,186 $(1,246)$13,474 $19,418 $558 $19,976 
BALANCE AT MAY 8, 2022BALANCE AT MAY 8, 2022443,029 $$7,272 $(1,602)$14,294 $19,968 $545 $20,513 





24 Weeks Ended February 14, 2021

36 Weeks Ended May 9, 2021
Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total Costco
Stockholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total Costco
Stockholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Shares (000s)Amount Shares (000s)Amount
BALANCE AT AUGUST 30, 2020BALANCE AT AUGUST 30, 2020441,255 $$6,698 $(1,297)$12,879 $18,284 $421 $18,705 BALANCE AT AUGUST 30, 2020441,255 $$6,698 $(1,297)$12,879 $18,284 $421 $18,705 
Net incomeNet income— — — — 2,117 2,117 35 2,152 Net income— — — — 3,337 3,337 48 3,385 
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, netForeign-currency translation adjustment and other, net— — — 336 — 336 21 357 Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net— — — 388 — 388 23 411 
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation— — 465 — — 465 — 465 Stock-based compensation— — 552 — — 552 — 552 
Release of vested RSUs, including tax effectsRelease of vested RSUs, including tax effects1,920 — (311)— — (311)— (311)Release of vested RSUs, including tax effects1,926 — (312)— — (312)— (312)
Repurchases of common stockRepurchases of common stock(521)— (9)— (180)(189)— (189)Repurchases of common stock(1,040)— (17)— (351)(368)— (368)
Cash dividends declaredCash dividends declared— — — — (5,050)(5,050)— (5,050)Cash dividends declared— — — — (5,399)(5,399)— (5,399)
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 14, 2021442,654 $$6,843 $(961)$9,766 $15,652 $477 $16,129 
BALANCE AT MAY 9, 2021BALANCE AT MAY 9, 2021442,141 $$6,921 $(909)$10,466 $16,482 $492 $16,974 

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)
24 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIESCASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIESCASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income including noncontrolling interestsNet income including noncontrolling interests$2,665 $2,152 Net income including noncontrolling interests$4,037 $3,385 
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization868 820 Depreciation and amortization1,306 1,222 
Non-cash lease expenseNon-cash lease expense145 124 Non-cash lease expense240 189 
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation516 463 Stock-based compensation606 550 
Other non-cash operating activities, netOther non-cash operating activities, net104 (6)Other non-cash operating activities, net49 19 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes(15)(21)Deferred income taxes(2)(16)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:Changes in operating assets and liabilities:Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventoriesMerchandise inventories(2,322)(1,480)Merchandise inventories(3,633)(1,531)
Accounts payableAccounts payable970 191 Accounts payable1,766 1,256 
Other operating assets and liabilities, netOther operating assets and liabilities, net728 442 Other operating assets and liabilities, net517 944 
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities3,659 2,685 Net cash provided by operating activities4,886 6,018 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIESCASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIESCASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of short-term investmentsPurchases of short-term investments(325)(384)Purchases of short-term investments(588)(802)
Maturities of short-term investmentsMaturities of short-term investments753 823 Maturities of short-term investments840 955 
Additions to property and equipmentAdditions to property and equipment(1,778)(1,466)Additions to property and equipment(2,632)(2,494)
Other investing activities, netOther investing activities, net(43)(10)Other investing activities, net(48)(39)
Net cash used in investing activitiesNet cash used in investing activities(1,393)(1,037)Net cash used in investing activities(2,428)(2,380)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIESCASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIESCASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Change in bank payments outstandingChange in bank payments outstanding(10)(67)Change in bank payments outstanding(99)
Repayments of long-term borrowingsRepayments of long-term borrowings(800)— Repayments of long-term borrowings(800)— 
Tax withholdings on stock-based awardsTax withholdings on stock-based awards(359)(311)Tax withholdings on stock-based awards(360)(312)
Repurchases of common stockRepurchases of common stock(115)(186)Repurchases of common stock(254)(367)
Cash dividend paymentsCash dividend payments(350)(4,740)Cash dividend payments(701)(5,050)
Other financing activities, netOther financing activities, net(33)(46)Other financing activities, net(129)(41)
Net cash used in financing activitiesNet cash used in financing activities(1,667)(5,350)Net cash used in financing activities(2,343)(5,769)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTSEFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(38)62 EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(180)80 
Net change in cash and cash equivalentsNet change in cash and cash equivalents561 (3,640)Net change in cash and cash equivalents(65)(2,051)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEARCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR11,258 12,277 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR11,258 12,277 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIODCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD$11,819 $8,637 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD$11,193 $10,226 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the first half of the year for:
Cash paid during the first thirty-six weeks of the year for:Cash paid during the first thirty-six weeks of the year for:
InterestInterest$76 $78 Interest$102 $98 
Income taxes, netIncome taxes, net$469 $755 Income taxes, net$1,121 $867 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
Cash dividend declared, but not yet paidCash dividend declared, but not yet paid$351 $310 Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid$398 $349 
Financing lease assets obtained in exchange for new or modified leasesFinancing lease assets obtained in exchange for new or modified leases$172 $135 Financing lease assets obtained in exchange for new or modified leases$631 $265 
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for new or modified leasesOperating lease assets obtained in exchange for new or modified leases$60 $140 Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for new or modified leases$67 $208 

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 February 13,May 8, 2022, Costco operated 828829 warehouses worldwide: 572573 in the United States (U.S.) located in 46 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, 105 in Canada, 40 in Mexico, 30 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom (U.K.), 16 in Korea, 14 in Taiwan, 13 in Australia, 4 in Spain, 2 each in France and China, and 1 in Iceland. 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 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 on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 29, 2021.
