Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsFidelity National Information Services Inc (FIS)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
FIS
Fidelity National Information Services Inc
$47.60
-3.13%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $25.45B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2581% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $10.68B). FIS leads profitability with a 3.6% profit margin vs 3.0%. FIS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.28. FIS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
FIS
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-74.7%
Fair Value
$558.15
Current Price
$974.86
$416.71 premium
Margin of Safety
-41.4%
Fair Value
$34.16
Current Price
$47.60
$13.44 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 88.1% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.6%
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 2.6% — below average capital efficiency
3.6% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : FIS
The strongest argument for FIS centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Price/Book. PEG of 0.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its 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.
Bear Case : FIS
The primary concerns for FIS are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 67.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — 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.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
FIS scores higher overall (67/100 vs 53/100). 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.
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 →Fidelity National Information Services Inc
TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA
FIS is an American Fortune 500 company which offers a wide range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, FIS employs approximately 63,000 people worldwide. FIS is most known for its development of Financial Technology, or FinTech, and as of Q2 2020 it offers its solutions in three primary segments: Merchant Solutions, Banking Solutions, and Capital Market Solutions.
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