Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsWilliams Companies Inc (WMB)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
WMB
Williams Companies Inc
$71.96
-1.36%
ENERGY · Cap: $89.22B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2264% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $12.11B). WMB leads profitability with a 23.1% profit margin vs 3.0%. WMB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.48. WMB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
WMB
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-87.6%
Fair Value
$537.65
Current Price
$1008.79
$471.14 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for WMB.
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
Strong operational efficiency at 33.6%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 25.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
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. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WMB
The strongest argument for WMB centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.1% and operating margin at 33.6%.
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 : WMB
The primary concerns for WMB are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while WMB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — 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
WMB scores higher overall (65/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 23.1% margins. Both earn "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 →Williams Companies Inc
ENERGY · OIL & GAS MIDSTREAM · USA
The Williams Companies, Inc., is an American energy company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Its core business is natural gas processing and transportation, with additional petroleum and electricity generation assets.
Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?