WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsDollar General Corporation (DG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Dollar General Corporation generates 55% more annual revenue ($42.72B vs $27.49B). DG leads profitability with a 3.5% profit margin vs 2.5%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

AN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 8.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.01

DG

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.00
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ANUndervalued (+15.1%)

Margin of Safety

+15.1%

Fair Value

$244.66

Current Price

$205.97

$38.69 discount

UndervaluedFair: $244.66Overvalued
DGUndervalued (+31.5%)

Margin of Safety

+31.5%

Fair Value

$214.72

Current Price

$113.29

$101.43 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.72Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AN5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.748/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.5% YoY

DG4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
121.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
17.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.27B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AN4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
2.5%3/10

2.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.7%3/10

Operating margin of 4.7%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-2.1%2/10

Revenue declined 2.1%

DG3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.694/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
2.021/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AN

The strongest argument for AN centers on P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.74 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : DG

The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : AN

The primary concerns for AN are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 2.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : DG

The primary concerns for DG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.

DG is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.

DG generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AN scores higher overall (63/100 vs 63/100). DG offers better value entry with a 31.5% margin of safety. 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.

AutoNation Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

AutoNation, Inc. is an automobile retailer in the United States. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Dollar General Corporation

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA

Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

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