WallStSmart

Ross Stores Inc (ROST)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 16% more annual revenue ($26.35B vs $22.75B). USB leads profitability with a 28.7% profit margin vs 9.4%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.80. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

ROST

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.10

USB

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ROSTSignificantly Overvalued (-15.8%)

Margin of Safety

-15.8%

Fair Value

$166.32

Current Price

$216.03

$49.71 premium

UndervaluedFair: $166.32Overvalued
USBUndervalued (+75.8%)

Margin of Safety

+75.8%

Fair Value

$214.00

Current Price

$51.89

$162.11 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.00Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ROST3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
36.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.1010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$70.18B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%

Market CapQuality
$81.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.7%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

ROST3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
11.2x4/10

Trading at 11.2x book value

PEG RatioValuation
3.112/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

USB2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.804/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ROST

The strongest argument for ROST centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 12.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.

Bear Case : ROST

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

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ROST profiles as a value stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.

ROST is growing revenue faster at 12.2% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 28.7% margins. 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.

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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U.S. Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.

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