Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsMotorola Solutions Inc (MSI)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.49%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
MSI
Motorola Solutions Inc
$451.01
-0.82%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $75.74B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2350% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $11.68B). MSI leads profitability with a 18.4% profit margin vs 3.0%. MSI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.47. MSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
MSI
Buy62
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
-60.8%
Fair Value
$261.93
Current Price
$451.01
$189.08 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
Every $100 of equity generates 104 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%
Generating 1.1B 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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 31.0x 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 : MSI
The strongest argument for MSI centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.4% and operating margin at 27.8%. Revenue growth of 12.3% 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 : MSI
The primary concerns for MSI are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while MSI is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
MSI is growing revenue faster at 12.3% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MSI scores higher overall (62/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 18.4% margins and 12.3% 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 →Motorola Solutions Inc
TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA
Motorola Solutions, Inc., is an American data communications and telecommunications equipment provider that succeeded Motorola, Inc., following the spinoff of the mobile phone division into Motorola Mobility in 2011. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
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