10-Q 1 cost10q50717.htm FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended May 7, 2017
or

☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 0-20355
Costco Wholesale Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Washington |  | 91-1223280
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |  | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

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.

Large accelerated filer ☒ |  | Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |  | Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐ |  |

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 May 24, 2017 was 438,593,340.

Table of Contents
COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

|  | Page
PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Financial Statements | 3
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | 3
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income | 4
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | 5
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 6
| Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 7
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 20
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 30
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 30
PART II | OTHER INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 30
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 31
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 31
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 31
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 31
Item 5. | Other Information | 31
Item 6. | Exhibits | 32
| Signatures | 33

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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)

| May 7, 2017 |  | August 28, 2016
ASSETS |  |  |
CURRENT ASSETS |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4,538 |  |  | $ | 3,379 |
Short-term investments | 1,187 |  |  | 1,350 |
Receivables, net | 1,462 |  |  | 1,252 |
Merchandise inventories | 9,736 |  |  | 8,969 |
Other current assets | 333 |  |  | 268 |
Total current assets | 17,256 |  |  | 15,218 |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT |  |  |
Land | 5,505 |  |  | 5,395 |
Buildings and improvements | 14,509 |  |  | 13,994 |
Equipment and fixtures | 6,507 |  |  | 6,077 |
Construction in progress | 803 |  |  | 701 |
| 27,324 |  |  | 26,167 |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (9,789 | ) |  | (9,124 | )
Net property and equipment | 17,535 |  |  | 17,043 |
OTHER ASSETS | 840 |  |  | 902 |
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 35,631 |  |  | $ | 33,163 |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |  |  |
CURRENT LIABILITIES |  |  |
Accounts payable | $ | 9,425 |  |  | $ | 7,612 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 1,158 |  |  | 1,100 |
Accrued salaries and benefits | 2,514 |  |  | 2,629 |
Accrued member rewards | 923 |  |  | 869 |
Deferred membership fees | 1,479 |  |  | 1,362 |
Other current liabilities | 5,895 |  |  | 2,003 |
Total current liabilities | 21,394 |  |  | 15,575 |
LONG-TERM DEBT, excluding current portion | 2,821 |  |  | 4,061 |
OTHER LIABILITIES | 1,231 |  |  | 1,195 |
Total liabilities | 25,446 |  |  | 20,831 |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |  |  |  |  |
EQUITY |  |  |
Preferred stock $.005 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Common stock $.005 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 438,679,000 and 437,524,000 shares issued and outstanding | 2 |  |  | 2 |
Additional paid-in capital | 5,709 |  |  | 5,490 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,321 | ) |  | (1,099 | )
Retained earnings | 5,508 |  |  | 7,686 |
Total Costco stockholders’ equity | 9,898 |  |  | 12,079 |
Noncontrolling interests | 287 |  |  | 253 |
Total equity | 10,185 |  |  | 12,332 |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $ | 35,631 |  |  | $ | 33,163 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(amounts in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
REVENUE |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales | $ | 28,216 |  |  | $ | 26,151 |  |  | $ | 84,815 |  |  | $ | 80,345 |
Membership fees | 644 |  |  | 618 |  |  | 1,910 |  |  | 1,814 |
Total revenue | 28,860 |  |  | 26,769 |  |  | 86,725 |  |  | 82,159 |
OPERATING EXPENSES |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Merchandise costs | 24,970 |  |  | 23,162 |  |  | 75,185 |  |  | 71,252 |
Selling, general and administrative | 2,907 |  |  | 2,731 |  |  | 8,827 |  |  | 8,372 |
Preopening expenses | 15 |  |  | 18 |  |  | 52 |  |  | 54 |
Operating income | 968 |  |  | 858 |  |  | 2,661 |  |  | 2,481 |
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest expense | (21 | ) |  | (30 | ) |  | (81 | ) |  | (94 | )
Interest income and other, net | 18 |  |  | 7 |  |  | 40 |  |  | 51 |
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 965 |  |  | 835 |  |  | 2,620 |  |  | 2,438 |
Provision for income taxes | 259 |  |  | 286 |  |  | 838 |  |  | 847 |
Net income including noncontrolling interests | 706 |  |  | 549 |  |  | 1,782 |  |  | 1,591 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (6 | ) |  | (4 | ) |  | (22 | ) |  | (20 | )
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO | $ | 700 |  |  | $ | 545 |  |  | $ | 1,760 |  |  | $ | 1,571 |
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic | $ | 1.59 |  |  | $ | 1.24 |  |  | $ | 4.01 |  |  | $ | 3.58 |
Diluted | $ | 1.59 |  |  | $ | 1.24 |  |  | $ | 3.99 |  |  | $ | 3.56 |
Shares used in calculation (000’s): |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic | 438,817 |  |  | 438,815 |  |  | 438,650 |  |  | 438,930 |
Diluted | 441,056 |  |  | 441,066 |  |  | 440,745 |  |  | 441,321 |
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE | $ | 7.50 |  |  | $ | 0.45 |  |  | $ | 8.40 |  |  | $ | 1.25 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(amounts in millions)
(unaudited)

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
NET INCOME INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS | $ | 706 |  |  | $ | 549 |  |  | $ | 1,782 |  |  | $ | 1,591 |
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net | 21 |  |  | 224 |  |  | (210 | ) |  | (5 | )
Comprehensive income | 727 |  |  | 773 |  |  | 1,572 |  |  | 1,586 |
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 15 |  |  | 10 |  |  | 34 |  |  | 20 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO | $ | 712 |  |  | $ | 763 |  |  | $ | 1,538 |  |  | $ | 1,566 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(amounts in millions)
(unaudited)

