WallStSmart

Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsHershey Co (HSY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Dollar General Corporation generates 259% more annual revenue ($43.64B vs $12.16B). HSY leads profitability with a 12.2% profit margin vs 3.9%. HSY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.87. HSY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

DG

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.08

HSY

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 5.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.11
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DGUndervalued (+13.5%)

Margin of Safety

+13.5%

Fair Value

$170.18

Current Price

$124.58

$45.60 discount

UndervaluedFair: $170.18Overvalued
HSYSignificantly Overvalued (-19.4%)

Margin of Safety

-19.4%

Fair Value

$193.34

Current Price

$173.32

$20.02 premium

UndervaluedFair: $193.34Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DG3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.3% YoY

HSY4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
32.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
631.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 631.0% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.878/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
23.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.1%

Areas to Watch

DG3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.814/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
3.9%3/10

3.9% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.683/10

Elevated debt levels

HSY2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.233/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DG

The strongest argument for DG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.

Bull Case : HSY

The strongest argument for HSY centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.87 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : DG

The primary concerns for DG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.68 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : HSY

The primary concerns for HSY are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.23 — expect wider price swings.

HSY is growing revenue faster at 6.6% — sustainability is the question.

DG generates stronger free cash flow (374M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HSY scores higher overall (72/100 vs 63/100). 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.

Dollar General Corporation

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA

Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

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Hershey Co

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · CONFECTIONERS · USA

The Hershey Company, commonly known as Hershey's, is an American multinational company and one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. It also manufactures baked products, such as cookies and cakes, and sells beverages like milkshakes, and many more that are produced globally. Its headquarters are in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

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