BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
BLK
BlackRock Inc
$981.35
+0.54%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $151.82B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1082% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $24.22B). BLK leads profitability with a 22.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. BLK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.99. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
BLK
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-308.5%
Fair Value
$240.24
Current Price
$981.35
$741.11 premium
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
Strong operational efficiency at 36.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 23.4% year-over-year
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
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 31.7%
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 : BLK
The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.9% and operating margin at 36.7%. Revenue growth of 23.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : BLK
The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
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
BLK profiles as a growth stock while COST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
BLK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.49 — expect wider price swings.
BLK is growing revenue faster at 23.4% — sustainability is the question.
BLK generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BLK scores higher overall (70/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 22.9% margins and 23.4% 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.
BlackRock Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA
BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment management corporation based in New York City.
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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