Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsIngles Markets Incorporated (IMKTA)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$971.87
+0.68%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $423.23B
IMKTA
Ingles Markets Incorporated
$91.15
+4.60%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 5341% more annual revenue ($293.59B vs $5.40B). COST leads profitability with a 3.0% profit margin vs 1.9%. IMKTA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.85. IMKTA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
IMKTA
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Margin of Safety
-85.0%
Fair Value
$46.89
Current Price
$91.15
$44.26 premium
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 27 in profit
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Generating 2.0B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 70.1% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
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
3.4% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 6.3% — below average capital efficiency
1.9% margin — thin
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 : IMKTA
The strongest argument for IMKTA centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 0.85 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 48.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : IMKTA
The primary concerns for IMKTA are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while IMKTA 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.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (2.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
IMKTA scores higher overall (63/100 vs 61/100). 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 →Ingles Markets Incorporated
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · GROCERY STORES · USA
Ingles Markets, Incorporated operates a chain of supermarkets in the southeastern United States. The company is headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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