Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsHDFC Bank Limited ADR (HDB)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
HDB
HDFC Bank Limited ADR
$25.79
+2.67%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $130.27B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HDFC Bank Limited ADR generates 894% more annual revenue ($2.85T vs $286.27B). HDB leads profitability with a 26.2% profit margin vs 3.0%. HDB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.01. HDB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
HDB
Strong Buy78
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
+11.2%
Fair Value
$36.29
Current Price
$25.79
$10.50 discount
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
Strong operational efficiency at 34.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 26.4% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
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 : HDB
The strongest argument for HDB centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.2% and operating margin at 34.8%. Revenue growth of 26.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : HDB
The primary concerns for HDB are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while HDB is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
HDB is growing revenue faster at 26.4% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
HDB scores higher overall (78/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 26.2% margins and 26.4% 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.
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 →HDFC Bank Limited ADR
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
HDFC Bank Limited offers various banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong and Dubai. The company is headquartered in Mumbai, India.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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