Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsVodafone Group PLC ADR (VOD)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
VOD
Vodafone Group PLC ADR
$14.72
+0.41%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $33.88B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 638% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $38.78B). COST leads profitability with a 3.0% profit margin vs -11.4%. VOD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.61. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
VOD
Buy51
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
Intrinsic value data unavailable for VOD.
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Generating 2.0B 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
ROE of -6.6% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 15.4%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Currently unprofitable
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : VOD
The strongest argument for VOD centers on PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.61 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 50.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : VOD
The primary concerns for VOD are Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while VOD is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — sustainability is the question.
VOD generates stronger free cash flow (2.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (53/100 vs 51/100). 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 →Vodafone Group PLC ADR
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · TELECOM SERVICES · USA
Vodafone Group Plc is engaged in telecommunications services in Europe and internationally. The company is headquartered in Newbury, the United Kingdom.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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