Costco reports 7% jump in July sales

ISSAQUAH, Wash. Costco beat analysts’ expectations with a 7% increase in same-store sales for July. Sales rose 6% at its U.S. stores and 10% at its international outlets. A consensus among analysts had forecast a 5.5% increase for the month.

For the first 49 weeks of its current fiscal year, the 513-store warehouse retailer has generated $59.33 billion in sales, a 9% increase over last year. Same-store sales during the period have risen 6%. Costco will report full-year earnings next month after its fiscal year ends on Sept. 2.