WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsAlibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd generates 3707% more annual revenue ($1.04T vs $27.45B). BABA leads profitability with a 7.0% profit margin vs 2.8%. BABA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.52. AN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

AN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.85

BABA

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.5Value: 8.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AN.

BABAUndervalued (+58.3%)

Margin of Safety

+58.3%

Fair Value

$365.09

Current Price

$109.30

$255.79 discount

UndervaluedFair: $365.09Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AN5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
138.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 138.5% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.588/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

BABA4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$281.47B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Debt/EquityHealth
0.259/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.528/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

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

2.8% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

Operating margin of 4.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.6%2/10

Revenue declined 0.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-140.70M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

BABA4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
7.0%3/10

ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.0%3/10

7.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AN

The strongest argument for AN centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : BABA

The strongest argument for BABA centers on Market Cap, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.52 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AN

The primary concerns for AN are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 5.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : BABA

The primary concerns for BABA are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.72 — expect wider price swings.

BABA is growing revenue faster at 8.6% — sustainability is the question.

AN generates stronger free cash flow (-141M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AN scores higher overall (63/100 vs 55/100). BABA offers better value entry with a 58.3% margin of safety. 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.

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.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · INTERNET RETAIL · USA

Alibaba Group Holding Limited, also known as Alibaba Group and Alibaba.com, is a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in e-commerce, retail, Internet, and technology. Founded on 28 June 1999 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, the company provides consumer-to-consumer (C2C), business-to-consumer (B2C), and business-to-business (B2B) sales services via web portals, as well as electronic payment services, shopping search engines and cloud computing services. It owns and operates a diverse portfolio of companies around the world in numerous business sectors.

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