Costco 3Q profits edge up

ISSAQUAH, Wash. Costco reported that net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 increased 6% to $16.92 billion from $16.04 billion during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Total U.S. comparable-club sales, excluding fuel, increased by 2%. Including fuel, U.S. same-store sales were up 1%. Total company comparable-club sales increased by 3%.

Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was $266 million, or 60 cents per diluted share, compared to $263 million, or 60 cents per diluted share, during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.