| 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |  |  |
Net income including noncontrolling interests | $ | 1,782 |  |  | $ | 1,591 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 929 |  |  | 847 |
Stock-based compensation | 404 |  |  | 362 |
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards | (37 | ) |  | (74 | )
Other non-cash operating activities, net | (29 | ) |  | 25 |
Deferred income taxes | 47 |  |  | 158 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |  |  |
Merchandise inventories | (952 | ) |  | 8 |
Accounts payable | 2,234 |  |  | (48 | )
Other operating assets and liabilities, net | 514 |  |  | 592 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 4,892 |  |  | 3,461 |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |  |  |
Purchases of short-term investments | (901 | ) |  | (787 | )
Maturities and sales of short-term investments | 1,046 |  |  | 1,268 |
Additions to property and equipment | (1,723 | ) |  | (1,800 | )
Other investing activities, net | 28 |  |  | (1 | )
Net cash used in investing activities | (1,550 | ) |  | (1,320 | )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |  |  |
Bank overdraft | (243 | ) |  | (127 | )
Repayments of short-term borrowings | 0 |  |  | (102 | )
Proceeds from short-term borrowings | 0 |  |  | 102 |
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 0 |  |  | 94 |
Repayments of long-term debt | (1,100 | ) |  | (1,200 | )
Minimum tax withholdings on stock-based awards | (202 | ) |  | (219 | )
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards | 37 |  |  | 74 |
Repurchases of common stock | (236 | ) |  | (350 | )
Cash dividend payments | (396 | ) |  | (352 | )
Other financing activities, net | (1 | ) |  | (8 | )
Net cash used in financing activities | (2,141 | ) |  | (2,088 | )
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (42 | ) |  | 30 |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 1,159 |  |  | 83 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR | 3,379 |  |  | 4,801 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD | $ | 4,538 |  |  | $ | 4,884 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |  |  |
Cash paid during the first thirty-six weeks of year for: |  |  |
Interest (reduced by $12 for interest capitalized in both 2017 and 2016) | $ | 99 |  |  | $ | 93 |
Income taxes, net | $ | 529 |  |  | $ | 545 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |  |  |
Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid | $ | 3,290 |  |  | $ | 197 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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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 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 May 7, 2017, Costco operated 729 warehouses worldwide: 508 United States (U.S.) locations (in 44 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico), 95 Canada locations, 37 Mexico locations, 28 United Kingdom (U.K.) locations, 25 Japan locations, 13 Korea locations, 13 Taiwan locations, eight Australia locations, and two Spain locations. The Company's online business operates websites in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Mexico, 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 and Korea. 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 August 28, 2016.
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 2017 is a 53-week year ending on September 3, 2017. References to the third quarters of 2017 and 2016 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended May 7, 2017, and May 8, 2016, respectively. References to the first thirty-six weeks of 2017 and 2016 relate to the thirty-six weeks ended May 7, 2017, and May 8, 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 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
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Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
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.
The Company’s current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values. The Company’s long-term financial liabilities consist of long-term debt, which is recorded on the balance sheet at issuance price and adjusted for any applicable unamortized discounts or premiums and debt issuance costs. 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 2016 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 an adjustment each quarter, 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 for the year 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 May 7, 2017, U.S. merchandise inventories valued at LIFO approximated FIFO after considering the lower of cost or market principle. As of August 28, 2016, the cumulative impact of the LIFO valuation on merchandise inventories was immaterial.
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. Currently, 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. These contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features. The aggregate notional amounts of unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts were $554 and $572 at May 7, 2017, and August 28, 2016, 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 May 7, 2017, and August 28, 2016.
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 third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2017. Unrealized gains
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Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
or losses on unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts were a net loss of $11 and $17 in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2016, respectively.
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. The net changes related to these items were immaterial in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2017, respectively, as compared to an immaterial net gain and a $34 net gain in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2016, respectively.
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 Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new 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 and is reviewing current accounting policies, business processes, systems and controls to identify potential differences or changes that would result from applying the new standard. The Company is still evaluating whether or not there will be a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as a result of adopting this standard.
In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on leases, which will require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities 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 results of operations or cash flows.
In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on stock compensation, intended to simplify accounting for share-based payment transactions. The guidance will change accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim
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Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Adoption of this guidance will likely be material to the provision for income taxes and earnings per share amounts on the Company’s consolidated income statements for the change in the recognition of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. Due to the Company's annual vesting and release of shares in its first fiscal quarter, this may create increased volatility in these amounts during that quarter of each fiscal year. Previously these amounts were reflected in equity. Additionally, these amounts will be reflected as an operating activity instead of financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated balance sheets, statements of cash flows, or related disclosures.
Note 2—Investments
The Company's major categories of investments have not materially changed from the annual reporting period ended August 28, 2016. The Company’s investments were as follows:

May 7, 2017: | Cost Basis |  | Unrealized Loss, Net |  | Recorded Basis
Available-for-sale: |  |  |  |  |
Government and agency securities | $ | 942 |  |  | $ | (2 | ) |  | $ | 940 |
Asset and mortgage-backed securities | 1 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 1 |
Total available-for-sale | 943 |  |  | (2 | ) |  | 941 |
Held-to-maturity: |  |  |  |  |
Certificates of deposit | 246 |  |  |  |  | 246 |
Total short-term investments | $ | 1,189 |  |  | $ | (2 | ) |  | $ | 1,187 |

August 28, 2016: | Cost Basis |  | Unrealized Gains, Net |  | Recorded Basis
Available-for-sale: |  |  |  |  |
Government and agency securities | $ | 1,028 |  |  | $ | 6 |  |  | $ | 1,034 |
Asset and mortgage-backed securities | 1 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 1 |
Total available-for-sale | 1,029 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 1,035 |
Held-to-maturity: |  |  |  |  |
Certificates of deposit | 306 |  |  |  |  | 306 |
Bankers' acceptances | 9 |  |  |  |  | 9 |
Total held-to-maturity | 315 |  |  |  |  | 315 |
Total short-term investments | $ | 1,344 |  |  | $ | 6 |  |  | $ | 1,350 |

At May 7, 2017, and August 28, 2016, there were no available-for-sale securities with continuous unrealized-loss positions. There were no unrealized gains and losses on cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter of 2017 and unrealized gains and losses on cash and cash equivalents were not material during the first thirty-six weeks of 2017. There were no unrealized gains and losses on cash and cash equivalents during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2016.
The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were $121 and $49 during the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $187 and $238 during the first thirty-six weeks of 2017 and 2016, respectively. Gross realized gains or losses from sales of available-for-sale securities during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2017 and 2016 were not material.
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Note 2—Investments (Continued)
The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at May 7, 2017, were as follows:

| Available-For-Sale |  | Held-To-Maturity
| Cost Basis |  | Fair Value |
Due in one year or less | $ | 145 |  |  | $ | 146 |  |  | $ | 246 |
Due after one year through five years | 748 |  |  | 746 |  |  | 0 |
Due after five years | 50 |  |  | 49 |  |  | 0 |
| $ | 943 |  |  | $ | 941 |  |  | $ | 246 |

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.

