WallStSmart

Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsYesway, Inc. Class A Common Stock (YSWY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Costco Wholesale Corp generates 10571% more annual revenue ($293.59B vs $2.75B). YSWY leads profitability with a 3.3% profit margin vs 3.0%. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

COST

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.5Value: 3.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.84

YSWY

Hold

40

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.88

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

COST6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$423.23B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.8410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
26.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 27 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.5%8/10

Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
45.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.04B8/10

Generating 2.0B in free cash flow

YSWY0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

Areas to Watch

COST4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.0%3/10

3.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

Operating margin of 3.7%

PEG RatioValuation
4.632/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
48.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

YSWY4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.884/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Market CapQuality
$1.47B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
3.4%3/10

ROE of 3.4% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : YSWY

Revenue growth of 14.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : COST

The primary concerns for COST are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 48.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : YSWY

The primary concerns for YSWY are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Thin 3.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

COST profiles as a growth stock while YSWY is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.

COST generates stronger free cash flow (2.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 40/100) and 21.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.

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Yesway, Inc. Class A Common Stock

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · GROCERY STORES · USA

Yesway, Inc. (Ticker: YSWY) is a leading convenience store operator focusing on delivering value-oriented products and services across its extensive network, primarily situated in the central United States. With a strategic emphasis on enhancing the customer experience through a diverse range of offerings, including grocery items, prepared foods, and fuel, Yesway is well-positioned for growth within the expanding convenience store sector. The company's commitment to operational efficiency, community engagement, and innovative marketing strategies, alongside a dedication to sustainability, strengthens its competitive edge in a dynamic retail environment. Through strategic acquisitions and market expansion initiatives, Yesway aims to solidify its presence and capture an increasing share of the market.

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