WallStSmart

Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)vs3M Company (MMM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lithia Motors Inc generates 51% more annual revenue ($37.73B vs $25.02B). MMM leads profitability with a 11.1% profit margin vs 1.9%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. MMM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

LAD

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

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

MMM

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.82
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LADUndervalued (+53.9%)

Margin of Safety

+53.9%

Fair Value

$694.31

Current Price

$293.99

$400.32 discount

UndervaluedFair: $694.31Overvalued
MMMSignificantly Overvalued (-31.4%)

Margin of Safety

-31.4%

Fair Value

$131.53

Current Price

$143.29

$11.76 premium

UndervaluedFair: $131.53Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

MMM3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
71.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 72 in profit

Market CapQuality
$74.98B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
23.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.3%

Areas to Watch

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

MMM4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.3%4/10

1.3% revenue growth

Price/BookValuation
22.9x2/10

Trading at 22.9x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
-39.7%2/10

Earnings declined 39.7%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : MMM

The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : LAD

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

Bear Case : MMM

The primary concerns for MMM are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MMM is growing revenue faster at 1.3% — sustainability is the question.

MMM generates stronger free cash flow (349M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MMM scores higher overall (56/100 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.

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.

3M Company

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

The 3M Company is an American multinational conglomerate corporation operating in the fields of industry, worker safety, US health care, and consumer goods. The company produces over 60,000 products under several brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical and electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films. It is based in Maplewood, a suburb of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

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