WallStSmart

CarGurus (CARG)vsPenske Automotive Group Inc (PAG)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Penske Automotive Group Inc generates 3407% more annual revenue ($31.81B vs $906.98M). CARG leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 2.9%. CARG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.01. CARG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CARG

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 9.5Value: 10.0Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 4.17

PAG

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CARGUndervalued (+63.1%)

Margin of Safety

+63.1%

Fair Value

$74.48

Current Price

$35.45

$39.03 discount

UndervaluedFair: $74.48Overvalued
PAGSignificantly Overvalued (-80.3%)

Margin of Safety

-80.3%

Fair Value

$96.08

Current Price

$148.11

$52.03 premium

UndervaluedFair: $96.08Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CARG4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
43.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.1710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

P/E RatioValuation
17.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
28.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.7%

PAG2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

CARG1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Price/BookValuation
9.0x4/10

Trading at 9.0x book value

PAG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.624/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
2.9%3/10

2.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.4%3/10

Operating margin of 3.4%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.563/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CARG

The strongest argument for CARG centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.2% and operating margin at 28.7%. PEG of 1.01 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : PAG

The strongest argument for PAG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : CARG

The primary concerns for CARG are Price/Book.

Bear Case : PAG

The primary concerns for PAG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CARG profiles as a mature stock while PAG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CARG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

CARG is growing revenue faster at 5.5% — sustainability is the question.

CARG generates stronger free cash flow (82M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CARG scores higher overall (67/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins. 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.

CarGurus

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

CarGurus, Inc. operates an online automotive marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of new and used cars in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Penske Automotive Group Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Penske Automotive Group, Inc., a diversified transportation services company, operates commercial and automotive truck dealerships. The company is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

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