• Costco Wholesale
  •  Overview
  • Last Modified:
  • February 15, 2025
  • Company type:
  • Public
  • Industry:
  • Retail
  • Verified:
  • No
  • No of Employees:
  • 100 001 +
  • Stock Code:
  • COST
  • Download
  • Signed Health Status Declaration Form
  • Turnover $50m + ?:
  • Yes
  • Headquarters:
  • Issaquah, Washington
  • Public Interest Score:
  • 750+

 

  • Costco Wholesale
  • General Information

Description

Costco Wholesale Corporation is a well-known American multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only big-box warehouse club retail stores. Founded in 1983 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman, Costco is headquartered in Issaquah, Washington

Here are some key points about Costco:

  • Membership Model: Costco operates on a membership-only basis, offering three types of memberships: Executive, Business, and Gold Star.
  • Product Range: Costco warehouses carry a wide variety of products, including groceries, electronics, appliances, furniture, clothing, and more. They also offer private label products under the Kirkland Signature brand
  • Global Presence: As of 2024, Costco operates 890 warehouses worldwide, including locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and more.
  • Financial Performance: Costco has shown strong financial performance, with a revenue of $254.5 billion and a net income of $7.367 billion in 2024.

 

Expanding on the above.

  • Customer Focus: Costco is known for its commitment to offering high-quality products at lower prices by eliminating many of the traditional costs associated with retail.
    • Membership Warehouse Clubs: Costco operates membership-only warehouse clubs that offer a wide variety of products at low prices. Their business model focuses on bulk sales and low operating margins, allowing them to pass on savings to members.
    • Product Selection: Costco offers a diverse range of products, including groceries, electronics, appliances, furniture, clothing, health and beauty products, and more. They also provide a selection of private label products under the Kirkland Signature brand, which is known for its quality and value.
    • Services: In addition to retail products, Costco provides various services to its members, such as pharmacy, optical, photo center, travel services, and gas stations. Some locations also feature tire centers and auto services.
    • E-commerce: Costco’s online platform complements its physical warehouses by offering additional products and convenient shopping options. Members can order items online for delivery or in-store pickup.

    Global Presence Costco has a significant international presence, with warehouses in countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Spain, and more. This global reach allows Costco to serve a diverse customer base and benefit from economies of scale.

    Financial Performance Costco has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance. In 2024, the company reported revenue of $254.5 billion and a net income of $7.367 billion. This success is attributed to its efficient operations, loyal membership base, and strategic expansion.

    Customer Focus Costco is committed to providing high-quality products at competitive prices. Their focus on customer satisfaction is evident through their generous return policy, efficient checkout process, and friendly staff. The company also emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.

 

 

Hamilton James:
qone: No, qtwo: No, qthree: No, qfour: No, qfive: No, qsix: No
Susan Decker:
qone: No, qtwo: No, qthree: No, qfour: No, qfive: No, qsix: No
Kenneth Denman:
qone: No, qtwo: No, qthree: No, qfour: No, qfive: No, qsix: No
Helena Foulkes:
qone: No, qtwo: No, qthree: No, qfour: No, qfive: No, qsix: No
Richard Galanti:
qone: No, qtwo: No, qthree: No, qfour: No, qfive: No, qsix: No
Craig Jelinek:
qone: No, qtwo: No, qthree: No, qfour: No, qfive: No, qsix: No
Sally Jewell:
qone: No, qtwo: No, qthree: No, qfour: No, qfive: No, qsix: No
Jeffrey Raikes:
qone: No, qtwo: No, qthree: No, qfour: No, qfive: No, qsix: No
John Stanton:
qone: No, qtwo: No, qthree: No, qfour: No, qfive: No, qsix: No
Ron Vachris:
qone: No, qtwo: No, qthree: No, qfour: No, qfive: No, qsix: No
Mary Wilderotter:
qone: No, qtwo: No, qthree: No, qfour: No, qfive: No, qsix: No

