WallStSmart

Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsPhoenix Education Partners, Inc. (PXED)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Costco Wholesale Corp generates 28862% more annual revenue ($293.59B vs $1.01B). PXED leads profitability with a 8.2% profit margin vs 3.0%. PXED trades at a lower P/E of 13.6x. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

COST

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.5Value: 3.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.84

PXED

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 3/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

COST6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$420.35B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.8410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
26.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.5%8/10

Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
45.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.04B8/10

Generating 2.0B in free cash flow

PXED4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
20.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.209/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
13.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
22.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.8%

Areas to Watch

COST4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.0%3/10

3.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

Operating margin of 3.7%

PEG RatioValuation
4.622/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
48.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PXED4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$1.03B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-28.9%2/10

Earnings declined 28.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : PXED

The strongest argument for PXED centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio.

Bear Case : COST

The primary concerns for COST are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 48.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : PXED

The primary concerns for PXED are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

COST profiles as a growth stock while PXED is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.

COST generates stronger free cash flow (2.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 50/100) 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.

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Phoenix Education Partners, Inc.

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA

Phoenix Education Partners, Inc. is a pioneering education technology firm dedicated to transforming the educational landscape through innovative digital solutions designed for both students and educators. The company focuses on personalized learning pathways and provides high-quality resources that enhance student engagement and improve educational outcomes. By forming strategic partnerships with educational institutions, Phoenix Education Partners aims to optimize operational efficiencies and expand access to quality education, positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly growing online learning market. With a strong emphasis on technological advancement, the company is well-positioned to lead in the evolving education sector.

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