Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsMcKesson Corporation (MCK)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
MCK
McKesson Corporation
$736.09
-2.47%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $92.45B
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 0.90. MCK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
MCK
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Margin of Safety
+63.8%
Fair Value
$2633.47
Current Price
$736.09
$1897.38 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
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 38.0% YoY
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MCK
The strongest argument for MCK centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.90 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : MCK
The primary concerns for MCK are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 1.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while MCK 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.
MCK generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MCK scores higher overall (62/100 vs 61/100) 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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