Albertsons Companies (ACI)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
ACI
Albertsons Companies
$13.08
+2.27%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $6.38B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,012.28
+1.77%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $448.57B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 264% more annual revenue ($303.15B vs $83.21B). COST leads profitability with a 3.0% profit margin vs -0.1%. ACI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
ACI
Hold39
out of 100
Grade: F
COST
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-7.6%
Fair Value
$16.48
Current Price
$13.08
$3.40 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 2.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Operating margin of 1.6%
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 0.1%
Earnings declined 64.6%
Trading at 12.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.8%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACI
The strongest argument for ACI centers on Altman Z-Score. PEG of 1.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ACI
The primary concerns for ACI are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 11.11 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 48.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACI profiles as a turnaround stock while COST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.87 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 11.1% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (55/100 vs 39/100) and 11.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Albertsons Companies
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · GROCERY STORES · USA
Albertsons Companies, Inc. participates in the pharmacy and food operation in the United States.
Visit Website →Costco Wholesale Corp
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Costco Wholesale Corporation (doing business as Costco Wholesale and also known simply as Costco) is an American multinational corporation which operates a chain of membership-only (needing a membership to shop there) big-box retail stores. As of 2020, Costco was the fifth largest retailer in the world, and the world's largest retailer of choice and prime beef, organic foods, rotisserie chicken, and wine as of 2016.
Visit Website →Compare with Other GROCERY STORES Stocks
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