Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsEstee Lauder Companies Inc (EL)
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$124.58
+1.29%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $29.39B
EL
Estee Lauder Companies Inc
$97.12
+0.67%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $36.79B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Dollar General Corporation generates 190% more annual revenue ($43.64B vs $15.05B). DG leads profitability with a 3.9% profit margin vs 1.2%. DG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.81. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
DG
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
EL
Hold37
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+13.5%
Fair Value
$170.18
Current Price
$124.58
$45.60 discount
Margin of Safety
+29.8%
Fair Value
$150.16
Current Price
$97.12
$53.04 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 33.3% YoY
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.9% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.2x book value
ROE of 4.8% — below average capital efficiency
1.2% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bull Case : EL
EL has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : DG
The primary concerns for DG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.68 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : EL
The primary concerns for EL are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 203.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.43 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.
EL is growing revenue faster at 6.3% — sustainability is the question.
EL generates stronger free cash flow (425M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
DG scores higher overall (63/100 vs 37/100). EL offers better value entry with a 29.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Dollar General Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Visit Website →Estee Lauder Companies Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, based in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The company owns a diverse portfolio of brands, distributed internationally through both digital commerce and retail channels.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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