Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsConstellation Brands Inc Class A (STZ)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
STZ
Constellation Brands Inc Class A
$148.21
-1.36%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $25.88B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 3032% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $9.14B). STZ leads profitability with a 18.5% profit margin vs 3.0%. STZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.74. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
STZ
Buy56
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
Intrinsic value data unavailable for STZ.
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
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 26.7%
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 11.3%
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 : STZ
The strongest argument for STZ centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.5% and operating margin at 26.7%.
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 : STZ
The primary concerns for STZ are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while STZ is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — 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 56/100) 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.
Visit Website →Constellation Brands Inc Class A
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - BREWERS · USA
Constellation Brands, Inc., headquartered in Victor, New York, is an American producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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