WallStSmart

Carter’s Inc (CRI)vsRoss Stores Inc (ROST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ross Stores Inc generates 706% more annual revenue ($23.78B vs $2.95B). ROST leads profitability with a 9.7% profit margin vs 3.1%. CRI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.01. ROST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

CRI

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.52

ROST

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 3.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.08
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CRIUndervalued (+36.7%)

Margin of Safety

+36.7%

Fair Value

$59.72

Current Price

$38.19

$21.53 discount

UndervaluedFair: $59.72Overvalued
ROSTOvervalued (-8.9%)

Margin of Safety

-8.9%

Fair Value

$176.80

Current Price

$230.37

$53.57 premium

UndervaluedFair: $176.80Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CRI2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
17.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

ROST5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
36.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$72.39B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.6%8/10

Revenue surging 20.6% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
37.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 37.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

CRI4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.014/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$1.58B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
3.1%3/10

3.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.2%3/10

Operating margin of 4.2%

ROST3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
12.0x4/10

Trading at 12.0x book value

PEG RatioValuation
2.722/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CRI

The strongest argument for CRI centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bull Case : ROST

The strongest argument for ROST centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 20.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CRI

The primary concerns for CRI are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : ROST

The primary concerns for ROST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CRI profiles as a value stock while ROST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

ROST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.

ROST is growing revenue faster at 20.6% — sustainability is the question.

ROST generates stronger free cash flow (627M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ROST scores higher overall (64/100 vs 50/100) and 20.6% revenue growth. CRI offers better value entry with a 36.7% 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.

Carter’s Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

Carter's, Inc. designs, supplies, and markets branded children's clothing under the brands Carter's, OshKosh, Skip Hop, Child of Mine, Just One You, Simple Joys, Carter's little baby basics, and other brands in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ross Stores Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

Ross Stores, Inc., operating under the brand name Ross Dress for Less, is an American chain of discount department stores headquartered in Dublin, California.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?