For the quarterly period ended November 26, 2017

or

Commission file number 0-20355

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

999 Lake Drive, Issaquah, WA 98027

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code): (425) 313-8100

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  ☒  NO  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES ☒    NO ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES  ☐    NO  ☒

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock as of December 13, 2017 was 439,105,871 .

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1-Financial Statements

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(amounts in millions, except par value and share data)

(unaudited)

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(amounts in millions, except per share data)

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(amounts in millions)

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(amounts in millions)

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(amounts in millions, except share, per share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)

(unaudited)

Note 1-Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco or the Company), a Washington corporation, and its subsidiaries operate membership warehouses and ecommerce websites based on the concept that offering members low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories will produce high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover. At November 26, 2017 , Costco operated 746 warehouses worldwide: 518 United States (U.S.) locations (in 44 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico), 98 Canada locations, 37 Mexico locations, 28 United Kingdom (U.K.) locations, 26 Japan locations, 13 Korea locations, 13 Taiwan locations, nine Australia locations, two Spain locations, one Iceland location, and one France location. The Company operates e-commerce websites in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Korea, and Taiwan.

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Costco, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest. The Company reports noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company's equity. All material inter-company transactions between and among the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company's net income excludes income attributable to noncontrolling interests in its operations in Taiwan. During the first quarter of 2018, Costco purchased its former joint venture partner's remaining equity interest in its Korean operations. Unless otherwise noted, references to net income relate to net income attributable to Costco.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q for interim financial reporting pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While these statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for fair presentation of the results of the interim period, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for complete financial statements. Therefore, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 3, 2017 .

Fiscal Year End

The Company operates on a 52/53 week fiscal year basis, with the fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to August 31. Fiscal 2018 is a 52-week year ending on September 2, 2018 . References to the first quarters of 2018 and 2017 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended November 26, 2017 , and November 20, 2016 , respectively.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results and events could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company accounts for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. The carrying value of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature or variable interest rates. See Notes 2, 3, and 4 for the carrying value and fair value of the Company's investments, derivative instruments, and fixed-rate debt, respectively.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is estimated by applying a fair value hierarchy, which requires maximizing the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs are:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values. Long-term financial liabilities include the Company's long-term debt, which are recorded on the balance sheet at issuance price and adjusted for unamortized discounts or premiums and debt issuance costs, which are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan. There have been no material changes to the valuation techniques utilized in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities as disclosed in the Company's 2017 Form 10-K.

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. U.S. merchandise inventories are valued by the cost method of accounting, using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis. The Company believes the LIFO method more fairly presents the results of operations by more closely matching current costs with current revenues. The Company records adjustments quarterly, if necessary, for the projected annual effect of inflation or deflation, and these estimates are adjusted to actual results determined at year-end, after actual inflation rates and inventory levels have been determined. Canadian and Other International merchandise inventories are predominantly valued using the cost and retail inventory methods, respectively, using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.

As of November 26, 2017 , U.S. merchandise inventories valued at LIFO approximated FIFO after considering the lower of cost or market principle. As of September 3, 2017 , the cumulative impact of the LIFO valuation on merchandise inventories was zero .

Derivatives

The Company is exposed to foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations in the normal course of business. It manages these fluctuations, in part, through the use of forward foreign-exchange contracts, seeking to economically hedge the impact of fluctuations of foreign exchange on known future expenditures denominated in a non-functional foreign-currency. The contracts relate primarily to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by the Company's international subsidiaries, whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. These contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The Company seeks to mitigate risk with the use of these contracts and does not intend to engage in speculative transactions. Some of these contracts contain credit-risk-related contingent features that require settlement of outstanding contracts upon certain triggering events. At November 26, 2017 and September 3, 2017 , both the aggregate fair value amounts of derivative instruments in a net liability position and the amount needed to settle the instruments immediately if the credit-risk-related contingent features were triggered were immaterial. The aggregate notional amounts of unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts were $928 and $637 at November 26, 2017 , and September 3, 2017 , respectively. The Company seeks to manage counterparty risk associated with these contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which the Company has

an established banking relationship. There can be no assurance that this practice is effective. The contracts are limited to less than one year in duration. See Note 3 for information on the fair value of unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts as of November 26, 2017 , and September 3, 2017 .

