WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsOtter Tail Corporation (OTTR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AutoNation Inc generates 1993% more annual revenue ($27.49B vs $1.31B). OTTR leads profitability with a 21.3% profit margin vs 2.5%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. OTTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

OTTR

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.67
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
OTTRSignificantly Overvalued (-60.8%)

Margin of Safety

-60.8%

Fair Value

$53.45

Current Price

$88.03

$34.58 premium

UndervaluedFair: $53.45Overvalued

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

OTTR4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
21.3%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.7%

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%

OTTR4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.814/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.9%4/10

2.9% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.674/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.74 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : OTTR

The strongest argument for OTTR centers on Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.3% and operating margin at 24.7%.

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 : OTTR

The primary concerns for OTTR are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.

OTTR is growing revenue faster at 2.9% — sustainability is the question.

AN generates stronger free cash flow (-34M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

OTTR scores higher overall (67/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 21.3% margins. AN offers better value entry with a 15.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

Otter Tail Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Otter Tail Corporation is engaged in electrical service, manufacturing and plastic piping businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

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