Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsCarvana Co (CVNA)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
CVNA
Carvana Co
$77.94
-80.52%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $317.62B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1171% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $22.52B). CVNA leads profitability with a 6.4% profit margin vs 3.0%. COST trades at a lower P/E of 52.6x. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
CVNA
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-87.6%
Fair Value
$537.65
Current Price
$1008.79
$471.14 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CVNA.
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 60 in profit
Revenue surging 52.0% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
6.4% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : CVNA
The strongest argument for CVNA centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 52.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : CVNA
The primary concerns for CVNA are Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 231.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while CVNA is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CVNA carries more volatility with a beta of 3.55 — expect wider price swings.
CVNA is growing revenue faster at 52.0% — 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 52/100) 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.
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 →Carvana Co
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA
Carvana Co., operates an e-commerce platform to buy and sell used cars in the United States. The company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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