Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsGrand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$115.88
+1.53%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $25.51B
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc
$169.07
-0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $4.46B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Dollar General Corporation generates 3763% more annual revenue ($42.72B vs $1.11B). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.5% profit margin vs 3.5%. LOPE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
DG
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
LOPE
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+31.8%
Fair Value
$215.69
Current Price
$115.88
$99.81 discount
Margin of Safety
-45.6%
Fair Value
$110.08
Current Price
$169.07
$58.99 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
Areas to Watch
3.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.36 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : LOPE
The strongest argument for LOPE centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.5% and operating margin at 35.1%. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : DG
The primary concerns for DG are 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 : LOPE
The primary concerns for LOPE are Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DG profiles as a value stock while LOPE is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
LOPE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.67 — 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.
Bottom Line
LOPE scores higher overall (66/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 19.5% margins. DG offers better value entry with a 31.8% 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.
Dollar General Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Visit Website →Grand Canyon Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. provides educational services to colleges and universities in the United States. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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