WallStSmart

Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsUbiquiti Networks Inc (UI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Costco Wholesale Corp generates 9532% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $2.97B). UI leads profitability with a 29.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. UI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.82. UI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

COST

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 2.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.84

UI

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 10.0Value: 5.3Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 5.14
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

COSTSignificantly Overvalued (-74.7%)

Margin of Safety

-74.7%

Fair Value

$558.15

Current Price

$974.86

$416.71 premium

UndervaluedFair: $558.15Overvalued
UIFair Value (-4.0%)

Margin of Safety

-4.0%

Fair Value

$685.62

Current Price

$839.05

$153.43 premium

UndervaluedFair: $685.62Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

COST5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$432.25B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.8410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.279/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

UI6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
136.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 136 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
35.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.9%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
35.8%10/10

Revenue surging 35.8% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
70.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 70.8% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.1410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$50.50B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

COST4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
13.5x4/10

Trading at 13.5x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
3.0%3/10

3.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

Operating margin of 3.7%

PEG RatioValuation
5.412/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

UI2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
57.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
50.0x2/10

Trading at 50.0x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : COST

The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.

Bull Case : UI

The strongest argument for UI centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.9% and operating margin at 35.9%. Revenue growth of 35.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : COST

The primary concerns for COST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 50.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : UI

The primary concerns for UI are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 57.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

COST profiles as a value stock while UI is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

UI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.

UI is growing revenue faster at 35.8% — sustainability is the question.

COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

UI scores higher overall (73/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 29.9% margins and 35.8% 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.

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Ubiquiti Networks Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Ubiquiti Inc. develops network technology for service providers, businesses and consumers. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.

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