Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsLockheed Martin Corporation (LMT)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
LMT
Lockheed Martin Corporation
$624.20
+2.30%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $144.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 281% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $75.05B). LMT leads profitability with a 6.7% profit margin vs 3.0%. LMT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. LMT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
LMT
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
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
+37.5%
Fair Value
$1005.26
Current Price
$624.20
$381.06 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
Every $100 of equity generates 77 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 2.8B 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
Moderate valuation
1.6% earnings growth
6.7% margin — thin
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.
Bull Case : LMT
The strongest argument for LMT centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.34 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 : LMT
The primary concerns for LMT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 3.23 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
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.
LMT generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
LMT scores higher overall (65/100 vs 53/100). 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 →Lockheed Martin Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Lockheed Martin Corporation is an American aerospace, defense, information security, and technology company with worldwide interests. It is headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington, D.C., area.
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