Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
BAC
Bank of America Corp
$51.31
-2.73%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $374.35B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 161% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $109.59B). BAC leads profitability with a 29.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. BAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.95. BAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (B+).
BAC
Strong Buy80
out of 100
Grade: B+
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for BAC.
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 36.0%
Generating 41.8B in free cash flow
Keeps 29 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
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BAC
The strongest argument for BAC centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.0% and operating margin at 36.0%. PEG of 0.95 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : BAC
The primary concerns for BAC are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 52.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BAC profiles as a mature stock while COST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
BAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
BAC generates stronger free cash flow (41.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BAC scores higher overall (80/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 29.0% margins. 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.
Bank of America Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
The Bank of America Corporation is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in San Francisco, Bank of America was formed through NationsBank's acquisition of BankAmerica in 1998. It is the second largest banking institution in the United States, after JPMorgan Chase, and the eighth largest bank in the world. Bank of America is one of the Big Four banking institutions of the United States. It services approximately 10 percent of all American bank deposits, in direct competition with JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Wells Fargo. Its primary financial services revolve around commercial banking, wealth management, and investment banking.
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 BANKS - DIVERSIFIED Stocks
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