WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsThe Coca-Cola Company (KO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The Coca-Cola Company generates 79% more annual revenue ($49.28B vs $27.49B). KO leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 2.5%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

AN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

KO

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.5Value: 3.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.49
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
KOSignificantly Overvalued (-22.1%)

Margin of Safety

-22.1%

Fair Value

$64.21

Current Price

$78.42

$14.21 premium

UndervaluedFair: $64.21Overvalued

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

KO5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$337.40B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
43.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
35.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%

Profit MarginProfitability
27.8%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.75B8/10

Generating 1.8B 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%

KO3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
10.0x4/10

Trading at 10.0x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.413/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
4.032/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : KO

The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : KO

The primary concerns for KO are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AN profiles as a value stock while KO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

KO is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.

KO generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KO scores higher overall (65/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins and 12.1% revenue growth. AN offers better value entry with a 15.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

The Coca-Cola Company

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.

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