WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AutoNation Inc generates 150% more annual revenue ($27.49B vs $11.01B). STX leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs 2.5%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.54. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

AN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

STX

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
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 STX.

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

STX6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
44.1%10/10

Revenue surging 44.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
108.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 108.3% YoY

Market CapQuality
$171.86B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
21.6%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.548/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

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%

STX2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
72.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
372.7x2/10

Trading at 372.7x book value

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 : STX

The strongest argument for STX centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.7%. Revenue growth of 44.1% 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 : STX

The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 72.4x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

STX carries more volatility with a beta of 2.01 — expect wider price swings.

STX is growing revenue faster at 44.1% — sustainability is the question.

STX generates stronger free cash flow (953M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

STX scores higher overall (76/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins and 44.1% 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.

Seagate Technology PLC

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.

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