Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsHDFC Bank Limited ADR (HDB)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
HDB
HDFC Bank Limited ADR
$25.02
-2.53%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $131.53B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HDFC Bank Limited ADR generates 890% more annual revenue ($2.83T vs $286.27B). HDB leads profitability with a 26.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. HDB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.01. HDB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
HDB
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HDB.
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
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 40.5%
Generating 1.7T in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 10.3x book value
Elevated debt levels
Revenue declined 1.8%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : HDB
The strongest argument for HDB centers on Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.8% and operating margin at 40.5%. PEG of 1.01 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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.
Bear Case : HDB
The primary concerns for HDB are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while HDB is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
HDB generates stronger free cash flow (1.7T), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HDB scores higher overall (68/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 26.8% margins. 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 →HDFC Bank Limited ADR
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
HDFC Bank Limited offers various banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong and Dubai. The company is headquartered in Mumbai, India.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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