Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) vs Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST)

A side-by-side comparison of Costco Wholesale Corporation and Monster Beverage Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCOST vs MNST

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
COST +530.0% (+20.2%/yr)MNST +255.7% (+13.5%/yr)COST compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$630$356
COST MNST

COST vs MNST: by the numbers

  • COST is the larger company ($401.64B vs $87.67B market cap).
  • MNST trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (41.31 vs 45.56 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MNST converts more revenue to profit (23.08% vs 3.01% net margin).
  • MNST grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.36% vs 9.48% CAGR).
  • COST pays a dividend (0.61% yield), while MNST is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCOSTMNST
P/E ratio45.5641.31
Forward P/E39.9638.63
P/S ratio1.379.51
P/B ratio11.999.36
EV / EBITDA28.3529.57
FCF yield2.19%2.39%

Profitability

MetricCOSTMNST
Gross margin12.88%55.55%
Operating margin3.82%29.16%
Net margin3.01%23.08%
ROE26.38%22.72%
ROIC19.01%21.32%

Dividends

MetricCOSTMNST
Dividend yield0.61%N/A
Payout ratio27.87%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricCOSTMNST
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.48%12.36%
EPS CAGR (5Y)15.04%7.95%
FCF CAGR (5Y)4.95%7.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.94%12.59%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, COST or MNST?
MNST has the lower trailing P/E: COST trades at 45.56 and MNST at 41.31. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, COST or MNST?
Over the past five years, MNST grew revenue faster — COST at a 9.48% CAGR versus MNST at 12.36%.
Does COST or MNST pay a bigger dividend?
COST pays a dividend (0.61% yield), while MNST is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is COST or MNST more profitable?
MNST runs the higher net margin — COST at 3.01% versus MNST at 23.08%.
How have COST and MNST total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, COST delivered 20.59% and MNST delivered 13.43% 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 September 13, 2026.