WallStSmart

Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)vsPNC Financial Services Group Inc (PNC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lithia Motors Inc generates 64% more annual revenue ($37.73B vs $23.04B). PNC leads profitability with a 31.3% profit margin vs 1.9%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. PNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

LAD

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

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

PNC

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.15
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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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for PNC.

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

PNC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
31.3%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
36.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.7%

Market CapQuality
$88.06B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
12.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.93B8/10

Generating 1.9B 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

PNC2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.714/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.152/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : PNC

The strongest argument for PNC centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.3% and operating margin at 36.7%. Revenue growth of 13.8% 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 : PNC

The primary concerns for PNC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAD profiles as a value stock while PNC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

PNC is growing revenue faster at 13.8% — sustainability is the question.

PNC generates stronger free cash flow (1.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PNC scores higher overall (75/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 31.3% margins and 13.8% 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.

PNC Financial Services Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (stylized as PNC) is a bank holding company and financial services corporation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its banking subsidiary, PNC Bank, operates in 21 states and the District of Columbia with 2,296 branches and 9,051 ATMs. The company also provides financial services such as asset management, wealth management, estate planning, loan servicing, and information processing.

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