May 7, 2017: | Level 1 |  | Level 2
Money market mutual funds(1) | $ | 8 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Investment in government and agency securities | 0 |  |  | 940 |
Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities | 0 |  |  | 1 |
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in asset position(2) | 0 |  |  | 3 |
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in (liability) position(2) | 0 |  |  | (8 | )
Total | $ | 8 |  |  | $ | 936 |

August 28, 2016: | Level 1 |  | Level 2
Money market mutual funds(1) | $ | 222 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Investment in government and agency securities | 0 |  |  | 1,034 |
Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities | 0 |  |  | 1 |
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in asset position(2) | 0 |  |  | 11 |
Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in (liability) position(2) | 0 |  |  | (13 | )
Total | $ | 222 |  |  | $ | 1,033 |

_______________

(1) | Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(2) | The asset and the liability values are included in other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 for additional information on derivative instruments.

At May 7, 2017, and August 28, 2016, 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 third quarter or first thirty-six weeks of 2017 or 2016.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include held-to-maturity investments that are carried at amortized cost. There were no fair value adjustments to these financial assets during the third quarter or first thirty-six weeks of 2017 or 2016.
Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as long-lived assets. There were no fair value adjustments resulting from an impairment to nonfinancial assets during the third quarter or first thirty-six weeks of 2017 or 2016.
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Note 4—Debt
The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt is based primarily on reported market values, recently completed market transactions, and estimates based upon interest rates, maturities, and credit risk. The majority of the Company's long-term debt is valued using Level 2 inputs.
The carrying and estimated fair values of the Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following:

| May 7, 2017 |  | August 28, 2016
| Carrying Value |  | Fair Value |  | Carrying Value |  | Fair Value
5.5% Senior Notes due March 2017 | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 1,100 |  |  | $ | 1,129 |
1.125% Senior Notes due December 2017 | 1,099 |  |  | 1,099 |  |  | 1,099 |  |  | 1,103 |
1.7% Senior Notes due December 2019 | 1,197 |  |  | 1,200 |  |  | 1,196 |  |  | 1,219 |
1.75% Senior Notes due February 2020 | 498 |  |  | 500 |  |  | 498 |  |  | 508 |
2.25% Senior Notes due February 2022 | 497 |  |  | 501 |  |  | 497 |  |  | 512 |
Other long-term debt | 688 |  |  | 713 |  |  | 771 |  |  | 803 |
Total long-term debt | 3,979 |  |  | 4,013 |  |  | 5,161 |  |  | 5,274 |
Less current portion | 1,158 |  |  | 1,159 |  |  | 1,100 |  |  | 1,130 |
Long-term debt, excluding current portion | $ | 2,821 |  |  | $ | 2,854 |  |  | $ | 4,061 |  |  | $ | 4,144 |

On March 15, 2017, the Company paid the outstanding principal balance and interest on the 5.5% Senior Notes with existing sources of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.
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 third quarter of 2016. On April 25, 2017, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.50 per share and a special cash dividend of $7.00 per share, both of which were paid subsequent to the end of the third quarter, on May 26, 2017. The aggregate payment was approximately $3,290 and was included in other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at May 7, 2017.
Stock Repurchase Programs
Stock repurchase activity during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2017 and 2016 is summarized below:

| Shares Repurchased (000's) |  | Average Price per Share |  | Total Cost
Third quarter of 2017 | 266 |  |  | $ | 168.09 |  |  | $ | 45 |
First thirty-six weeks of 2017 | 1,486 |  |  | $ | 156.51 |  |  | $ | 233 |
Third quarter of 2016 | 899 |  |  | $ | 151.57 |  |  | $ | 136 |
First thirty-six weeks of 2016 | 2,328 |  |  | $ | 148.64 |  |  | $ | 346 |

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 $2,989 at May 7, 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.
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Note 5—Equity and Comprehensive Income (Continued)
Components of Equity and Comprehensive Income
The following tables show the changes in equity attributable to Costco and the noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries:

| Attributable to Costco |  | Noncontrolling Interests |  | Total Equity
Equity at August 28, 2016 | $ | 12,079 |  |  | $ | 253 |  |  | $ | 12,332 |
Comprehensive income: |  |  |  |  |
Net income | 1,760 |  |  | 22 |  |  | 1,782 |
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net | (222 | ) |  | 12 |  |  | (210 | )
Comprehensive income | 1,538 |  |  | 34 |  |  | 1,572 |
Stock-based compensation | 404 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 404 |
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects | (165 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | (165 | )
Repurchases of common stock | (233 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | (233 | )
Cash dividends declared and other | (3,725 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | (3,725 | )
Equity at May 7, 2017 | $ | 9,898 |  |  | $ | 287 |  |  | $ | 10,185 |

| Attributable to Costco |  | Noncontrolling Interests |  | Total Equity
Equity at August 30, 2015 | $ | 10,617 |  |  | $ | 226 |  |  | $ | 10,843 |
Comprehensive income: |  |  |  |  |
Net income | 1,571 |  |  | 20 |  |  | 1,591 |
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net | (5 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | (5 | )
Comprehensive income | 1,566 |  |  | 20 |  |  | 1,586 |
Stock-based compensation | 362 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 362 |
Release of vested RSUs, including tax effects | (145 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | (145 | )
Repurchases of common stock | (346 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | (346 | )
Cash dividends declared | (549 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | (549 | )
Distribution to noncontrolling interest | 0 |  |  | (3 | ) |  | (3 | )
Equity at May 8, 2016 | $ | 11,505 |  |  | $ | 243 |  |  | $ | 11,748 |

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 equal to the minimum statutory withholding taxes.
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Note 6—Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity
At May 7, 2017, 11,372,000 shares were available to be granted as RSUs and the following awards were outstanding:

• | 7,616,000 time-based RSUs, which vest upon continued employment over specified periods of time;

• | 165,000 performance-based RSUs, granted to certain executive officers of the Company, for which the performance targets have been met. The awards vest upon continued employment over specified periods of time; and

• | 251,000 performance-based RSUs, granted to executive officers of the Company, subject to achievement of performance targets for fiscal 2017, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors after the end of the fiscal year. These awards are included in the table below and the Company recognized compensation expense for these awards as it is currently deemed probable that the targets will be achieved.

