WallStSmart

Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 50% more annual revenue ($56.58B vs $37.73B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs 1.9%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. LAD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).

LAD

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

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

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
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
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-51.8%)

Margin of Safety

-51.8%

Fair Value

$110.12

Current Price

$146.03

$35.91 premium

UndervaluedFair: $110.12Overvalued

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

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$277.42B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
30.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
23.9%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

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

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

PEG RatioValuation
2.592/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.7%2/10

Revenue declined 0.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-9.3%2/10

Earnings declined 9.3%

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 : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.

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 : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAD profiles as a value stock while NVS is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

LAD is growing revenue faster at 1.0% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LAD scores higher overall (55/100 vs 51/100). 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.

Novartis AG ADR

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

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