Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsNasdaq Inc (NDAQ)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
NDAQ
Nasdaq Inc
$83.74
-0.64%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $49.33B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 5354% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $5.25B). NDAQ leads profitability with a 34.1% profit margin vs 3.0%. NDAQ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.10. NDAQ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
NDAQ
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
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
+44.4%
Fair Value
$144.61
Current Price
$83.74
$60.87 discount
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
Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 47.6%
Earnings expanding 47.6% YoY
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
Moderate valuation
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : NDAQ
The strongest argument for NDAQ centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.1% and operating margin at 47.6%. Revenue growth of 13.4% 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 : NDAQ
The primary concerns for NDAQ are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while NDAQ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
NDAQ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.03 — expect wider price swings.
NDAQ is growing revenue faster at 13.4% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NDAQ scores higher overall (69/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 34.1% margins and 13.4% 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 →Nasdaq Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
Nasdaq, Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation that owns and operates stock exchanges in the United States and Europe. It is headquartered in New York City.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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