WallStSmart

ACV Auctions Inc. (ACVA)vsAutoNation Inc (AN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AutoNation Inc generates 3420% more annual revenue ($27.49B vs $781.10M). AN leads profitability with a 2.5% profit margin vs -8.0%. AN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

ACVA

Hold

37

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 6.7Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.47

AN

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.83
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ACVAUndervalued (+57.9%)

Margin of Safety

+57.9%

Fair Value

$17.12

Current Price

$5.66

$11.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $17.12Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AN.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACVA1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

AN5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.718/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

ACVA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$1.15B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
-14.4%2/10

ROE of -14.4% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.472/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

AN4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
2.5%3/10

2.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.7%3/10

Operating margin of 4.7%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-2.1%2/10

Revenue declined 2.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACVA

The strongest argument for ACVA centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 11.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : AN

The strongest argument for AN centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.71 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ACVA

The primary concerns for ACVA are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : AN

The primary concerns for AN are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.71 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACVA profiles as a turnaround stock while AN is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ACVA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.78 — expect wider price swings.

ACVA is growing revenue faster at 11.8% — sustainability is the question.

ACVA generates stronger free cash flow (75M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 37/100). ACVA offers better value entry with a 57.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

ACV Auctions Inc.

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

ACV Auctions, Inc., operates a digital marketplace that connects buyers and sellers for online wholesale vehicle auctions. The company is headquartered in Buffalo, New York.

AutoNation Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

AutoNation, Inc. is an automobile retailer in the United States. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?