Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsTrade Desk Inc (TTD)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
TTD
Trade Desk Inc
$21.97
-1.66%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $10.63B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 9784% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $2.90B). TTD leads profitability with a 15.3% profit margin vs 3.0%. TTD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.86. TTD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
TTD
Strong Buy72
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
-60.9%
Fair Value
$16.92
Current Price
$21.97
$5.05 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 30.3%
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Grey zone — moderate risk
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : TTD
The strongest argument for TTD centers on Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.3% and operating margin at 30.3%. Revenue growth of 14.3% 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 : TTD
The primary concerns for TTD are Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while TTD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
TTD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
TTD is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
TTD scores higher overall (72/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 15.3% margins and 14.3% 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 →Trade Desk Inc
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA
Trade Desk, Inc. is a technology company in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Ventura, California.
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