Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsS&P Global Inc (SPGI)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
SPGI
S&P Global Inc
$420.12
-2.00%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $126.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1720% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $15.73B). SPGI leads profitability with a 30.4% profit margin vs 3.0%. SPGI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.49. SPGI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
SPGI
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for SPGI.
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
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 44.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 32.5% YoY
Generating 1.0B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Moderate valuation
Grey zone — moderate 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 : SPGI
The strongest argument for SPGI centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.4% and operating margin at 44.3%. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : SPGI
The primary concerns for SPGI are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while SPGI is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
SPGI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SPGI scores higher overall (71/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 30.4% margins and 10.4% 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 →S&P Global Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
S&P Global Inc. is an American publicly traded corporation headquartered in Manhattan, New York City. Its primary areas of business are financial information and analytics.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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