The unrealized gains or losses recognized in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income relating to the net changes in the fair value of unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts were immaterial in the first quarter of 2018 and resulted in a net gain of $30 in the first quarter of 2017 .

The Company is exposed to fluctuations in prices for the energy it consumes, particularly electricity and natural gas, which it seeks to partially mitigate through the use of fixed-price contracts for certain of its warehouses and other facilities, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company also enters into variable-priced contracts for some purchases of natural gas and fuel for its gas stations on an index basis. These contracts meet the characteristics of derivative instruments, but generally qualify for the "normal purchases or normal sales" exception under authoritative guidance and require no mark-to-market adjustment.

Foreign Currency

The Company recognizes foreign-currency transaction gains and losses related to revaluing or settling monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Generally, these include the U.S. dollar cash and cash equivalents and the U.S. dollar payables of consolidated subsidiaries revalued to their functional currency. Also included are realized foreign-currency gains or losses from settlements of forward foreign-exchange contracts. These items were immaterial in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 .

Stock Repurchase Programs

Repurchased shares of common stock are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act. The par value of repurchased shares is deducted from common stock and the excess repurchase price over par value is deducted by allocation to additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. The amount allocated to additional paid-in capital is the current value of additional paid-in capital per share outstanding and is applied to the number of shares repurchased. Any remaining amount is allocated to retained earnings. See Note 5 for additional information.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance intended to simplify accounting for share-based payment transactions. The guidance relates to the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. The new standard was effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal year 2018 and recognized an excess tax benefit of $41 as part of its income tax provision in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Previously these amounts were reflected in equity. Additionally, these amounts are now reflected as cash flows from operations instead of cash flows from financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows on a prospective basis. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of cash flows, or related disclosures.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance converges the requirements for reporting revenue and requires disclosures sufficient to describe the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from these contracts. Transition is permitted either retrospectively or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The new

standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal year 2019.

While its review is continuing, based on preliminary assessments, the Company believes the new guidance will change recognition timing of cash-card breakage income to reflect the historical pattern of gift card redemption rather than the current methodology of recognizing income when redemption is considered remote. The Company will also present estimated sales returns on a gross basis rather than net of the sales return reserve on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company continues to evaluate various areas such as gross versus net revenue presentation for certain contracts, identification and treatment of performance obligations associated with membership offers, and accounting for warranty arrangements on qualified purchases. The Company continues to evaluate potential impacts on the contracts associated with the co-branded credit card arrangement as well as its adoption methodology.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance on leases, which will require recognition on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by all leases with terms greater than twelve months. The standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal year 2020. While the Company continues to evaluate this standard and the effect on related disclosures, the primary effect of adoption will be to require recording right-of-use assets and corresponding lease obligations for current operating leases. The adoption is expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but not on the consolidated statements of income or consolidated statements of cash flows.

Note 2-Investments

The Company's major categories of investments have not materially changed from the annual reporting period ended September 3, 2017 . The Company's investments were as follows:

At November 26, 2017 , and September 3, 2017 , available-for-sale securities that were in a continuous unrealized-loss position were immaterial. During the first quarter of 2018 , there were no unrealized gains or losses on cash and cash equivalents. During the first quarter of 2017 , unrealized gains or losses on cash and cash equivalents were immaterial.

The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were $35 and $32 during the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Gross realized gains or losses from sales of available-for-sale securities during the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were not material.

The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at November 26, 2017 , were as follows:

Note 3-Fair Value Measurement

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The tables below present information regarding financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate the level within the hierarchy reflecting the valuation techniques utilized to determine fair value.

 _______________

During and at the periods ended November 26, 2017 , and September 3, 2017 , the Company did not hold any Level 3 financial assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no transfers in or out of Level 1 or 2 during the first quarter of 2018 or 2017 .

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Assets and liabilities recognized and disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as financial assets recorded at amortized cost and long-lived nonfinancial assets. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired. There were no fair value adjustments to these items during the first quarter of 2018 or 2017 .

