WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsOPENLANE, Inc. (OPLN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AutoNation Inc generates 1223% more annual revenue ($27.45B vs $2.08B). OPLN leads profitability with a 9.7% profit margin vs 2.8%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. OPLN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.85

OPLN

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.5Value: 4.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.20
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AN.

OPLNSignificantly Overvalued (-44.9%)

Margin of Safety

-44.9%

Fair Value

$19.80

Current Price

$35.28

$15.48 premium

UndervaluedFair: $19.80Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AN4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
138.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 138.5% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.588/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

OPLN3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
113.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 113.3% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.1%8/10

15.1% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

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

2.8% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

Operating margin of 4.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.6%2/10

Revenue declined 0.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-140.70M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

OPLN1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.202/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AN

The strongest argument for AN centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : OPLN

The strongest argument for OPLN centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.22 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AN

The primary concerns for AN are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 5.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : OPLN

The primary concerns for OPLN are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AN profiles as a value stock while OPLN is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

OPLN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.

OPLN is growing revenue faster at 15.1% — sustainability is the question.

OPLN generates stronger free cash flow (39M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

OPLN scores higher overall (67/100 vs 63/100) and 15.1% revenue growth. 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.

OPENLANE, Inc.

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

OPENLANE, Inc., is a digital marketplace for used vehicles, which connects sellers and buyers in the United States, Canada, Continental Europe and the United Kingdom. The company is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.

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