WallStSmart

Americas Car-Mart Inc (CRMT)vsLithia Motors Inc (LAD)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lithia Motors Inc generates 3412% more annual revenue ($37.94B vs $1.08B). LAD leads profitability with a 1.9% profit margin vs -18.7%. CRMT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. LAD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

CRMT

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 2.0Value: 7.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.42

LAD

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.38
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CRMTUndervalued (+63.3%)

Margin of Safety

+63.3%

Fair Value

$60.79

Current Price

$1.90

$58.89 discount

UndervaluedFair: $60.79Overvalued
LADUndervalued (+12.0%)

Margin of Safety

+12.0%

Fair Value

$364.07

Current Price

$358.02

$6.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $364.07Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CRMT3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
0.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
1835.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1835.0% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.698/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

LAD3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.728/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

CRMT4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$15.84M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.783/10

Elevated debt levels

Return on EquityProfitability
-19.7%2/10

ROE of -19.7% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-57.6%2/10

Revenue declined 57.6%

LAD4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
1.9%3/10

1.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.6%3/10

Operating margin of 4.6%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CRMT

The strongest argument for CRMT centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.69 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LAD

The strongest argument for LAD centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. PEG of 0.72 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CRMT

The primary concerns for CRMT are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.78 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : LAD

The primary concerns for LAD are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.58 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CRMT profiles as a turnaround stock while LAD is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CRMT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.

LAD is growing revenue faster at 2.2% — sustainability is the question.

CRMT generates stronger free cash flow (80M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LAD scores higher overall (61/100 vs 53/100). CRMT offers better value entry with a 63.3% margin of safety. 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.

Americas Car-Mart Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

America's Car-Mart, Inc., is an automotive retailer in the United States. The company is headquartered in Rogers, Arkansas.

Lithia Motors Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Lithia Motors, Inc. is an automobile retailer in the United States. The company is headquartered in Medford, Oregon.

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