WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsValmont Industries Inc (VMI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AutoNation Inc generates 560% more annual revenue ($27.49B vs $4.16B). VMI leads profitability with a 8.9% profit margin vs 2.5%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. AN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

AN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

VMI

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 3/9
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
VMISignificantly Overvalued (-71.5%)

Margin of Safety

-71.5%

Fair Value

$278.61

Current Price

$510.55

$231.94 premium

UndervaluedFair: $278.61Overvalued

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

VMI3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Return on EquityProfitability
22.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.5% YoY

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%

VMI3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.594/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
28.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

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, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.74 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : VMI

The strongest argument for VMI centers on Debt/Equity, Return on Equity, EPS 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 : VMI

The primary concerns for VMI are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

VMI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.36 — expect wider price swings.

VMI is growing revenue faster at 6.2% — sustainability is the question.

VMI generates stronger free cash flow (69M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

AN scores higher overall (63/100 vs 60/100). Both earn "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.

Valmont Industries Inc

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Valmont Industries, Inc. produces and sells metal products manufactured in the United States, Australia, Denmark, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.

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