Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsPerdoceo Education Corp (PRDO)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,021.88
+2.24%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
PRDO
Perdoceo Education Corp
$35.63
-1.14%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $2.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 33388% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $854.84M). PRDO leads profitability with a 19.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. PRDO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.78. PRDO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
PRDO
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-87.6%
Fair Value
$537.65
Current Price
$1021.88
$484.23 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for PRDO.
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
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
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 : PRDO
The strongest argument for PRDO centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.9% and operating margin at 28.5%. PEG of 0.78 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : PRDO
The primary concerns for PRDO are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while PRDO is a value 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.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PRDO scores higher overall (73/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 19.9% margins. 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 →Perdoceo Education Corp
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Perdoceo Education Corporation provides postsecondary education to students through online, campus-based, and blended learning programs in the United States. The company is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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