Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsGE Aerospace (GE)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
GE
GE Aerospace
$296.56
+2.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $306.56B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 524% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $45.85B). GE leads profitability with a 19.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. GE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.94. GE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
GE
Buy65
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
+21.3%
Fair Value
$376.74
Current Price
$296.56
$80.18 discount
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 45 in profit
17.6% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 37.4% YoY
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
Trading at 16.7x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : GE
The strongest argument for GE centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 19.6%. Revenue growth of 17.6% 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 : GE
The primary concerns for GE are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while GE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
GE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.
GE is growing revenue faster at 17.6% — sustainability is the question.
GE generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
GE scores higher overall (65/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 19.0% margins and 17.6% 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 →GE Aerospace
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
General Electric Company (GE) is an American multinational conglomerate incorporated in New York City and headquartered in Boston. As of 2018, the company operates through the following segments: aviation, healthcare, power, renewable energy, digital industry, additive manufacturing and venture capital and finance.
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