Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$415.12
-1.34%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $3.13T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Microsoft Corporation generates 11% more annual revenue ($318.27B vs $286.27B). MSFT leads profitability with a 39.3% profit margin vs 3.0%. MSFT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. MSFT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
MSFT
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
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
-75.3%
Fair Value
$240.06
Current Price
$415.12
$175.06 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
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 46.3%
Generating 15.8B in free cash flow
18.3% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Moderate valuation
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 : MSFT
The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.3% and operating margin at 46.3%. Revenue growth of 18.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : MSFT
The primary concerns for MSFT are P/E Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSFT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (15.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MSFT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 39.3% margins and 18.3% 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 →Microsoft Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?