Note 4-Debt

The carrying value of the Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:

The estimated fair value of Senior Notes is valued using Level 2 inputs. Other long-term debt consists primarily of promissory notes and term loans issued by the Company's Japan subsidiary and are valued primarily using Level 3 inputs. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including the current portion, was approximately $6,641 and $6,753 at November 26, 2017 , and September 3, 2017 , respectively.

Note 5-Equity and Comprehensive Income

Dividends

The Company's current quarterly dividend rate is $0.50 per share, compared to $0.45 per share in the first quarter of 2017 . On October 30, 2017 , the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.50 per share, which was paid on December 1, 2017 .

Stock Repurchase Programs

Stock repurchase activity during the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 is summarized below:

These amounts may differ from the stock repurchase balances in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows due to changes in unsettled stock repurchases at the end of a quarter. The remaining amount available for stock repurchases under our approved plan, which expires in April 2019, was $2,630

at November 26, 2017 . Purchases are made from time-to-time, as conditions warrant, in the open market or in block purchases and pursuant to plans under SEC Rule 10b5-1.

Components of Equity and Comprehensive Income

The following tables show the changes in equity attributable to Costco and the noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries:

Note 6-Stock-Based Compensation

The Seventh Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan authorized the issuance of 23,500,000 shares ( 13,429,000 RSUs) of common stock for future grants in addition to the shares authorized under the previous plan. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon vesting of RSUs. Shares for vested RSUs are generally delivered to participants annually, net of shares for statutory withholding taxes.

Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity

At November 26, 2017 , 8,109,000 shares were available to be granted as RSUs and the following awards were outstanding:

The following table summarizes RSU transactions during the first quarter of 2018 :

The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs at November 26, 2017 , was $999 , and the weighted-average period over which this cost will be recognized is 1.8 years.

Summary of Stock-Based Compensation

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefits under the Company's plans:

The following table shows the amounts used in computing net income per share and the weighted average number of shares of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding (shares in 000's):

Note 8-Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in a number of claims, proceedings and litigation arising from its business and property ownership. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes an accrual for legal proceedings if and when those matters reach a stage where they present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. There may be exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company monitors those matters for developments that would affect the likelihood of a loss (taking into account where applicable indemnification arrangements concerning suppliers and insurers) and the accrued amount, if any, thereof, and adjusts the amount as appropriate. As of the date of this Report, the Company has recorded an immaterial accrual with respect to one matter described below, in addition to other immaterial accruals for matters not described below. If the loss contingency at issue is not both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company does not establish an accrual, but will continue to monitor the matter for developments that will make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. In each case, there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred, including a loss in excess of the applicable accrual. For matters where no accrual has been recorded, the possible loss or range of loss (including any loss in excess of the accrual) cannot, in the Company's view, be reasonably estimated because, among other things: (i) the remedies or penalties sought are indeterminate or unspecified; (ii) the legal and/or factual theories are not well developed; and/or (iii) the matters involve complex or novel legal theories or a large number of parties.

The Company is a defendant in a class action alleging violation of California Wage Order 7-2001 by failing to provide seating to member service assistants who act as greeters and exit attendants in the Company's California warehouses. Canela v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al. (Case No. 5:13-cv-03598, N.D. Cal. filed July 1, 2013). The complaint seeks relief under the California Labor Code, including civil penalties and attorneys' fees. The Company has filed an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint.

On November 23, 2016, the Company's Canadian subsidiary received from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care a request for an inspection and information concerning compliance with the anti-rebate provisions in the Ontario Drug Benefit Act and the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act. The Company is seeking to cooperate with the request.

In November 2016 and September 2017, the Company received notices of violation from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection regarding hazardous waste practices at its Connecticut warehouses, primarily concerning unsalable pharmaceuticals. The Company is seeking to cooperate concerning the resolution of these notices.

The Company does not believe that any pending claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position; however, it is possible that an unfavorable outcome of some or all of the matters, however unlikely, could result in a charge that might be material to the results of an individual fiscal quarter.