The following table summarizes RSU transactions during the first thirty-six weeks of 2017:

| Number of Units (in 000’s) |  | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at August 28, 2016 | 8,326 |  |  | $ | 120.56 |
Granted | 3,856 |  |  | 144.12 |
Vested and delivered | (3,990 | ) |  | 119.44 |
Forfeited | (160 | ) |  | 130.42 |
Outstanding at May 7, 2017 | 8,032 |  |  | $ | 132.23 |

The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs at May 7, 2017, was $823, and the weighted-average period over which this cost will be recognized is 1.7 years.
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation
The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefits under the Company’s plans:

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes | $ | 82 |  |  | $ | 75 |  |  | $ | 404 |  |  | $ | 362 |
Less recognized income tax benefit | (26 | ) |  | (23 | ) |  | (132 | ) |  | (120 | )
Stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes | $ | 56 |  |  | $ | 52 |  |  | $ | 272 |  |  | $ | 242 |

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Note 7—Income Taxes
The Company’s reported effective income tax rates for the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2017 were 26.8% and 32.0%, respectively, compared to 34.2% and 34.7% for the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2016, respectively, which include the net impact of discrete tax items. The provision for income taxes in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2017 was favorably impacted by discrete net tax benefits of $82 and $88, respectively, primarily due to an $82 tax benefit recorded in the third quarter of 2017 in connection with the special cash dividend payable to employees, who through the Company's 401(k) Retirement Plan owned approximately 30,000,000 shares of Company common stock through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Dividends on these shares are deductible for U.S. income tax purposes.
Note 8—Net Income per Common and Common Equivalent Share
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):

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
Net income available to common stockholders used in basic and diluted net income per common share | $ | 700 |  |  | $ | 545 |  |  | $ | 1,760 |  |  | $ | 1,571 |
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share | 438,817 |  |  | 438,815 |  |  | 438,650 |  |  | 438,930 |
RSUs | 2,231 |  |  | 2,241 |  |  | 2,087 |  |  | 2,380 |
Conversion of convertible notes | 8 |  |  | 10 |  |  | 8 |  |  | 11 |
Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share | 441,056 |  |  | 441,066 |  |  | 440,745 |  |  | 441,321 |

Note 9—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 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 two matters described below, one in a prior quarter. 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 our 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.
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Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
The Company is a defendant in the following matters, among others:
Numerous putative class actions have been brought around the United States against motor fuel retailers, including the Company, alleging that they have been overcharging consumers by selling gasoline or diesel that is warmer than 60 degrees without adjusting the volume sold to compensate for heat-related expansion or disclosing the effect of such expansion on the energy equivalent received by the consumer. The Company is named in the following actions: Raphael Sagalyn, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-430 (D. Md.); Phyllis Lerner, et al., v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, et al., Case No. 07-1216 (C.D. Cal.); Linda A. Williams, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-179 (M.D. Ala.); James Graham, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 07-193 (E.D. Va.); Betty A. Delgado, et al., v. Allsups, Convenience Stores, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-202 (D.N.M.); Gary Kohut, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-285 (D. Nev.); Mark Rushing, et al., v. Alon USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 06-7621 (N.D. Cal.); James Vanderbilt, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 06-1052 (W.D. Mo.); Zachary Wilson, et al., v. Ampride, Inc., et al., Case No. 06-2582 (D.Kan.); Diane Foster, et al., v. BP North America Petroleum, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-02059 (W.D. Tenn.); Mara Redstone, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-20751 (S.D. Fla.); Fred Aguirre, et al. v. BP West Coast Products LLC, et al., Case No. 07-1534 (N.D. Cal.); J.C. Wash, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 4:07cv37 (E.D. Mo.); Jonathan Charles Conlin, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 07 0317 (M.D. Tenn.); William Barker, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 07-cv-00293 (D.N.M.); Melissa J. Couch, et al. v. BP Products North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 07cv291 (E.D. Tex.); S. Garrett Cook, Jr., et al., v. Hess Corporation, et al., Case No. 07cv750 (M.D. Ala.); Jeff Jenkins, et al. v. Amoco Oil Company, et al., Case No. 07-cv-00661 (D. Utah); and Mark Wyatt, et al., v. B. P. America Corp., et al., Case No. 07-1754 (S.D. Cal.). On June 18, 2007, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation assigned the action, entitled In re Motor Fuel Temperature Sales Practices Litigation, MDL Docket No 1840, to Judge Kathryn Vratil in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. On April 12, 2009, the Company agreed to settle the actions in which it is named as a defendant. Under the settlement, which was subject to final approval by the court, the Company agreed, to the extent allowed by law and subject to other terms and conditions in the agreement, to install over five years from the effective date of the settlement temperature-correcting dispensers in the States of Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Other than payments to class representatives, the settlement does not provide for cash payments to class members. On September 22, 2011, the court preliminarily approved a revised settlement, which did not materially alter the terms. On April 24, 2012, the court granted final approval of the revised settlement. A class member who objected has filed a notice of appeal from the order approving the settlement, and the appeal is pending. Plaintiffs moved for an award of $10 in attorneys’ fees, as well as an award of costs and payments to class representatives. A report and recommendation was issued in favor of a fee award of $4. On August 24, 2016, the district court affirmed the report and recommendation. On March 20, 2014, the Company filed a notice invoking a “most favored nation” provision under the settlement, under which it seeks to adopt provisions in later settlements with certain other defendants. The motion was denied on January 23, 2015. Final judgment was entered on September 22, 2015, and the Company's appeal is pending; and
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.
The Company has received notices from most states stating that they have appointed an agent to conduct an examination of the books and records of the Company to determine whether it has complied with state unclaimed property laws. In addition to seeking the turnover of unclaimed property subject to escheat laws, the states may seek interest, penalties, costs of examinations, and other relief. Certain states have separately also made requests for payment by the Company concerning a specific type of property, some of which have been paid in immaterial amounts.
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Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
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, 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.
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Note 10—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, Australia, and Spain and through majority-owned subsidiaries in Taiwan and Korea. 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 August 28, 2016, 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.

