Costco Posts Downbeat November Same-Store Sales

Costco Wholesale

reported a 2% rise in its same-store sales in the four weeks ended December 1. Analysts were expecting a 3.5% gain in comparable sales. In the US, Costco's comparable sales climbed 2%. Excluding negative impacts of declining gasoline prices and foreign exchange, Costco's comparable sales increased 4%, versus economists' expectations for a 4.7% gain. Costco shares closed at $122.97 yesterday.