Brown-Forman Corporation (BF-B)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
BF-B
Brown-Forman Corporation
$25.77
+3.62%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $12.99B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,014.53
+1.59%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $450.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 7221% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $3.91B). BF-B leads profitability with a 20.6% profit margin vs 3.0%. BF-B appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.60. BF-B earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
BF-B
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-45.0%
Fair Value
$20.88
Current Price
$25.77
$4.89 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 31.9%
Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
2.0% revenue growth
1.3% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : BF-B
The strongest argument for BF-B centers on Operating Margin, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.6% and operating margin at 31.9%.
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 : BF-B
The primary concerns for BF-B are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-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
BF-B profiles as a value stock while COST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — 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
BF-B scores higher overall (62/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 20.6% 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.
Brown-Forman Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - WINERIES & DISTILLERIES · USA
The Brown Forman Corporation is one of the largest American-owned companies in the spirits and wine business. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, it manufactures several well known brands throughout the world, including Jack Daniel's, Early Times, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, GlenDronach, BenRiach, Glenglassaugh, Finlandia, Herradura, Korbel, and Chambord.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other BEVERAGES - WINERIES & DISTILLERIES Stocks
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