Costco, a retail giant, has opened nearly 1,000 warehouses worldwide since going public in 1985. Last year, new warehouses generated an average of $192 million in sales each. With 921 warehouses globally, Costco plans to open 28 new stores in the 2026 fiscal year. Despite a challenging retail landscape, Costco is thriving, increasing its membership fee and growing its base to 81.4 million paying members with a 92.2% renewal rate. The company’s commitment to low prices has attracted loyal customers, including Warren Buffett’s partner Charlie Munger, who became Costco’s second-largest shareholder. Buffett’s decision to sell shares in 2020 was later regretted, as Costco’s stock has surged by 138% in the last five years, with aggressive share buybacks and consistent dividend growth contributing to shareholder value. A $100 investment in Costco’s IPO would now be worth $86,058, with annual dividends of $1,329 for early shareholders. Costco’s success underscores the power of a strong brand that resonates with consumers over time.

Costco’s impressive performance has caught the attention of investors, but the Motley Fool’s Stock Advisor team did not include it among their top 10 stock picks. The team’s recommendations have historically outperformed the market, with average returns of 991% compared to the S&P 500’s 196%. Investors looking for potential high-growth stocks should explore the Motley Fool’s top picks for promising returns in the future.

Read more at Nasdaq: Costco Held Its IPO 40 Years Ago. Here’s How Much $100 Invested Then Would Be Worth Today.