Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$146.03
+0.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.42B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 406% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $56.58B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. NVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.59. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
NVS
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
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
-51.8%
Fair Value
$110.12
Current Price
$146.03
$35.91 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 35 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Grey zone — moderate risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.7%
Earnings declined 9.3%
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 : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.
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 : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while NVS is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 51/100) and 21.5% revenue growth. 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 →Novartis AG ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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