May 31, 2005 9:25 AM, from staff and wire reports

Costco Wholesale Corp announced its operating results for the third quarter and first 36 weeks of fiscal 2005 ended May 8, 2005.

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 increased 10% to $11.75 billion from $10.67 billion during the third quarter of fiscal 2004. For the third quarter of fiscal 2005, net income rose 6% to $209.8 million from $198.7 million during the same quarter of fiscal 2004.

Net sales for the first 36 weeks of fiscal 2005 climbed 10% to $35.50 billion from $32.31 billion during the comparable period of fiscal 2004. For the first 36 weeks of fiscal 2005, net income surged 21% to $708.4 million, versus net income of $585.6 million for the fiscal 2004 period.