Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsGlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR (GSK)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
GSK
GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR
$54.71
+3.32%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $104.12B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 776% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $32.67B). GSK leads profitability with a 17.5% profit margin vs 3.0%. GSK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. GSK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
GSK
Strong Buy70
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
+66.0%
Fair Value
$172.22
Current Price
$54.71
$117.51 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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit
Earnings expanding 54.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.5B 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
Trading at 10.1x book value
Elevated debt levels
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.
Bull Case : GSK
The strongest argument for GSK centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.5% and operating margin at 18.9%. PEG of 0.50 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : GSK
The primary concerns for GSK are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while GSK is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
GSK scores higher overall (70/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 17.5% margins. 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 →GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
GlaxoSmithKline plc is dedicated to the creation, discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, over-the-counter drugs and health-related consumer products in the UK, US and internationally. The company is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.
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