WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsFlex Ltd (FLEX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AutoNation Inc generates 2% more annual revenue ($27.49B vs $26.83B). FLEX leads profitability with a 3.2% profit margin vs 2.5%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. AN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

AN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 8.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.01

FLEX

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.31
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ANUndervalued (+15.1%)

Margin of Safety

+15.1%

Fair Value

$244.66

Current Price

$205.97

$38.69 discount

UndervaluedFair: $244.66Overvalued
FLEXUndervalued (+3.5%)

Margin of Safety

+3.5%

Fair Value

$67.21

Current Price

$142.17

$74.96 discount

UndervaluedFair: $67.21Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AN5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.748/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.5% YoY

FLEX2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.948/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.9%8/10

16.9% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

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%

FLEX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
10.2x4/10

Trading at 10.2x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
3.2%3/10

3.2% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.093/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
57.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AN

The strongest argument for AN centers on P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.74 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : FLEX

The strongest argument for FLEX centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 16.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.94 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AN

The primary concerns for AN are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 2.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : FLEX

The primary concerns for FLEX are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 57.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AN profiles as a value stock while FLEX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

FLEX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.

FLEX is growing revenue faster at 16.9% — sustainability is the question.

FLEX generates stronger free cash flow (211M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AN scores higher overall (63/100 vs 60/100). 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.

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.

Flex Ltd

TECHNOLOGY · ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS · USA

Flex Ltd. provides design, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain services and solutions to OEMs in Asia, the Americas and Europe. The company is headquartered in Singapore.

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