The Clorox Company (CLX)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
CLX
The Clorox Company
$94.77
-1.89%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $11.46B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,014.53
+1.59%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $450.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 4136% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $6.76B). CLX leads profitability with a 11.2% profit margin vs 3.0%. CLX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.00. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
CLX
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-8.4%
Fair Value
$116.17
Current Price
$94.77
$21.40 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 99 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
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
Revenue declined 0.8%
Earnings declined 16.2%
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 : CLX
The strongest argument for CLX centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
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 : CLX
The primary concerns for CLX are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, 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
CLX profiles as a declining stock while COST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — 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
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 51/100) and 21.5% 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.
The Clorox Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
The Clorox Company, based in Oakland, California, is an American global manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products.
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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