Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsMicron Technology Inc (MU)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
MU
Micron Technology Inc
$746.81
+15.49%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $729.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 393% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $58.12B). MU leads profitability with a 41.5% profit margin vs 3.0%. MU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.20. MU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (A-).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
MU
Exceptional Buy80
out of 100
Grade: A-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-87.6%
Fair Value
$537.65
Current Price
$1008.79
$471.14 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MU.
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Keeps 42 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 67.6%
Revenue surging 196.3% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.6x book value
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 : MU
The strongest argument for MU centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 41.5% and operating margin at 67.6%. Revenue growth of 196.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : MU
The primary concerns for MU are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MU carries more volatility with a beta of 1.92 — expect wider price swings.
MU is growing revenue faster at 196.3% — sustainability is the question.
MU generates stronger free cash flow (6.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MU scores higher overall (80/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 41.5% margins and 196.3% 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 →Micron Technology Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA
Micron Technology, Inc. is an American producer of computer memory and computer data storage including dynamic random-access memory, flash memory, and USB flash drives. It is headquartered in Boise, Idaho.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?