| United States Operations |  | Canadian Operations |  | Other International Operations |  | Total
Twelve Weeks Ended May 7, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total revenue | $ | 21,172 |  |  | $ | 4,069 |  |  | $ | 3,619 |  |  | $ | 28,860 |
Operating income | 654 |  |  | 172 |  |  | 142 |  |  | 968 |
Depreciation and amortization | 245 |  |  | 28 |  |  | 47 |  |  | 320 |
Additions to property and equipment | 363 |  |  | 40 |  |  | 137 |  |  | 540 |
Twelve Weeks Ended May 8, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total revenue | $ | 19,528 |  |  | $ | 3,869 |  |  | $ | 3,372 |  |  | $ | 26,769 |
Operating income | 539 |  |  | 185 |  |  | 134 |  |  | 858 |
Depreciation and amortization | 220 |  |  | 26 |  |  | 45 |  |  | 291 |
Additions to property and equipment | 335 |  |  | 41 |  |  | 85 |  |  | 461 |
Thirty-six Weeks Ended May 7, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total revenue | $ | 63,313 |  |  | $ | 12,397 |  |  | $ | 11,015 |  |  | $ | 86,725 |
Operating income | 1,680 |  |  | 543 |  |  | 438 |  |  | 2,661 |
Depreciation and amortization | 712 |  |  | 81 |  |  | 136 |  |  | 929 |
Additions to property and equipment | 1,147 |  |  | 206 |  |  | 370 |  |  | 1,723 |
Net property and equipment | 12,139 |  |  | 1,612 |  |  | 3,784 |  |  | 17,535 |
Total assets | 24,356 |  |  | 4,014 |  |  | 7,261 |  |  | 35,631 |
Thirty-six Weeks Ended May 8, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total revenue | $ | 60,016 |  |  | $ | 11,542 |  |  | $ | 10,601 |  |  | $ | 82,159 |
Operating income | 1,542 |  |  | 524 |  |  | 415 |  |  | 2,481 |
Depreciation and amortization | 636 |  |  | 75 |  |  | 136 |  |  | 847 |
Additions to property and equipment | 1,252 |  |  | 112 |  |  | 436 |  |  | 1,800 |
Net property and equipment | 11,466 |  |  | 1,449 |  |  | 3,576 |  |  | 16,491 |
Total assets | 23,652 |  |  | 3,373 |  |  | 6,848 |  |  | 33,873 |
Year Ended August 28, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total revenue | $ | 86,579 |  |  | $ | 17,028 |  |  | $ | 15,112 |  |  | $ | 118,719 |
Operating income | 2,326 |  |  | 778 |  |  | 568 |  |  | 3,672 |
Depreciation and amortization | 946 |  |  | 109 |  |  | 200 |  |  | 1,255 |
Additions to property and equipment | 1,823 |  |  | 299 |  |  | 527 |  |  | 2,649 |
Net property and equipment | 11,745 |  |  | 1,628 |  |  | 3,670 |  |  | 17,043 |
Total assets | 22,511 |  |  | 3,480 |  |  | 7,172 |  |  | 33,163 |

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Note 11—Subsequent Events
On May 15, 2017, the Company called for the redemption of the $1,100 of outstanding principal amount of the 1.125% Senior Notes due December 15, 2017, to be paid on the redemption date of June 15, 2017. These Notes will be redeemed for $1,106, which includes accrued interest.
Additionally, on May 18, 2017, the Company issued $3,800 in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes (May 2017 Notes) as follows: $1,000 of 2.15% Senior Notes due May 18, 2021, $800 of 2.30% Senior Notes due May 18, 2022, $1,000 of 2.75% Senior Notes due May 18, 2024, and $1,000 of 3.00% Senior Notes due May 18, 2027. Interest is due semi-annually on May 18 and November 18, with the first payment due on November 18, 2017.
The Company, at its option, may redeem the May 2017 Notes at any time, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices specified in the terms of the May 2017 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. The Company will be required to offer to purchase the May 2017 Notes, at a price of 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase, upon certain events as defined by the terms of the May 2017 Notes.
The proceeds from the May 2017 Notes were used to pay the special cash dividend and the remaining balance will be used for the redemption of the 1.125% Senior Notes.
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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(amounts in millions, except per share, share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)
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 the Company's 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 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, previously filed with the SEC.
OVERVIEW
We operate membership warehouses 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 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 in 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
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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)
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 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 online business growth domestically and internationally also increases 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 10 of this Report). Certain countries in the Other International segment have relatively higher rates of square footage growth, lower wages and benefit costs as a percentage of country sales, and/or less or no direct membership warehouse competition. Additionally, we operate our lower-margin gasoline business in the U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., Japan, Spain, and Taiwan.
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.
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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)
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 third quarters of 2017 and 2016 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended May 7, 2017, and May 8, 2016, respectively. References to the first thirty-six weeks of 2017 and 2016 relate to the thirty-six weeks ended May 7, 2017, and May 8, 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 third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016 include:

• | Net sales increased 8% to $28,216, driven by a 5% increase in comparable sales and sales at new warehouses opened since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2016;

• | Membership fee revenue increased 4% to $644, primarily due to sign-ups at existing and new warehouses and executive membership upgrades;

• | Gross margin percentage increased eight basis points;

• | SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 14 basis points, primarily driven by higher year over year gasoline prices;

• | Net income increased 28% to $700, or $1.59 per diluted share, compared to $545, or $1.24 per diluted share in 2016. The current quarter results were positively impacted by an $82 tax benefit, or $0.19 per diluted share, in connection with the portion of the special cash dividend declared by the Company on April 25, 2017, payable to the Company 401(k) participants;

• | On March 15, 2017, we paid the outstanding principal balance on the 5.5% Senior Notes of approximately $1,100, from our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments;

• | On April 25, 2017, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly and special cash dividend of $0.50 and $7.00 per share, respectively, which were paid on May 26, 2017; and

• | Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, on May 15, 2017, we called for the redemption of the $1,100 of outstanding principal amount of the 1.125% Senior Notes due December 2017. Additionally, on May 18, 2017, we issued $3,800 in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes.

