Warby Parker

Warby Parker Inc is assigned a 3-star quantitative star rating, illustrating our stance that this share class is a balanced choice, but prudent investors should consider looking elsewhere. The stock currently trades at a 17% premium over our quantitative fair value estimate of $22.75 per share; however, this estimate should be taken with a pinch of salt due to its high uncertainty rating. We require the price/fair value ratio to move a certain amount before the star rating can change. This stability-enhancing buffer is in effect for this stock.

The firm's valuation metrics weaken our estimated fair value. A company's valuation metrics provide insights into the market's expectations for its future growth and profitability. Reflecting the firm's valuation is its enterprise value to EBITDA ratio of 31.9, which ranks in the top 20% compared with peers globally. This suggests that the value of its enterprise value, or the value of its shares and debt, is a high multiple of the generated EBITDA. We believe this is a sign that shares could be expensive.

The firm's lack of profitability is an additional cause for concern. Companies with low profitability are often less resilient in recessions and are likely to generate weaker future cash flows for shareholders. The firm's earnings yield of 1.0%, a core component of profitability, falls in the bottom 40% globally. The earnings generated by the company relative to its share price is concerning, which further promotes our unfavorable price/fair value ratio.

With its quantitative economic moat rating of none, this business is unlikely to consistently outearn its cost of capital without structural protection from competition. Additionally, the firm's moderate financial health score suggests it is acceptably positioned against adverse economic circumstances.