Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsYum! Brands Inc (YUM)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
YUM
Yum! Brands Inc
$151.95
-3.37%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $43.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 3273% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $8.49B). YUM leads profitability with a 20.5% profit margin vs 3.0%. YUM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.93. YUM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
YUM
Buy65
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
-76.3%
Fair Value
$90.20
Current Price
$151.95
$61.75 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
Strong operational efficiency at 31.0%
Earnings expanding 72.2% YoY
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
15.2% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
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 : YUM
The strongest argument for YUM centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.5% and operating margin at 31.0%. Revenue growth of 15.2% 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 : YUM
The primary concerns for YUM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — 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
YUM scores higher overall (65/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 20.5% margins and 15.2% 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 →Yum! Brands Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Yum! Brands, Inc. is an American fast food corporation listed on the Fortune 1000. Yum! operates the brands KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill, and WingStreet worldwide, except in China, where the brands are operated by a separate company, Yum China.
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