Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsLive Nation Entertainment Inc (LYV)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.49%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
LYV
Live Nation Entertainment Inc
$154.92
+1.45%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $35.85B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1036% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $25.20B). COST leads profitability with a 3.0% profit margin vs 2.0%. COST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 5.41. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
LYV
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-74.7%
Fair Value
$558.15
Current Price
$974.86
$416.71 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LYV.
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
Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
2.0% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 133.6x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : LYV
The strongest argument for LYV centers on Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : LYV
The primary concerns for LYV are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Thin 2.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LYV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
LYV is growing revenue faster at 11.1% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (53/100 vs 47/100). 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 →Live Nation Entertainment Inc
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ENTERTAINMENT · USA
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc is an American global entertainment company, founded in 2010, following the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster. The company promotes, operates, and manages ticket sales for live entertainment in the United States and internationally. It also owns and operates entertainment venues, and manages the careers of music artists.
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