WallStSmart

Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)vsPenske Automotive Group Inc (PAG)

VS
⚡

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lithia Motors Inc generates 19% more annual revenue ($38.21B vs $32.20B). PAG leads profitability with a 2.8% profit margin vs 2.1%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. LAD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

LAD

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 5.0Value: 8.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.38

PAG

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.70
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LADUndervalued (+12.2%)

Margin of Safety

+12.2%

Fair Value

$364.90

Current Price

$309.66

$55.24 discount

UndervaluedFair: $364.90Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for PAG.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LAD4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
53.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 53.5% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.588/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

PAG2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
14.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

LAD4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.8%4/10

2.8% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
2.1%3/10

2.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.2%3/10

Operating margin of 4.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PAG4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

Operating margin of 4.0%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.593/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LAD

The strongest argument for LAD centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : PAG

The strongest argument for PAG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : LAD

The primary concerns for LAD are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.43 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : PAG

The primary concerns for PAG are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.59 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.

PAG is growing revenue faster at 6.0% — sustainability is the question.

PAG generates stronger free cash flow (132M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

LAD scores higher overall (68/100 vs 52/100). 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.

Penske Automotive Group Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Penske Automotive Group, Inc., a diversified transportation services company, operates commercial and automotive truck dealerships. The company is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?