Costco 3Q income down, comps flat

ISSAQUAH, Wash. Costco announced that net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 declined 5%, to $15.48 billion, from $16.26 billion during the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

Total U.S. comparable-store sales (excluding fuel) were flat.

Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was $209.6 million, or 48 cents per diluted share, compared to $295.1 million, or 67 cents per diluted share, during the third quarter of fiscal 2008.