Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) vs Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)
A side-by-side comparison of Costco Wholesale Corporation and Netflix, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: COST is classified in Consumer Defensive; NFLX is classified in Communication Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation
$904.77Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
NFLX
Netflix, Inc.
$77.40Communication ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — COST vs NFLX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCOST +528.3% (+20.2%/yr)NFLX +663.9% (+22.5%/yr)NFLX compounded faster over this window
COST NFLX
COST vs NFLX: by the numbers
- •COST is the larger company ($401.25B vs $322.29B market cap).
- •NFLX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.34 vs 45.51 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •NFLX converts more revenue to profit (28.22% vs 3.01% net margin).
- •NFLX grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.89% vs 9.48% CAGR).
- •COST pays a dividend (0.61% yield), while NFLX has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | COST | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 45.51 | 24.34 |
| Forward P/E | 39.92 | 21.51 |
| P/S ratio | 1.37 | 6.66 |
| P/B ratio | 11.97 | 10.69 |
| EV / EBITDA | 28.32 | 10.23 |
| FCF yield | 2.19% | 3.41% |
Profitability
| Metric | COST | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 12.88% | 49.12% |
| Operating margin | 3.82% | 29.68% |
| Net margin | 3.01% | 28.22% |
| ROE | 26.38% | 45.27% |
| ROIC | 19.01% | 24.34% |
Dividends
| Metric | COST | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.61% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 27.87% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | COST | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 9.48% | 11.89% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 15.04% | 32.58% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 4.95% | 51.23% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 14.89% | 4.89% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, COST or NFLX?
- NFLX has the lower trailing P/E: COST trades at 45.51 and NFLX at 24.34. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, COST or NFLX?
- Over the past five years, NFLX grew revenue faster — COST at a 9.48% CAGR versus NFLX at 11.89%.
- Does COST or NFLX pay a bigger dividend?
- COST pays a dividend (0.61% yield), while NFLX has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is COST or NFLX more profitable?
- NFLX runs the higher net margin — COST at 3.01% versus NFLX at 28.22%.
- How have COST and NFLX total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, COST delivered 20.56% and NFLX delivered 22.92% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Costco Wholesale P/E ratioNetflix P/E ratioCostco Wholesale dividend yieldCostco Wholesale ROENetflix ROECostco Wholesale operating marginNetflix operating marginCostco Wholesale revenue growthNetflix revenue growthCostco Wholesale free cash flowNetflix free cash flow
Costco Wholesale & Netflix appear in these rankings
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 11, 2026.