Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsDole PLC (DOLE)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$971.87
-1.46%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $434.37B
DOLE
Dole PLC
$14.01
+0.57%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.37B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 3018% more annual revenue ($293.59B vs $9.42B). COST leads profitability with a 3.0% profit margin vs 0.5%. DOLE trades at a lower P/E of 15.4x. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
DOLE
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
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 27 in profit
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Generating 2.0B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 3.2% — below average capital efficiency
0.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 2.6%
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 : DOLE
The strongest argument for DOLE centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 49.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : DOLE
The primary concerns for DOLE are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 0.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while DOLE is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.87 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (2.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 48/100) and 21.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Dole PLC
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · FARM PRODUCTS · USA
Dole PLC is a prominent global supplier of fresh produce, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and operating in more than 70 countries. Specializing in a diverse range of products, including bananas, pineapples, and packaged salads, the company focuses on sustainability and innovation to meet the increasing consumer demand for healthier food choices. With a robust supply chain and strategically located distribution network, Dole is well-positioned to leverage market opportunities, solidifying its role as a key player in the agricultural sector and an attractive investment in the health and wellness landscape.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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