WallStSmart

The Gap, Inc. (GAP)vsRoss Stores Inc (ROST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ross Stores Inc generates 54% more annual revenue ($23.78B vs $15.40B). ROST leads profitability with a 9.7% profit margin vs 6.3%. GAP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. GAP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

GAP

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.41

ROST

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 3.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.11
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

GAPSignificantly Overvalued (-25.9%)

Margin of Safety

-25.9%

Fair Value

$21.81

Current Price

$21.56

$0.25 premium

UndervaluedFair: $21.81Overvalued
ROSTOvervalued (-8.4%)

Margin of Safety

-8.4%

Fair Value

$177.67

Current Price

$230.37

$52.70 premium

UndervaluedFair: $177.67Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GAP4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
76.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 76.5% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
21.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

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
3.1110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$75.95B9/10

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

GAP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.0%4/10

1.0% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
6.3%3/10

6.3% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.543/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

ROST3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
11.7x4/10

Trading at 11.7x book value

PEG RatioValuation
2.842/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : GAP

The strongest argument for GAP centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : GAP

The primary concerns for GAP are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.54 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : ROST

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

GAP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.01 — 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

GAP scores higher overall (69/100 vs 64/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

The Gap, Inc.

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

The Gap, Inc. is a prominent global apparel retailer founded in 1969, known for its diverse portfolio of iconic brands including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta. Headquartered in San Francisco, the company services over 40 countries and prioritizes quality, value, and style for a broad customer demographic. As it navigates the dynamic retail landscape, Gap is committed to enhancing its digital transformation and sustainability efforts, aiming to bolster its e-commerce presence while pursuing innovative product offerings and strategic growth initiatives to sustain its competitive advantage.

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.

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