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 2022 is a 52-week year ending on August 28, 2022. References to the secondthird quarter of 2022 and 2021 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended February 13,May 8, 2022 and February 14,May 9, 2021, respectively. References to the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022 and 2021 relate to the 2436 weeks ended February 13,May 8, 2022 and February 14,May 9, 2021, respectively.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
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Property and Equipment, Net
The Company capitalizes certain computer software and costs incurred in developing or obtaining software for internal use.software. The Company recognized a $118 write-off of certain information technology assets, which was recorded in the first quarter of 2022, in selling, general and administrative expenses, in the condensed consolidated statements of income.expenses.
Reclassification
Reclassifications were made to our secondthird quarter and first halfthirty-six weeks of 2021 condensed consolidated statements of income to conform with current period presentation.
Note 2—Investments
The Company's investments were as follows:
February 13, 2022:Cost
Basis
Unrealized
Gains, Net
Recorded
Basis
May 8, 2022:May 8, 2022:Cost
Basis
Unrealized
Losses, Net
Recorded
Basis
Available-for-sale:Available-for-sale:Available-for-sale:
Government and agency securitiesGovernment and agency securities$364 $$365 Government and agency securities$390 $(1)$389 
Held-to-maturity:Held-to-maturity:Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of depositCertificates of deposit112 — 112 Certificates of deposit249 — 249 
Total short-term investmentsTotal short-term investments$476 $$477 Total short-term investments$639 $(1)$638 
August 29, 2021:Cost
Basis
Unrealized
Gains, Net
Recorded
Basis
Available-for-sale:
Government and agency securities$375 $$381 
Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit536 — 536 
Total short-term investments$911 $$917 
Gross unrecognized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were not material for the periods ended February 13,May 8, 2022, and August 29, 2021. At those dates, there were no available-for-sale securities in a material continuous unrealized-loss position. There were no sales of available-for-sale securities during the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022 or 2021.
The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at February 13,May 8, 2022 are as follows:
Available-For-SaleHeld-To-Maturity Available-For-SaleHeld-To-Maturity
Cost BasisFair Value Cost BasisFair Value
Due in one year or lessDue in one year or less$247 $247 $112 Due in one year or less$296 $295 $249 
Due after one year through five yearsDue after one year through five years117 118 — Due after one year through five years94 94 — 
TotalTotal$364 $365 $112 Total$390 $389 $249 

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Note 3—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 2Level 2
February 13,
2022
August 29,
2021
May 8,
2022
August 29,
2021
Investment in government and agency securities(1)
Investment in government and agency securities(1)
$373 $393 
Investment in government and agency securities(1)
$389 $393 
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in asset position(2)
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in asset position(2)
13 17 
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in asset position(2)
54 17 
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in (liability) position(2)
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in (liability) position(2)
(1)(2)
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in (liability) position(2)
(1)(2)
TotalTotal$385 $408 Total$442 $408 
 _______________
(1)At February 13, 2022, $8 cash and cash equivalents and $365 short-term investments are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. At August 29, 2021, $12 cash and cash equivalents and $381 short-term investments are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(2)The asset and liability values are included in other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
At February 13,May 8, 2022, and August 29, 2021, the Company did not hold any Level 1 or 3 financial assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no transfers between levels during the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022 or 2021.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Assets and liabilities recognized and disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as financial assets measured at amortized cost and long-lived nonfinancial assets. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired. There were no fair value adjustments to these items during the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022 or 2021.
Note 4—Debt
The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following:
February 13,
2022
August 29,
2021
May 8,
2022
August 29,
2021
2.300% Senior Notes due May 20222.300% Senior Notes due May 2022$— $800 2.300% Senior Notes due May 2022$— $800 
2.750% Senior Notes due May 20242.750% Senior Notes due May 20241,000 1,000 2.750% Senior Notes due May 20241,000 1,000 
3.000% Senior Notes due May 20273.000% Senior Notes due May 20271,000 1,000 3.000% Senior Notes due May 20271,000 1,000 
1.375% Senior Notes due June 20271.375% Senior Notes due June 20271,250 1,250 1.375% Senior Notes due June 20271,250 1,250 
1.600% Senior Notes due April 20301.600% Senior Notes due April 20301,750 1,750 1.600% Senior Notes due April 20301,750 1,750 
1.750% Senior Notes due April 20321.750% Senior Notes due April 20321,000 1,000 1.750% Senior Notes due April 20321,000 1,000 
Other long-term debtOther long-term debt694 731 Other long-term debt618 731 
Total long-term debtTotal long-term debt6,694 7,531 Total long-term debt6,618 7,531 
Less unamortized debt discounts and issuance costsLess unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs36 40 Less unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs34 40 
Less current portion(1)
Less current portion(1)
— 799 
Less current portion(1)
77 799 
Long-term debt, excluding current portionLong-term debt, excluding current portion$6,658 $6,692 Long-term debt, excluding current portion$6,507 $6,692 
 _______________
(1)Net of unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs.
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The fair value of the 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 $6,492$6,000 and $7,692 at February 13,May 8, 2022, and August 29, 2021.2021, respectively.
On December 1, 2021, the Company repaid, prior to maturity, the 2.300% Senior Notes at a redemption price plus accrued interest as specified in the Notes' agreement.
Note 5—Equity
Dividends
The Company’s current quarterly dividend is $0.79$0.90 per share, compared to $0.70$0.79 in the secondthird quarter of 2021. On January 20,April 13, 2022, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.79$0.90 per share, which was paid on February 18,May 13, 2022.
Share Repurchase Program
The Company's share repurchase program is conducted under a $4,000 authorization by the Board of Directors, which expires in April 2023. The remaining amount available under the approved planprogram was $3,132$2,993 at February 13,May 8, 2022. Share repurchase activity during the second quarter of 2022 and 2021 is summarized below:
Shares Repurchased (000s)Average Price per ShareTotal Cost
Second quarter of 2022159 $518.73 $83 
First half of 2022236 $498.00 $118 
Second quarter of 2021308 $362.95 $112 
First half of 2021521 $361.52 $189 
Shares Repurchased (000s)Average Price per ShareTotal Cost
Third quarter of 2022254 $547.38 $139 
First thirty-six weeks of 2022490 $523.61 $257 
Third quarter of 2021519 $346.19 $179 
First thirty-six weeks of 20211,040 $353.87 $368 
These amounts may differ from the repurchase balances in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows due to changes in unsettled repurchases at quarter end. 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 6—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.
