Costco
COST
#25
Rank
$434.15 B
Marketcap
$977.92
Share price
0.99%
Change (1 day)
-2.41%
Change (1 year)

Costco Wholesale Corporation is an American wholesale chain with headquarters in Issaquah near Seattle, Washington State.

Costco - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-Q

/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934.

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 12, 1996

/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-20355

PRICE/COSTCO, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DELAWARE 33-0572969
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of Identification
incorporation or No.)
organization)
</TABLE>

999 LAKE DRIVE
ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON 98027
(Address of principal executive office)

(206) 313-8100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

------------------------

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_X_ NO__

The registrant had 196,092,290 common shares, par value $.01, outstanding at
May 31, 1996.

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PRICE/COSTCO, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

<TABLE>
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PAGE
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<S> <C>
ITEM 1 -- FINANCIAL STATEMENTS............................................................................. 3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.................................................................... 10
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.......................................................... 11
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.......................................................... 12
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements..................................................... 13
ITEM 2 -- MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS............ 3

PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 -- LEGAL PROCEEDINGS................................................................................ 7
ITEM 2 -- CHANGES IN SECURITIES............................................................................ 8
ITEM 3 -- DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.................................................................. 8
ITEM 4 -- SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.............................................. 8
ITEM 5 -- OTHER INFORMATION................................................................................ 8
ITEM 6 -- EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K................................................................. 8
Exhibit (10.1) $140 Million Credit Agreement among Price Costco Nova Scotia Company
and Certain Commercial Lending Institutions
Exhibit (27) Financial Data Schedule
Exhibit (28) Report of Independent Public Accountants.................................................... 15
</TABLE>

2
PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Price/Costco, Inc.'s (the "Company" or "PriceCostco") unaudited condensed
consolidated balance sheet as of May 12, 1996, and the condensed consolidated
balance sheet as of September 3, 1995, unaudited condensed consolidated
statements of operations for the 12- and 36-week periods ended May 12, 1996, and
May 7, 1995, and unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for
the 36-week periods then ended are included elsewhere herein. Also, included
elsewhere herein are notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements and the results of the limited review performed by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants.

The Company reports on a 52/53-week fiscal year, consisting of 13 four-week
periods and ending on the Sunday nearest the end of August. Fiscal 1996 is a
52-week year with period 13 ending on September 1, 1996. The first, second, and
third quarters consist of 12 weeks each and the fourth quarter consists of 16
weeks.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

It is suggested that this management discussion be read in conjunction with
the management discussion included in the Company's fiscal 1995 annual report on
Form 10-K previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

COMPARISON OF THE 12 WEEKS ENDED MAY 12, 1996 AND MAY 7, 1995
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 1996 increased 27% to $41,274, or
$.21 per share (fully diluted), from $32,615, or $.17 per share (fully diluted),
during the third quarter of fiscal 1995.

Net sales increased 11% to $4,236,207 during the third quarter of fiscal
1996 from $3,824,841 during the third quarter of fiscal 1995. This increase was
due to opening a net of 16 new warehouses (24 opened, 8 closed) since the end of
the third quarter of fiscal 1995 and an increase in comparable warehouse sales.
Comparable sales, that is sales in warehouses open for at least a year,
increased 5 percent during the third quarter of fiscal 1996, compared to the
third quarter of fiscal 1995, reflecting new marketing and merchandising
efforts, including the rollout of fresh foods and various ancillary businesses
to certain existing locations. Changes in prices of merchandise did not
materially contribute to sales increases.

Membership fees and other revenue increased 5% to $75,281 or 1.78% of net
sales in the third quarter of fiscal 1996 from $71,397 or 1.87% of net sales in
the third quarter of fiscal 1995. Membership fees include new membership
sign-ups at the 16 warehouses opened since the end of the third quarter of
fiscal 1995.

