Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsGoldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
GS
Goldman Sachs Group Inc
$841.84
+0.73%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $250.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 382% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $59.40B). GS leads profitability with a 28.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. GS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. GS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
GS
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
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
+52.4%
Fair Value
$1768.48
Current Price
$841.84
$926.64 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
Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.2% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : GS
The strongest argument for GS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.9% and operating margin at 38.3%. Revenue growth of 15.2% 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 : GS
The primary concerns for GS are Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while GS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
GS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
GS is growing revenue faster at 15.2% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
GS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 28.9% margins and 15.2% 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 →Goldman Sachs Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in New York City. It offers services in investment management, securities, asset management, prime brokerage, and securities underwriting. It also provides investment banking to institutional investors.
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