Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsNovo Nordisk A/S (NVO)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
NVO
Novo Nordisk A/S
$46.07
+0.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $202.85B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Novo Nordisk A/S generates 15% more annual revenue ($327.80B vs $286.27B). NVO leads profitability with a 37.2% profit margin vs 3.0%. NVO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.88. NVO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
NVO
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-87.6%
Fair Value
$537.65
Current Price
$1008.79
$471.14 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NVO.
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 71 in profit
Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 61.6%
Earnings expanding 67.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : NVO
The strongest argument for NVO centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.2% and operating margin at 61.6%. Revenue growth of 24.0% 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 : NVO
The primary concerns for NVO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
NVO is growing revenue faster at 24.0% — sustainability is the question.
NVO generates stronger free cash flow (12.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NVO scores higher overall (74/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 37.2% margins and 24.0% 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 →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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