Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
APO
Apollo Global Management LLC Class A
$109.80
-1.30%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $64.57B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 800% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $31.79B). APO leads profitability with a 11.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. APO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.21. APO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
APO
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-237.0%
Fair Value
$37.67
Current Price
$109.80
$72.13 premium
Margin of Safety
-74.7%
Fair Value
$558.15
Current Price
$974.86
$416.71 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 87.7% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 2.8B in free cash flow
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
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 57.3%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APO
The strongest argument for APO centers on Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 87.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.21 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : APO
The primary concerns for APO are Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
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.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APO profiles as a growth stock while COST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.64 — expect wider price swings.
APO is growing revenue faster at 87.7% — sustainability is the question.
APO generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APO scores higher overall (63/100 vs 53/100) and 87.7% revenue growth. 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.
Apollo Global Management LLC Class A
FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA
Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a leading global alternative investment firm, specializing in private equity, credit, and real estate across a wide array of sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm employs a disciplined investment strategy that leverages deep industry expertise and operational insight to enhance portfolio value. With a strong commitment to long-term growth, Apollo seeks to identify and capitalize on strategic investment opportunities in both developed and emerging markets. As a publicly traded entity, it aims to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to investors through its substantial capital resources and strategic initiatives.
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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