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity
At February 13,May 8, 2022, 10,388,00010,411,000 shares were available to be granted as RSUs, and the following awards were outstanding:
3,403,0003,375,000 time-based RSUs, which vest upon continued employment over specified periods and accelerate upon achievement of the long-service term;
39,000 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 upon achievement of the long-service term; and
82,000 performance-based RSUs, granted to executive officers of the Company, subject to achievement of performance targets for fiscal 2022, 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 secondthird quarter of 2022, as it is currently deemed probable that the targets will be achieved.
The following table summarizes RSU transactions during the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022:
Number of
Units (in 000s)
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Number of
Units (in 000s)
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at August 29, 2021Outstanding at August 29, 20214,349 $257.88 Outstanding at August 29, 20214,349 $257.88 
GrantedGranted1,679 476.06 Granted1,679 476.06 
Vested and deliveredVested and delivered(2,438)290.20 Vested and delivered(2,443)290.20 
ForfeitedForfeited(66)320.88 Forfeited(89)324.80 
Outstanding at February 13, 20223,524 $338.29 
Outstanding at May 8, 2022Outstanding at May 8, 20223,496 $338.37 
The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs unvested at February 13,May 8, 2022, was $985,$890, and the weighted-average period over which this cost will be recognized is 1.81.7 years.
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation
The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefits:
12 Weeks Ended24 Weeks Ended12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
Stock-based compensation expenseStock-based compensation expense$128 $122 $516 $463 Stock-based compensation expense$90 $87 $606 $550 
Less recognized income tax benefitsLess recognized income tax benefits23 22 108 97 Less recognized income tax benefits20 18 128 115 
Stock-based compensation expense, netStock-based compensation expense, net$105 $100 $408 $366 Stock-based compensation expense, net$70 $69 $478 $435 
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Note 7—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 Ended24 Weeks Ended12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
Net income attributable to CostcoNet income attributable to Costco$1,299 $951 $2,623 $2,117 Net income attributable to Costco$1,353 $1,220 $3,976 $3,337 
Weighted average basic sharesWeighted average basic shares443,623 443,134 443,500 443,043 Weighted average basic shares443,700 443,043 443,567 443,043 
RSUsRSUs1,293 1,360 1,260 1,397 RSUs1,186 1,084 1,235 1,293 
Weighted average diluted sharesWeighted average diluted shares444,916 444,494 444,760 444,440 Weighted average diluted shares444,886 444,127 444,802 444,336 
Anti-dilutive RSUsAnti-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.
Note 8—Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in a number of claims, proceedings and litigations 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. 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 July 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 employees who work at entrance and exit doors in California warehouses. Canela v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (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 December 2018, a depot employee raised similar claims, alleging that depot employees in California did not receive suitable seating or reasonably comfortable 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 settlesettled for an immaterial amount the seating claims on a representative basis, which received court approval in February 2020. The workplaceparties settled the temperature claims continuefor an immaterial amount in litigation.April 2022, and court approval was received in May 2022.
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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
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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 was appealed; the appeal is in abeyance due to a pending settlementSettlement for an immaterial amount that was agreed upon in February 2021. The Court preliminarily approvedFinal court approval of the settlement in October 2021, and the Court's final review is scheduled forwas granted on May 3, 2022.

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. In September 2021, the court granted Costco’s motion for partial summary judgment and denied class certification. In August 2019, the plaintiff 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 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 case was stayed due to the plaintiff's bankruptcy, and his individual claim was settled for an immaterial amount. A request for dismissal of theThe class and representative action is pending.

claims were thereafter dismissed.
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, failure to pay certain non-exempt employees on a weekly basis, and failure to provide proper wage statements and notices. The plaintiff also asserted individual retaliation claims. Cappadora v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 1:20-cv-06067; E.D.N.Y.). An amended complaint was filed, and the Company denied the material allegations of the amended complaint. Based on an agreement in principle concerning settlement of the matter, involving a proposed payment by the Company of an immaterial amount, the federal action has been dismissed. In April 2022, Cappadora and a second plaintiff filed an action against the Company in New York state court asserting the same class claims asserted in the federal action under the New York Labor Law and seeking preliminary approval of the class settlement. Cappadora and Sancho v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Index No. 604757/2022; Nassau County Supreme Court).
In August 2021, a former employee filed a similar suit, asserting class claims on behalf of certain non-exempt employees under New York Labor Law for failure to pay on a weekly basis. Umadat v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 2:21-cv-4814; E.D.N.Y.). The Company answered the complaint on October 21, 2021, denying the material allegations. In April 2022, a former employee filed a similar suit, asserting class claims on behalf of certain non-exempt employees under New York Labor Law, as well as under the Fair Labor Standards Act, for failure to pay on a weekly basis and failure to pay overtime.

Burian v. Costco Wholesale Corp.
(Case No. 2:22-cv-02108; E.D.N.Y.).
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, which was granted with leave to amend. In June 2021, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, which the Company moved to dismiss later that month. The court granted the motion in part in July 2021 with leave to amend. In August 2021, the plaintiff filed a second amended complaint and filed a separate representative action under PAGA asserting the same Labor
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Code claims and seeking civil penalties and attorneys' fees. The Company filed an answer to the second amended class action complaint, denying the material allegations.

In July 2021, a former temporary staffing employee filed a class action against the Company and a staffing company alleging violations of the California Labor Code regarding payment of wages, meal and rest periods, wage statements, the timeliness of wages and final wages, and for unfair business practices. Dimas v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. STK-CV-UOE-2021-0006024; San Joaquin Superior Court). The Company has moved to compel arbitration of the plaintiff's individual claims and to dismiss the class action complaint. On September 7, 2021, the same former employee filed a separate representative
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action under PAGA asserting the same Labor Code violations and seeking civil penalties and attorneys' fees. The complaintcase has not yet been served.

