Acme United Corporation (ACU)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
ACU
Acme United Corporation
$69.50
+0.74%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $257.86M
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,019.26
-2.05%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $448.57B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 137351% more annual revenue ($303.15B vs $220.55M). ACU leads profitability with a 5.1% profit margin vs 3.0%. ACU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.54. ACU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ACU
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
COST
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-23.4%
Fair Value
$35.49
Current Price
$69.50
$34.01 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 73.9% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
18.2% revenue growth
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
5.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.9%
Trading at 12.6x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.8%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACU
The strongest argument for ACU centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 18.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : ACU
The primary concerns for ACU are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin.
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
ACU profiles as a growth 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.
ACU is growing revenue faster at 18.2% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ACU scores higher overall (57/100 vs 55/100) and 18.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Acme United Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
Acme United Corporation supplies cutting, measuring, first aid, sharpening and safety products for the school, home, office, hardware, sporting goods and industrial markets in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. The company is headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut.
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.
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