Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsInteractive Brokers Group Inc (IBKR)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
IBKR
Interactive Brokers Group Inc
$68.68
+3.87%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $115.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 4510% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $6.21B). IBKR leads profitability with a 15.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. IBKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.32. IBKR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
IBKR
Strong Buy66
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
+26.5%
Fair Value
$103.90
Current Price
$68.68
$35.22 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 78.8%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
15.2% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 30.3% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : IBKR
The strongest argument for IBKR centers on Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.9% and operating margin at 78.8%. Revenue growth of 15.2% 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 : IBKR
The primary concerns for IBKR are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while IBKR is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
IBKR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.
IBKR is growing revenue faster at 15.2% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
IBKR scores higher overall (66/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 15.9% margins and 15.2% 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 →Interactive Brokers Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. is a global automated electronic broker. The company is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut.
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