WallStSmart

Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lithia Motors Inc generates 281% more annual revenue ($37.73B vs $9.89B). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 1.9%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. PANW 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

PANW

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02
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
PANWUndervalued (+54.1%)

Margin of Safety

+54.1%

Fair Value

$452.64

Current Price

$207.88

$244.76 discount

UndervaluedFair: $452.64Overvalued

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

PANW3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$159.39B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
15.6x4/10

Trading at 15.6x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.092/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
109.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 : PANW

The strongest argument for PANW centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.9% 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 : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 109.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.

PANW generates stronger free cash flow (470M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

PANW scores higher overall (56/100 vs 55/100) and 14.9% revenue growth. 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.

Palo Alto Networks Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity platform solutions globally. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

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