Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsSysco Corporation (SYY)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$978.01
-0.41%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $414.76B
SYY
Sysco Corporation
$80.97
+2.45%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $37.16B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 259% more annual revenue ($303.15B vs $84.55B). COST leads profitability with a 3.0% profit margin vs 2.1%. SYY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.45. SYY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
COST
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
SYY
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Margin of Safety
-19.1%
Fair Value
$73.91
Current Price
$80.97
$7.06 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 26 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 2.5B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 66 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Trading at 12.1x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.0%
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 14.5x book value
4.7% revenue growth
2.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.8%
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 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SYY
The strongest argument for SYY centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 1.45 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 44.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : SYY
The primary concerns for SYY are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 5.61 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.87 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 11.1% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SYY scores higher overall (56/100 vs 55/100). 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 →Sysco Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · FOOD DISTRIBUTION · USA
Sysco Corporation is an American multinational corporation involved in marketing and distributing food products, smallwares, kitchen equipment and tabletop items to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, hospitality businesses like hotels and inns, and wholesale to other companies that provide foodservice (like Aramark and Sodexo). The company is headquartered in the Energy Corridor district of Houston, Texas.
Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?