Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsNovo Nordisk A/S (NVO)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
NVO
Novo Nordisk A/S
$36.33
-1.52%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $165.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Novo Nordisk A/S generates 8% more annual revenue ($309.06B vs $286.27B). NVO leads profitability with a 33.1% profit margin vs 3.0%. NVO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.88. NVO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
NVO
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
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
-59.4%
Fair Value
$24.21
Current Price
$36.33
$12.12 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 61 in profit
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 44.5%
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
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 7.6%
Earnings declined 4.7%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : NVO
The strongest argument for NVO centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.1% and operating margin at 44.5%.
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 : NVO
The primary concerns for NVO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while NVO is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NVO scores higher overall (55/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 33.1% margins. 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 →Novo Nordisk A/S
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novo Nordisk A / S, a healthcare company, is dedicated to the research, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical products globally. The company is headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark.
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