WallStSmart

BHP Group Limited (BHP)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Costco Wholesale Corp generates 430% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $53.99B). BHP leads profitability with a 19.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. COST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 5.41. BHP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

BHP

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 7.3Quality: 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

BHPUndervalued (+57.8%)

Margin of Safety

+57.8%

Fair Value

$188.60

Current Price

$68.77

$119.83 discount

UndervaluedFair: $188.60Overvalued
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

BHP6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
40.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.7%

Market CapQuality
$166.46B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
24.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.5% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.31B8/10

Generating 4.3B in free cash flow

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

BHP1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
5.952/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : BHP

The strongest argument for BHP centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 40.7%. Revenue growth of 10.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : COST

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

Bear Case : BHP

The primary concerns for BHP are PEG Ratio.

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

BHP profiles as a mature stock while COST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

BHP is growing revenue faster at 10.8% — sustainability is the question.

BHP generates stronger free cash flow (4.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BHP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 19.0% margins and 10.8% 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.

BHP Group Limited

BASIC MATERIALS · OTHER INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING · USA

BHP Group engages in the natural resources business in Australia, Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the rest of Asia, North America, South America and internationally. The company is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.

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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