HSTM vs. SHOP: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?

Core Viewpoint - HealthStream (HSTM) is currently viewed as a better value opportunity compared to Shopify (SHOP) based on various financial metrics and rankings [1]. Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - HSTM has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook due to recent revisions in earnings estimates [3]. - In contrast, SHOP has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting a less favorable earnings outlook [3]. Group 2: Valuation Metrics - HSTM's forward P/E ratio is 28.70, significantly lower than SHOP's forward P/E of 93.19, indicating that HSTM may be undervalued relative to SHOP [5]. - HSTM has a PEG ratio of 2.39, while SHOP's PEG ratio is higher at 3.77, suggesting that HSTM's earnings growth is more reasonably priced [5]. - HSTM's P/B ratio stands at 1.88, compared to SHOP's P/B of 17.11, further indicating that HSTM is more attractively valued [6]. Group 3: Value Grades - HSTM holds a Value grade of B, while SHOP has a Value grade of F, reinforcing the view that HSTM is the superior choice for value investors [6].