stayed pending the motion to compel in the related case.
In September 2021, an employee filed a class action against the Company alleging violations of the California Labor Code regarding the alleged failure to provide sick pay, failure to timely pay wages due at separation from employment, and for violations of California's unfair competition law. De Benning v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 34-2021-00309030-CU-OE-GDS; Sacramento Superior Court). The Company answered the complaint in January 2022, denying its material allegations. In April 2022, a settlement for an immaterial amount was agreed upon, subject to court approval.

In March 2022, an employee filed a class action against the Company alleging violations of the California Labor Code regarding the failure to: pay wages, provide meal and rest periods, provide accurate wage statements, timely pay final wages, and reimburse business expenses.
Diaz v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 22STCV09513; Los Angeles Superior Court). The Court stayed the case, including the Company's filing of a responsive pleading, pending the initial status conference.
In May 2022, an employee filed a PAGA-only representative action against the Company alleging claims under the California Labor Code regarding the payment of wages, meal and rest periods, the timeliness of wages and final wages, wage statements, accurate records and business expenses. Gonzalez v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 22AHCV00255; Los Angeles Superior Court).
Beginning 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 cases that name the Company, including actions filed by counties and cities in Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia and South Carolina, a third-party payor in Ohio, and a hospital in Texas, 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 43 states and American Samoa. Claims against the Company in state courts in New Jersey, Oklahoma, Utah, and Arizona have been dismissed. The Company is defending all of the pending matters.

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 9—Segment Reporting
The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the operation of membership warehouses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Japan, U.K., 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 29, 2021, and Note 1 above. Inter-segment net sales and expenses have been eliminated in computing total revenue and operating income. Effective for fiscal 2022, stock-based compensation was allocated to the segments in this reporting. This change reflected a decision to evaluate the financial performance of the segments inclusive of this expense. Operating income was restated in each of the segments for all prior periods to reflect this change.
The following table provides information for the Company's reportable segments:
United States
Operations
Canadian
Operations
Other
International
Operations
TotalUnited States
Operations
Canadian
Operations
Other
International
Operations
Total
12 Weeks Ended February 13, 2022
12 Weeks Ended May 8, 202212 Weeks Ended May 8, 2022
Total revenueTotal revenue$37,567 $7,017 $7,320 $51,904 Total revenue$38,534 $7,268 $6,794 $52,596 
Operating incomeOperating income1,179 301 332 1,812 Operating income1,205 324 262 1,791 
12 Weeks Ended February 14, 2021
12 Weeks Ended May 9, 202112 Weeks Ended May 9, 2021
Total revenueTotal revenue$32,127 $6,001 $6,641 $44,769 Total revenue$32,759 $6,299 $6,219 $45,277 
Operating incomeOperating income826 226 288 1,340 Operating income1,135 260 268 1,663 
24 Weeks Ended February 13, 2022
36 Weeks Ended May 8, 202236 Weeks Ended May 8, 2022
Total revenueTotal revenue$73,884 $14,138 $14,245 $102,267 Total revenue$112,418 $21,406 $21,039 $154,863 
Operating incomeOperating income2,297 594 614 3,505 Operating income3,502 918 876 5,296 
24 Weeks Ended February 14, 2021
36 Weeks Ended May 9, 202136 Weeks Ended May 9, 2021
Total revenueTotal revenue$63,419 $12,012 $12,546 $87,977 Total revenue$96,178 $18,311 $18,765 $133,254 
Operating incomeOperating income1,763 473 534 2,770 Operating income2,898 733 802 4,433 
52 Weeks Ended August 29, 202152 Weeks Ended August 29, 202152 Weeks Ended August 29, 2021
Total revenueTotal revenue$141,398 $27,298 $27,233 $195,929 Total revenue$141,398 $27,298 $27,233 $195,929 
Operating incomeOperating income4,470 1,093 1,145 6,708 Operating income4,470 1,093 1,145 6,708 
Disaggregated Revenue
The following table summarizes net sales by merchandise category; sales from e-commerce websites and business centers have been allocated to the applicable merchandise categories:
12 Weeks Ended24 Weeks Ended12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
Foods and SundriesFoods and Sundries$19,489 $17,624 $39,052 $35,643 Foods and Sundries$19,594 $17,551 $58,646 $53,194 
Non-FoodsNon-Foods15,105 13,723 29,267 26,107 Non-Foods13,810 12,899 43,077 39,006 
Fresh FoodsFresh Foods6,959 6,254 13,398 12,117 Fresh Foods6,813 6,296 20,211 18,413 
Ancillary and Other BusinessesAncillary and Other Businesses9,384 6,287 18,637 12,368 Ancillary and Other Businesses11,395 7,630 30,032 19,998 
Total net salesTotal net sales$50,937 $43,888 $100,354 $86,235 Total net sales$51,612 $44,376 $151,966 $130,611 


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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, inflation or deflation, 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 and the Ukraine conflict), the ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, regulatory and other impacts related to climate change, and COVID-19 related factors and challenges, including (among others) the duration of the pandemic, the unknown long-term economic impact, reduced shopping due to illness, travel restrictions or financial hardship, shifts in demand for products, reduced workforces due to illness, quarantine, or government mandates, temporary store closures or operational limitations due to government mandates, or supply-chain disruptions, 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.
OVERVIEW
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to promote understanding of the results of operations and financial condition. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements (Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q), as well as our consolidated financial statements, the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements, and the related Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our fiscal year 2021 Form 10-K, which was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 6, 2021.
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 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 generally sell inventory before we are required to pay for it, even while taking advantage of early payment discounts.
