Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsCarnival Plc ADS (CUK)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
CUK
Carnival Plc ADS
$27.47
0.00%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $38.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 961% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $26.98B). CUK leads profitability with a 11.5% profit margin vs 3.0%. CUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.05. CUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
CUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Margin of Safety
+80.9%
Fair Value
$171.68
Current Price
$27.47
$144.21 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 35.8% YoY
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : CUK
The strongest argument for CUK centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.05 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its 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.
Bear Case : CUK
The primary concerns for CUK are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.28 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while CUK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CUK carries more volatility with a beta of 2.33 — 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
CUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 61/100). Both earn "Strong 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.
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 →Carnival Plc ADS
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Carnival Corporation & plc is a leisure travel company. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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