The Business StudyHome/Compare/Costco vs Walmart
Costco vs Walmart: who makes more money?
Walmart is bigger: $713 billion in revenue against $303 billion for Costco, about 2.4 times as much. It also keeps more of each sale: $3.07 of every $100 versus $3.04. Across 5 rounds from their latest annual reports, Walmart wins 3.
From each company's latest Form 10-K: Costco (year ended August 30, 2026) and Walmart (year ended January 31, 2026). Page updated November 8, 2026.
Revenue Money coming in
Net profit After every cost and tax
Kept per $100 of sales Profit margin
Employees As each 10-K states it
Revenue per employee Revenue ÷ employees
Growth over 5 years Revenue, first to latest year shown
How each one makes its money.
Costco sells goods at thin margins and makes much of its profit from membership fees.
How Costco makes moneyWalmartWalmart sells groceries and general goods at low margins in huge volume, through Walmart U.S., Sam's Club and stores abroad.
How Walmart makes moneyQuick answers.
Who makes more money, Costco or Walmart?
Walmart: $713 billion in revenue against $303 billion.
Which is more profitable, Costco or Walmart?
Walmart keeps more of each dollar ($3.07 of every $100). In total profit, Walmart made more: $21.9 billion.
Which has more employees, Costco or Walmart?
Walmart, with about 2,100,000 against 355,000.
Sources: Costco Wholesale Corporation Form 10-K and Walmart Inc. Form 10-K on SEC EDGAR. Fiscal years can end in different months, so each side uses its own latest year. Profit means net income.