WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lowe's Companies Inc generates 222% more annual revenue ($88.43B vs $27.49B). LOW leads profitability with a 7.5% profit margin vs 2.5%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. AN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

AN

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.83

LOW

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.88
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AN.

LOWSignificantly Overvalued (-50.6%)

Margin of Safety

-50.6%

Fair Value

$139.97

Current Price

$210.74

$70.77 premium

UndervaluedFair: $139.97Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AN5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.718/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.5% YoY

LOW4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-4.5910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$115.86B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.83B8/10

Generating 2.8B 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%

LOW4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.884/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.5%3/10

7.5% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AN

The strongest argument for AN centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.71 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LOW

The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, P/E Ratio. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.36 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AN

The primary concerns for AN are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.71 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : LOW

The primary concerns for LOW are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.90 — expect wider price swings.

LOW is growing revenue faster at 10.3% — sustainability is the question.

LOW generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

AN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 50/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Lowe's Companies Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.

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