PSTG vs. UMC: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at PSTG and UMC, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
PSTG is a standard domestic listing, while UMC trades as an American Depositary Receipt (ADR), offering U.S. investors access to its foreign-listed shares.
| Symbol | PSTG | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Pure Storage, Inc. | United Microelectronics Corporation |
| Country | United States | Taiwan |
| GICS Sector | Information Technology | Information Technology |
| GICS Industry | Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment |
| Market Capitalization | 28.16 billion USD | 18.61 billion USD |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
| Listing Date | October 6, 2015 | September 19, 2000 |
| Security Type | Common Stock | ADR |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of PSTG and UMC by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | PSTG | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | -1.23% | 3.76% |
| 13-Week Price Return | 45.55% | 3.64% |
| 26-Week Price Return | 65.50% | 2.24% |
| 52-Week Price Return | 69.52% | 8.46% |
| Month-to-Date Return | 7.99% | 12.47% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 36.43% | 5.81% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 2.96M | 67.01M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 3.00M | 46.94M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 73.55% | 19.91% |
| Beta | 1.22 | 0.31 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
PSTG
10.55%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 56.93%
- Q3
- 27.52%
- Median
- 9.18%
- Q1
- 5.14%
- Min
- -1.04%
PSTG’s Return on Equity of 10.55% is on par with the norm for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
UMC
10.76%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 47.13%
- Q3
- 23.50%
- Median
- 9.94%
- Q1
- 0.86%
- Min
- -20.69%
UMC’s Return on Equity of 10.76% is on par with the norm for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
PSTG
4.15%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 16.15%
- Q3
- 7.95%
- Median
- 4.80%
- Q1
- 2.20%
- Min
- -0.29%
PSTG’s Net Profit Margin of 4.15% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
UMC
16.69%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 52.41%
- Q3
- 23.88%
- Median
- 10.17%
- Q1
- 1.21%
- Min
- -32.15%
UMC’s Net Profit Margin of 16.69% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
PSTG
2.26%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 20.70%
- Q3
- 10.74%
- Median
- 6.27%
- Q1
- 4.07%
- Min
- 1.97%
PSTG’s Operating Profit Margin of 2.26% is in the lower quartile for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This indicates weaker profitability from core operations, which may stem from inefficiencies or competitive pressures on pricing.
UMC
19.65%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 58.09%
- Q3
- 27.54%
- Median
- 11.18%
- Q1
- 3.31%
- Min
- -28.36%
UMC’s Operating Profit Margin of 19.65% is around the midpoint for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | PSTG | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 10.55% | 10.76% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 3.56% | 7.00% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 4.15% | 16.69% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 2.26% | 19.65% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 69.17% | 29.94% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
PSTG
1.65
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 3.37
- Q3
- 2.04
- Median
- 1.41
- Q1
- 0.98
- Min
- 0.11
PSTG’s Current Ratio of 1.65 aligns with the median group of the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.
UMC
1.77
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 6.58
- Q3
- 4.24
- Median
- 2.73
- Q1
- 2.13
- Min
- 1.02
UMC’s Current Ratio of 1.77 falls into the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
PSTG
0.00
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 1.54
- Q3
- 0.85
- Median
- 0.32
- Q1
- 0.11
- Min
- 0.00
Falling into the lower quartile for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, PSTG’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.00 points to a conservative financing strategy. This results in lower financial risk but potentially limits strategic investments compared to more leveraged competitors.
UMC
0.20
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 1.09
- Q3
- 0.48
- Median
- 0.25
- Q1
- 0.01
- Min
- 0.00
UMC’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.20 is typical for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its use of leverage is in line with the sector norm. This suggests a balanced approach to its capital structure.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
PSTG
-2.95
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 143.63
- Q3
- 76.01
- Median
- 19.47
- Q1
- 5.91
- Min
- -23.93
PSTG has a negative Interest Coverage Ratio of -2.95. This indicates that its earnings were insufficient to cover even its operational costs, let alone its interest payments, signaling significant financial distress.
UMC
313.16
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 174.00
- Q3
- 74.71
- Median
- 26.06
- Q1
- 6.43
- Min
- -7.80
With an Interest Coverage Ratio of 313.16, UMC demonstrates a superior capacity to service its debt, placing it well above the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This stems from either robust earnings or a conservative debt load.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | PSTG | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 1.65 | 1.77 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 1.42 | 1.44 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 0.00 | 0.20 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | -2.95 | 313.16 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
PSTG
0.00%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 4.33%
- Q3
- 3.29%
- Median
- 1.76%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
PSTG currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.
UMC
6.57%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 3.72%
- Q3
- 1.51%
- Median
- 0.69%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
UMC’s Dividend Yield of 6.57% is exceptionally high, placing it well above the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. While this may seem attractive, an unusually high yield can sometimes be a warning sign, reflecting a falling stock price or market concerns about the dividend’s sustainability.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
PSTG
0.00%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 142.87%
- Q3
- 77.17%
- Median
- 40.90%
- Q1
- 3.87%
- Min
- 0.00%
PSTG has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.
UMC
163.64%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 205.27%
- Q3
- 88.01%
- Median
- 27.13%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
UMC’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 163.64% is in the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates a strong commitment to shareholder returns but also suggests that a smaller portion of earnings is retained for reinvestment compared to many peers.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | PSTG | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 0.00% | 6.57% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 0.00% | 163.64% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
PSTG
200.00
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 43.10
- Q3
- 28.67
- Median
- 19.23
- Q1
- 15.53
- Min
- 9.46
At 200.00, PSTG’s P/E Ratio is exceptionally high, exceeding the typical maximum for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This suggests the stock may be significantly overvalued compared to its peers and implies high market expectations that could be difficult to meet.
UMC
14.43
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 106.30
- Q3
- 61.93
- Median
- 38.96
- Q1
- 23.71
- Min
- 13.06
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, UMC’s P/E Ratio of 14.43 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
PSTG
8.31
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 5.63
- Q3
- 3.18
- Median
- 1.10
- Q1
- 0.49
- Min
- 0.04
With a P/S Ratio of 8.31, PSTG trades at a valuation that eclipses even the highest in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This implies the market has priced in exceptionally optimistic scenarios for future revenue growth, posing considerable valuation risk.
UMC
2.41
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 19.99
- Q3
- 10.21
- Median
- 5.23
- Q1
- 2.88
- Min
- 1.13
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, UMC’s P/S Ratio of 2.41 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
PSTG
13.94
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry
- Max
- 13.94
- Q3
- 6.87
- Median
- 1.88
- Q1
- 0.94
- Min
- 0.32
PSTG’s P/B Ratio of 13.94 is in the upper tier for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This indicates that investors are paying a premium relative to the company’s net assets, a valuation that hinges on its ability to generate superior profits.
UMC
1.65
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 14.22
- Q3
- 6.94
- Median
- 4.29
- Q1
- 1.99
- Min
- 0.67
UMC’s P/B Ratio of 1.65 is in the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | PSTG | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | 200.00 | 14.43 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 8.31 | 2.41 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 13.94 | 1.65 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 50.68 | 15.59 |