Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsGE Vernova LLC (GEV)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
GEV
GE Vernova LLC
$1,040.15
-0.52%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $300.69B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 627% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $39.38B). GEV leads profitability with a 23.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. GEV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.86. GEV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
GEV
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for GEV.
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 76 in profit
Earnings expanding 1816.0% YoY
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
16.3% revenue growth
Generating 4.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
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
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 20.1x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : GEV
The strongest argument for GEV centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.8% and operating margin at 5.5%. Revenue growth of 16.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : GEV
The primary concerns for GEV are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
GEV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
GEV generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
GEV scores higher overall (67/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 23.8% margins and 16.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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 Vernova LLC
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA
GE Vernova LLC, an energy business company, generates electricity.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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