Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsThe Coca-Cola Company (KO)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$982.73
-0.95%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $438.30B
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$91.88
+0.60%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $404.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 505% more annual revenue ($303.15B vs $50.13B). KO leads profitability with a 28.6% profit margin vs 3.0%. KO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.03. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
KO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Margin of Safety
-46.5%
Fair Value
$63.26
Current Price
$91.88
$28.62 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 26 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 2.5B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 34.9%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 5.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Trading at 12.2x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.8%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 10.9x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : KO
The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.6% and operating margin at 34.9%.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 47.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while KO is a mature 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 11.1% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (5.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 28.6% margins. 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 →The Coca-Cola Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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