Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsWelltower Inc (WELL)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
WELL
Welltower Inc
$214.63
+0.79%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $150.32B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2333% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $11.77B). WELL leads profitability with a 12.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. WELL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.66. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
WELL
Buy57
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
Margin of Safety
-57.2%
Fair Value
$132.26
Current Price
$214.63
$82.37 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
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Revenue surging 38.3% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 157.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 3.7% — below average capital efficiency
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WELL
The strongest argument for WELL centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 38.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : WELL
The primary concerns for WELL are Return on Equity, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 102.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
WELL is growing revenue faster at 38.3% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 57/100) 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 →Welltower Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - HEALTHCARE FACILITIES · USA
Welltower Inc. is a real estate investment trust that invests in healthcare infrastructure.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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