Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsUBS Group AG (UBS)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
UBS
UBS Group AG
$45.23
+1.85%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $148.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 458% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $51.31B). UBS leads profitability with a 17.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. UBS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. UBS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
UBS
Strong Buy79
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 UBS.
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 31.5%
Earnings expanding 84.4% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
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 : UBS
The strongest argument for UBS centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.8% and operating margin at 31.5%. Revenue growth of 13.8% 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 : UBS
No major red flags identified for UBS, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while UBS 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
UBS scores higher overall (79/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 17.8% margins and 13.8% 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 →UBS Group AG
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
UBS Group AG, provides advice and financial solutions to private, institutional and corporate clients worldwide. The company is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
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