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Costco move strengthens market expectations

APR shares have gained about 100% this year as the South Korean beauty company expands its U.S. distribution network. The company’s flagship Medicube brand’s Zero Pore Pad 2.0 will go on sale in Costco stores across the United States in September. The development has reinforced investor expectations for APR’s growth in North America.

Entry into major U.S. retailers is accelerating

The Costco launch follows APR’s recent retail push in the United States. Medicube was sold at Ulta Beauty in August last year, Target in April this year and Walmart in June.

  • Ulta Beauty: August 2025
  • Target: April 2026
  • Walmart: June 2026
  • Costco: September 2026

Strong growth stands out in financial results

APR began trading on South Korea’s benchmark Kospi in 2024. The company’s market value has reached about 17.3 trillion won, nearly twice that of Amorepacific and more than three times LG Household & Health Care.

According to its second-quarter results, revenue rose 134.2% from a year earlier to 767.5 billion won, while operating profit increased 134.5% to 190.6 billion won. Overseas sales accounted for 91.8% of total revenue, while North American sales climbed to 376.3 billion won, or $273 million, making up 49% of total turnover.

Digital channels also show strong demand

APR said Medicube was the most searched term across all categories during Amazon’s Prime Day event from June 23 to 26. The data suggested the brand is strengthening its online visibility alongside its physical retail expansion in the U.S.

K-beauty exports and year-end target

The company’s performance is tracking rising K-beauty demand in the U.S. According to the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the country’s cosmetics exports surged 27.3% year on year in the first half of 2026 to a record $7 billion. Of that, $1.45 billion went to the United States, making it the largest market.

APR raised its annual revenue forecast from about 2.1 trillion won to 3 trillion won, citing growth in the U.S. and global expansion potential. Management expects U.S. sales to reach about 1.3 trillion won this year. APR shares had also risen more than 360% last year.

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