AutoNation Inc (AN)vsLam Research Corp (LRCX)
AN
AutoNation Inc
$205.97
+0.33%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $6.88B
LRCX
Lam Research Corp
$294.05
+2.63%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $358.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AutoNation Inc generates 27% more annual revenue ($27.49B vs $21.68B). LRCX leads profitability with a 30.9% profit margin vs 2.5%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. LRCX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
AN
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
LRCX
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+15.1%
Fair Value
$244.66
Current Price
$205.97
$38.69 discount
Margin of Safety
+14.2%
Fair Value
$342.67
Current Price
$294.05
$48.62 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 31.5% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 67 in profit
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.0%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Revenue surging 23.8% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
2.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.7%
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 2.1%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 34.8x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : LRCX
The strongest argument for LRCX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.9% and operating margin at 35.0%. Revenue growth of 23.8% 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 : LRCX
The primary concerns for LRCX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 54.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AN profiles as a value stock while LRCX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LRCX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.82 — expect wider price swings.
LRCX is growing revenue faster at 23.8% — sustainability is the question.
LRCX generates stronger free cash flow (810M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LRCX scores higher overall (74/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 30.9% margins and 23.8% 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.
Lam Research Corp
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
Lam Research Corporation is an American corporation that engages in the design, manufacture, marketing, and service of semiconductor processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Its products are used primarily in front-end wafer processing, which involves the steps that create the active components of semiconductor devices (transistors, capacitors) and their wiring (interconnects). The company also builds equipment for back-end wafer-level packaging (WLP), and for related manufacturing markets such as for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The company is headquartered in Fremont, California, in the Silicon Valley.
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