WallStSmart

Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsStrategic Education Inc (STRA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Dollar General Corporation generates 3263% more annual revenue ($42.72B vs $1.27B). STRA leads profitability with a 10.2% profit margin vs 3.5%. STRA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.70. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

DG

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 8.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.00

STRA

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.5Value: 8.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.68
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DGUndervalued (+31.8%)

Margin of Safety

+31.8%

Fair Value

$215.69

Current Price

$115.88

$99.81 discount

UndervaluedFair: $215.69Overvalued
STRAUndervalued (+73.4%)

Margin of Safety

+73.4%

Fair Value

$290.12

Current Price

$78.40

$211.72 discount

UndervaluedFair: $290.12Overvalued

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
16.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.27B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

STRA4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.708/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
14.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

DG2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
2.021/10

Elevated debt levels

STRA3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.8%4/10

0.8% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$1.80B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
7.9%3/10

ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : STRA

The strongest argument for STRA centers on Price/Book, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.70 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 : STRA

The primary concerns for STRA are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

STRA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.54 — 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 (65/100 vs 62/100). STRA offers better value entry with a 73.4% 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.

Visit Website →

Strategic Education Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA

Strategic Education, Inc., offers postsecondary education and non-degree programs. The company is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?