WallStSmart

Analog Devices Inc (ADI)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2335% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $11.76B). ADI leads profitability with a 23.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. ADI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.77. ADI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

ADI

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0

COST

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 2.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.84
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ADISignificantly Overvalued (-25.8%)

Margin of Safety

-25.8%

Fair Value

$256.00

Current Price

$322.03

$66.03 premium

UndervaluedFair: $256.00Overvalued
COSTSignificantly Overvalued (-74.7%)

Margin of Safety

-74.7%

Fair Value

$558.15

Current Price

$974.86

$416.71 premium

UndervaluedFair: $558.15Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ADI6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
30.4%10/10

Revenue surging 30.4% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
116.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 116.7% YoY

Market CapQuality
$157.12B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
23.0%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.778/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

COST5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$432.25B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.8410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.279/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ADI2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.9%3/10

ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency

P/E RatioValuation
58.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

COST4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
13.5x4/10

Trading at 13.5x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
3.0%3/10

3.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

Operating margin of 3.7%

PEG RatioValuation
5.412/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ADI

The strongest argument for ADI centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.0% and operating margin at 33.1%. Revenue growth of 30.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : COST

The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : ADI

The primary concerns for ADI are Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 58.8x leaves little room for execution misses.

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

ADI profiles as a growth stock while COST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ADI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.

ADI is growing revenue faster at 30.4% — sustainability is the question.

COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ADI scores higher overall (75/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 23.0% margins and 30.4% 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.

Analog Devices Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), also known simply as Analog, is an American multinational semiconductor company specializing in data conversion, signal processing and power management technology, headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

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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