Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsIngredion Incorporated (INGR)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$996.08
+1.36%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $438.30B
INGR
Ingredion Incorporated
$94.25
-0.49%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $6.18B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 4102% more annual revenue ($303.15B vs $7.21B). INGR leads profitability with a 8.2% profit margin vs 3.0%. INGR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.13. INGR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
COST
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
INGR
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Margin of Safety
-43.7%
Fair Value
$83.45
Current Price
$94.25
$10.80 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 26 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 2.5B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Trading at 12.3x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.8%
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.9% revenue growth
Earnings declined 40.5%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : INGR
The strongest argument for INGR centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 1.13 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 47.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : INGR
The primary concerns for INGR are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.87 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 11.1% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
INGR scores higher overall (58/100 vs 55/100). 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 →Ingredion Incorporated
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · PACKAGED FOODS · USA
Ingredion Incorporated, produces and sells starches and sweeteners for various industries. The company is headquartered in Westchester, Illinois.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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