Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsKKR & Co LP (KKR)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
KKR
KKR & Co LP
$88.91
-2.20%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $84.19B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1016% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $25.65B). KKR leads profitability with a 9.2% profit margin vs 3.0%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. KKR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
KKR
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-74.7%
Fair Value
$558.15
Current Price
$974.86
$416.71 premium
Margin of Safety
-560.3%
Fair Value
$15.91
Current Price
$88.91
$73.00 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
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 33.0%
Revenue surging 76.3% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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.
Bull Case : KKR
The strongest argument for KKR centers on PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 76.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.39 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 50.7x 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, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while KKR is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
KKR carries more volatility with a beta of 2.01 — expect wider price swings.
KKR is growing revenue faster at 76.3% — sustainability is the question.
KKR generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KKR scores higher overall (65/100 vs 53/100) and 76.3% 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 →KKR & Co LP
FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA
KKR & Co. LP is a leading global investment firm established in 1976, recognized for its expertise in managing a diversified portfolio across private equity, credit, and real assets. With a strong emphasis on innovative investment strategies and operational excellence, KKR adeptly identifies and leverages complex market opportunities to generate sustainable long-term value. The firm's profound industry knowledge and extensive global network contribute significantly to the growth of its portfolio companies. Additionally, KKR is committed to sustainable investing, actively integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into its strategies, thereby reinforcing its dedication to delivering robust performance for its investors while promoting responsible growth in the financial markets.
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