Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsStrategic Education Inc (STRA)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,014.53
+1.59%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $450.10B
STRA
Strategic Education Inc
$78.40
-0.72%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.80B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 22431% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $1.27B). STRA leads profitability with a 10.2% profit margin vs 3.0%. STRA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.70. STRA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
STRA
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Margin of Safety
+73.4%
Fair Value
$290.12
Current Price
$78.40
$211.72 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
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
0.8% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency
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 : STRA
The strongest argument for STRA centers on Price/Book, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.70 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 : STRA
The primary concerns for STRA are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while STRA 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
STRA scores higher overall (62/100 vs 61/100). 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 →Strategic Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Strategic Education, Inc., offers postsecondary education and non-degree programs. The company is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.
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