Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsPfizer Inc (PFE)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
PFE
Pfizer Inc
$27.28
+1.19%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $153.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 357% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $62.58B). PFE leads profitability with a 12.4% profit margin vs 3.0%. COST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 5.41. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
PFE
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
-194.9%
Fair Value
$9.25
Current Price
$27.28
$18.03 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.9%
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
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 1.2%
Earnings declined 21.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : PFE
The strongest argument for PFE centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
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 : PFE
The primary concerns for PFE are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while PFE 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.
PFE generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (53/100 vs 49/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Pfizer Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Pfizer Inc. is an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation headquartered on 42nd Street in Manhattan, New York City. The name of the company commemorates its co-founder, Charles Pfizer (1824-1906). Pfizer develops and produces medicines and vaccines for immunology, oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, and neurology. The company has several blockbuster drugs or products that each generate more than 1 billion USD in annual revenues.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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