Mar 8, 2005 9:00 AM, from staff and wire reports

Costco Wholesale Corp's net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 ended Feb 13, 2005, increased 10% to $12.41 billion from $11.33 billion during the second quarter of fiscal 2004. Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 rose 35% to $305.5 million, compared with $226.8 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2004.

Net sales for the first half of fiscal 2005 climbed 10% to $23.75 billion from $21.64 billion during the first half of fiscal 2004. For the first half of fiscal 2005, net income surged 29% to $498.6 million, versus net income of $387.0 million for the first half of fiscal 2004.