WallStSmart

Carter’s Inc (CRI)vsThe Gap, Inc. (GAP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The Gap, Inc. generates 422% more annual revenue ($15.40B vs $2.95B). GAP leads profitability with a 6.3% profit margin vs 3.1%. GAP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. GAP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

CRI

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.52

GAP

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CRIUndervalued (+36.7%)

Margin of Safety

+36.7%

Fair Value

$59.72

Current Price

$38.19

$21.53 discount

UndervaluedFair: $59.72Overvalued
GAPSignificantly Overvalued (-25.8%)

Margin of Safety

-25.8%

Fair Value

$21.83

Current Price

$21.56

$0.27 premium

UndervaluedFair: $21.83Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CRI2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
15.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

GAP4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
76.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 76.5% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
21.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

CRI4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.014/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$1.42B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
3.1%3/10

3.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.2%3/10

Operating margin of 4.2%

GAP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.0%4/10

1.0% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
6.3%3/10

6.3% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.543/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CRI

The strongest argument for CRI centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bull Case : GAP

The strongest argument for GAP centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CRI

The primary concerns for CRI are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : GAP

The primary concerns for GAP are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.54 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GAP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.01 — expect wider price swings.

CRI is growing revenue faster at 8.1% — sustainability is the question.

GAP generates stronger free cash flow (78M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor APPAREL RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

GAP scores higher overall (69/100 vs 50/100). CRI offers better value entry with a 36.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

Carter’s Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

Carter's, Inc. designs, supplies, and markets branded children's clothing under the brands Carter's, OshKosh, Skip Hop, Child of Mine, Just One You, Simple Joys, Carter's little baby basics, and other brands in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Gap, Inc.

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

The Gap, Inc. is a prominent global apparel retailer founded in 1969, known for its diverse portfolio of iconic brands including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta. Headquartered in San Francisco, the company services over 40 countries and prioritizes quality, value, and style for a broad customer demographic. As it navigates the dynamic retail landscape, Gap is committed to enhancing its digital transformation and sustainability efforts, aiming to bolster its e-commerce presence while pursuing innovative product offerings and strategic growth initiatives to sustain its competitive advantage.

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