Costco Wholesale shares rise as membership growth and Kirkland brand boost earnings

Costco Wholesale's stock has continued to outperform the market, gaining over 450% in the past decade and trading above $950 per share. The retailer reported a 6.6% same‑store sales increase and an 11.3% rise in operating income to $2.8 billion, supported by nearly 83 million paid members and strong renewal rates.

Analysts note that the Kirkland Signature private‑label line is becoming a key growth engine, while back‑to‑school spending and value‑focused consumer demand are expected to sustain sales. Although a recent $14 million settlement and a lawsuit over protein‑powder contamination pose limited reputational risk, the overall outlook remains positive ahead of the upcoming earnings report.