Note 9-Segment Reporting

The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the operation of membership warehouses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Japan, Korea, Australia, Spain, Iceland and France and through a majority-owned subsidiary in Taiwan. Reportable segments are largely based on management's organization of the operating segments for operational decisions and assessments of financial performance, which consider geographic locations. The material accounting policies of the segments are as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 3, 2017 , and Note 1 above. Inter-segment net sales and expenses have been eliminated in computing total revenue and operating income. Certain operating expenses, predominantly stock-based compensation, are incurred on behalf of the Company's Canadian and Other International Operations, but are included in the U.S. Operations because those costs are not allocated internally and generally come under the responsibility of the Company's U.S. management team.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this Report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. They include statements that address activities, events, conditions or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future and may relate to such matters as net sales growth, increases in comparable warehouse sales, cannibalization of existing locations by new openings, price or fee changes, earnings performance, earnings per share, stock-based compensation expense, warehouse openings and closures, capital spending, the effect of accounting standards, future financial reporting, financing, margins, return on invested capital, strategic direction, expense controls, membership renewal rates, shopping frequency, litigation, and the demand for our products and services. Forward-looking statements may also be identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, domestic and international economic conditions, including exchange rates, the effects of competition and regulation, uncertainties in the financial markets, consumer and small business spending patterns and debt levels, breaches of security or privacy of member or business information, conditions affecting the acquisition, development, ownership or use of real estate, actions of vendors, rising costs associated with employees (generally including health care costs), energy and certain commodities, geopolitical conditions, and other risks identified from time to time in our public statements and reports filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these statements, except as required by law.

This management discussion should be read in conjunction with the management discussion included in our fiscal 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, previously filed with the SEC.

OVERVIEW

We operate membership warehouses and ecommerce websites based on the concept that offering our members low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories will produce high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover. When combined with the operating efficiencies achieved by volume purchasing, efficient distribution and reduced handling of merchandise in no-frills, self-service warehouse facilities, these volumes and turnover enable us to operate profitably at significantly lower gross margins (net sales less merchandise costs) than most other retailers.

We believe that the most important driver of our profitability is sales growth, particularly comparable warehouse sales (comparable sales) growth. We define comparable sales as sales from warehouses open for more than one year, including remodels, relocations and expansions, as well as online sales related to e-commerce websites operating for more than one year. Comparable sales growth is achieved through increasing shopping frequency from new and existing members and the amount they spend on each visit (average ticket). Sales comparisons can also be particularly influenced by certain factors that are beyond our control: fluctuations in currency exchange rates (with respect to the consolidation of the results of our international operations); and changes in the cost of gasoline and associated competitive conditions (primarily impacting our U.S. and Canadian operations). The higher our comparable sales exclusive of these items, the more we can leverage certain of our selling, general and administrative expenses, reducing them as a percentage of sales and enhancing profitability. Generating comparable sales growth is foremost a question of making available to our members the right merchandise at the right prices, a skill that we believe we have repeatedly demonstrated over the long term. Another substantial factor in sales growth is the health of the economies in which we do business, including the effects of inflation or deflation, especially the United States. Sales growth and gross margins are also impacted by our competition, which is vigorous and widespread, across a wide range of global, national and regional wholesalers and retailers. While we cannot control or reliably predict general economic health or changes in competition, we believe that we have been successful

historically in adapting our business to these changes, such as through adjustments to our pricing and to our merchandise mix, including increasing the penetration of our private label items.

Our philosophy is to provide our members with quality goods and services at the most competitive prices. We do not focus in the short term on maximizing prices charged, but instead seek to maintain what we believe is a perception among our members of our "pricing authority" – consistently providing the most competitive values. Our investments in merchandise pricing can, from time to time, include reducing prices on merchandise to drive sales or meet competition and holding prices steady despite cost increases instead of passing the increases on to our members, all negatively impacting near-term gross margin as a percentage of net sales (gross margin percentage). We believe that our gasoline business draws members, but it generally has a significantly lower gross margin percentage relative to our non-gasoline business. A higher penetration of gasoline sales will generally lower our gross margin percentage. Rapidly changing gasoline prices may significantly impact our near-term net sales growth. Generally, rising gasoline prices benefit net sales growth which, given the higher sales base, negatively impacts our gross margin percentage but decreases our selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of net sales. A decline in gasoline prices has the inverse effect. We operate our lower-margin gasoline business in all countries except Korea and France.

