Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsMercadoLibre Inc. (MELI)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
MELI
MercadoLibre Inc.
$1,632.52
-12.70%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $94.80B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 891% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $28.89B). MELI leads profitability with a 6.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. MELI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.14. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
MELI
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-87.6%
Fair Value
$537.65
Current Price
$1008.79
$471.14 premium
Margin of Safety
+59.2%
Fair Value
$4942.58
Current Price
$1632.52
$3310.06 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
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit
Revenue surging 44.6% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 2.1B 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
Trading at 12.3x book value
6.9% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : MELI
The strongest argument for MELI centers on Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 44.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.14 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 : MELI
The primary concerns for MELI are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 47.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while MELI is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MELI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
MELI is growing revenue faster at 44.6% — sustainability is the question.
MELI generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100) and 21.5% revenue growth. MELI offers better value entry with a 59.2% margin of safety. 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 →MercadoLibre Inc.
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · INTERNET RETAIL · USA
MercadoLibre, Inc. operates online trading platforms in Latin America. The company is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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