Cato Corporation (CATO)vsThe Home Depot Inc (HD)
CATO
Cato Corporation
$2.41
-0.21%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $47.99M
HD
The Home Depot Inc
$308.74
+1.00%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $304.98B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Home Depot Inc generates 26183% more annual revenue ($169.18B vs $643.67M). HD leads profitability with a 8.4% profit margin vs -0.9%. CATO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. HD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
CATO
Hold40
out of 100
Grade: F
HD
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+75.6%
Fair Value
$12.36
Current Price
$2.41
$9.95 discount
Margin of Safety
-41.8%
Fair Value
$217.78
Current Price
$308.74
$90.96 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 86 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -3.7% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 6.2%
Earnings declined 83.3%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 18.5x book value
4.6% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CATO
The strongest argument for CATO centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : HD
The strongest argument for HD centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CATO
The primary concerns for CATO are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : HD
The primary concerns for HD are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 3.77 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CATO profiles as a turnaround stock while HD is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
HD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.
HD is growing revenue faster at 5.7% — sustainability is the question.
HD generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HD scores higher overall (58/100 vs 40/100). CATO offers better value entry with a 75.6% margin of safety. 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.
Cato Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA
The Cato Corporation is a specialty clothing and fashion accessories retailer primarily in the southeastern United States. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Home Depot Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
The Home Depot, Inc., commonly known as Home Depot, is the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, supplying tools, construction products, and services. The company is headquartered in incorporated Cobb County, Georgia, with an Atlanta mailing address.
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