Costco pharmacy sales jump 4 percent in first quarter

ISSAQUAH, Wash. Costco’s pharmacy sales increased 4 percent to $634 million during the first quarter with a higher volume of generic drugs cutting into revenues.

Costco reported a 1.2 percent increase in prescription sales to $306 million for the quarter and a 6.8 percent jump in over-the-counter sales to $328 million. The company ended the quarter with 383 pharmacies.

Overall, Costco produced another strong showing with sales of food and electronics leading the way. Costco posted earnings of $262 million for the quarter and total sales of $15.81 billion compared to $14.15 billion last year. Same store sales at its U.S. stores increased 6 percent for the three-month period ended Nov. 25.