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5 Benchmark > 4 Excellent > 3  Good > 2 Caution > 1 Risk

 

  • Company Information
  • Company System Number:
  • 15004
  • Founded Year: 
  • 1983
  • Registration Number: 
  • 601 024 674
  • Country: 
  • United States of America
  • Stock Exchanges: 
    • NASDAQ Stock Exchange
  • Financial year end: 
  • September
  • No. of Countries operations: 
  • 15
  • Company Status: 
  • In Business
  • Industry Sub Category: 
  • Date listed on Stock Exchange: 
  • 21/10/1993

 

  • Contact Information
  • Business operation: 
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation operates an international chain of membership warehouses, mainly under the "Costco Wholesale" name, that carry quality, brand-name merchandise at substantially lower prices than are typically found at conventional wholesale or retail sources. Costco warehouses present one of the largest and most exclusive product category selections to be found under a single roof. Categories include groceries, candy, appliances, television and media, automotive supplies, tires, toys, hardware, sporting goods, jewelry, watches, cameras, books, housewares, apparel, health and beauty aids, furniture, office supplies and office equipment. Costco is known for carrying top-quality national and regional brands, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
  • Primary office: 
  • 999 Lake Drive, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

 

  • Additional Information
  • Listed?: 
  • Yes
  • Company secretary: 
  • John B. Gaherty
  • Reporting currency: 
  • USD
  • ISIN number (12 digit): 
NASDAQ
US22160K1051
  • Authorised shares:
  • 900 000 000
  • Issued shares:
  • 443 900 000
  • No of shareholders:
  • 1001 and more shareholders
  • No of shareholders holding 20%:
  • 0 shareholders
  • Number of shares traded
  • Per Year:
  • Per Quarter:
  • Per Month:

 

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Shareholders holding 5% +


For a comprehensive list, please contact InsidEntity.

Material Subsidiaries/Associates


For a comprehensive list, please contact InsidEntity.

Credit Rating

NameLogoCountryHeadquartersRating
S and P GlobalCredit LogoUnited States of AmericaNew yorkA+

 

Countries Operations/ Offices


 

Company Directors

Name
Nationality
Age
Role
Qualification
Name

Hamilton E.

Non Executive
NationalityAmerican
75
RoleChairperson
QualificationNot Available
Date Appointed: 01/08/2017
Duration:
9 years and 1 month
Independance: Y
Profile
Name

Susan L.

Non Executive
NationalityAmerican
63
RoleNED
QualificationMBA
Date Appointed: 01/10/2004
Duration:
21 years and 11 months
Independance: N
Profile
Name

Kenneth D.

Non Executive
NationalityAmerican
1
RoleNED
QualificationMBA, BS, Accounting
Date Appointed: 01/03/2017
Duration:
9 years and 6 months
Independance: Y
Profile
Name

Helena Buonanno

Non Executive
NationalityAmerican
62
RoleNED
QualificationMBA,AB ,Economics
Date Appointed: 01/08/2023
Duration:
3 years and 1 month
Independance: Y
Profile
Name

Richard A.

Executive
NationalityAmerican
69
RoleCFO
QualificationNot Available
Date Appointed: 01/01/1995
Duration:
31 years and 8 months
Independance: N
Profile
Name

Craig Walter

Non Executive
NationalityAmerican
74
RoleNED
QualificationBBA
Date Appointed: 01/02/2010
Duration:
16 years and 7 months
Independance: N
Profile
Name

Sally

Non Executive
NationalityAmerican
70
RoleNED
QualificationNot Available
Date Appointed: 01/01/2020
Duration:
6 years and 8 months
Independance: Y
Profile
Name

Jeffrey

Non Executive
NationalityAmerican
68
RoleNED
QualificationBS,Engineering
Date Appointed: 01/12/2008
Duration:
17 years and 9 months
Independance: N
Profile
Name

John W.

