Costco's Kirkland Energy Drink Launch Sparks Industry Buzz
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 22 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Product Positioning: Costco's new Kirkland Signature Sparkling Energy Drink, featuring zero sugar and lightly carbonated, contains 200 mg of caffeine and about 10 calories per 12 oz can, positioning it as a strong alternative to brands like Celsius, likely appealing to value-seeking consumers.
- Pricing Advantage: Priced at approximately $16.99 for a 24-can pack, this significantly undercuts competitors' multipacks, potentially exerting pricing pressure on the market and enhancing Costco's competitive edge in the energy drink sector.
- Consumer Feedback: Early reception has been broadly positive, particularly regarding taste and value, with Costco's online communities and energy drink forums heavily recommending it, indicating strong potential appeal among existing Celsius and Alani drinkers.
- Market Demand: Evercore ISI reported that at a recent regional meeting for Costco managers in the Northeast, there was strong demand for the product, signaling a likely larger rollout that could pressure Celsius Holdings.
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Analyst Views on COST
Wall Street analysts forecast COST stock price to rise
24 Analyst Rating
19 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 1050.450
Low
769.00
Averages
1061
High
1205
Current: 1050.450
Low
769.00
Averages
1061
High
1205
About COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) operates membership warehouses and e-commerce sites that offer a selection of nationally branded and private-label products in a wide range of categories. The Company buys the majority of its merchandise directly from suppliers and route it to cross-docking consolidation points (depots) or directly to its warehouses. It operates 891 warehouses, including 614 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 108 in Canada, 40 in Mexico, 35 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 19 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, two in France, and one each in Iceland, New Zealand and Sweden. It also operates e-commerce sites in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia. The Company provides wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Innovative Property Development: The construction of its first mixed-use property in Los Angeles, combining apartments with warehouses, is expected to increase foot traffic and help the company expand in high-income areas, alleviating space constraints.
- International Market Expansion: With seven pilot stores in China laying the groundwork for future international growth, Costco's international sales have increased by 13% year-over-year, indicating strong expansion potential despite modest growth in the U.S. market.
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- Economic Impact Assessment: If the deal is reached, it is expected to stabilize international oil prices, as the Strait of Hormuz accounts for approximately 20% of global oil transport, and restoring passage would aid in the recovery and growth of the global energy market.
- Diplomatic Efforts Intensified: This statement indicates that U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Middle East are making progress, potentially paving the way for more comprehensive negotiations in the future, thereby improving U.S.-Iran relations and reducing conflict risks.
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See More
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