WallStSmart

ACV Auctions Inc. (ACVA)vsLithia Motors Inc (LAD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lithia Motors Inc generates 4634% more annual revenue ($37.94B vs $801.34M). LAD leads profitability with a 1.9% profit margin vs -7.9%. LAD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

ACVA

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

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

LAD

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.38
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ACVAUndervalued (+56.9%)

Margin of Safety

+56.9%

Fair Value

$16.70

Current Price

$10.41

$6.29 discount

UndervaluedFair: $16.70Overvalued
LADUndervalued (+12.0%)

Margin of Safety

+12.0%

Fair Value

$364.07

Current Price

$358.02

$6.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $364.07Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACVA0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

LAD3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.728/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

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

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$1.29B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
-14.4%2/10

ROE of -14.4% — below average capital efficiency

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-44.15M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

LAD4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
1.9%3/10

1.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.6%3/10

Operating margin of 4.6%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACVA

Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : LAD

The strongest argument for LAD centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. PEG of 0.72 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 : LAD

The primary concerns for LAD are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.58 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ACVA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.83 — expect wider price swings.

ACVA is growing revenue faster at 10.4% — sustainability is the question.

ACVA generates stronger free cash flow (-44M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LAD scores higher overall (61/100 vs 34/100). ACVA offers better value entry with a 56.9% 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.

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.

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.

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