Gross margin (defined as net sales minus merchandise costs) increased 17% to
$406,284 or 9.59% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 1996 from
$348,517, or 9.11% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 1995. The 48
basis point increase in gross margin as a percentage of net sales reflects the
Company's greater purchasing power, expanded use of its depot facilities,
improved fresh foods margins, and increased sales penetration of certain higher
gross margin ancillary businesses. The gross margin figures reflect accounting
for merchandise costs on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The third quarter
of fiscal 1996 and 1995 each included a $2,500 LIFO provision.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales
totaled 9.05% during the third quarter of fiscal 1996 compared to 9.03% during
the third quarter of fiscal 1995. Such expenses as a percent of sales at the
Company's core warehouse operations showed year-over-year improvement, which was
offset by higher expenses associated with international expansion and certain
ancillary businesses.

Preopening expenses totaled $4,738 or 0.11% of net sales during the third
quarter of fiscal 1996 compared to $3,332 or 0.09% of net sales during the third
quarter of fiscal 1995. Four new locations

3
were opened in the third quarter of  fiscal 1996, compared to two new  locations
during last year's third quarter. The increase in preopening expenses was also
due to an increased level of spending on remodels, including expanded fresh
foods and ancillary operations at existing warehouses.

In the third quarter of fiscal 1996 the Company recorded a pre-tax provision
for warehouse closing costs of $6,000, or $.02 per share on an after-tax basis
(fully diluted). The provision includes estimated closing costs for five
warehouses closed in the third quarter of fiscal 1996 as well as closing costs
associated with warehouses which were relocated to new facilities. There were no
warehouse closing costs in the third quarter of the prior fiscal year; however,
the Company recorded a pre-tax provision for warehouse closing costs of $7,500
or $.02 per share on an after-tax basis (fully diluted) in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 1995, primarily reflecting estimated closing costs for certain warehouses
which were relocated to new facilities, and the closing of a regional office.

Interest expense totaled $19,194 in the third quarter of fiscal 1996
compared to $16,747 in the third quarter of fiscal 1995. The increase in
interest expense is primarily related to the issuance in June 1995 of $300,000
of 7 1/8% Senior Notes. Interest income and other totaled $2,007 in the third
quarter of fiscal 1996 compared to $1,068 in the third quarter of fiscal 1995,
primarily due to improved earnings in the Mexico joint venture.

The effective income tax rate on earnings in the third quarter of fiscal
1996 was 41.25% compared to a 41.4% effective tax rate in the third quarter of
fiscal 1995.

COMPARISON OF THE 36 WEEKS ENDED MAY 12, 1996 AND MAY 7, 1995
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

Income from continuing operations for the first thirty-six weeks of fiscal
year 1996 increased 11% to $162,253, or $0.80 per share (fully diluted), from
$145,913, or $0.70 per share (fully diluted), during the first thirty-six weeks
of fiscal 1995. The 14% earnings per share increase reflects the increase in
income from continuing operations as well as the reduction of 23.2 million
outstanding shares of PriceCostco Common Stock beginning on December 20, 1994,
following the completion of the spin-off of Price Enterprises. Net operating
results for the first thirty-six weeks of fiscal 1995 include a non-cash charge
of $83,363, or $.37 per share, reflecting the loss on disposal of discontinued
operations in the spin-off of Price Enterprises. Including this non-cash charge,
net income for the first thirty-six weeks of fiscal 1995 was $62,550 or $.33 per
share compared to net income of $162,253, or $.80 per share for the first
thirty-six weeks of fiscal 1996.

Net sales increased 9% to $13,138,139 during the first 36 weeks of fiscal
1996 from $11,998,719 during the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995. This increase
was due to opening a net of 16 new warehouses (24 opened; 8 closed, including 2
replacement warehouses) since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 1995 and an
increase in comparable warehouse sales. Comparable sales, that is sales in
warehouses open for at least a year, increased 5 percent during the first 36
weeks of fiscal 1996 compared to the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995, reflecting
new marketing and merchandising efforts, including the rollout of fresh foods
and various ancillary businesses to certain existing locations. Changes in
prices of merchandise did not materially contribute to sales increases.

Membership fees and other revenue increased 5% to $245,608 or 1.87% of net
sales in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1996 from $234,764 or 1.96% of net sales
in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995. Membership fees include new membership
sign-ups at the 16 warehouses opened since the end of the third quarter of
fiscal 1995.