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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, non-foods, and fresh foods), warehouse ancillary (includes gasoline, pharmacy, optical, food court, hearing aids, and tire installation) and other businesses (e-commerce, business centers, travel and other). 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 by certain factors that are beyond our control: fluctuations in currency exchange rates (with respect to 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. Merchandise costs in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2022 were impacted by inflation higher than what we have experienced in recent years. The impact to our net sales and gross margin is influenced in part by our merchandising and pricing strategies in response to cost increases. Those strategies can include, but are not limited to, working with our suppliers to share in absorbing cost increases, earlier-than-usual purchasing and in greater volumes, offering seasonal merchandise outside its season, the chartering of container vessels and leasing of containers as well as passing cost increases on to our members. 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 and 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. Merchandise costs in the second quarter and first half of 2022 were impacted by inflation higher than what we have experienced in recent years. 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
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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 operations.
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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.
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 our longer-term objectives of reducing employee turnover and enhancing employee satisfaction require 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 administrativeSG&A expenses, can have substantial impacts on net income.
Our operating model is generally the same across our U.S., Canadian, and Other International operating segments (see Note 9 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 e-commerce or business delivery.
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 secondthird quarter of 2022 and 2021 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended February 13,May 8, 2022, and February 14,May 9, 2021. References to the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022 and 2021 relate to the 2436 weeks ended February 13,May 8, 2022, and February 14,May 9, 2021. 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 secondthird quarter of 2022 versus 2021 include:
Net sales increased 16% to $50,937,$51,612, driven by an increase in comparable sales of 14%15% and sales at 2520 net new warehouses opened since the end of the secondthird quarter of 2021;
Membership fee revenue increased 10%9% to $967,$984, driven by new member sign-ups, upgrades to Executive Membership, and an increase in our renewal rate;
Gross margin percentage decreased 3299 basis points, driven primarily by our core merchandise categories partially offset by our warehouse ancillary and other businesses, primarily gasoline;a LIFO charge for higher merchandise costs;
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 9484 basis points, primarily due to leveraging increased sales and ceasing of incremental wages related to COVID-19;
Net income was $1,299, $2.92 per diluted share, compared to $951, $2.14 per diluted share in 2021;
On January 20, 2022 our board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.79 per share, which was paid on February 18, 2022; and
Subsequent to the end of the quarter, in mid-March we will be increasing various wages and benefits, consistent with the three-year cycle on which this has been done historically. Mostsales;
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significant are increases ofWe incurred a minimum of fifty cents per hour for U.S. and Canada wage scales. Certain other bonuses and benefits will be increasing for many employees. The estimated incremental annualized pre-tax costs of these increases, after considering our normal annual increases is approximately $275. Further, an additional $85 will be recorded in the third fiscal quarterone-time $77 pretax charge, primarily related to granting our employees one additional day of vacation under the new employee agreement that was effective March 14, 2022;
Net income was $1,353, $3.04 per diluted share, compared to $1,220, $2.75 per diluted share in 2021; and
On April 13, 2022, our board declared a one-time true-up to accrued benefits, related to these wage and benefit changes.quarterly cash dividend of $0.90 per share, which was paid on May 13, 2022.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact our business in the secondthird quarter of 2022, albeit to a lesser extent. COVID-related and other supply and logistics constraints have continued to adversely affect some merchandise categories and are expected to do so for the foreseeable future. During the secondthird quarter and first halfthirty-six weeks of fiscal 2021, we paid $246$57 and $458$515 in incremental wages related to COVID-19, which ceased in February 2021.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales
12 Weeks Ended24 Weeks Ended12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
Net SalesNet Sales$50,937 $43,888 $100,354 $86,235 Net Sales$51,612 $44,376 $151,966 $130,611 
Changes in net sales:Changes in net sales:Changes in net sales:
U.SU.S17 %13 %17 %14 %U.S18 %19 %17 %16 %
CanadaCanada17 %15 %18 %16 %Canada16 %34 %17 %22 %
Other InternationalOther International10 %25 %14 %24 %Other International%27 %12 %25 %
Total CompanyTotal Company16 %15 %16 %16 %Total Company16 %22 %16 %18 %
Changes in comparable sales:Changes in comparable sales:Changes in comparable sales:
U.SU.S16 %11 %15 %13 %U.S17 %18 %16 %15 %
CanadaCanada16 %13 %17 %15 %Canada15 %32 %16 %20 %
Other InternationalOther International%22 %10 %20 %Other International%23 %%21 %
Total CompanyTotal Company14 %13 %15 %14 %Total Company15 %21 %15 %16 %
Changes in comparable sales excluding the impact of changes in foreign-currency and gasoline prices:Changes in comparable sales excluding the impact of changes in foreign-currency and gasoline prices:Changes in comparable sales excluding the impact of changes in foreign-currency and gasoline prices:
U.SU.S11 %13 %11 %15 %U.S11 %15 %11 %15 %
CanadaCanada12 %11 %10 %14 %Canada13 %17 %11 %15 %
Other InternationalOther International%18 %10 %18 %Other International%13 %10 %16 %
Total CompanyTotal Company11 %13 %11 %15 %Total Company11 %15 %11 %15 %
Net Sales
Net sales increased $7,049$7,236 or 16%, and $14,119$21,355 or 16% during the secondthird quarter and first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022. This improvement was attributable to an increase in comparable sales of 14% and 15% in both the secondthird quarter and first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022, and sales at the 2520 net new warehouses opened since the end of the secondthird quarter of 2021. While sales increased in all core merchandise categories and warehouse ancillary and other businesses, increased, the rate of increase was strongest in our gasoline, business centers, and travel businesses. Sales continued to be impacted by inflation, higher than what we experienced in the first quartercomparable periods of 2021 and earlier this fiscal 2022.year.
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During the secondthird quarter of 2022, higher gasoline prices positively impacted net sales by $1,713, or 390$2,270, 511 basis points, compared to 2021, with a 42% increase in the average price per gallon. The volume of gasoline sold increased approximately 24%, positively impacting net sales by $1,082, 244 basis points. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted net sales by approximately $476, 107 basis points, compared to the third quarter of 2021, primarily attributable to our Other International operations.
