WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsPayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PayPal Holdings Inc generates 23% more annual revenue ($33.73B vs $27.49B). PYPL leads profitability with a 15.0% profit margin vs 2.5%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. PYPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

AN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

PYPL

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.66
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for PYPL.

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

PYPL4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
25.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.918/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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%

PYPL2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.664/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
-6.2%2/10

Earnings declined 6.2%

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 : PYPL

The strongest argument for PYPL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.91 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. Thin 2.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : PYPL

The primary concerns for PYPL are Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PYPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.40 — expect wider price swings.

PYPL is growing revenue faster at 7.2% — sustainability is the question.

PYPL generates stronger free cash flow (911M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

PYPL scores higher overall (70/100 vs 63/100). 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.

PayPal Holdings Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American company operating an online payments system in the majority of countries that support online money transfers, and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders. The company operates as a payment processor for online vendors, auction sites, and many other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.

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