Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsEli Lilly and Company (LLY)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
LLY
Eli Lilly and Company
$948.45
-2.72%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $869.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 296% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $72.25B). LLY leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. LLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.40. LLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
LLY
Strong Buy78
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 LLY.
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 108 in profit
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.4%
Revenue surging 55.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 169.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 27.2x book value
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 : LLY
The strongest argument for LLY centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.0% and operating margin at 49.4%. Revenue growth of 55.5% 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 : LLY
The primary concerns for LLY are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 1.60 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
LLY is growing revenue faster at 55.5% — sustainability is the question.
LLY generates stronger free cash flow (3.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
LLY scores higher overall (78/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 35.0% margins and 55.5% 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 →Eli Lilly and Company
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Eli Lilly and Company is an American pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with offices in 18 countries. Its products are sold in approximately 125 countries.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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