Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$155.82
-0.19%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $88.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2643% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $10.44B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 3.0%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.13. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
ICE
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
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 ICE.
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
Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.3%
Earnings expanding 79.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
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. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : ICE
The strongest argument for ICE centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.7% and operating margin at 57.3%. Revenue growth of 20.4% 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 : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ICE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 37.7% margins and 20.4% 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 →Intercontinental Exchange Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is an American Fortune 500 company formed in 2000 that operates global exchanges, clearing houses and provides mortgage technology, data and listing services. The company owns exchanges for financial and commodity markets, and operates regulated exchanges and marketplaces.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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