Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsKKR & Co LP (KKR)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
KKR
KKR & Co LP
$102.52
+2.17%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $92.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1028% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $25.38B). KKR leads profitability with a 11.7% profit margin vs 3.0%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.54. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
KKR
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for KKR.
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
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Generating 2.3B 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
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Revenue declined 5.4%
Earnings declined 2.2%
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 : KKR
The strongest argument for KKR centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.54 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 : KKR
The primary concerns for KKR are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. A P/E of 42.9x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while KKR is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
KKR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
KKR generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), 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 →KKR & Co LP
FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA
KKR & Co. LP, established in 1976, is a premier global investment firm renowned for its diversified investment strategies spanning private equity, credit, and real assets. Leveraging its deep industry insights and vast global network, KKR effectively identifies and capitalizes on complex market opportunities, driving sustainable long-term value for its portfolio companies. The firm is also a leader in sustainable investing, rigorously incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into its investment processes to ensure robust performance while fostering responsible growth in the financial markets. KKR’s commitment to innovative investment solutions and operational excellence positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of global finance.
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