News / US / cnbc
K-Beauty Leader APR Eyes Further U.S. Growth With Upcoming Costco Expansion
Consumer Non-Durables · Household/Personal Care · cnbc · 2026-08-30
APRE, COST, AMZN, TGT, WMT, ULTA
South Korean skincare firm APR sees shares climb 100% this year as it prepares to bring its Medicube brand to Costco stores across the United States.
What Happened
Market Expansion Strategy: APR is set to deepen its U.S. retail footprint by launching its Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 in Costco locations this September. This move follows successful entries into major retailers like Ulta Beauty, Target, and Walmart, solidifying the brand's presence in the North American market.
Financial Growth Trajectory: The company reported a significant surge in its second-quarter performance, with revenue and operating profit both climbing over 134% year-over-year. Driven by this momentum, management has raised its full-year revenue outlook to 3 trillion won, anticipating that U.S. sales alone will contribute approximately 1.3 trillion won.
Valuation and Market Standing: Since its 2024 Kospi listing, APR has achieved a market capitalization of 17.3 trillion won, significantly outpacing established industry peers like Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care. The company's stock has maintained a strong upward trend, gaining nearly 100% year-to-date following a 360% increase in the previous year.
Industry Trends and Global Demand: APR is benefiting from a broader surge in K-beauty popularity, with South Korean cosmetic exports reaching a record $7 billion in the first half of 2026. The United States currently serves as the primary destination for these exports, accounting for over 20% of the total, reflecting a sustained consumer appetite for Korean skincare products.