During the first thirty-six weeks of 2022, higher gasoline prices positively impacted net sales by $5,829, 446 basis points, compared to 2021, with a 44% increase in the average price per gallon. The volume of gasoline sold increased approximately 25%, positively impacting net sales by $814, or 185$2,701, 207 basis points. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted net sales by approximately $281, or 64$379, 29 basis points, compared to the second quarterfirst thirty-six weeks of 2021, primarily attributable to our Other International operations.
During the first half of 2022, higher gasoline prices positively impacted net sales by $3,559, or 413 basis points, compared to 2021, with a 46% increase in the average price per gallon. The volume of gasoline sold increased approximately 26%, positively impacting net sales by $1,620, or 188 basis points. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar positively impacted net sales by approximately $101, or 12 basis points, compared to the first half of 2021, primarily attributable to our Canadian operations, partially offset by our Other InternationalCanadian operations.
Comparable Sales
Comparable sales increased 14% and 15% in both the secondthird quarter and first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022, and were positively impacted by increases in shopping frequency and the average ticket and shopping frequency, which includes the effects of inflation and changes in foreign currency. E-commerce comparable sales increased 13%7% and 11% in the secondthird quarter and first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022.
Membership Fees
12 Weeks Ended24 Weeks Ended12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
Membership feesMembership fees$967 $881 $1,913 $1,742 Membership fees$984 $901 $2,897 $2,643 
Membership fees increaseMembership fees increase10 %%10 %%Membership fees increase%11 %10 %%
Total paid members (000s)Total paid members (000s)63,400 59,700 — — Total paid members (000s)64,400 60,600 — — 
Total cardholders (000s)Total cardholders (000s)114,800 108,300 — — Total cardholders (000s)116,600 109,800 — — 
Membership fee revenues increased 9% and 10% in both the secondthird quarter and first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022, driven by sign-ups and upgrades to Executive Membership. At the end of the secondthird quarter of 2022, our member renewal rates were 92% in the U.S. and Canada and 90% worldwide. Renewal rates continue to benefit from more members auto renewing and increased penetration of executive members, who on average renew at a higher rate. Our renewal rate, which excludes affiliates of Business members, 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.
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Gross Margin
12 Weeks Ended24 Weeks Ended12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
Net salesNet sales$50,937 $43,888 $100,354 $86,235 Net sales$51,612 $44,376 $151,966 $130,611 
Less merchandise costsLess merchandise costs45,517 39,078 89,469 76,536 Less merchandise costs46,355 39,415 135,824 115,951 
Gross marginGross margin$5,420 $4,810 $10,885 $9,699 Gross margin$5,257 $4,961 $16,142 $14,660 
Gross margin percentageGross margin percentage10.64 %10.96 %10.85 %11.25 %Gross margin percentage10.19 %11.18 %10.62 %11.22 %
Quarterly Results
Total gross margin percentage decreased 99 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2021. Excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation on net sales, gross margin percentage was 10.65%, a decrease of 53 basis points. This was primarily due to a 46 basis-point decrease in core merchandise categories, due to decreases in fresh foods and non-foods and 27 basis points due to a LIFO charge for higher merchandise costs. Gross margin was positively impacted by 18 basis points related to our warehouse ancillary and other businesses, predominantly gasoline, and three basis points due to 2% rewards. Gross margin was negatively impacted by one basis point due to the net impact of a one-time charge related to granting our employees one additional day of vacation under the new employee agreement and the ceasing of incremental wages related to COVID-19. We expect the LIFO charge in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 to be substantially higher than the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted gross margin by approximately $51, compared to the third quarter of 2021.
The gross margin of core merchandise categories, when expressed as a percentage of core merchandise sales (rather than total net sales), decreased 39 basis points. The decrease was across all categories, most significantly in fresh foods. This measure eliminates the impact of changes in sales penetration and gross margins from our warehouse ancillary and other businesses.
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), decreased across all segments. Our U.S. segment performed similarly to the results above. Gross margin percentage in our Canadian segment was negatively impacted due to decreases in core merchandise categories and warehouse ancillary and other businesses. Gross margin percentage in our Other International segment was negatively impacted due to decreases in core merchandise categories, partially offset by warehouse ancillary and other businesses. Our Other International segment was also negatively impacted due to increased 2% rewards. All our segments benefited from the ceasing of incremental wages related to COVID-19.
Year-to-date Results
Total gross margin percentage decreased 60 basis points compared to the first thirty-six weeks of 2021. Excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation on net sales, gross margin was 11.05%, a decrease of 17 basis points. This was primarily due to a 38 basis-point decrease in core merchandise categories, predominantly driven by decreases in fresh foods and foods and sundries, and 15 basis points due to a LIFO charge for higher merchandise costs. Warehouse ancillary and other businesses positively impacted gross margin by 27 basis points, predominantly gasoline. Gross margin was positively impacted by nine basis points due to the net impact of ceasing incremental wages related to COVID-19 and the negative impact of a one-time charge related to granting our employees one additional day of vacation under the new employee agreement. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted gross margin by approximately $43, compared to the first thirty-six weeks of 2021, attributable to our Other International operations, partially offset by our Canadian operations.
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The gross margin of core merchandise categories, when expressed as a percentage of core merchandise sales (rather than total net sales), decreased 28 basis points. The decrease was across all categories, most significantly in fresh foods. This measure eliminates the impact of changes
The segment gross margin percentage decreased in sales penetrationour U.S. and gross margins from ourCanadian segment. Gross margin decreased in core merchandise categories, partially offset by warehouse ancillary and other businesses.
Total gross margin percentage decreased 32 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2021. Excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation on net sales, gross margin percentage was 11.01%, an increase of five basis points. This was primarily due to a 49 basis-point increase in warehouse ancillary and other businesses, predominantly gasoline. Gross margin was also positively impacted by 14 basis points due to decreased incremental wages related to COVID-19, which ended February 28, 2021. Gross margin was negatively impacted due to a 43 basis-point decrease in all core merchandise categories, predominantly fresh foods and foods and sundries, 14 basis points due to a LIFO charge for higher merchandise costs, and one basis-point due to increased 2% rewards. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted gross margin by approximately $31, compared to the second quarter of 2021, primarily attributable to our Other International operations.
