AutoNation Inc (AN)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)
AN
AutoNation Inc
$169.46
+3.14%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.35B
LOW
Lowe's Companies Inc
$207.25
+4.48%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $110.74B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lowe's Companies Inc generates 229% more annual revenue ($90.43B vs $27.45B). LOW leads profitability with a 7.3% profit margin vs 2.8%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.47. AN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
LOW
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AN.
Margin of Safety
-37.2%
Fair Value
$144.78
Current Price
$207.25
$62.47 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Earnings expanding 138.5% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 3.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
2.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.5%
Revenue declined 0.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
0.0% earnings growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
7.3% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AN
The strongest argument for AN centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.47 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : LOW
The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.31 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 : LOW
The primary concerns for LOW are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.
LOW is growing revenue faster at 8.3% — sustainability is the question.
LOW generates stronger free cash flow (3.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 50/100). 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.
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.
Lowe's Companies Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.
Visit Website →Compare with Other AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?