Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsIntuitive Surgical Inc (ISRG)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
ISRG
Intuitive Surgical Inc
$469.98
-0.41%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $167.61B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2744% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $10.06B). ISRG leads profitability with a 28.4% profit margin vs 3.0%. ISRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.43. ISRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
ISRG
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
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
-78.8%
Fair Value
$262.88
Current Price
$469.98
$207.10 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 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 30.2%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
18.8% revenue growth
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
Trading at 9.4x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : ISRG
The strongest argument for ISRG centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.4% and operating margin at 30.2%. Revenue growth of 18.8% 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 : ISRG
The primary concerns for ISRG are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 59.9x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while ISRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ISRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.68 — expect wider price swings.
ISRG is growing revenue faster at 18.8% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ISRG scores higher overall (62/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 28.4% margins and 18.8% revenue growth. 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 →Intuitive Surgical Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is an American corporation that develops, manufactures, and markets robotic products designed to improve clinical outcomes of patients through minimally invasive surgery, most notably with the da Vinci Surgical System.
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