Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsTrip.com Group Ltd ADR (TCOM)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.49%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
TCOM
Trip.com Group Ltd ADR
$51.34
+0.31%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $33.45B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 359% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $62.41B). TCOM leads profitability with a 53.3% profit margin vs 3.0%. TCOM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.91. TCOM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
TCOM
Exceptional Buy81
out of 100
Grade: A-
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
+82.1%
Fair Value
$323.86
Current Price
$51.34
$272.52 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 53 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 97.8% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
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.
Bull Case : TCOM
The strongest argument for TCOM centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 53.3% and operating margin at 16.5%. Revenue growth of 20.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : TCOM
The primary concerns for TCOM are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a value stock while TCOM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
COST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
TCOM is growing revenue faster at 20.8% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
TCOM scores higher overall (81/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 53.3% margins and 20.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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 →Trip.com Group Ltd ADR
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · China
Trip.com Group Limited is a travel service provider for accommodation booking, transportation ticketing, destination and package tours, corporate travel management and other travel-related services in China and internationally. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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