Gross margin (defined as net sales minus merchandise costs) increased 13% to
$1,267,108 or 9.64% of net sales in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1996 from
$1,123,157, or 9.36% of net sales in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995. The 28
basis point increase in gross margin as a percentage of net sales reflects
strong first half physical inventory results and good control over
post-holiday-season markdowns, as well as greater purchasing power, expanded use
of the Company's depot facilities, improved fresh

4
foods  margins, and increased  sales penetration of  certain higher gross margin
ancillary businesses. The gross margin figures reflect accounting for
merchandise costs on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The first 36 weeks of
fiscal 1996 and 1995 each include a $7,500 LIFO provision.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales
totaled 8.84% during the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1996 compared to 8.78% during
the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995. Such expenses as a percent of sales at the
Company's core warehouse operations showed year-over-year improvement, which was
offset by higher expenses associated with international expansion and certain
ancillary businesses.

Preopening expenses totaled $20,158 or 0.15% of net sales during the first
36 weeks of fiscal 1996 compared to $13,774 or 0.11% of net sales during the
first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995. The increase in preopening expenses is primarily
due to increased remodeling activity, including expanded fresh foods and
ancillary operations at existing warehouses, as well as increased expenses
related to new warehouse openings.

The Company recorded a pre-tax provision for warehouse closing costs of
$6,000, or $.02 per share on an after-tax basis (fully diluted). The provision
includes estimated closing costs for five warehouses closed outright in the
third quarter of fiscal 1996 as well as closing costs associated with warehouses
which were relocated to new facilities. There were no warehouse closing costs in
the first 36 weeks of the prior fiscal year; however, the Company recorded a
pre-tax provision for warehouse closing costs of $7,500 or $.02 per share on an
after-tax basis (fully diluted) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, primarily
reflecting estimated closing costs for certain warehouses which were relocated
to new facilities, and the closing of a regional office.

Interest expense totaled $54,466 in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1996
compared to $44,366 in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995. The increase in
interest expense is primarily related to the issuance in June 1995 of $300,000
of 7 1/8% Senior Notes. Interest income and other totaled $5,385 in the first 36
weeks of fiscal 1996 compared to $2,445 in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995,
with the increase primarily due to improvement in the Mexico joint venture
operation.

The effective income tax rate on earnings in the first 36 weeks of both
fiscal 1996 and 1995 was 41.25%.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

EXPANSION PLANS

PriceCostco's primary capital requirements are for financing the expansion
of its United States and Canadian operations and its international ventures
(presently Mexico, the United Kingdom and Taiwan). While there can be no
assurance that current expectations will be realized and plans are subject to
change upon further review, during fiscal 1996 management's intention is to
spend approximately $450,000 to $550,000 for its United States and Canadian
operations and approximately $50,000 to $75,000 for its international ventures.
Capital expenditures are primarily for real estate, construction, remodeling and
equipment for warehouses and related operations. A total of approximately
$360,000 has been spent during the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1996.

Expansion plans for the United States and Canada during fiscal 1996 are to
open 20 to 23 warehouse clubs, less the relocation of two to three warehouses to
larger and better-located facilities and the outright closing of six to seven
locations. Through the end of the first 36 weeks, the Company has opened 16
warehouses -- five in the United States (including the relocation of its San
Leandro, California warehouse), ten in Canada and one in the United Kingdom --
and closed six warehouses -- in Concord, Colton, Hayward, and Rohnert Park,
California; North Haven, Connecticut; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

5
The  Company  continues  the remodeling  and  expansion of  fresh  foods and
ancillary operations, and of the total $450,000 to $550,000 capital expenditures
planned for operations in the U.S. and Canada, the Company expects to spend
approximately $120,000 to $130,000 on these efforts during fiscal 1996. The
Company expects that annual spending on remodeling activities will be reduced
during fiscal 1997, as much of the current remodel activities will have been
completed.

Expansion will be financed with a combination of cash and cash equivalents,
which totaled $80,531 at May 12, 1996; net cash provided by operating
activities; short-term borrowings under revolving credit facilities and/or
commercial paper facilities; and other financing sources as required.