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), increased in our U.S. and Canadian segment, due to warehouse ancillary and other businesses and ceasing of incremental wages related to COVID-19, partially offset by core merchandise categories. Our U.S. segment was also negatively impacted due to the LIFO charge. Gross margin percentage decreased in our Other International segment due to decreases in core merchandise categories and increased 2% rewards, partially offset by warehouse ancillary and other businesses and ceasing of incremental wages related to COVID-19.
Year-to-date Results
The gross margin of core merchandise categories, when expressed as a percentage of core merchandise sales (rather than total net sales), decreased 23 basis points. The decrease was primarily due to fresh foods, and foods and sundries, partially offset by non-foods.
Total gross margin percentage decreased 40 basis points compared to the first half of 2021. Excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation on net sales, gross margin percentage was flat as compared to the first half of 2021. Warehouse ancillary and other businesses, predominantly gasoline, increased 31 basis points. Gross margin was also positively impacted by 13 basis points due to ceasing of incremental wages related to COVID-19. Gross margin was negatively impacted due to a 34 basis-point decrease in core merchandise categories, predominantly foods and sundries, and fresh foods. Gross margin was also negatively impacted by nine basis points due to a LIFO charge for higher merchandise costs and one basis-point due to increased 2% rewards.
The segment gross margin percentage increased in our U.S. segment and performed similarly to the quarterly results above. Gross margin percentage decreased in our Canadian segment, primarily due to decreases in core merchandise categories partially offset by warehouse ancillary and other businesses.
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Gross margin percentage decreased in our Other International segment due to decreases in core merchandise categories and increased 2% rewards, partially offset by increases in warehouse ancillary and other businesses. All our segments benefited from the ceasing of incremental wages related to COVID-19.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
12 Weeks Ended24 Weeks Ended12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
SG&A expensesSG&A expenses$4,575 $4,351 $9,293 $8,671 SG&A expenses$4,450 $4,199 $13,743 $12,870 
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net salesSG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales8.98 %9.92 %9.26 %10.06 %SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales8.62 %9.46 %9.04 %9.85 %
Quarterly Results
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 9484 basis points. Excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation the decrease was 6344 basis points. Ceasing incremental COVID-19Warehouse operations and other businesses were lower by 35 basis points, largely attributable to leveraging increased sales. This includes the impact of the starting wage increase we instituted in October 2021, as well as eight weeks of the increased wages reduced expenses by 42 basis points.and benefits that were effective on March 14, 2022. Central operating costs were lower by 10 basis points, and warehouse operations and other businesses were lower by nine basis points, largely attributable to leveraging increased sales. Stockstock compensation expense was lower by one basis point. SG&A was negatively impacted by two basis points.points due to the net impact of a one-time charge related to granting our employees one additional day of vacation under the new employee agreement and the ceasing of incremental wages related to COVID-19. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar positively impacted SG&A expenses by approximately $23,$39, compared to the secondthird quarter of 2021, primarily attributable to our Other International operations.2021.
Year-to-date Results
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 8081 basis points compared to the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2021. Excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation the decrease was 4645 basis points. SG&A expenses were positively impacted by a net 28 basis points due to the ceasing of incremental wages related to COVID-19, partially offset by a write-off of certain information technology assets. Warehouse operations and other businesses were lower by 1018 basis points, largely attributable to payrollleveraging increased sales. This includes the impact of the starting wage increase we instituted in October 2021 as well as eight weeks of the increased wages and benefits primarilythat were effective on March 14, 2022. SG&A was positively impacted by a net 18 basis points due to leveraging increased sales.ceasing incremental wages related to COVID-19, a write-off of certain information technology assets and a one-time charge related to granting our employees one additional day of vacation under the new employee agreement. Central operating costs were lower by eight basis points. Stockpoints, and stock compensation expense was lower by one basis point. Pre-openingChanges in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar positively impacted SG&A expenses were higher by one basis point.
The first halfapproximately $37, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2022 includes the permanent $1 increase for hourly employees in2021, primarily attributable to our warehouses and distribution channels that began in March 2021, and beginning in October 2021, the additional starting wage increase from $16 and $16.50 to $17 and $18.Other International operations.
Interest Expense
12 Weeks Ended24 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
Interest expense$36 $40 $75 $79 
12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
Interest expense$35 $40 $110 $119 
Interest expense is primarily related to Senior Notes. Interest expense decreased in the secondthird quarter and first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022 due to early repayment of the 2.300% Senior Notes on December 1, 2021.
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Interest Income and Other, Net
12 Weeks Ended24 Weeks Ended12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
Interest incomeInterest income$$11 $15 $21 Interest income$$$21 $29 
Foreign-currency transaction gains (losses), net12 (1)38 
Foreign-currency transaction gains, netForeign-currency transaction gains, net56 94 13 
Other, netOther, net14 20 Other, net13 23 33 
Interest income and other, netInterest income and other, net$25 $19 $67 $48 Interest income and other, net$71 $27 $138 $75 
Interest income decreased in the second quarter and first half of 2022 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 29, 2021.
Provision for Income Taxes
12 Weeks Ended24 Weeks Ended 12 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
Provision for income taxesProvision for income taxes$481 $348 $832 $587 Provision for income taxes$455 $417 $1,287 $1,004 
Effective tax rateEffective tax rate26.7 %26.4 %23.8 %21.5 %Effective tax rate24.9 %25.2 %24.2 %22.9 %
The effective tax rate for the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022 was impacted by net discrete tax benefits of $91,$114, which were primarily related to the first quarter. This included $91 of excess tax benefits related to stock compensation. Excluding discrete net tax benefits, the tax rate was 26.4%26.3% for the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022.
