WallStSmart

Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lithia Motors Inc generates 178% more annual revenue ($37.73B vs $13.55B). LAD leads profitability with a 1.9% profit margin vs -1.6%. 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

WPP

Avoid

32

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 3.0Value: 5.7Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.73
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
WPPUndervalued (+75.6%)

Margin of Safety

+75.6%

Fair Value

$75.12

Current Price

$18.97

$56.15 discount

UndervaluedFair: $75.12Overvalued

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

WPP1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B 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

WPP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

Operating margin of 2.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.232/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-5.3%2/10

ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency

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 : WPP

The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.

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 : WPP

The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAD profiles as a value stock while WPP is a turnaround 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.

WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LAD scores higher overall (55/100 vs 32/100). WPP offers better value entry with a 75.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.

WPP PLC ADR

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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