WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsThe Home Depot Inc (HD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The Home Depot Inc generates 496% more annual revenue ($164.68B vs $27.63B). HD leads profitability with a 8.6% profit margin vs 2.4%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. AN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

AN

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.01

HD

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.5Value: 3.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.82
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ANSignificantly Overvalued (-37.4%)

Margin of Safety

-37.4%

Fair Value

$151.23

Current Price

$203.38

$52.15 premium

UndervaluedFair: $151.23Overvalued
HDSignificantly Overvalued (-40.2%)

Margin of Safety

-40.2%

Fair Value

$242.18

Current Price

$339.50

$97.32 premium

UndervaluedFair: $242.18Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AN4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
27.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 27 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.748/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

HD4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$338.15B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
145.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 146 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.8210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.29B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
1.3%4/10

1.3% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
2.4%3/10

2.4% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

Operating margin of 4.0%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

HD4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.112/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
26.4x2/10

Trading at 26.4x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.8%2/10

Revenue declined 3.8%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AN

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

Bull Case : HD

The strongest argument for HD centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : AN

The primary concerns for AN are EPS Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 2.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : HD

The primary concerns for HD are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.

HD is growing revenue faster at -3.8% — sustainability is the question.

HD generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

AN scores higher overall (58/100 vs 45/100). Both earn "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.

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.

The Home Depot Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

The Home Depot, Inc., commonly known as Home Depot, is the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, supplying tools, construction products, and services. The company is headquartered in incorporated Cobb County, Georgia, with an Atlanta mailing address.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?