Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsMitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc ADR (MUFG)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
MUFG
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc ADR
$17.95
-0.28%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $203.18B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc ADR generates 1943% more annual revenue ($5.85T vs $286.27B). MUFG leads profitability with a 22.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. MUFG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. MUFG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
MUFG
Strong Buy73
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 MUFG.
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
Strong operational efficiency at 34.8%
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
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
ROE of 6.1% — below average capital efficiency
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 : MUFG
The strongest argument for MUFG centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.8% and operating margin at 34.8%. Revenue growth of 11.7% 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 : MUFG
The primary concerns for MUFG are Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 3.77 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while MUFG 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
MUFG scores higher overall (73/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 22.8% margins and 11.7% revenue growth. 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 →Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc ADR
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., a banking holding company, offers financial services in Japan, the United States, and Asia / Oceania. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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