A comparative Analysis of Financial risk between Costco and Welmart
Yuxin Wei
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: College of Business and Public Management
Major: Accounting
Faculty Research Mentor: Huaibing Yu
Abstract:
The financial risk of Costco and Walmart, two of the top international retailers, is evaluated in this comparative study. Despite having quite distinct business strategies, the two organizations deal with comparable financial difficulties. Costco relies on high-volume, low-margin sales to support its membership-based warehouse model, which produces consistent cash flow. Costco's more leveraged financial structure is reflected in its comparatively high debt-to-equity ratio, despite its strong operational efficiency. Despite the fact that its consistent membership revenue has helped mitigate this risk, this has increased its vulnerability to financial risk, particularly during economic downturns.However, Walmart's financial structure is more conservative, with comparatively minimal debt and equity, and it has a sizable worldwide corporation with varied operations. As a result, Walmart has more financial stability and is less susceptible to changes in interest rates or pressures from debt. However, Walmart's intricate global supply chain, intense competition, and requirement to balance its physical and online business operations put it at more operational risk.