Caleres Inc (CAL)vsRoss Stores Inc (ROST)
CAL
Caleres Inc
$12.51
+5.30%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $431.66M
ROST
Ross Stores Inc
$230.74
+2.33%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $74.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ross Stores Inc generates 761% more annual revenue ($24.51B vs $2.85B). ROST leads profitability with a 10.8% profit margin vs 1.9%. CAL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.82. CAL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
CAL
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
ROST
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAL.
Margin of Safety
-4.8%
Fair Value
$183.73
Current Price
$230.74
$47.01 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 762.0% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 39 in profit
Earnings expanding 70.5% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Grey zone — moderate risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 0.1% — below average capital efficiency
1.9% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 10.9x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CAL
The strongest argument for CAL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.82 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : ROST
The strongest argument for ROST centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 13.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CAL
The primary concerns for CAL are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.55 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : ROST
The primary concerns for ROST are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ROST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.86 — expect wider price swings.
ROST is growing revenue faster at 13.3% — sustainability is the question.
ROST generates stronger free cash flow (624M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor APPAREL RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CAL scores higher overall (66/100 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.
Caleres Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA
Caleres, Inc. is engaged in the retail and wholesale of footwear in the United States, China, Canada, China, and Guam. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
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 →Compare with Other APPAREL RETAIL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?