Non Executive
NationalityAmerican
71
RoleNED
QualificationB.POLSCI, MBA
Date Appointed: 01/10/2015
Duration:
10 years and 11 months
Independance: N
Profile
Name

Ron

Executive
NationalityAmerican
61
RoleCEO
QualificationNot Available
Date Appointed: 01/01/2024
Duration:
2 years and 8 months
Independance: Y
Profile
Name

Mary Agnes

Non Executive
NationalityAmerican
71
RoleNED
QualificationNot Available
Date Appointed: 01/10/2015
Duration:
10 years and 11 months
Independance: N
Profile

 

Directors Tenure

Name
Duration
Name

Hamilton E. James

Duration9 years and 1 month
Profile
Name

Susan L. Decker

Duration21 years and 11 months
Profile
Name

Kenneth D. Denman

Duration9 years and 6 months
Profile
Name

Helena Buonanno Foulkes

Duration3 years and 1 month
Profile
Name

Richard A. Galanti

Duration31 years and 8 months
Profile
Name

Craig Walter Jelinek

Duration16 years and 7 months
Profile
Name

Sally Jewell

Duration6 years and 8 months
Profile
Name

Jeffrey Raikes

Duration17 years and 9 months
Profile
Name

John W. Stanton

Duration10 years and 11 months
Profile
Name

Ron Vachris

Duration2 years and 8 months
Profile
Name

Mary Agnes Wilderotter

Duration10 years and 11 months
Profile

 

Director Experience

Name
Experience
Name

Hamilton E.

Experience Financial Services, Asset Management
Profile
Name

Susan L.

Experience Financial Services, Technology, Media and Advertising
Profile
Name

Kenneth D.

Experience Technology, Other, Media and Advertising
Profile
Name

Helena Buonanno

Experience Healthcare, Retail
Profile
Name

Richard A.

Experience Financial Services
Profile
Name

Craig Walter

Experience Consumer Services
Profile
Name

Sally

Experience Government, Retail, Environmental Services
Profile
Name

Jeffrey

Experience Technology, Agriculture, Media and Advertising
Profile
Name

Ron

Experience Consumer Services, Real Estate
Profile
Name

Mary Agnes

Experience Telecom, Retail, Media and Advertising, Healthcare, Technology
Profile

 

Company Auditors

Name
Date Appointed
Years
Name

KPMG

Date Appointed01/01/2002
Year24 years and 8 months
Profile

 

 

Company Committees

Name

Hamilton E. James

Mainboard, Audit, Remuneration BD
Profile
Name

Susan L. Decker

Mainboard, Audit, Remuneration BD, AU
Profile
Name

Kenneth D. Denman

Mainboard, Audit, Remuneration BD, AU
Profile
Name

Helena Buonanno Foulkes

Mainboard, Audit, Remuneration BD, AU, NG
Profile
Name

Richard A. Galanti

Mainboard, Audit, Remuneration BD
Profile
Name

Craig Walter Jelinek

Mainboard, Audit, Remuneration BD
Profile
Name

Sally Jewell

Mainboard, Audit, Remuneration BD, AU, RE
Profile
Name

Jeffrey Raikes

Mainboard, Audit, Remuneration BD, NG
Profile
Name

John W. Stanton

Mainboard, Audit, Remuneration BD, RE
Profile
Name

Ron Vachris

Mainboard, Audit, Remuneration BD
Profile
Name

Mary Agnes Wilderotter

Mainboard, Audit, Remuneration BD, RE, NG
Profile

 

Committee
Abbreviation
Supervisory Board
SB
Board
BD
Risk & Compliance
RC
Audit
AU
Remuneration
RE
Capital investment
CI
Industry Specific
IS
Nominations & Governance
NG
Health, Safety & Environment
HS
Social & Ethics
SE
Technology
TE
Executive
EX
Other
OT