Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsMcKesson Corporation (MCK)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
MCK
McKesson Corporation
$879.75
-0.25%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $108.85B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McKesson Corporation generates 39% more annual revenue ($397.96B vs $286.27B). COST leads profitability with a 3.0% profit margin vs 1.1%. MCK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. MCK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
MCK
Buy57
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
+41.2%
Fair Value
$1622.09
Current Price
$879.75
$742.34 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
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 38.0% YoY
Generating 1.1B 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
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
1.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : MCK
The strongest argument for MCK centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.07 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 : MCK
The primary concerns for MCK are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 1.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
MCK is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MCK scores higher overall (57/100 vs 53/100) and 11.4% revenue growth. 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 →McKesson Corporation
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
McKesson Corporation is an American company distributing pharmaceuticals and providing health information technology, medical supplies, and care management tools.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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