BANK LINES OF CREDIT AND COMMERCIAL PAPER PROGRAMS

The Company has a domestic multiple option loan facility with a group of 12
banks which provides for borrowings up to $500,000 or standby support for a
$500,000 commercial paper program. Of this amount, $250,000 expires on January
27, 1997, and $250,000 expires on January 30, 2001. The interest rate on bank
borrowings is based on LIBOR or rates bid at auction by the participating banks.
At May 12, 1996, $11,000 was outstanding under the commercial paper program and
no amount was outstanding under the loan facility.

In addition, the Company's wholly-owned Eastern Canada subsidiary has a
$102,000 commercial paper program supported by a bank credit facility with three
Canadian banks, of which $61,000 will expire in March 1997 and $41,000 will
expire in March 1999. The interest rate on bank borrowings is based on the prime
rate or the "Bankers' Acceptance" rate. At May 12, 1996, $83,000 was outstanding
under the Canadian commercial paper program.

In April 1996, the Company borrowed $140,000 from a group of banks under a
five-year unsecured term loan. Interest only is payable quarterly at rates based
on LIBOR. Proceeds of the loan were used to retire $40,000 outstanding under the
Canadian commercial paper program and $100,000 outstanding under the U.S.
commercial paper program.

The Company also has separate letter of credit facilities (for commercial
and standby letters of credit) totaling approximately $187,000. The outstanding
commitments under these facilities at May 12, 1996 totaled approximately
$88,000, including approximately $42,000 in standby letters of credit for
workers' compensation requirements.

DEBT AND EQUITY OFFERINGS

On February 21, 1996, the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission a shelf registration statement relating to $500,000 of senior debt
securities. The registration statement was declared effective on February 29,
1996. As part of that filing, the Company announced its intention to offer
$300,000 of senior notes to refinance existing indebtedness. The Company has
deferred issuance of these notes due to unfavorable interest rate market
conditions.

On May 23, 1996, the Company filed a registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with an underwritten public
offering of 19,500,000 shares of Common Stock. All of the 19,500,000 shares
being offered are being sold by a selling stockholder, Fourcar B.V., an indirect
subsidiary of Carrefour S.A. Fourcar B.V. has granted the underwriters an option
to purchase up to an additional 1,691,301 shares of Common Stock to cover
over-allotments, if any. After the offering, and assuming the full exercise of
the over-allotment option, Fourcar B.V. will no longer own any shares of Common
Stock of PriceCostco. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the shares
being offered by the selling stockholder.

In a May 23, 1996 news release, Carrefour indicated that: "Carrefour wishes
to focus on the development of its hypermarket concept on a worldwide basis.
This transaction will allow each company to forge their own local partnerships,
without conflicts of interest." PriceCostco and Carrefour have begun to overlap
one another in certain countries, including Mexico, Korea and Taiwan.

6
Daniel Bernard, Chief  Executive Officer  of Carrefour,  is also  a director  of
PriceCostco. Mr. Bernard intends to resign from PriceCostco's Board of Directors
upon Fourcar's sale of its PriceCostco common stock.

FINANCIAL POSITION AND CASH FLOWS

Due to rapid inventory turnover, the Company's operations provide higher
level of supplier accounts payable than generally encountered in other forms of
retailing. When combined with other current liabilities, the resulting amount
typically approaches the current assets needed to operate the business. Working
capital (current assets in excess of current liabilities) totaled $77,243 at May
12, 1996 compared to working capital of $9,381 at September 3, 1995.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $239,804 in the first 36
weeks of fiscal 1996 compared to $61,461 in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995.
The increase in net cash from operating activities is a result of increased net
income from continuing operations, higher depreciation and amortization expense,
an approximate $50,000 reduction in net merchandise inventories (merchandise
inventories less supplier accounts payable) and an increase in accrued and other
current liabilities in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1996 compared to the first
36 weeks of fiscal 1995.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $369,396 in the first 36 weeks
of fiscal 1996 compared to $314,117 in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995. The
investing activities primarily related to additions to property and equipment
for new and remodeled warehouses of $354,469 and $308,089 in the first 36 weeks
of fiscal 1996 and 1995 respectively. The Company opened 16 new warehouses in
the first 36 weeks of both fiscal 1996 and 1995; however, 11 of the fiscal 1995
openings were in the first quarter, of which a significant portion of their
costs were incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1994. Only four of the
fiscal 1996 openings occurred in the first quarter.

