Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsThe Home Depot Inc (HD)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
HD
The Home Depot Inc
$332.51
+0.48%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $319.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 74% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $164.68B). HD leads profitability with a 8.6% profit margin vs 3.0%. HD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.94. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
HD
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
-241.7%
Fair Value
$96.83
Current Price
$332.51
$235.68 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 146 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Generating 2.3B 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
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 25.9x book value
Revenue declined 3.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : HD
The strongest argument for HD centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.
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 : HD
The primary concerns for HD are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — sustainability is the question.
HD generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (53/100 vs 50/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 →The Home Depot Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
The Home Depot, Inc., commonly known as Home Depot, is the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, supplying tools, construction products, and services. The company is headquartered in incorporated Cobb County, Georgia, with an Atlanta mailing address.
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