Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsEaton Corporation PLC (ETN)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
ETN
Eaton Corporation PLC
$375.00
+0.24%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $145.30B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 943% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $27.45B). ETN leads profitability with a 14.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. ETN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.64. ETN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
ETN
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-74.7%
Fair Value
$558.15
Current Price
$974.86
$416.71 premium
Margin of Safety
-2.4%
Fair Value
$386.70
Current Price
$375.00
$11.70 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
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 20.0%
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : ETN
The strongest argument for ETN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 13.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
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.
Bear Case : ETN
The primary concerns for ETN are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ETN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.
ETN is growing revenue faster at 13.1% — sustainability is the question.
ETN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ETN scores higher overall (61/100 vs 53/100) and 13.1% 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 →Eaton Corporation PLC
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA
Eaton Corporation plc is an American Irish-domiciled multinational power management company with 2020 sales of 17.86 billion USD, founded in the United States with corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and operational headquarters in Beachwood, Ohio.
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