Amgen Inc (AMGN)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
AMGN
Amgen Inc
$331.70
+0.79%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $177.71B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 669% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $37.22B). AMGN leads profitability with a 21.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. AMGN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.18. AMGN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AMGN
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-3.0%
Fair Value
$321.90
Current Price
$331.70
$9.80 premium
Margin of Safety
-87.6%
Fair Value
$537.65
Current Price
$1008.79
$471.14 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 19.5x book value
4.4% earnings growth
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AMGN
The strongest argument for AMGN centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.0% and operating margin at 33.8%.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AMGN
The primary concerns for AMGN are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 52.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMGN profiles as a mature stock while COST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AMGN scores higher overall (62/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 21.0% margins. 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.
Amgen Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Amgen Inc. (formerly Applied Molecular Genetics Inc.) is an American multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California. Focused on molecular biology and biochemistry, its goal is to provide a healthcare business based on recombinant DNA technology.
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 DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
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