Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsMizuho Financial Group Inc. (MFG)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
MFG
Mizuho Financial Group Inc.
$8.69
+0.35%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $107.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mizuho Financial Group Inc. generates 1304% more annual revenue ($4.02T vs $286.27B). MFG leads profitability with a 26.1% profit margin vs 3.0%. MFG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.93. MFG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
MFG
Strong Buy74
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 MFG.
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 36.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
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
No major concerns identified
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 : MFG
The strongest argument for MFG centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.1% and operating margin at 36.3%. PEG of 0.93 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 : MFG
No major red flags identified for MFG, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while MFG is a mature 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.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MFG scores higher overall (74/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 26.1% 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 →Mizuho Financial Group Inc.
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. engages in banking, trusts, securities and other businesses related to financial services in Japan, America, Europe, Asia / Oceania and internationally. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
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