Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsShopify Inc (SHOP)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
SHOP
Shopify Inc
$110.41
-1.19%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $136.82B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2215% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $12.37B). SHOP leads profitability with a 10.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. SHOP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.41. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
SHOP
Buy50
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
+26.1%
Fair Value
$158.22
Current Price
$110.41
$47.81 discount
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
Revenue surging 34.3% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 10.7x book value
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : SHOP
The strongest argument for SHOP centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 34.3% 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 : SHOP
The primary concerns for SHOP are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 103.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SHOP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.64 — expect wider price swings.
SHOP is growing revenue faster at 34.3% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), 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. SHOP offers better value entry with a 26.1% margin of safety. 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 →Shopify Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA
Shopify Inc., a commerce company, offers a commerce and service platform in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Latin America, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.
Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?