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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
Net Sales | $ | 28,216 |  |  | $ | 26,151 |  |  | $ | 84,815 |  |  | $ | 80,345 |
Changes in net sales: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | 8 | % |  | 2 | % |  | 5 | % |  | 3 | %
Canada | 5 | % |  | 2 | % |  | 7 | % |  | (4 | )%
Other International | 8 | % |  | 6 | % |  | 4 | % |  | 4 | %
Total Company | 8 | % |  | 2 | % |  | 6 | % |  | 2 | %
Changes in comparable sales: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | 6 | % |  | 0 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 2 | %
Canada | 2 | % |  | 1 | % |  | 5 | % |  | (5 | )%
Other International | 4 | % |  | (2 | )% |  | 0 | % |  | (4 | )%
Total Company | 5 | % |  | 0 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 0 | %
Changes in comparable sales excluding the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and gasoline prices: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | 5 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 4 | %
Canada | 3 | % |  | 8 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 9 | %
Other International | 6 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 4 | % |  | 5 | %
Total Company | 5 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 5 | %

Net Sales
Net sales increased $2,065 or 8%, and $4,470 or 6% during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2017, respectively, compared to the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2016. This increase was attributable to an increase in comparable sales of 5% and 3% in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2017, respectively, and sales at the 24 net new warehouses opened since the end of the third quarter of 2016.
During the third quarter of 2017, changes in gasoline prices positively impacted net sales by approximately $381, or 145 basis points, due to a 17% increase in the average sales price per gallon. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted net sales by approximately $165, or 63 basis points, compared to the third quarter of 2016, attributable to our Other International and Canadian operations.
During the first thirty-six weeks of 2017, changes in gasoline prices positively impacted net sales by approximately $542, or 67 basis points, due to an 8% increase in the average sales price per gallon. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted net sales by approximately $283, or 35 basis points, compared to the first thirty-six weeks of 2016. The negative impact was primarily attributable to our Other International operations.
Comparable Sales
Comparable sales increased 5% in the third quarter of 2017 and were positively impacted by an increase in shopping frequency and the average ticket. Comparable sales increased 3% in the first thirty-six weeks of 2017 and were positively impacted by shopping frequency increases. Comparable sales for the third
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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)
quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2017 were negatively impacted by cannibalization (established warehouses losing sales to our newly opened locations).
Membership Fees

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
Membership fees | $ | 644 |  |  | $ | 618 |  |  | $ | 1,910 |  |  | $ | 1,814 |
Membership fees as a percentage of net sales | 2.28 | % |  | 2.36 | % |  | 2.25 | % |  | 2.26 | %
Total paid members as of quarter end (000's) | 48,600 |  |  | 46,900 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total cardholders as of quarter end (000's) | 88,900 |  |  | 85,500 |  |  | — |  |  | — |

Membership fees increased 4% and 5% in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2017, respectively. This was primarily due to sign-ups at existing and new warehouses and increased penetration of our higher-fee Executive Membership program. Our member renewal rates are currently 90% in the U.S. and Canada and 88% worldwide.
On March 2, 2017, we announced membership fee increases in the U.S. and Canada effective June 1, 2017. The annual membership fee for Goldstar (individual), Business and Business add-on members will increase $5 to $60 per year. The Executive membership fee will increase from $110 to $120 (annual membership fee of $60, plus the Executive upgrade of $60), and the maximum annual 2% reward will increase from $750 to $1,000. Membership fee revenue represents annual fees paid by our members, net of estimated refunds, and is recognized ratably over the one-year membership period. These increases did not impact our membership fee revenue for the third quarter of 2017 and are not expected to have a material impact for the remainder of fiscal year 2017.
Gross Margin

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
Net sales | $ | 28,216 |  |  | $ | 26,151 |  |  | $ | 84,815 |  |  | $ | 80,345 |
Less merchandise costs | 24,970 |  |  | 23,162 |  |  | 75,185 |  |  | 71,252 |
Gross margin | $ | 3,246 |  |  | $ | 2,989 |  |  | $ | 9,630 |  |  | $ | 9,093 |
Gross margin percentage | 11.51 | % |  | 11.43 | % |  | 11.35 | % |  | 11.32 | %

