Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsEquinix Inc (EQIX)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$998.67
+1.59%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $448.60B
EQIX
Equinix Inc
$1,089.07
+1.18%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $109.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2991% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $9.26B). EQIX leads profitability with a 14.6% profit margin vs 3.0%. EQIX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 5.00. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
EQIX
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-88.3%
Fair Value
$530.40
Current Price
$998.67
$468.27 premium
Margin of Safety
-38.5%
Fair Value
$626.41
Current Price
$1089.07
$462.66 premium
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
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 21.5%
Earnings expanding 22.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : EQIX
The strongest argument for EQIX centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, EPS Growth.
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 : EQIX
The primary concerns for EQIX are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 80.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.61 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while EQIX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
EQIX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — 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 50/100) and 21.5% 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.
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 →Equinix Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - SPECIALTY · USA
Equinix, Inc. is an American multinational company headquartered in Redwood City, California, that specializes in Internet connection and data centers.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?