The effective tax rate for the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2021 was impacted by net discrete tax benefits of $136,$157, which was primarily related to the first quarter. This included $75 of excess tax benefits related to stock compensation, and $70 related to the special cash dividend paid through the 401(k) plan.plan, and $19 primarily related to a reduction in the valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets. Excluding net discrete tax benefits, the tax rate was 26.4% for the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2021.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table summarizes our significant sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents:
24 Weeks Ended36 Weeks Ended
February 13,
2022
February 14,
2021
May 8,
2022
May 9,
2021
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities$3,659 $2,685 Net cash provided by operating activities$4,886 $6,018 
Net cash used in investing activitiesNet cash used in investing activities(1,393)(1,037)Net cash used in investing activities(2,428)(2,380)
Net cash used in financing activitiesNet cash used in financing activities(1,667)(5,350)Net cash used in financing activities(2,343)(5,769)
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 $12,296$11,831 and $12,175 at February 13,May 8, 2022, and August 29, 2021. Of these balances, unsettled credit and debit card receivables represented approximately $1,993$2,152 and $1,816 at February 13,May 8, 2022, and August 29, 2021. These receivables generally settle within four days.
Material contractual obligations arising in the normal course of business primarily consist of purchase obligations, long-term debt and related interest payments, leases, and construction and land purchase obligations.
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Purchase obligations consist of contracts primarily related to merchandise, equipment, and third-party services, the majority of which are due in the next 12 months. Construction and land purchase obligations primarily relate to the development and opening of new and relocated warehouses, the majority of which (other than leases) are due in the next 12 months.
Management believes that our cash and investment position and operating cash flows, with capacity under existing and available credit agreements, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital requirements for the foreseeable future. Management also believes that our U.S. current and projected U.S. asset position is sufficient to meet U.S. liquidity and capital requirements.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $3,659$4,886 in the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022, compared to $2,685$6,018 in the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2021. 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 forward deployment of inventory to accelerate delivery times to our members, earlier than usual purchasing in anticipation of cost increases, payment terms with our suppliers, and the amount paid early to obtain discounts from our suppliers.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $1,393$2,428 in the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022, compared to $1,037$2,380 in the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2021, 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 halfthirty-six weeks of 2022, we spent $1,778$2,632 on capital expenditures, and it is our current intention to spend approximately $4,000 during fiscal year 2022. These expenditures are expected to be financed with cash from operations, existing cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments. We opened 1417 new warehouses, including one relocation,three relocations, in the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022 and plan to open 15 to 1810 additional new warehouses including up to three relocations, in the remainder of fiscal 2022. There can be no assurance that current expectations will be realized, and plans are subject to change upon changes in capital expenditure needs or the economic environment.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $1,667$2,343 in the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2022, compared to $5,350$5,769 in the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2021. Cash flow used in financing activities was primarily related to repayments of our 2.300% Senior Notes, the payment of dividends, withholding taxes on stock-based awards, the payment of dividends, and repurchases of common stock. In the first halfthirty-six weeks of 2021, cash flow used in financing was primarily due to the payment of a special dividend.
Dividends
On January 20,April 13, 2022, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.79$0.90 per share payable to shareholders of record on February 4,April 29, 2022, which was paid on February 18,May 13, 2022.
Share Repurchase Program
During the first half of 2022 and 2021, we repurchased 236,000 and 521,000 shares of common stock, at an average price per share of $498.00 and $361.52, totaling approximately $118 and $189. These
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Share Repurchase Program
During the first thirty-six weeks of 2022 and 2021, we repurchased 490,000 and 1,040,000 shares of common stock, at an average price per share of $523.61 and $353.87, totaling approximately $257 and $368. These amounts may differ from the repurchase balances in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows due to changes in unsettled 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 February 13,May 8, 2022, we had borrowing capacity under these facilities of $1,034.$1,006. Our international operations maintain $550$522 of the total borrowingthis capacity under bank credit facilities, of which $195$182 is guaranteed by the Company. Short-term borrowings outstanding under the bank credit facilities were immaterial at the end of the secondthird quarter of 2022 and at the end of 2021.
The Company has letter of credit facilities, for commercial and standby letters of credit, totaling $229.$225. The outstanding commitments under these facilities at the end of the secondthird quarter of 2022 totaled $201,$198, most of which were standby letters of credit whichthat 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.
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 29, 2021. 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 29, 2021.
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 29, 2021.
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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 February 13,May 8, 2022 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
During the third quarter of 2022, we implemented a new financial planning, consolidation and reporting application, which required changes to certain business processes and controls in the internal control over financial reporting.
There have been no other 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 secondthird quarter of fiscal 2022 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 8 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 29, 2021. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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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 secondthird quarter of 2022 (amounts in millions, except share and per share data):
PeriodTotal Number of Shares PurchasedAverage 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)
November 21, 2021 — December 19, 20217,000 $551.14 7,000 $3,211 
December 20, 2021 — January 16, 202261,000 540.43 61,000 3,178 
January 17, 2022 — February 13, 202291,000 501.58 91,000 3,132 
Total second quarter159,000 $518.73 159,000 
PeriodTotal Number of Shares PurchasedAverage 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 14, 2022 — March 13, 202288,000 $517.63 88,000 $3,086 
March 14, 2022 — April 10, 202285,000 563.93 85,000 3,038 
April 11, 2022 — May 8, 202281,000 562.33 81,000 2,993 
Total third quarter254,000 $547.38 254,000 
 _______________
(1)Our share 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.
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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 DescriptionFiled
Herewith
FormPeriod 
Ending
Filing Date
3.110-Q2/16/20203/12/2020
3.28-K1/29/2020
3.2.18-K9/16/2020
10.1x
31.1x
32.1x
101.INSInline XBRL Instance Documentx
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Documentx
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Documentx
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Documentx
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Documentx
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Documentx
104Cover 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)
March 9,June 1, 2022By
/s/ W. CRAIG JELINEKCRAIG JELINEK
Date
W. Craig Jelinek
Chief Executive Officer and Director
March 9,June 1, 2022By
/s/ RICHARDRICHARD A. GALANTIGALANTI
Date
Richard A. Galanti
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director

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