Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsMeta Platforms Inc. (META)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
META
Meta Platforms Inc.
$594.89
+0.33%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $1.50T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 42% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $200.97B). META leads profitability with a 30.1% profit margin vs 3.0%. META appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. META earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
META
Strong Buy77
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
-5.4%
Fair Value
$562.36
Current Price
$594.89
$32.53 premium
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%
Generating 14.8B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
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
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 : META
The strongest argument for META centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.1% and operating margin at 41.3%. Revenue growth of 23.8% 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 : META
The primary concerns for META are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while META is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
META carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.
META is growing revenue faster at 23.8% — sustainability is the question.
META generates stronger free cash flow (14.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
META scores higher overall (77/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 30.1% margins and 23.8% 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 →Meta Platforms Inc.
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION · USA
Meta Platforms, Inc. develops products that enable people to connect and share with friends and family through mobile devices, PCs, virtual reality headsets, wearables and home devices around the world. The company is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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