Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsSpectrum Brands Holdings Inc (SPB)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$998.67
+1.59%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $450.10B
SPB
Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc
$81.49
-1.65%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 10176% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $2.79B). SPB leads profitability with a 3.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. SPB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
SPB
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Margin of Safety
+47.1%
Fair Value
$142.97
Current Price
$81.49
$61.48 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 43.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 5.3% — below average capital efficiency
3.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.5%
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 : SPB
The strongest argument for SPB centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.36 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 : SPB
The primary concerns for SPB are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 3.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while SPB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — 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
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100) and 21.5% revenue growth. SPB offers better value entry with a 47.1% 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 →Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. is a global branded consumer products company. The company is headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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