Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsThe TJX Companies Inc (TJX)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
TJX
The TJX Companies Inc
$159.74
+0.86%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $177.78B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 374% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $60.37B). TJX leads profitability with a 9.1% profit margin vs 3.0%. TJX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.24. TJX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
TJX
Buy56
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
+30.8%
Fair Value
$227.92
Current Price
$159.74
$68.18 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
Every $100 of equity generates 59 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 28.3% YoY
Generating 2.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 17.6x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : TJX
The strongest argument for TJX centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.
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 : TJX
The primary concerns for TJX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — sustainability is the question.
TJX generates stronger free cash flow (2.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
TJX scores higher overall (56/100 vs 53/100). 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 →The TJX Companies Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA
The TJX Companies, Inc. (abbreviated TJX) is an American multinational off-price department store corporation, headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts.
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