Costco vs. General Mills: Comparing Revenue Trends Between These Consumer Staples Companies
Key Points
Costco Wholesale currently demonstrates a clearer and more consistent upward trajectory in its overall revenue generation profile compared to the recent performance of General Mills.
Over the span of the last eight quarters, Costco maintained steady positive year-over-year revenue expansion alongside regular quarter-over-quarter fluctuations, whereas General Mills experienced consecutive periods of revenue contraction before achieving a recent baseline stabilization.
Investors analyzing these historical metrics should closely watch whether the expansive revenue gap between the two companies continues to widen steadily or if recent positive quarterly momentum narrows the difference in upcoming reporting periods.
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Costco Wholesale: Maintaining Consistent Revenue Expansion
Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST) operates an expansive international network of membership-based retail warehouses that sell bulk groceries, household goods, electronics, and assorted proprietary merchandise to millions of consumers and businesses.
It recently announced a planned increase to its annual membership fees alongside a new rollout of store entry card scanners to verify customer identities. It reported a net income margin of 3% for the quarter ended May 10, 2026.
General Mills: Reshaping Operations While Revenue Stabilizes
General Mills (NYSE:GIS) primarily generates revenue by producing and distributing a wide variety of globally recognized branded consumer food products, including breakfast cereals, baking mixes, snacks, and pet food, to multiple retail channels.
It recently announced a comprehensive plan to generate cumulative cost savings while navigating a voluntary product recall of frozen dough. It reported an EBIT margin of 15% for the quarter ended May 31, 2026.
Why Revenue Growth Matters for Retail and Food Investors
Revenue represents the total amount of money brought in by a company's core operations. It serves as a fundamental baseline indicator for individual investors evaluating overall business demand and market reach before deducting any operational costs or administrative expenses.
Comparing Quarterly Revenue for Costco and General Mills
| Quarter (Period End) | Costco Wholesale Revenue | General Mills Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Q3 2024 | $79.7 billion (period ended Sept. 2024) | $4.8 billion (period ended Aug. 2024) |
| Q4 2024 (Nov. 2024) | $62.2 billion | $5.2 billion |
| Q1 2025 | $63.7 billion (period ended Feb. 2025) | $4.8 billion (period ended Feb. 2025) |
| Q2 2025 | $63.2 billion (period ended May 2025) | $4.6 billion (period ended May 2025) |
| Q3 2025 | $86.2 billion (period ended Aug. 2025) | $4.5 billion (period ended Aug. 2025) |
| Q4 2025 (Nov. 2025) | $67.3 billion | $4.9 billion |
| Q1 2026 | $69.6 billion (period ended Feb. 2026) | $4.4 billion (period ended Feb. 2026) |
| Q2 2026 | $70.5 billion (period ended May 2026) | $4.6 billion (period ended May 2026) |
Data source: Company filings. Data as of Aug. 7, 2026.
Foolish Take
Comparing the revenue trends between Costco and General Mills reveals key info about these consumer staples companies. The former has experienced consistent year-over-year sales increases while the latter has struggled to grow. This performance indicates Costco is continuing to draw customers. Meanwhile General Mills has faced challenges, including competing against cheaper private label grocery store brands amidst persistent inflation, and divestiture of its yogurt business, which translates into reduced sales.
Costco benefits from a membership model that delivers reliable high-margin subscription fees, and customer loyalty. This has contributed to sales expansion, and also to bottom-line growth. In its fiscal third quarter ended May 10, the retailer’s $70.5 billion in revenue led to net income of $2.2 billion, up from $1.9 billion in the prior year.
General Mills exited its 2026 fiscal year, ended May 31, with a 5% year-over-year drop in revenue to $18.4 billion. Its divestitures and cost-cutting efforts contributed to nearly $3 billion in restructuring expenses. This led to a fiscal 2026 net loss of $87.6 million compared to net income of $2.3 billion in the previous year.
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Robert Izquierdo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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