Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
CL
Colgate-Palmolive Company
$86.74
-0.93%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $69.90B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$999.47
-0.92%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1277% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $20.80B). CL leads profitability with a 10.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. CL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
CL
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+16.2%
Fair Value
$104.84
Current Price
$86.74
$18.10 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 20.9%
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
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 1239.1x book value
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 : CL
The strongest argument for CL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin.
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 : CL
The primary concerns for CL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 147.93 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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
CL profiles as a value 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.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 58/100) and 21.5% revenue growth. CL offers better value entry with a 16.2% margin of safety. 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.
Colgate-Palmolive Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
Colgate-Palmolive Company is an American multinational consumer products company headquartered on Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It specializes in the production, distribution and provision of household, health care, personal care and veterinary products.
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 HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?