Cato Corporation (CATO)vsThe TJX Companies Inc (TJX)
CATO
Cato Corporation
$2.77
-5.14%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $69.04M
TJX
The TJX Companies Inc
$159.74
+0.86%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $177.78B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The TJX Companies Inc generates 9176% more annual revenue ($60.37B vs $650.83M). TJX leads profitability with a 9.1% profit margin vs -2.9%. CATO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. TJX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
CATO
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
TJX
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CATO.
Margin of Safety
+30.8%
Fair Value
$227.92
Current Price
$159.74
$68.18 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 63.3% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 59 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 28.3% YoY
Generating 2.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
4.7% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Operating margin of 2.9%
ROE of -10.3% — below average capital efficiency
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 17.6x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CATO
The strongest argument for CATO centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : TJX
The strongest argument for TJX centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.
Bear Case : CATO
The primary concerns for CATO are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : TJX
The primary concerns for TJX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CATO profiles as a turnaround stock while TJX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
TJX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — expect wider price swings.
TJX is growing revenue faster at 8.5% — sustainability is the question.
TJX generates stronger free cash flow (2.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
TJX scores higher overall (56/100 vs 53/100). Both earn "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.
Cato Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA
The Cato Corporation is a specialty clothing and fashion accessories retailer primarily in the southeastern United States. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The TJX Companies Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA
The TJX Companies, Inc. (abbreviated TJX) is an American multinational off-price department store corporation, headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts.
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