We also achieve sales growth by opening new warehouses. As our warehouse base grows, available and desirable potential sites become more difficult to secure, and square footage growth becomes a comparatively less substantial component of growth. The negative aspects of such growth, however, including lower initial operating profitability relative to existing warehouses and cannibalization of sales at existing warehouses when openings occur in existing markets, are increasingly less significant relative to the results of our total operations. Our rate of square footage growth is generally higher in foreign markets, due to the smaller base in those markets, and we expect that to continue. Our e-commerce business growth both domestically and internationally has also increased our sales.

Our membership format is an integral part of our business model and has a significant effect on our profitability. This format is designed to reinforce member loyalty and provide continuing fee revenue. The extent to which we achieve growth in our membership base, increase the penetration of our Executive members, and sustain high renewal rates materially influences our profitability.

Our financial performance depends heavily on our ability to control costs. While we believe that we have achieved successes in this area historically, some significant costs are partially outside our control, most particularly health care and utility expenses. With respect to expenses relating to the compensation of our employees, our philosophy is not to seek to minimize their wages and benefits. Rather, we believe that achieving our longer-term objectives of reducing employee turnover and enhancing employee satisfaction requires maintaining compensation levels that are better than the industry average for much of our workforce. This may cause us, for example, to absorb costs that other employers might seek to pass through to their workforces. Because our business is operated on very low margins, modest changes in various items in the income statement, particularly merchandise costs and selling, general and administrative expenses, can have substantial impacts on net income.

Our operating model is generally the same across our U.S., Canada, and Other International operating segments (see Part I, Item 1, Note 9 of this Report). Certain countries in the Other International segment have relatively higher rates of square footage growth, lower wages and benefits costs as a percentage of country sales, and/or less or no direct membership warehouse competition.

In discussions of our consolidated operating results, we refer to the impact of changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, which are references to the differences between the foreign-exchange rates we use to convert the financial results of our international operations from local currencies into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. This impact of foreign-exchange rate changes is calculated based on the difference between the current period's currency exchange rates and that of the comparable prior period.

The impact of changes in gasoline prices on net sales is calculated based on the difference between the current period's average price per gallon sold and that of the comparable prior period.

Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to August 31. References to the first quarters of 2018 and 2017 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended November 26, 2017 , and November 20, 2016 , respectively. Certain percentages presented are calculated using actual results prior to rounding. Unless otherwise noted, references to net income relate to net income attributable to Costco.

Key items for the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2017 include:

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales

Net Sales

Net sales increased $3,648 or 13% during the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 . This increase was attributable to an increase in comparable sales of 10% and sales at the 23 net new warehouses opened since the end of the first quarter of 2017 .

Changes in gasoline prices positively impacted net sales by approximately $396, or 144 basis points, due to a 16% increase in the average sales price per gallon. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar positively impacted net sales by approximately $286, or 104 basis points, primarily attributable to our Canadian operations.

Comparable Sales

Comparable sales increased 10% in the first quarter of 2018 and were positively impacted by an increase in shopping frequency and the average ticket. Comparable sales for the first quarter of 2018 were negatively impacted by cannibalization (established warehouses losing sales to our newly opened locations).

Membership Fees

Membership fees increased 10% in the first quarter of 2018 . This was primarily due to sign-ups at existing and new warehouses and the fee increase (discussed below). Renewal rates are 90% in the U.S. and Canada and 87% worldwide.

As previously reported, we increased our annual membership fees in certain of our Other International operations and in the U.S. and Canada. We account for membership fee revenue on a deferred basis, recognized ratably over the one-year membership period. These fee increases had a positive impact on revenues during the first quarter of 2018 of approximately $24 and will positively impact the next several quarters relative to the same periods for the prior year. We expect these increases to positively impact revenue by approximately $175 in fiscal 2018.

Gross Margin

The gross margin of core merchandise categories (food and sundries, hardlines, softlines and fresh foods), when expressed as a percentage of core merchandise sales (rather than total net sales), decreased slightly, primarily due to decreases in fresh foods and hardlines, partially offset by an increase in softlines and food and sundries. This measure eliminates the impact of changes in sales penetration and gross margins from our warehouse ancillary and other businesses.