Quarterly Results
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), increased 12 basis points. This was attributable to increases in hardlines and food and sundries, partially offset by decreases in fresh foods and softlines. This measure eliminates the impact of changes in sales penetration and gross margins from our warehouse ancillary and other businesses.
Total gross margin percentage increased eight basis points compared to the third quarter of 2016. Excluding the impact of changes in gasoline prices on net sales, gross margin as a percentage of adjusted net sales was 11.66%, an increase of 23 basis points from the third quarter of 2016. This increase was primarily due to higher warehouse ancillary and other businesses margin of 19 basis points, predominantly driven by gasoline and pharmacy businesses and 16 basis points due to amounts earned under the co-branded credit
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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)
card arrangement in the U.S. Our core merchandise categories margin percentage also increased by four basis points, primarily driven by hardlines and softlines. These increases were partially offset by two items that benefited the third quarter of 2016: a non-recurring legal settlement of seven basis points and a LIFO benefit of five basis points. Additionally, the Executive Membership 2% program negatively impacted gross margin by four basis points.
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), increased in our U.S. operations, due to increased margins in our warehouse ancillary and other businesses, primarily our gasoline and pharmacy businesses, and amounts earned under the co-branded credit card arrangement. These increases were partially offset by the non-recurring legal settlement and LIFO benefit in the third quarter of 2016, discussed above. The segment gross margin percentage in our Canadian operations decreased across all our core merchandise categories, which were partially offset by an increase in our warehouse ancillary and other businesses. The segment gross margin percentage in our Other International operations increased, predominantly due to an increase in core merchandise categories, primarily food and sundries.
Year-to-date Results
The gross margin of core merchandise categories, when expressed as a percentage of core merchandise sales (rather than total net sales), increased 12 basis points. This was attributable to increases across all core merchandise categories, except fresh foods.
Total gross margin percentage increased three basis points compared to the first thirty-six weeks of 2016. Excluding the impact of changes in gasoline prices on net sales, gross margin as a percentage of adjusted net sales was 11.43%, an increase of 11 basis points from the first thirty-six weeks of 2016. This increase was primarily due to amounts earned under the co-branded credit card arrangement in the U.S. of 15 basis points and a benefit of four basis points from non-recurring legal settlements compared to the first thirty-six weeks of 2016. These increases were partially offset by four basis points due to a LIFO benefit in the first thirty-six weeks of 2016 and a decrease of two basis points in our warehouse ancillary and other businesses. Additionally, the Executive Membership 2% program negatively impacted gross margin by two basis points.
The segment gross margin percentage increased in our U.S. operations, predominantly due to amounts earned under the co-branded credit card arrangement and the benefit from non-recurring legal settlements discussed above. These increases were partially offset by decreases in our warehouse ancillary and other businesses, primarily our gasoline business, and core merchandise categories, primarily food and sundries. The segment gross margin percentage in our Canadian operations increased, predominantly due to an increase in our warehouse ancillary and other businesses, primarily pharmacy and e-commerce, which were partially offset by our core merchandise categories, predominantly fresh foods. The segment gross margin percentage in our Other International operations increased, predominantly due to an increase in core merchandise categories, primarily food and sundries.
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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
SG&A expenses | $ | 2,907 |  |  | $ | 2,731 |  |  | $ | 8,827 |  |  | $ | 8,372 |
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales | 10.30 | % |  | 10.44 | % |  | 10.41 | % |  | 10.42 | %

Quarterly Results
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 14 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2016. Excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation on net sales, SG&A expenses as a percentage of adjusted net sales were 10.44%, consistent with the third quarter of 2016. SG&A expenses were driven by lower warehouse operating costs of nine basis points, primarily due to lower costs associated with the co-branded credit card arrangement in the U.S. of 20 basis points, which was partially offset by an increase in payroll and employee benefit expenses across all segments. This decrease was offset by two non-recurring legal matters of five basis points, higher central operating costs of three basis points, and higher stock compensation expense of one basis point.
Year-to-date Results
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased one basis point compared to the first thirty-six weeks of 2016. Excluding the impact of gasoline price inflation on net sales, SG&A expenses as a percentage of adjusted net sales were 10.47%, an increase of five basis points. This increase was driven by higher central operating costs of five basis points, due to costs associated with our information systems modernization, including increased depreciation expense for completed projects, incurred by our U.S. operations. Stock compensation expense was higher by three basis points, due to accelerated vesting for long service and appreciation in the trading price of our stock at the time of the grant. Warehouse operating costs were lower by two basis points, due to lower costs associated with the co-branded credit card arrangement in the U.S. of 23 basis points, partially offset by 20 basis points in payroll and employee benefit expenses across all segments, primarily in our U.S. operations. SG&A expense increases were partially offset by one basis point for non-recurring legal and regulatory matters recorded in the first thirty-six weeks of 2016.
Preopening Expense

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
Preopening expenses | $ | 15 |  |  | $ | 18 |  |  | $ | 52 |  |  | $ | 54 |
Warehouse openings, including relocations |  |  |  |  |  |  |
United States | 1 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 9 |  |  | 16 |
Canada | 1 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 4 |  |  | 1 |
Other International | 1 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 3 |  |  | 5 |
Total warehouse openings, including relocations | 3 |  |  | 8 |  |  | 16 |  |  | 22 |

Preopening expenses include costs for startup operations related to new warehouses, including relocations, development 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
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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)
market. For the remainder of fiscal 2017, we expect to open up to 12 additional warehouses compared to 11 warehouses, including one relocation, opened in the last quarter of fiscal 2016.
Interest Expense

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
Interest expense | $ | 21 |  |  | $ | 30 |  |  | $ | 81 |  |  | $ | 94 |

Interest expense is primarily related to Senior Notes issued by the Company. In March 2017, we paid off the $1,100 of 5.5% of Senior Notes.
Interest Income and Other, Net

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
Interest income | $ | 12 |  |  | $ | 10 |  |  | $ | 31 |  |  | $ | 26 |
Foreign-currency transaction gains (losses), net | 3 |  |  | (7 | ) |  | (4 | ) |  | 17 |
Other, net | 3 |  |  | 4 |  |  | 13 |  |  | 8 |
Interest income and other, net | $ | 18 |  |  | $ | 7 |  |  | $ | 40 |  |  | $ | 51 |

Foreign-currency transaction gains (losses), net, include mark-to-market adjustments for forward foreign-exchange contracts and the revaluation or settlement of monetary assets and liabilities 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

| 12 Weeks Ended |  | 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016 |  | May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
Provision for income taxes | $ | 259 |  |  | $ | 286 |  |  | $ | 838 |  |  | $ | 847 |
Effective tax rate | 26.8 | % |  | 34.2 | % |  | 32.0 | % |  | 34.7 | %

The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 was favorably impacted by net discrete tax benefits of $82, primarily due to an income tax deduction for the special cash dividend payable to employees, who through our 401(k) Retirement Plan owned shares of Company common stock through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Employees of Costco owned approximately 30,000,000 shares of Company Stock through our 401(k) Retirement Plan.
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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table summarizes our significant sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents:

| 36 Weeks Ended
| May 7, 2017 |  | May 8, 2016
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 4,892 |  |  | $ | 3,461 |
Net cash used in investing activities | (1,550 | ) |  | (1,320 | )
Net cash used in financing activities | (2,141 | ) |  | (2,088 | )

