I'm not sure if you've read the recently released financial statements, but Sam's Club has increased comp sales 3%, increased profit by 4%, and increased traffic by 4%. That's strong growth under the umbrella of a company with a lot better growth. Stock is at an all time high at $100/share. The company is doing great in the financial department.
If they add better benefits for the $100 membership and drop the $45, or find a nice middle ground price/value, they will be able to maintain the membership base as we keep lowering expenses/increasing profit.
Big meeting with Market/Regionals first week of December should mean we'll hear some, if not all, of these rumors come to light if they are true.