AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$182.85
+0.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $286.68B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 374% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $60.44B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 3.0%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+6.6%
Fair Value
$220.34
Current Price
$182.85
$37.49 discount
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
Generating 1.8B 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
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.2% and operating margin at 28.2%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull 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.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
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.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while COST is a growth 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.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (62/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% 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.
AstraZeneca PLC
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
AstraZeneca PLC discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription drugs in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infections, neuroscience and gastroenterology worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
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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