Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsTC Energy Corp (TRP)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.49%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
TRP
TC Energy Corp
$64.08
+0.02%
ENERGY · Cap: $66.54B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1779% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $15.24B). TRP leads profitability with a 23.1% profit margin vs 3.0%. TRP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.61. TRP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
TRP
Buy59
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
-216.8%
Fair Value
$19.23
Current Price
$64.08
$44.85 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 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 45.4%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
16.5% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
0.5% earnings growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : TRP
The strongest argument for TRP centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.1% and operating margin at 45.4%. Revenue growth of 16.5% 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 : TRP
The primary concerns for TRP are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.23 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while TRP is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
TRP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — expect wider price swings.
TRP is growing revenue faster at 16.5% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
TRP scores higher overall (59/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 23.1% margins and 16.5% 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 →TC Energy Corp
ENERGY · OIL & GAS MIDSTREAM · USA
TC Energy Corporation is an energy infrastructure company in North America. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
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