Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
$221.32
-0.53%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $535.63B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 197% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $96.36B). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. JNJ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.92. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
JNJ
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
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
-38.5%
Fair Value
$160.72
Current Price
$221.32
$60.60 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.4%
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Moderate valuation
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 52.9%
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 : JNJ
The strongest argument for JNJ centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.8% and operating margin at 27.4%.
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 : JNJ
The primary concerns for JNJ are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while JNJ is a mature 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
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 59/100) 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 →Johnson & Johnson
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is an American multinational corporation founded in 1886 that develops medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods. Its common stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the company is ranked No. 36 on the 2021 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue. Johnson & Johnson is one of the world's most valuable companies, and is one of only two U.S.-based companies that has a prime credit rating of AAA, higher than that of the United States government.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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