Total gross margin percentage decreased 33 basis points compared to the  first quarter of  2017 . Excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation on net sales, gross margin as a percentage of adjusted net sales was 11.39%, a decrease of 19 basis points. This decrease was primarily due to a benefit of 19 basis points received in the first quarter of 2017 for a non-recurring legal settlement. Ancillary warehouse and other businesses gross margins were higher by nine basis points, primarily due to our gasoline business partially offset by our pharmacy business.

Gross margin on a segment basis, when expressed as a percentage of the segment's own sales and excluding the impact of changes in gasoline prices on net sales (segment gross margin percentage), decreased in our U.S. operations due to the non-recurring legal settlement and decreases in fresh foods and food and sundries. This was partially offset by increases in our ancillary warehouse and other businesses, primarily our gasoline business. The segment gross margin percentage in our Canadian operations increased due to our ancillary warehouse and other businesses, predominantly our gasoline business. The segment gross margin

percentage in our Other International operations decreased, primarily driven by food and sundries and fresh foods.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 34 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2017 . Excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation on net sales, SG&A expenses as a percentage of adjusted net sales were 10.50%, a decrease of 20 basis points. Warehouse and central operating costs decreased 12 and seven basis points, respectively, due to leveraging increased sales. Stock compensation expense decreased by one basis point.

Preopening Expense

Preopening expenses include costs for startup operations related to new warehouses and relocations, developments in new international markets, and expansions at existing warehouses. Preopening expenses vary due to the number of warehouse openings, the timing of the openings relative to our quarter-end, whether the warehouse is owned or leased, and whether the opening is in an existing, new or international market. For the remainder of fiscal 2018 , we expect to open 19 to 24 additional warehouses, including four relocations, compared to 19 warehouses, including one relocation, opened in the remainder of fiscal 2017 .

Interest Expense

Interest expense is primarily related to Senior Notes issued by the Company. In May 2017, we issued $3,800 in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes.

Interest Income and Other, Net

Foreign-currency transaction gains, net, include the revaluation or settlement of monetary assets and liabilities and mark-to-market adjustments for forward foreign-exchange contracts by our Canadian and Other International operations. See Derivatives and Foreign Currency sections in Part I, Item 1, Note 1 of this Report.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 was favorably impacted by the adoption of an accounting standard related to stock-based compensation of $41. Excluding this benefit, the tax rate was 34.8% for the first quarter of 2018 . See Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements in Part I, Item 1, Note 1 of this Report.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following table summarizes our significant sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents:

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from warehouse operations, cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investment balances. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $6,885 and $5,779 at November 26, 2017 , and September 3, 2017 , respectively. Of these balances, approximately $1,363 and $1,255 represented unsettled credit and debit card receivables, respectively. These receivables generally settle within four days.

We have not provided for U.S. deferred taxes on cumulative undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. consolidated subsidiaries, including a portion of the undistributed earnings of our Canadian operations, because our subsidiaries have invested or will invest the undistributed earnings indefinitely, or the earnings if repatriated would not result in an adverse tax consequence. We have historically asserted that certain non-U.S. undistributed earnings will be permanently reinvested, and we may repatriate them to the extent we can do so without an adverse tax consequence. If we determine that such earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested, deferred taxes, to the extent required and applicable, are recorded at that time. During the first quarter of 2018 , we repatriated a portion of our undistributed earnings in our Canadian operations without adverse tax consequences.

Management believes that our cash position and operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital requirements for the foreseeable future. We believe that our U.S. current and projected asset position is sufficient to meet our U.S. liquidity requirements, and we have no current plans to repatriate for use in the U.S. cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments held by non-U.S. consolidated subsidiaries whose earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments held at these subsidiaries and considered to be indefinitely reinvested totaled $1,885 at November 26, 2017 .