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $164,291 in the first 36
weeks of fiscal 1996 compared to $261,353 in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995.
In both periods, the Company utilized its bank lines and commercial paper
programs to finance operations and expansion plans. Net proceeds from short-term
and long-term borrowings totaled $160,588 in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1996
compared to $263,458 in the first 36 weeks of fiscal 1995.

The Company's balance sheet as of May 12, 1996, reflects a $323,174 or 7%
increase in total assets since September 3, 1995. The increase is primarily due
to a net increase in property and equipment principally related to the Company's
remodeling and expansion program.

PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On April 6, 1992, Price was served with a complaint in an action entitled
FECHT ET AL. V. THE PRICE COMPANY ET AL., Case No. 92-497, United States
District Court, Southern District of California (the "Court"). Subsequently, on
April 22, 1992, Price was served with a First Amended Complaint in the action.
The case was dismissed without prejudice by the Court on September 21, 1992, on
the grounds the plaintiffs had failed to state a sufficient claim against
defendants. Subsequently, plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint which, in
the opinion of the Company's counsel, alleged substantially the same facts as
the prior complaint. The Complaint alleged violation of certain state and
federal laws during the time period prior to Price's earnings release for the
second quarter of fiscal year 1992. The case was dismissed with prejudice by the
Court on March 9, 1993, on grounds the plaintiffs had failed to state a
sufficient claim against defendants. Plaintiffs filed an Appeal in the Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals. In an opinion dated November 20, 1995, the Ninth
Circuit reversed and remanded the lawsuit. In April 1996, the United States
Supreme Court denied the Company's petition for review of

7
the Ninth Circuit's decision. The Company believes that this lawsuit is  without
merit and is vigorously defending the lawsuit. The Company does not believe that
the ultimate outcome of such litigation will have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.

On December 19, 1994, a Complaint was filed against PriceCostco in an action
entitled SNYDER V. PRICE/COSTCO, INC. ET. AL., Case No. C94-1874Z, United States
District Court, Western District of Washington. On January 4, 1995, a Complaint
was filed against PriceCostco in an action entitled BALSAM V. PRICE/COSTCO, INC.
ET. AL., Case No. C95-0009Z, United States District Court, Western District of
Washington. The Snyder and Balsam Cases were subsequently consolidated and on
March 15, 1995, plaintiffs' counsel filed a First Amended And Consolidated Class
Action And Derivative Complaint. On November 9, 1995, plaintiffs' counsel filed
a Second Amended And Consolidated Class Action And Derivative Complaint. The
Second Amended Complaint alleges violation of certain state and federal laws
arising from the spin-off and Exchange Transaction and the merger between Price
and Costco. The Company believes that this lawsuit is without merit and is
vigorously defending against this lawsuit. The Company does not believe that the
ultimate outcome of such litigation will have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.

In May 1996, PriceCostco reached an agreement in principle with the
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice to settle an
enforcement action under the federal Clean Air Act. The action is based on
claims that PriceCostco failed to maintain required documentation related to its
sale of freon products. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, PriceCostco
will agree to pay a civil penalty of $232 and to comply with federal regulations
relating to the sale of ozone-depleting substances.

The Company is involved from time to time in claims, proceedings and
litigation arising from its business and property ownership. The Company does
not believe that any such claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in
the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position or results of operations.

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) The following exhibits are included herein or incorporated by
reference:

(10.1) $140 Million Credit Agreement among PriceCostco Nova Scotia
Company and Certain Commercial Lending Institutions

(27) Financial Data Schedule

(28) Report of Independent Public Accountants

(b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed for the 12 weeks ended May 12, 1996.

