Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsJabil Circuit Inc (JBL)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.49%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
JBL
Jabil Circuit Inc
$283.24
+2.11%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $29.63B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 776% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $32.67B). COST leads profitability with a 3.0% profit margin vs 2.5%. JBL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.82. JBL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
JBL
Strong Buy70
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
+24.9%
Fair Value
$347.72
Current Price
$283.24
$64.48 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 60 in profit
Earnings expanding 96.2% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 23.1% year-over-year
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
2.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.7%
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 : JBL
The strongest argument for JBL centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 23.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.82 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : JBL
The primary concerns for JBL are P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 2.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while JBL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
JBL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.
JBL is growing revenue faster at 23.1% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
JBL scores higher overall (70/100 vs 53/100) and 23.1% 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 →Jabil Circuit Inc
TECHNOLOGY · ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS · USA
Jabil Inc. provides global manufacturing solutions and services. The company is headquartered in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?