Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsHSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
HSBC
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
$81.21
+2.45%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $264.52B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 353% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $63.22B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 3.0%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
HSBC
Strong Buy77
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
+68.7%
Fair Value
$280.80
Current Price
$81.21
$199.59 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 55.2%
Revenue surging 58.4% year-over-year
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 24.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : HSBC
The strongest argument for HSBC centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.2% and operating margin at 55.2%. Revenue growth of 58.4% 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 : HSBC
The primary concerns for HSBC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.79 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while HSBC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
HSBC is growing revenue faster at 58.4% — sustainability is the question.
HSBC generates stronger free cash flow (9.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HSBC scores higher overall (77/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 35.2% margins and 58.4% 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 →HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
HSBC Holdings plc offers banking and financial products and services globally. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
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