8
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.

PRICE/COSTCO, INC.
REGISTRANT

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Date: June 5, 1996 /s/ James D. Sinegal
---------------------------------------------
James D. Sinegal
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Date: June 5, 1996 /s/ Richard A. Galanti
---------------------------------------------
Richard A. Galanti
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
</TABLE>

9
PRICE/COSTCO, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 3,
1995
MAY 12, -------------
1996
-------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents......................................................... $ 80,531 $ 45,688
Receivables, net.................................................................. 136,690 146,665
Merchandise inventories........................................................... 1,497,564 1,422,272
Other current assets.............................................................. 83,534 87,694
------------- -------------
Total current assets............................................................ 1,798,319 1,702,319
------------- -------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land, land rights, and land improvements.......................................... 1,245,916 1,143,860
Buildings and leasehold improvements.............................................. 1,380,596 1,215,706
Equipment and fixtures............................................................ 682,950 624,398
Construction in progress.......................................................... 69,410 78,071
------------- -------------
3,378,872 3,062,035
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.................................... (610,389) (526,442)
------------- -------------
Net property and equipment...................................................... 2,768,483 2,535,593
------------- -------------
OTHER ASSETS........................................................................ 193,791 199,507
------------- -------------
$ 4,760,593 $ 4,437,419
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Bank checks outstanding, less cash on deposit..................................... $ 3,785 $ 12,721
Short-term borrowings............................................................. 93,523 75,725
Accounts payable.................................................................. 1,190,536 1,233,128
Accrued salaries and benefits..................................................... 239,226 205,236
Accrued sales and other taxes..................................................... 90,260 91,843
Other current liabilities......................................................... 103,746 74,285
------------- -------------
Total current liabilities....................................................... 1,721,076 1,692,938
LONG-TERM DEBT...................................................................... 1,232,457 1,094,615
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES......................................... 68,398 68,284
------------- -------------
Total liabilities............................................................... 3,021,931 2,855,837
------------- -------------
MINORITY INTERESTS.................................................................. 60,280 50,838
------------- -------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued
and outstanding.................................................................. -- --
Common stock $.01 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 195,865,000 and
195,164,000 shares issued and outstanding........................................ 1,959 1,952
Additional paid-in capital........................................................ 311,943 303,989
Accumulated foreign currency translation.......................................... (74,864) (52,289)
Retained earnings................................................................. 1,439,344 1,277,092
------------- -------------
Total stockholders' equity...................................................... 1,678,382 1,530,744
------------- -------------
$ 4,760,593 $ 4,437,419
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

10
PRICE/COSTCO, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12 WEEKS ENDED 36 WEEKS ENDED
---------------------------- ------------------------------
MAY 12, 1996 MAY 7, 1995 MAY 12, 1996 MAY 7, 1995
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE
Net sales........................................ $ 4,236,207 $ 3,824,841 $ 13,138,139 $ 11,998,719
Membership fees and other........................ 75,281 71,397 245,608 234,764
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
Total revenue.................................. 4,311,488 3,896,238 13,383,747 12,233,483
OPERATING EXPENSES
Merchandise costs................................ 3,829,923 3,476,324 11,871,031 10,875,562
Selling, general and administrative.............. 383,387 345,246 1,161,303 1,053,855
Preopening expenses.............................. 4,738 3,332 20,158 13,774
Provision for estimated warehouse closing
costs........................................... 6,000 -- 6,000 --
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
Operating income............................... 87,440 71,336 325,255 290,292
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense................................. (19,194) (16,747) (54,466) (44,366)
Interest income and other........................ 2,007 1,068 5,385 2,445
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE PROVISION
FOR INCOME TAXES.................................. 70,253 55,657 276,174 248,371
Provision for income taxes....................... 28,979 23,042 113,921 102,458
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS.................. 41,274 32,615 162,253 145,913
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Loss on disposal................................. -- -- -- (83,363)
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
NET INCOME......................................... $ 41,274 $ 32,615 $ 162,253 $ 62,550
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
NET INCOME PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE
-- FULLY DILUTED:
Continuing operations:........................... $ 0.21 $ 0.17 $ 0.80 $ 0.70
Discontinued operations:
Loss on disposal............................... -- -- -- (0.37)
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
Net income....................................... $ 0.21 $ 0.17 $ 0.80 $ 0.33
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
Shares used in calculation (000's)............... 218,336 196,078 218,145 226,834
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

