AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
AU
AngloGold Ashanti plc
$89.55
+4.36%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $43.34B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
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 84/100 (A-).
AU
Exceptional Buy84
out of 100
Grade: A-
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+53.8%
Fair Value
$242.89
Current Price
$89.55
$153.34 discount
Margin of Safety
-74.7%
Fair Value
$558.15
Current Price
$974.86
$416.71 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 47.2%
Revenue surging 75.3% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 63.1% YoY
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 47.2%. 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.
Bear Case : AU
No major red flags identified for AU, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 50.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AU profiles as a growth stock while COST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — 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.
Bottom Line
AU scores higher overall (84/100 vs 53/100), 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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