Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsStryker Corporation (SYK)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
SYK
Stryker Corporation
$327.65
-0.26%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $125.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1040% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $25.12B). SYK leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. SYK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. SYK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
SYK
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
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
+16.8%
Fair Value
$393.59
Current Price
$327.65
$65.94 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
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 55.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 27.2%
Generating 1.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : SYK
The strongest argument for SYK centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 11.4% 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 : SYK
The primary concerns for SYK are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
SYK is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — sustainability is the question.
SYK generates stronger free cash flow (1.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SYK scores higher overall (65/100 vs 53/100) and 11.4% 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 →Stryker Corporation
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Stryker Corporation is an American multinational medical technologies corporation based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Stryker's products include implants used in joint replacement and trauma surgeries; surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems; endoscopic and communications systems; patient handling and emergency medical equipment; neurosurgical, neurovascular and spinal devices; as well as other medical device products used in a variety of medical specialties.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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