Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsBanco Santander SA ADR (SAN)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
SAN
Banco Santander SA ADR
$12.28
+0.82%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $175.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 504% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $47.37B). SAN leads profitability with a 34.1% profit margin vs 3.0%. SAN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.79. SAN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
SAN
Strong Buy67
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 SAN.
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 43.3%
Earnings expanding 67.4% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.6% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
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 : SAN
The strongest argument for SAN centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.1% and operating margin at 43.3%.
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 : SAN
The primary concerns for SAN are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.47 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while SAN is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SAN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SAN scores higher overall (67/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 34.1% 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 →Banco Santander SA ADR
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Banco Santander, SA, offers various commercial and retail banking products and services to individuals, small and medium-sized companies and large companies worldwide. The company is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.
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