11
PRICE/COSTCO, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
36 WEEKS ENDED
--------------------------
MAY 12, 1996 MAY 7, 1995
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income.......................................................................... $ 162,253 $ 62,550
------------ ------------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization..................................................... 109,714 94,973
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations....................................... -- 83,363
Increase in merchandise inventories............................................... (79,758) (217,088)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable........................................... (37,876) 49,743
Other............................................................................. 85,471 (12,080)
------------ ------------
Total adjustments............................................................... 77,551 (1,089)
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities........................................... 239,804 61,461
------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property and equipment................................................. (354,469) (308,089)
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment.................................... 3,363 5,563
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures......................................... (5,000) (5,610)
Decrease in short-term investments and restricted cash.............................. -- 9,268
Other............................................................................... (13,290) (15,249)
------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities............................................. (369,396) (314,117)
------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings............................................. 21,335 263,458
Decrease in bank checks outstanding, less cash on deposit........................... (11,670) (2,291)
Net proceeds from long-term borrowings.............................................. 139,253 --
Payments on long-term debt and notes payable........................................ (2,100) (1,470)
Proceeds from minority interests, net............................................... 9,512 --
Exercise of stock options, including income tax benefit............................. 7,961 1,656
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities......................................... 164,291 261,353
------------ ------------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH............................................... 144 1,174
------------ ------------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents............................................... 34,843 9,871
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR........................................ 45,688 53,638
------------ ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD............................................ $ 80,531 $ 63,509
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)............................................. $ 39,134 $ 33,862
Income taxes...................................................................... 111,201 94,775
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

12
PRICE/COSTCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE (1) -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Price/Costco, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries ("PriceCostco"
or the "Company"). PriceCostco is a holding company which operates primarily
through its major subsidiaries, The Price Company and subsidiaries ("Price"),
and Costco Wholesale Corporation and subsidiaries ("Costco"). Price and Costco
primarily operate cash and carry membership warehouses.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial reporting and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. While these statements reflect all normal recurring
adjustments which 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 generally accepted accounting
principles for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to
the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's annual
report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 3, 1995.

BUSINESS

The Company historically operated in two reporting business segments: a cash
and carry merchandising operation and a non-club real estate operation. In July
1994 the Company discontinued its non-club real estate operations through a
spin-off of Price Enterprises, Inc., completed in December, 1994.

FISCAL YEARS

The Company reports on a 52/53-week fiscal year, ending on the Sunday
nearest the end of August. Fiscal 1996 is a 52-week fiscal year, with the first,
second and third quarters consisting of 12 weeks each and the fourth quarter,
ending September 1, 1996, consisting of 16 weeks.

MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES

Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market as
determined by the retail inventory method, and are stated using the last-in,
first-out (LIFO) method for U.S. merchandise inventories, and the first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method for foreign merchandise inventories. If the FIFO method
had been used merchandise inventory would have been $23,650 and $16,150 higher
at May 12, 1996 and September 3, 1995, respectively.

The Company provides for estimated inventory losses between physical
inventory counts on the basis of a standard percentage of sales. This provision
is adjusted to reflect the actual shrinkage results of the physical inventory
counts which generally occur in the second and fourth fiscal quarters.

NET INCOME PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE

Net income per common and common equivalent share is based on the weighted
average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding. The
calculation for the 12- and 36-week periods ended May 12, 1996 and May 7, 1995,
reflects the reduction of approximately 23.2 million PriceCostco shares tendered
in exchange for an equivalent number of Price Enterprises, Inc. shares as of
December 20, 1994. The calculation also eliminates interest expense, net of
income taxes, on the 5 1/2% convertible subordinated debentures (primary and
fully diluted, and excluding the third quarter of fiscal 1995), and the 6 3/4%
convertible subordinated debentures (fully diluted only and excluding the third
quarter of fiscal 1995).

