Arko Corp (ARKO)vsUlta Beauty Inc (ULTA)
ARKO
Arko Corp
$7.70
-3.48%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $919.92M
ULTA
Ulta Beauty Inc
$485.52
+0.98%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $20.59B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ulta Beauty Inc generates 96% more annual revenue ($12.71B vs $6.49B). ULTA leads profitability with a 9.4% profit margin vs 0.4%. ULTA trades at a lower P/E of 17.9x. ULTA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
ARKO
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
ULTA
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+8.0%
Fair Value
$6.85
Current Price
$7.70
$0.85 discount
Margin of Safety
-23.1%
Fair Value
$554.67
Current Price
$485.52
$69.15 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 42.9% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 46 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 5.8% — below average capital efficiency
0.4% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ARKO
The strongest argument for ARKO centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bull Case : ULTA
The strongest argument for ULTA centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ARKO
The primary concerns for ARKO are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 41.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 4.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : ULTA
The primary concerns for ULTA are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ARKO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
ULTA is growing revenue faster at 11.1% — sustainability is the question.
ULTA generates stronger free cash flow (204M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ULTA scores higher overall (63/100 vs 46/100) and 11.1% revenue growth. 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.
Arko Corp
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · SPECIALTY RETAIL · USA
Arko Corp. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
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.
Compare with Other SPECIALTY RETAIL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?