Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
ADM
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
$74.54
+0.36%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $35.79B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,014.53
+1.59%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $450.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 257% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $80.27B). COST leads profitability with a 3.0% profit margin vs 1.3%. ADM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.94. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
ADM
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+23.7%
Fair Value
$90.79
Current Price
$74.54
$16.25 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 4.7% — below average capital efficiency
1.3% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.8%
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ADM
The strongest argument for ADM centers on Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.94 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ADM
The primary concerns for ADM are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 1.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 52.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ADM profiles as a value stock while COST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 51/100) and 21.5% revenue growth. ADM offers better value entry with a 23.7% margin of safety. 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.
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · FARM PRODUCTS · USA
The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, commonly known as ADM, is an American multinational food processing and commodities trading corporation founded in 1902 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company operates more than 270 plants and 420 crop procurement facilities worldwide, where cereal grains and oilseeds are processed into products used in food, beverage, nutraceutical, industrial, and animal feed markets worldwide.
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.
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