WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AutoNation Inc generates 133% more annual revenue ($27.49B vs $11.78B). WDC leads profitability with a 55.3% profit margin vs 2.5%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.43. WDC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).

AN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

WDC

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 7.0Quality: 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 WDC.

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

WDC6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4310/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Return on EquityProfitability
85.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 86 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
55.3%10/10

Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
45.5%10/10

Revenue surging 45.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
482.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 482.9% 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%

WDC2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
23.0x2/10

Trading at 23.0x 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 : WDC

The strongest argument for WDC centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.3% and operating margin at 37.0%. Revenue growth of 45.5% 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 : WDC

The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.16 — expect wider price swings.

WDC is growing revenue faster at 45.5% — sustainability is the question.

WDC generates stronger free cash flow (978M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WDC scores higher overall (79/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 55.3% margins and 45.5% 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.

Western Digital Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.

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