WallStSmart

Arko Corp (ARKO)vsUlta Beauty Inc (ULTA)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ulta Beauty Inc generates 88% more annual revenue ($12.96B vs $6.89B). ULTA leads profitability with a 9.3% profit margin vs 0.2%. ULTA trades at a lower P/E of 19.7x. ULTA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

ARKO

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.48

ULTA

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.40
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ARKOUndervalued (+11.9%)

Margin of Safety

+11.9%

Fair Value

$7.15

Current Price

$4.23

$2.92 discount

UndervaluedFair: $7.15Overvalued
ULTASignificantly Overvalued (-20.9%)

Margin of Safety

-20.9%

Fair Value

$565.10

Current Price

$548.78

$16.32 premium

UndervaluedFair: $565.10Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARKO2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.2%8/10

Revenue surging 22.2% year-over-year

ULTA2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
45.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 46 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.4010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

ARKO4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$474.55M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
3.0%3/10

ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.2%3/10

0.2% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.6%3/10

Operating margin of 1.6%

ULTA3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.954/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
8.6x4/10

Trading at 8.6x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARKO

The strongest argument for ARKO centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : ULTA

The strongest argument for ULTA centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : ARKO

The primary concerns for ARKO are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 52.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 4.65 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : ULTA

The primary concerns for ULTA are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARKO profiles as a growth stock while ULTA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ARKO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.90 — expect wider price swings.

ARKO is growing revenue faster at 22.2% — sustainability is the question.

ULTA generates stronger free cash flow (38M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ULTA scores higher overall (61/100 vs 44/100). 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.

Arko Corp

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · SPECIALTY RETAIL · USA

Arko Corp. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

Ulta Beauty Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · SPECIALTY RETAIL · USA

Ulta Beauty, Inc., formerly known as Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc., is an American chain of beauty stores headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Ulta Beauty carries cosmetics and skincare brands, men's and women's fragrances, nail products, bath and body products, beauty tools and haircare products.

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