Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)
LAD
Lithia Motors Inc
$293.99
+0.99%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $6.64B
MS
Morgan Stanley
$193.09
+1.54%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $299.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Morgan Stanley generates 94% more annual revenue ($73.17B vs $37.73B). MS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 1.9%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
LAD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
MS
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+53.9%
Fair Value
$694.31
Current Price
$293.99
$400.32 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MS.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 40.6%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
16.3% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
1.0% revenue growth
1.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.6%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : MS
The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 40.6%. Revenue growth of 16.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : MS
The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LAD profiles as a value stock while MS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LAD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.
MS is growing revenue faster at 16.3% — sustainability is the question.
LAD generates stronger free cash flow (-206M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 16.3% revenue growth. LAD offers better value entry with a 53.9% 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.
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.
Morgan Stanley
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Compare with Other AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?