WallStSmart

Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsLithia Motors Inc (LAD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Dollar General Corporation generates 13% more annual revenue ($42.72B vs $37.73B). DG leads profitability with a 3.5% profit margin vs 1.9%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

DG

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.00

LAD

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 9.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.55
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DGUndervalued (+31.5%)

Margin of Safety

+31.5%

Fair Value

$214.72

Current Price

$113.29

$101.43 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.72Overvalued
LADUndervalued (+53.9%)

Margin of Safety

+53.9%

Fair Value

$694.31

Current Price

$293.99

$400.32 discount

UndervaluedFair: $694.31Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DG4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
121.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
17.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.27B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

LAD3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.648/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

DG3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.694/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
2.021/10

Elevated debt levels

LAD4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.0%4/10

1.0% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
1.9%3/10

1.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

Operating margin of 3.6%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DG

The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bull Case : LAD

The strongest argument for LAD centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.64 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : DG

The primary concerns for DG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : LAD

The primary concerns for LAD are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.

DG is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.

DG generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

DG scores higher overall (63/100 vs 55/100). LAD offers better value entry with a 53.9% margin of safety. 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.

Dollar General Corporation

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA

Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

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Lithia Motors Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Lithia Motors, Inc. is an automobile retailer in the United States. The company is headquartered in Medford, Oregon.

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