Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsHSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
HSBC
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
$90.16
+1.34%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $313.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 349% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $63.77B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
HSBC
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HSBC.
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
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.7%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.3% revenue growth
2.6% earnings growth
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. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : HSBC
The strongest argument for HSBC centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.0% and operating margin at 49.7%. PEG of 1.23 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 52.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : HSBC
The primary concerns for HSBC are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.79 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while HSBC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 61/100) and 21.5% 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.
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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