AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
AU
AngloGold Ashanti plc
$107.03
+6.78%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $50.67B
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 2794% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $9.89B). AU leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 3.0%. AU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.78. AU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
AU
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AU.
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%
Revenue surging 75.3% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 63.1% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
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
No major concerns identified
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 : AU
The strongest argument for AU centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 48.0%. Revenue growth of 75.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : AU
No major red flags identified for AU, but monitor valuation.
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
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
AU is growing revenue faster at 75.3% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor GOLD industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AU scores higher overall (82/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins and 75.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
AngloGold Ashanti plc
BASIC MATERIALS · GOLD · USA
AngloGold Ashanti Limited is a gold mining company. The company is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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 GOLD Stocks
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