Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsGlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR (GSK)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
GSK
GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR
$50.41
-0.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $101.38B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 773% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $32.78B). GSK leads profitability with a 17.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. GSK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. GSK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
GSK
Strong Buy66
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
-3.1%
Fair Value
$56.71
Current Price
$50.41
$6.30 premium
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 36.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
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
1.5% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : GSK
The strongest argument for GSK centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.8% and operating margin at 36.3%. PEG of 0.50 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 : GSK
The primary concerns for GSK are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while GSK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — 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
GSK scores higher overall (66/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 17.8% margins. 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 →GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
GlaxoSmithKline plc is dedicated to the creation, discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, over-the-counter drugs and health-related consumer products in the UK, US and internationally. The company is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.
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