WallStSmart

Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsGrand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Dollar General Corporation generates 3721% more annual revenue ($43.64B vs $1.14B). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.6% profit margin vs 3.9%. LOPE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

DG

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.08

LOPE

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 8.01
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DGUndervalued (+13.5%)

Margin of Safety

+13.5%

Fair Value

$170.18

Current Price

$124.58

$45.60 discount

UndervaluedFair: $170.18Overvalued
LOPESignificantly Overvalued (-49.6%)

Margin of Safety

-49.6%

Fair Value

$107.14

Current Price

$151.20

$44.06 premium

UndervaluedFair: $107.14Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DG3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.3% YoY

LOPE5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
8.0110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.169/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.908/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
22.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%

Areas to Watch

DG3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.814/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
3.9%3/10

3.9% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.683/10

Elevated debt levels

LOPE0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DG

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

Bull Case : LOPE

The strongest argument for LOPE centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.6% and operating margin at 22.0%. PEG of 0.90 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 1.68 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : LOPE

No major red flags identified for LOPE, but monitor valuation.

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 0.58 — expect wider price swings.

LOPE is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.

DG generates stronger free cash flow (374M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LOPE scores higher overall (69/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 19.6% 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.

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?