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $ 2,006 in the first quarter of 2018 , compared to $2,793 in the first quarter of 2017 . Cash provided by operations is primarily derived from net sales and membership fees. Cash used in operations generally consists of payments to our merchandise vendors, warehouse operating costs (including payroll, employee benefits, and utilities), as well as payments for income taxes. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to accelerated vendor payments of approximately $1,700 made in the last week of fiscal 2016 in advance of implementing our modernized accounting system at the beginning of fiscal 2017, which had a positive impact on cash flows from operating activities in the first quarter of 2017. Excluding the impact of these accelerated vendor payments, net cash provided by operating activities increased, due to a decrease in our net investment in merchandise inventories (change in merchandise inventories less accounts payable).  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $ 785 in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $655 in the first quarter of 2017 . Cash used in investing activities is primarily to fund warehouse expansion and remodeling activities. Net cash from investing activities also includes maturities and purchases of short-term investments.

Capital Expenditure Plans

We opened seven new warehouses including two relocations in the first quarter of 2018 and plan to open 19 to 24 additional new warehouses, including four relocations, for the remainder of fiscal 2018 . These include four warehouses in our Other International operations. Our primary requirements for capital are acquiring land, buildings, and equipment for new and remodeled warehouses. To a lesser extent, capital is required for initial warehouse operations, information systems, and working capital. In the first quarter of 2018 , we spent approximately $820 , and it is our current intention to spend approximately $2,500 to $2,700 during fiscal 2018 . There can be no assurance that current expectations will be realized, and plans are subject to change upon further review of our capital expenditure needs.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $ 58 in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $660 in the first quarter of 2017 . Cash flow used in financing activities primarily related to the payment of withholding taxes on stock-based awards and repurchases of common stock. For the first quarter of 2018 , these amounts were offset by an increase in bank checks outstanding, which represents the excess of outstanding checks over cash on deposit at the banks on which our checks are drawn. This increase was largely due the timing of payments in the last week of our first quarter.

Stock Repurchase Programs

During the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 , we repurchased 734,000 and 809,000 shares of common stock, at an average price of $162.51 and $151.00 , totaling approximately $119 and $122 , respectively. These amounts may differ from the stock repurchase balances in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows due to changes in unsettled stock repurchases at the end of a quarter. The amount available for stock repurchases under our approved plan was $2,630 at November 26, 2017 . Purchases are made from time-to-time, as conditions warrant, in the open market or in block purchases and pursuant to plans under SEC Rule 10b5-1. Repurchased shares are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act.

Dividends

Our current quarterly cash dividend rate is $0.50 per share. On October 30, 2017 , our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share payable to shareholders of record on November 17, 2017 . The dividend was paid on December 1, 2017 .

Bank Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Programs

We maintain bank credit facilities for working capital and general corporate purposes. At November 26, 2017 , we had borrowing capacity under these facilities of $843, of which $349 was maintained by our international operations. Of the $349, $164 is guaranteed by the Company. There were no outstanding short-term borrowings under the bank credit facilities at the end of the first quarter of 2018 or at the end of 2017 .

The Company has letter of credit facilities, for commercial and standby letters of credit, totaling $204. The outstanding commitments under these facilities at the end of the first quarter of 2018 totaled $127, mostly for standby letters of credit or letters of guarantee with expiration dates within one year. The bank credit facilities have various expiration dates, all within one year, and we generally intend to renew these facilities prior to their expiration. The amount of borrowings available at any time under our bank credit facilities is reduced by the amount of standby and commercial letters of credit outstanding.

Contractual Obligations

As of the date of this report, there were no material changes to our contractual obligations outside the ordinary course of business since the end of our last fiscal year.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires that we make estimates and judgments. We base these on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Our critical accounting policies are discussed in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended September 3, 2017 . There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies previously disclosed in that Report.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See discussion of Recent Accounting Pronouncements in Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.

Item 3-Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our direct exposure to financial market risk results from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. There have been no material changes to our market risks as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended September 3, 2017 .

Item 4-Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1-Legal Proceedings

See discussion of Legal Proceedings in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.

Item 1A-Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended September 3, 2017 . There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2-Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table sets forth information on our common stock repurchase program activity for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 (amounts in millions, except share and per share data):

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Item 3-Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4-Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5-Other Information

None.

Item 6-Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or are incorporated herein by reference.

_____________

*Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.