Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsKimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$999.47
-0.92%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
KMB
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
$95.75
-2.60%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $32.63B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1629% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $16.56B). KMB leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. KMB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.99. KMB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
KMB
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Margin of Safety
-18.8%
Fair Value
$90.54
Current Price
$95.75
$5.21 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
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 112 in profit
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
Trading at 17.7x book value
2.7% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
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 : KMB
The strongest argument for KMB centers on Return on Equity.
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 : KMB
The primary concerns for KMB are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 4.77 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while KMB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KMB scores higher overall (63/100 vs 61/100). 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 →Kimberly-Clark Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
Kimberly-Clark Corporation is an American multinational personal care corporation that produces mostly paper-based consumer products. The company manufactures sanitary paper products and surgical & medical instruments. Kimberly-Clark brand name products include Kleenex facial tissue, Kotex feminine hygiene products, Cottonelle, Scott and Andrex toilet paper, Wypall utility wipes, KimWipes scientific cleaning wipes and Huggies disposable diapers and baby wipes.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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