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 $5,725 and $4,729 at May 7, 2017, and August 28, 2016, respectively. Of these balances, approximately $1,162 and $1,071 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. Although we have historically asserted that certain non-U.S. undistributed earnings will be permanently reinvested, we may repatriate such earnings 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.
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 $1,564 at May 7, 2017.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $4,892 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2017, compared to $3,461 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2016. 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 increase in net cash provided by operating activities for the first thirty-six weeks of 2017, when compared to the first thirty-six weeks 2016, 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 thirty-six weeks of 2017.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $1,550 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2017 compared to $1,320 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2016. Cash used in investing activities is primarily to fund warehouse expansion and remodeling activities. Net cash from investing activities also includes purchases and maturities of short-term investments.
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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)
Capital Expenditure Plans
We opened 16 new warehouses including two relocations in the first thirty-six weeks of 2017 and plan to open up to 12 additional new warehouses for the remainder of fiscal 2017. This includes four warehouses in our Other International operations, including two new countries, Iceland and France. 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, the modernization of our information systems, and working capital. In the first thirty-six weeks of 2017, we spent approximately $1,723, and it is our current intention to spend approximately $2,500 to $2,700 during fiscal 2017. These expenditures are expected to be financed with cash from operations, existing cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments. 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 $2,141 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2017 compared to $2,088 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2016. Cash flow used in financing activities primarily related to the $1,100 repayment of our 5.5% Senior Notes on March 15, 2017. In the first thirty-six weeks of 2016, cash flow used in financing activities included the $1,200 repayment of our 0.65% Senior Notes.
Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, on May 15, 2017, we called for the redemption of the $1,100 of outstanding principal amount of the 1.125% Senior Notes due December 2017, which will be redeemed on June 15, 2017. Additionally, on May 18, 2017, we issued $3,800 in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes. The proceeds from this issuance were used to pay the special cash dividend and the remaining balance will be used for the redemption of the 1.125% Senior Notes.
Stock Repurchase Programs
During the first thirty-six weeks of 2017 and 2016, we repurchased 1,486,000 and 2,328,000 shares of common stock, at an average price of $156.51 and $148.64, totaling approximately $233 and $346, 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 $2,989 at May 7, 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 April 25, 2017, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly and special cash dividend of $0.50 and $7.00 per share, respectively. Our quarterly dividend was payable to shareholders of record on May 12, 2017 and the special cash dividend was payable to shareholders of record on May 10, 2017. On May 26, 2017, approximate $3,290 was paid in connection with these dividends.
Bank Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Programs
We maintain bank credit facilities for working capital and general corporate purposes. As of May 7, 2017, we had borrowing capacity within these facilities of $413, of which $340 was maintained by our international operations. Of the $340, $160 is guaranteed by the Company. There were no outstanding short-term borrowings under the bank credit facilities at the end of the third quarter of 2017 or at the end of 2016.
The Company has letter of credit facilities, for commercial and standby letters of credit, totaling $152. The outstanding commitments under these facilities at the end of the third quarter of 2017 totaled $97, including
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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, share, membership fee, and warehouse count data)
$94 in standby letters of credit 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. 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
Other than the repayment and issuance of Senior Notes described above, 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 our estimates and judgments 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 August 28, 2016. 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 August 28, 2016.
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 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.
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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 August 28, 2016. 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 third quarter of fiscal 2017 (amounts in millions, except share and per share data):

Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased |  | Average Price Paid Per Share |  | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs(1) |  | Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs(1)
February 13, 2017 - March 12, 2017 | 38,000 |  |  | $ | 166.66 |  |  | 38,000 |  |  | $ | 3,027 |
March 13, 2017 - April 9, 2017 | 151,000 |  |  | 167.18 |  |  | 151,000 |  |  | 3,002 |
April 10, 2017 - May 7, 2017 | 77,000 |  |  | 170.60 |  |  | 77,000 |  |  | 2,989 |
Total third quarter | 266,000 |  |  | $ | 168.09 |  |  | 266,000 |  |  |

_______________

(1) | Our stock repurchase program is conducted under a $4,000 authorization approved by of our Board of Directors in April 2015, which expires in April 2019.

Item 3—Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4—Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5—Other Information
None.
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Item 6—Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or are incorporated herein by reference.

|  |  |  |  |  | Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Number |  | Exhibit Description |  | Filed Herewith |  | Form |  | Period Ending |  | Filing Date
3.1 |  | Articles of Incorporation as amended of the registrant |  |  |  | 10-Q |  | 2/15/2015 |  | 3/11/2015
3.2 |  | Bylaws as amended of the registrant |  |  |  | 8-K |  |  |  | 9/30/2016
4.1 |  | Form of 2.150% Senior Notes due May 18, 2021 |  |  |  | 8-K |  |  |  | 5/16/2017
4.2 |  | Form of 2.300% Senior Notes due May 18, 2022 |  |  |  | 8-K |  |  |  | 5/16/2017
4.3 |  | Form of 2.750% Senior Notes due May 18, 2024 |  |  |  | 8-K |  |  |  | 5/16/2017
4.4 |  | Form of 3.000% Senior Notes due May 18, 2027 |  |  |  | 8-K |  |  |  | 5/16/2017
31.1 |  | Rule 13(a) – 14(a) Certifications |  | x |  |  |  |  |  |
32.1 |  | Section 1350 Certifications |  | x |  |  |  |  |  |
101.INS |  | XBRL Instance Document |  | x |  |  |  |  |  |
101.SCH |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |  | x |  |  |  |  |  |
101.CAL |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |  | x |  |  |  |  |  |
101.DEF |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |  | x |  |  |  |  |  |
101.LAB |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |  | x |  |  |  |  |  |
101.PRE |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |  | x |  |  |  |  |  |

______________
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Table of Contents
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.

| C OSTCO W HOLESALE C ORPORATION (Registrant)
May 31, 2017 | By |  | /s/ W. C RAIG J ELINEK
Date |  |  | W. Craig Jelinek President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
May 31, 2017 | By |  | /s/ R ICHARD A. G ALANTI
Date |  |  | Richard A. Galanti Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director

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