Costco 3Q sales up 13%

ISSAQUAH, Wash. Costco Wholesale reported that net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 increased 13% to $16.26 billion, from $14.34 billion during the third quarter of fiscal 2007.

The company reported that U.S. comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 6%. This increase reflects the recent rise in gas prices. Excluding this, Costco said U.S. comps would have increased 4%.

Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 was $295.1 million, or 67 cents per diluted share, compared to $224 million, or 49 cents per diluted share, during the third quarter of fiscal 2007.