Since May 2020, the S&P 500 has delivered a total return of 92.9%. But one standout stock has more than doubled the market - over the past five years, Urban Outfitters has surged 198% to $51.10 per share. Its momentum hasn’t stopped as it’s also gained 31.3% in the last six months thanks to its solid quarterly results, beating the S&P by 37%.
Is there a buying opportunity in Urban Outfitters, or does it present a risk to your portfolio? See what our analysts have to say in our full research report, it’s free.
Why Is Urban Outfitters Not Exciting?
We’re glad investors have benefited from the price increase, but we don't have much confidence in Urban Outfitters. Here are three reasons why URBN doesn't excite us and a stock we'd rather own.
1. Long-Term Revenue Growth Disappoints
A company’s long-term performance is an indicator of its overall quality. Any business can put up a good quarter or two, but many enduring ones grow for years. Regrettably, Urban Outfitters’s sales grew at a tepid 6.9% compounded annual growth rate over the last five years. This was below our standard for the consumer retail sector. 
2. Fewer Distribution Channels than Larger Competitors
With $5.55 billion in revenue over the past 12 months, Urban Outfitters is a mid-sized retailer, which sometimes brings disadvantages compared to larger competitors benefiting from better economies of scale.
3. Previous Growth Initiatives Haven’t Impressed
Growth gives us insight into a company’s long-term potential, but how capital-efficient was that growth? A company’s ROIC explains this by showing how much operating profit it makes compared to the money it has raised (debt and equity).
Urban Outfitters historically did a mediocre job investing in profitable growth initiatives. Its five-year average ROIC was 9.5%, somewhat low compared to the best consumer retail companies that consistently pump out 25%+.
Final Judgment
Urban Outfitters isn’t a terrible business, but it doesn’t pass our quality test. With its shares outperforming the market lately, the stock trades at 11.9× forward P/E (or $51.10 per share). While this valuation is fair, the upside isn’t great compared to the potential downside. We're fairly confident there are better investments elsewhere. We’d recommend looking at a fast-growing restaurant franchise with an A+ ranch dressing sauce.
Stocks We Would Buy Instead of Urban Outfitters
Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.
While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 175% over the last five years.
Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like Sterling Infrastructure (+1,096% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
