Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsMcGraw Hill, Inc. (MH)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,014.53
+1.59%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $450.10B
MH
McGraw Hill, Inc.
$12.00
-1.80%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $2.29B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 13452% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $2.11B). COST leads profitability with a 3.0% profit margin vs -3.4%. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
MH
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Margin of Safety
+28.0%
Fair Value
$17.14
Current Price
$12.00
$5.14 discount
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.2% revenue growth
0.0% earnings growth
ROE of -11.8% — below average capital efficiency
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : MH
The strongest argument for MH centers on Price/Book.
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 : MH
The primary concerns for MH are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while MH is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — 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 (61/100 vs 36/100) and 21.5% revenue growth. MH offers better value entry with a 28.0% margin of safety. 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 →McGraw Hill, Inc.
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
McGraw Hill, Inc., doing business as McGraw Hill, provides information solutions for K-12, higher education, and professional markets in the United States and internationally.
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