WallStSmart

Amazon.com Inc (AMZN)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Amazon.com Inc generates 150% more annual revenue ($716.92B vs $286.27B). AMZN leads profitability with a 10.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. AMZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.92. AMZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

AMZN

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.33

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

AMZNSignificantly Overvalued (-95.3%)

Margin of Safety

-95.3%

Fair Value

$106.12

Current Price

$211.71

$105.59 premium

UndervaluedFair: $106.12Overvalued
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

AMZN3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$2.20T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Free Cash FlowQuality
$14.94B10/10

Generating 14.9B in free cash flow

Return on EquityProfitability
22.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

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

AMZN3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.924/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
28.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : AMZN

The strongest argument for AMZN centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : COST

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

Bear Case : AMZN

The primary concerns for AMZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, 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

AMZN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.

AMZN is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.

AMZN generates stronger free cash flow (14.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INTERNET RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AMZN scores higher overall (59/100 vs 53/100) and 13.6% revenue growth. 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.

Amazon.com Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · INTERNET RETAIL · USA

Amazon.com, Inc. is an American multinational technology company which focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. It is one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook. The company has been referred to as one of the most influential economic and cultural forces in the world, as well as the world's most valuable brand.

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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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