WallStSmart

Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsPhoenix Education Partners, Inc. (PXED)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Costco Wholesale Corp generates 28143% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $1.01B). PXED leads profitability with a 9.6% profit margin vs 3.0%. PXED trades at a lower P/E of 10.1x. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

COST

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.5Value: 3.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.84

PXED

Hold

36

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 8.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.

PXEDUndervalued (+37.1%)

Margin of Safety

+37.1%

Fair Value

$43.87

Current Price

$28.02

$15.85 discount

UndervaluedFair: $43.87Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

COST6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$450.10B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.8410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.279/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.5%8/10

Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
45.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY

PXED1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

COST4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.0%3/10

3.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

Operating margin of 3.7%

PEG RatioValuation
5.532/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
52.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PXED4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$979.07M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.4%2/10

Revenue declined 0.4%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : PXED

The strongest argument for PXED centers on P/E Ratio.

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 : PXED

The primary concerns for PXED are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

COST profiles as a growth stock while PXED is a value 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. PXED offers better value entry with a 37.1% 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.

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Phoenix Education Partners, Inc.

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA

Phoenix Education Partners, Inc. is an innovative education technology firm committed to revolutionizing the educational landscape through cutting-edge digital solutions that enhance the learning experience. By emphasizing high-quality resources and personalized learning paths, the company fosters deep engagement with students and empowers educators, ultimately driving improved educational outcomes. Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions, Phoenix Education Partners increases efficiency and broadens access to quality education, positioning itself to capture the burgeoning demand for effective online learning solutions. With a strong focus on technological innovation, the company is poised to solidify its leadership in the education sector.

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