Barnes & Noble Education Inc (BNED)vsUlta Beauty Inc (ULTA)
BNED
Barnes & Noble Education Inc
$10.37
-1.89%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $353.76M
ULTA
Ulta Beauty Inc
$467.07
+0.98%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $20.11B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ulta Beauty Inc generates 635% more annual revenue ($12.71B vs $1.73B). ULTA leads profitability with a 9.4% profit margin vs -0.6%. BNED appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.10. ULTA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
BNED
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
ULTA
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for BNED.
Margin of Safety
-23.0%
Fair Value
$555.27
Current Price
$467.07
$88.20 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
Operating margin of 2.9%
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BNED
The strongest argument for BNED centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.10 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its 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 : BNED
The primary concerns for BNED are Market Cap, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : ULTA
The primary concerns for ULTA are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BNED profiles as a turnaround stock while ULTA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
BNED carries more volatility with a beta of 1.35 — expect wider price swings.
BNED is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
ULTA generates stronger free cash flow (204M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ULTA scores higher overall (63/100 vs 49/100) 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.
Barnes & Noble Education Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · SPECIALTY RETAIL · USA
Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. operates bookstores for college and university campuses and K-12 institutions in the United States. The company is headquartered in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.
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.
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