Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
BAC
Bank of America Corp
$48.75
+1.27%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $351.54B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 166% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $107.42B). BAC leads profitability with a 28.4% profit margin vs 3.0%. BAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.89. BAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (B+).
BAC
Strong Buy80
out of 100
Grade: B+
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+68.6%
Fair Value
$155.14
Current Price
$48.75
$106.39 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 41.6%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
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
Elevated debt levels
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : BAC
The strongest argument for BAC centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.4% and operating margin at 41.6%. PEG of 0.89 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.
Bear Case : BAC
The primary concerns for BAC are Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-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
BAC profiles as a mature stock while COST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
BAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BAC scores higher overall (80/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 28.4% 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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