Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsUniversal Technical Institute Inc (UTI)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$982.73
-0.95%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $438.30B
UTI
Universal Technical Institute Inc
$22.15
0.00%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.13B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 34209% more annual revenue ($303.15B vs $883.60M). UTI leads profitability with a 3.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. UTI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.81. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
COST
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
UTI
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Margin of Safety
-22.6%
Fair Value
$22.14
Current Price
$22.15
$0.01 premium
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 26 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 2.5B in free cash flow
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Trading at 12.2x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.8%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Grey zone — moderate risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
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 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : UTI
UTI has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 47.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : UTI
The primary concerns for UTI are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. Thin 3.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
UTI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 11.1% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (55/100 vs 44/100) and 11.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Universal Technical Institute Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. offers postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians in the United States. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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