Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsTenet Healthcare Corporation (THC)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
THC
Tenet Healthcare Corporation
$190.38
-1.93%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $16.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1234% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $21.45B). THC leads profitability with a 7.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. THC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.80. THC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
THC
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-87.6%
Fair Value
$537.65
Current Price
$1008.79
$471.14 premium
Margin of Safety
+78.8%
Fair Value
$1068.55
Current Price
$190.38
$878.17 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
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Earnings expanding 87.6% YoY
Generating 1.5B 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
2.8% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
7.9% margin — thin
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. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : THC
The strongest argument for THC centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
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 : THC
The primary concerns for THC are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while THC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
THC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — 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
THC scores higher overall (66/100 vs 61/100). 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 →Tenet Healthcare Corporation
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA
Tenet Healthcare Corporation is a diversified health services company. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
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