13
PRICE/COSTCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE (2) -- DEBT

BANK LINES OF CREDIT AND COMMERCIAL PAPER PROGRAMS

The Company has a domestic multiple option loan facility with a group of 12
banks which provides for borrowings up to $500,000 or standby support for a
$500,000 commercial paper program. Of this amount, $250,000 expires on January
27, 1997, and $250,000 expires on January 30, 2001. The interest rate on bank
borrowings is based on LIBOR or rates bid at auction by the participating banks.
At May 12, 1996, $11,000 was outstanding under the commercial paper program and
no amount was outstanding under the loan facility.

In addition, the Company's wholly-owned Eastern Canada subsidiary has a
$102,000 commercial paper program supported by a bank credit facility with three
Canadian banks, of which $61,000 will expire in March 1997 and $41,000 will
expire in March 1999. The interest rate on bank borrowings is based on the prime
rate or the "Bankers' Acceptance" rate. At May 12, 1996, $83,000 was outstanding
under the Canadian commercial paper program.

In April 1996, the Company borrowed $140,000 from a group of banks under a
five-year unsecured term loan. Interest only is payable quarterly at rates based
on LIBOR. Proceeds of the loan were used to retire $40,000 outstanding under the
Canadian commercial paper program and $100,000 outstanding under the U.S.
commercial paper program.

The Company also has separate letter of credit facilities (for commercial
and standby letters of credit) totaling approximately $187,000. The outstanding
commitments under these facilities at May 12, 1996 totaled approximately
$88,000, including approximately $42,000 in standby letters of credit for
workers' compensation requirements.

On February 21, 1996, the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission a shelf registration statement relating to $500,000 of senior debt
securities. The registration statement was declared effective on February 29,
1996. As part of that filing, the Company announced its intention to offer
$300,000 of senior notes to refinance existing indebtedness. The Company has
deferred issuance of these notes due to unfavorable interest rate market
conditions.

NOTE (3) -- INCOME TAXES
The following is a reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate
to the effective income tax rate for income from continuing operations:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
36 WEEKS ENDED 36 WEEKS ENDED
MAY 12, 1996 MAY 7, 1995
---------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Federal statutory income tax rate........................... $ 96,661 35.00% $ 86,930 35.00%
State, foreign and other income taxes, net.................. 17,260 6.25% 15,528 6.25%
----------- --------- ----------- ---------
$ 113,921 41.25% $ 102,458 41.25%
----------- --------- ----------- ---------
----------- --------- ----------- ---------
</TABLE>

NOTE (4) -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is involved from time to time in claims, proceedings and
litigation arising from its business and property ownership. The Company does
not believe that any such claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in
the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position or results of operations. See Legal Proceedings at page 7 for
outstanding legal matters.

14
PRICE/COSTCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE (5) -- SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On May 23, 1996, the Company filed a registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with an underwritten public
offering of 19,500,000 shares of Common Stock. All of the 19,500,000 shares
being offered are being sold by a selling stockholder, Fourcar B.V., an indirect
subsidiary of Carrefour S.A. Fourcar B.V. has granted the underwriters an option
to purchase up to an additional 1,691,301 shares of Common Stock to cover
over-allotments, if any. After the offering, and assuming the full exercise of
the over-allotment option, Fourcar B.V. will no longer own any shares of Common
Stock of PriceCostco. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the shares
being offered by the selling stockholder.

In a May 23, 1996 news release, Carrefour indicated that: "Carrefour wishes
to focus on the development of its hypermarket concept on a worldwide basis.
This transaction will allow each company to forge their own local partnerships,
without conflicts of interest." PriceCostco and Carrefour have begun to overlap
one another in certain countries, including Mexico, Korea and Taiwan. Daniel
Bernard, Chief Executive Officer of Carrefour, is also a director of
PriceCostco. Mr. Bernard intends to resign from PriceCostco's Board of Directors
upon Fourcar's sale of its PriceCostco common stock.

15