Adobe Systems Incorporated (ADBE)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
ADBE
Adobe Systems Incorporated
$237.25
-0.68%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $98.06B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1071% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $24.45B). ADBE leads profitability with a 29.5% profit margin vs 3.0%. ADBE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. ADBE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
ADBE
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+43.7%
Fair Value
$421.20
Current Price
$237.25
$183.95 discount
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
Every $100 of equity generates 59 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
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
Trading at 8.5x book value
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 : ADBE
The strongest argument for ADBE centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.5% and operating margin at 37.8%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : ADBE
The primary concerns for ADBE are Price/Book.
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
ADBE profiles as a mature stock while COST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ADBE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.53 — expect wider price swings.
ADBE is growing revenue faster at 12.0% — sustainability is the question.
ADBE generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ADBE scores higher overall (74/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 29.5% margins and 12.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
Adobe Systems Incorporated
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA
Adobe Inc. is an American multinational computer software company. Incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in San Jose, California, it has historically specialized in software for the creation and publication of a wide range of content, including graphics, photography, illustration, animation, multimedia, motion pictures and print. The company has expanded into digital marketing management software. Adobe has millions of users worldwide. Flagship products include: Photoshop image editing software, Adobe Illustrator vector-based illustration software, Adobe Acrobat Reader and the Portable Document Format (PDF), plus a host of tools primarily for audio-visual content creation, editing and publishing.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SOFTWARE - APPLICATION Stocks
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