MU Holdings, Inc. (MU)vs SHOP Holdings, Inc. (SHOP)

Quick verdict

MU Holdings, Inc. (MU) and SHOP Holdings, Inc. (SHOP) appeal to different investors. On our six-factor framework, MU scores 3 and SHOP scores 3. SHOP looks cheaper on the multiples that matter, while MU grows faster and MU earns higher returns on capital. The two are evenly matched overall, so your priority — value, growth, income or safety — should decide it.

2-year relative performance

At-a-glance comparison

Business model and revenue mix

MU Holdings, Inc. operates in Software—Infrastructure (Technology), while SHOP Holdings, Inc. sits in Beverages (Consumer Defensive). The two operate in different sectors, so cyclicality and end-market exposure differ — factor that into any portfolio overlap. MU carries a beta of 1.76 versus 0.64 for SHOP, meaning MU has historically been the more volatile of the two.

Valuation

On valuation, SHOP is the cheaper stock. MU trades on a forward P/E of 29.96 and EV/EBITDA of 32.42, against 16.83 and 10.2 for SHOP. Price-to-sales is 4.11 vs 3.26, and free-cash-flow yield is 5.5% vs 2.0%. A higher multiple is only justified if the company can sustain faster growth or wider margins, which is exactly what the next sections test.

Growth profile

MU is the faster grower. MU has compounded revenue at 20.5% over three years with EPS growth of 13.3%, while SHOP has delivered 4.0% revenue and 3.5% EPS growth. Growth like this is the single biggest driver of long-term returns, but it also tends to come with a richer valuation, so it must be weighed against the multiples above.

Profitability and quality

On profitability and quality, MU is stronger. MU posts a 44.1% operating margin, 24.8% return on equity and 22.2% return on invested capital. SHOP posts 15.5%, 47.7% and 8.3% respectively. Return on invested capital above roughly 15% is a hallmark of a durable competitive advantage, so this metric deserves particular attention.

Balance-sheet risk

SHOP has the safer balance sheet. MU carries net-debt/EBITDA of -0.74x with a current ratio of 1.58, versus 0.69x and 3.24 for SHOP. Lower leverage gives a company more room to invest through a downturn and reduces the risk of dilution or distress.

Price performance and shareholder returns

Over the past year MU returned 50.4% against 42.9% for SHOP; on a three-year annualised basis it is 27.0% vs 16.6%. MU yields 0.2% and SHOP yields 1.4%. Past performance never guarantees future results, but the multi-year track record shows how the market has rewarded each business so far.

Which stock fits which investor

For value-oriented investors, SHOP is the better fit on today's multiples. Growth investors will likely prefer MU, which is expanding faster. Income investors should lean toward SHOP for its higher shareholder yield, while investors who prize quality-at-a-reasonable-price will favour MU for its superior returns on capital. This is a comparison of facts, not a recommendation — your time horizon, risk tolerance and existing holdings should drive the final decision.

• Value: SHOP
• Growth: MU
• Income: SHOP
• Quality: MU

Frequently asked questions

Is MU or SHOP the better buy right now?

Neither is universally "better." MU scores 3 and SHOP scores 3 on our six-factor framework. SHOP is cheaper, MU grows faster, and MU is higher quality — so the right pick depends on your objective.

Which stock is cheaper, MU or SHOP?

SHOP is the cheaper stock across forward P/E (29.96 vs 16.83), EV/EBITDA (32.42 vs 10.2) and price-to-sales (4.11 vs 3.26).

Which has grown faster, MU or SHOP?

MU has the stronger growth profile, with three-year revenue CAGR of 20.5% for MU versus 4.0% for SHOP.

Which stock pays a bigger dividend?

MU yields 0.2% and SHOP yields 1.4%, so SHOP is the stronger income choice.

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