Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsServiceNow Inc (NOW)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
NOW
ServiceNow Inc
$91.18
-2.58%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $96.52B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 1951% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $13.96B). NOW leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 3.0%. NOW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.89. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
NOW
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Margin of Safety
+85.2%
Fair Value
$630.85
Current Price
$91.18
$539.67 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
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 22.1% year-over-year
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
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 8.0x book value
2.3% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated 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. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NOW
The strongest argument for NOW centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.89 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 : NOW
The primary concerns for NOW are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 55.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
NOW is growing revenue faster at 22.1% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 59/100) and 21.5% revenue growth. NOW offers better value entry with a 85.2% 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.
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 →ServiceNow Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA
ServiceNow is an American software company based in Santa Clara, California that develops a cloud computing platform to help companies manage digital workflows for enterprise operations.
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