Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsOshkosh Corporation (OSK)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
OSK
Oshkosh Corporation
$147.89
+0.85%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $9.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2647% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $10.42B). OSK leads profitability with a 6.2% profit margin vs 3.0%. 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-
OSK
Hold48
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
Margin of Safety
-156.1%
Fair Value
$68.14
Current Price
$147.89
$79.75 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% revenue growth
6.2% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
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.
Bull Case : OSK
The strongest argument for OSK centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
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 : OSK
The primary concerns for OSK are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
OSK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.35 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — 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 48/100). 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 →Oshkosh Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA
Oshkosh Corporation designs, manufactures and markets specialty vehicles and bodies worldwide. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
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