WallStSmart

Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)vsSterling Construction Company Inc (STRL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lithia Motors Inc generates 1415% more annual revenue ($37.73B vs $2.49B). STRL leads profitability with a 11.7% 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

STRL

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 3.0Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.89
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for STRL.

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

STRL2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
32.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
51.5%10/10

Revenue surging 51.5% year-over-year

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

STRL4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
4.442/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
72.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
23.4x2/10

Trading at 23.4x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
-22.6%2/10

Earnings declined 22.6%

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 : STRL

The strongest argument for STRL centers on Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 51.5% 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 : STRL

The primary concerns for STRL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 72.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAD profiles as a value stock while STRL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

STRL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.64 — expect wider price swings.

STRL is growing revenue faster at 51.5% — sustainability is the question.

STRL generates stronger free cash flow (146M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LAD scores higher overall (55/100 vs 53/100). 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.

Sterling Construction Company Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION · USA

Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a construction company, engages in residential construction, specialty services, and heavy civil activities primarily in the southern United States, the Rocky Mountain states, California, and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.

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