Costco Wholesale Corporation announced today its operating results for the third quarter (twelve weeks) and first thirty-six weeks of fiscal 2012, both ended May 6, 2012.

Net sales for the quarter increased eight percent, to $21.85 billion, from $20.19 billion last year. Net sales for the first thirty-six weeks increased ten percent, to $65.54 billion, from $59.46 billion last year.

Net income for the quarter was $386 million, or $.88 per diluted share, compared to $324 million, or $.73 per diluted share, last year. Net income for the first thirty-six weeks was $1.100 billion, or $2.50 per diluted share, compared to $984 million, or $2.22 per diluted share, last year. The quarter this year included a $6.5 million pre-tax LIFO charge ($.01 per diluted share) compared to a $49 million pre-tax LIFO charge ($.07 per diluted share) last year.