WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1017% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $25.64B). BLK leads profitability with a 24.4% profit margin vs 3.0%. BLK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.33. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

BLK

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 2/9

COST

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.5Value: 2.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.84
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for BLK.

COSTSignificantly Overvalued (-89.1%)

Margin of Safety

-89.1%

Fair Value

$535.26

Current Price

$1008.79

$473.53 premium

UndervaluedFair: $535.26Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BLK5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.6%

Market CapQuality
$165.75B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.0%8/10

Revenue surging 27.0% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
45.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 45.9% YoY

COST6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$449.00B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.8410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.279/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.5%8/10

Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
45.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

BLK3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.09B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

COST4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.0%3/10

3.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

Operating margin of 3.7%

PEG RatioValuation
5.142/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
52.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 35.6%. Revenue growth of 27.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

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

BLK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — expect wider price swings.

BLK is growing revenue faster at 27.0% — sustainability is the question.

COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor ASSET MANAGEMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (78/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 24.4% margins and 27.0% 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.

BlackRock Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment management corporation based in New York City.

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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