WallStSmart

AutoNation Inc (AN)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 195% more annual revenue ($81.14B vs $27.49B). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 2.5%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

AN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

WFC

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.43
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WFC.

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

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$242.24B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
26.7%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
29.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$9.14B8/10

Generating 9.1B in free cash flow

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%

WFC1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.432/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : WFC

The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.4%. PEG of 1.43 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 : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AN profiles as a value stock while WFC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

WFC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — expect wider price swings.

WFC is growing revenue faster at 5.7% — sustainability is the question.

WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 26.7% 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.

Wells Fargo & Company

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?