Accenture plc (ACN)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
ACN
Accenture plc
$192.29
-0.65%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $118.34B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 297% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $72.11B). ACN leads profitability with a 10.6% profit margin vs 3.0%. ACN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. ACN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
ACN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-19.5%
Fair Value
$160.91
Current Price
$192.29
$31.38 premium
Margin of Safety
-74.7%
Fair Value
$558.15
Current Price
$974.86
$416.71 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 3.7B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.0% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACN
The strongest argument for ACN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : ACN
The primary concerns for ACN are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 50.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — sustainability is the question.
ACN generates stronger free cash flow (3.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ACN scores higher overall (60/100 vs 53/100). 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.
Accenture plc
TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA
Accenture plc is an Irish-domiciled multinational company that provides consulting and processing services. It has been incorporated in Dublin, Ireland since 2009.
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.
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