Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsICICI Bank Limited (IBN)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
IBN
ICICI Bank Limited
$26.49
-0.93%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $95.83B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
ICICI Bank Limited generates 660% more annual revenue ($2.17T vs $286.27B). IBN leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. IBN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. IBN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
IBN
Exceptional Buy81
out of 100
Grade: A-
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 IBN.
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
Strong operational efficiency at 33.3%
Revenue surging 66.9% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
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
No major concerns identified
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 : IBN
The strongest argument for IBN centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 33.3%. Revenue growth of 66.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : IBN
No major red flags identified for IBN, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
IBN is growing revenue faster at 66.9% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
IBN scores higher overall (81/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 66.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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 →ICICI Bank Limited
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
ICICI Bank Limited offers various banking products and financial services in India and internationally. The company is headquartered in Mumbai, India.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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