Since 2004, Costco's revenues have exploded to $71 billion from $47 billion, a growth spurt that has given the wholesaler massive leverage with its vendors. In November, it flexed that muscle with Coca-Cola, pulling all Coke products from its shelves until the beverage company conceded to its pricing demands. Costco plans to open 15 new stores this year and approximately two dozen outlets next year, many in international markets. And with the renewal rate among its loyal customers -- all of who pay annual membership fees -- at a staggering 87%, you can bet even more stores are on the way. --P.N. |
| Key financials |
$ millions |
% change
from 2008 |
| Revenues |
71,422.0 |
-1.5 |
| Profits |
1,086.0 |
-15.3 |
| Assets |
21,979.0 |
— |
| Stockholders' equity |
10,018.0 |
— |
| Market value (3/26/2010) |
26,487.7 |
— |
| Profits as % of |
|
| Revenues |
1.5 |
| Assets |
4.9 |
| Stockholders' equity |
10.8 |
| Earnings per share |
|
| 2009 $ |
2.47 |
| % change from 2008 |
-14.5 |
| 1999-2009 annual growth rate % |
11.1 |
| Total return to investors |
% |
| 2009 |
14.3 |
| 1999-2009 annual rate |
3.3 |
| 4 | Best Buy | 45 | 45,015.0 | | 5 | Staples | 101 | 24,275.5 | | 6 | TJX | 119 | 20,288.4 | | 7 | Gap | 162 | 14,197.0 | | 8 | Toys "R" Us | 171 | 13,568.0 | | 9 | Office Depot | 192 | 12,144.5 | | 10 | BJ's Wholesale Club | 232 | 10,187.0 | | 11 | GameStop | 255 | 9,078.0 | | 12 | Limited Brands | 269 | 8,632.5 | | 13 | OfficeMax | 313 | 7,212.1 | | 14 | Bed Bath & Beyond | 314 | 7,208.3 | | 15 | Ross Stores | 316 | 7,184.2 | | 16 | AutoZone | 329 | 6,816.8 | | 17 | Barnes & Noble | 372 | 5,596.3 | | 18 | Pantry | 382 | 5,472.0 | | 19 | Advance Auto Parts | 389 | 5,412.6 | | 20 | PetSmart | 393 | 5,336.4 | | 21 | Dollar Tree | 397 | 5,231.2 | | 22 | Foot Locker | 428 | 4,854.0 | | 23 | O'Reilly Automotive | 429 | 4,847.1 | | 24 | Big Lots | 436 | 4,726.8 | | 25 | TravelCenters of America | 440 | 4,699.8 | | 26 | Dick's Sporting Goods | 466 | 4,412.8 | | 27 | RadioShack | 481 | 4,276.0 | | 28 | Casey's General Stores | 485 | 4,251.5 | | 29 | Blockbuster | 500 | 4,161.8 |
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Interactives
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See how revenues and profits at America's 25 largest companies have risen and fallen over the past decade.
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From a single store in 1962 to more than 4,300 outlets today, see how the biggest retailer has expanded.
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