ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) vs Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)

A side-by-side comparison of ASML Holding N.V. and Costco Wholesale Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: ASML is classified in Technology; COST is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnASML vs COST

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
ASML +44481.5%COST +11175.1%ASML compounded faster
010k20k30k40k50kStart $100200120062011201620212026$44,581$11,275
ASML COST

ASML vs COST: by the numbers

  • ASML is the larger company ($610.10B vs $428.66B market cap).
  • COST trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (47.87 vs 51.78 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ASML converts more revenue to profit (30.10% vs 3.01% net margin).
  • ASML grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.77% vs 9.48% CAGR).
  • COST pays the higher dividend yield (0.56% vs 0.53%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricASMLCOST
P/E ratio51.7847.87
Forward P/E43.5746.33
P/S ratio15.541.44
P/B ratio25.5612.62
PEG ratio1.295.23
EV / EBITDA40.1729.89
FCF yield1.78%2.08%

Profitability

MetricASMLCOST
Gross margin52.72%12.88%
Operating margin35.41%3.82%
Net margin30.10%3.01%
ROE49.52%26.38%
ROIC35.54%19.44%

Dividends

MetricASMLCOST
Dividend yield0.53%0.56%
Payout ratio30.25%29.44%

Growth (annualized)

MetricASMLCOST
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.77%9.48%
EPS CAGR (5Y)24.63%15.04%
FCF CAGR (5Y)8.44%4.95%
Total return CAGR (5Y)18.37%18.31%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ASML or COST?
COST has the lower trailing P/E: ASML trades at 51.78 and COST at 47.87. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ASML or COST?
Over the past five years, ASML grew revenue faster — ASML at a 15.77% CAGR versus COST at 9.48%.
Does ASML or COST pay a bigger dividend?
ASML yields 0.53% and COST yields 0.56% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ASML or COST more profitable?
ASML runs the higher net margin — ASML at 30.10% versus COST at 3.01%.
How have ASML and COST total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ASML delivered 32.41% and COST delivered 20.06% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.