Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsMoodys Corporation (MCO)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
MCO
Moodys Corporation
$428.05
-0.10%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $76.27B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 3609% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $7.72B). MCO leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. MCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.93. MCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
MCO
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
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
+33.1%
Fair Value
$639.76
Current Price
$428.05
$211.71 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 62 in profit
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 42.1%
Earnings expanding 57.6% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 18.7x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : MCO
The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 42.1%. Revenue growth of 13.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : MCO
The primary concerns for MCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while MCO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MCO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.44 — expect wider price swings.
MCO is growing revenue faster at 13.0% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MCO scores higher overall (71/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 31.9% margins and 13.0% 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 →Moodys Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.
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