Costco Wholesale Corporation’s Operating Margin at a glance
Costco Wholesale Corporation reports operating margin of 3.8% for Aug 2025. The prior period recorded 3.6% (Aug 2024). Year over year the metric moved +0.12 pts (+3.4%). The rolling three-period average stands at 3.6%. Data last refreshed Dec 6, 2025, 5:50 PM.
Latest reading
3.8% · Aug 2025
YoY movement
+0.12 pts (+3.4%)
Rolling average
3.6%
Current Operating Margin
3.8%
+0.12 pts
+3.4%
Rolling average
3.6%
Latest Value
3.8%
Aug 2025
YoY Change
+0.12 pts
Absolute
YoY Change %
+3.4%
Rate of change
3-Period Avg
3.6%
Smoothed
Narrative signal
Costco Wholesale Corporation’s operating margin stands at 3.8% for Aug 2025. Year-over-year, the metric shifted by +0.12 pts, translating into a +3.4% rate of change versus the prior period.
Pair this momentum with product cadence, pricing power, and capital allocation moves to understand durability.
Blend with balance sheet, cash flow, and peer benchmarks from AlphaPilot’s broader dashboards to shape an investable thesis.
How operating margin shapes Costco Wholesale Corporation's story
As of Aug 2025, Costco Wholesale Corporation reports operating margin of 3.8%. Evaluate cost discipline and operating leverage by viewing historical operating margins.
Operating leverage signals
Rising operating margins indicate revenue growth outpacing fixed cost expansion.
Bridge to net income
Combine operating margin with interest expense and tax rate trends to map the path to net profitability.
Valuation Multiples
Compare how the market prices revenue, equity, and operating cash flow versus peers and history.
Profitability & Margins
Understand cost structure and capital efficiency trends across gross, operating, and net results.
Growth Momentum
Track whether top-line, earnings, and free cash flow growth are accelerating or cooling.
Balance Sheet Strength
Evaluate leverage, liquidity, and cash generation capacity that underpin resilience.
Shareholder Returns
Follow dividend sustainability and cash generation relative to market value.
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) FAQs
Answers tailored to Costco Wholesale Corporation’s operating margin profile using the latest Financial Modeling Prep data.
What is Costco Wholesale Corporation's current operating margin?
As of Aug 2025, Costco Wholesale Corporation reports operating margin of 3.8%. This reading reflects the latest filings and price data for COST.
How is Costco Wholesale Corporation's operating margin trending year over year?
Year-over-year, the figure shifts by +0.12 pts (+3.4%). Pair this context with revenue growth and free cash flow signals to gauge momentum for COST.
Why does operating margin matter for Costco Wholesale Corporation?
Operating margin shows the share of revenue left after operating expenses but before interest and taxes. For Costco Wholesale Corporation, operating within Consumer Defensive — Discount Stores, tracking this metric helps benchmark management's execution against close competitors.
Is Costco Wholesale Corporation's operating margin above its recent average?
Costco Wholesale Corporation's rolling three-period average sits at 3.6%. Comparing the latest reading of 3.8% to that baseline highlights whether momentum is building or fading for COST.
How frequently is Costco Wholesale Corporation's operating margin refreshed?
Data for COST was last refreshed on Dec 6, 2025, 5:50 PM and updates automatically every 24 hours, keeping your valuation inputs current.