Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsNetflix Inc (NFLX)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
NFLX
Netflix Inc
$87.49
-0.86%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $371.60B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 511% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $46.89B). NFLX leads profitability with a 28.5% profit margin vs 3.0%. NFLX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. NFLX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
NFLX
Strong Buy77
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
-56.1%
Fair Value
$56.53
Current Price
$87.49
$30.96 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 49 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%
Earnings expanding 86.4% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
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
Trading at 13.9x book value
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 : NFLX
The strongest argument for NFLX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.5% and operating margin at 32.3%. Revenue growth of 16.2% 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 : NFLX
The primary concerns for NFLX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NFLX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.55 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
NFLX generates stronger free cash flow (5.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NFLX scores higher overall (77/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 28.5% margins and 16.2% 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 →Netflix Inc
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ENTERTAINMENT · USA
Netflix, Inc. is an American over-the-top content platform and production company headquartered in Los Gatos, California. Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California. The company's primary business is a subscription-based streaming service offering online streaming from a library of films and television series, including those produced in-house.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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