Barnes & Noble Education Inc (BNED)vsUlta Beauty Inc (ULTA)
BNED
Barnes & Noble Education Inc
$11.23
+2.84%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $389.29M
ULTA
Ulta Beauty Inc
$546.78
+2.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $23.48B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ulta Beauty Inc generates 654% more annual revenue ($12.96B vs $1.72B). ULTA leads profitability with a 9.3% profit margin vs 1.3%. BNED appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.10. ULTA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
BNED
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
ULTA
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for BNED.
Margin of Safety
-20.8%
Fair Value
$565.46
Current Price
$546.78
$18.68 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 46 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
0.8% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 8.0% — below average capital efficiency
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.6x book value
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BNED
The strongest argument for BNED centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.10 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : ULTA
The strongest argument for ULTA centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : BNED
The primary concerns for BNED are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Thin 1.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : ULTA
The primary concerns for ULTA are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BNED carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
ULTA is growing revenue faster at 8.9% — sustainability is the question.
ULTA generates stronger free cash flow (38M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ULTA scores higher overall (61/100 vs 49/100). 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.
Barnes & Noble Education Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · SPECIALTY RETAIL · USA
Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. operates bookstores for college and university campuses and K-12 institutions in the United States. The company is headquartered in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.
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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