Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsShopify Inc (SHOP)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
SHOP
Shopify Inc
$118.42
+1.95%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $151.59B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2377% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $11.56B). SHOP leads profitability with a 10.6% 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-
SHOP
Hold48
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
-1729.9%
Fair Value
$6.39
Current Price
$118.42
$112.03 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
Revenue surging 30.6% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 11.5x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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.
Bull Case : SHOP
The strongest argument for SHOP centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 30.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : SHOP
The primary concerns for SHOP are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 123.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while SHOP is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
SHOP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.90 — expect wider price swings.
SHOP is growing revenue faster at 30.6% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (53/100 vs 48/100). 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 →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.
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