Costco Reports 13% Rise In May Comparable-Store Sales

Costco Wholesale Corp COST reported a 13% rise in its May comparable-store sales on Thursday. The retailer's net sales surged 17% to $7.14 billion, from $6.09 billion in the year-ago month. However, analysts expected same-store sales to rise 11.2% for the month. Its same-store sales increased 11% in the US and 21% internationally. Excluding higher gasoline prices and the positive effect of stronger foreign currencies against the US dollar, Costco's same-store sales climbed 7% for the month. Costco shares fell 2.75% to close at $80.21 yesterday. Read more from Benzinga's Company news.