Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
RCL
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
$279.01
+2.06%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $76.09B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1496% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $17.93B). RCL leads profitability with a 23.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. RCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. RCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
RCL
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
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
+54.3%
Fair Value
$730.08
Current Price
$279.01
$451.07 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
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 48 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%
Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
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.
Bull Case : RCL
The strongest argument for RCL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.8% and operating margin at 22.0%. Revenue growth of 13.3% 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 : RCL
The primary concerns for RCL are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while RCL is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
RCL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.93 — expect wider price swings.
RCL is growing revenue faster at 13.3% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
RCL scores higher overall (74/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 23.8% margins and 13.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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 →Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Royal Caribbean Group, formerly known as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., is an American global cruise holding company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami, Florida, US.
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