WallStSmart

Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsHershey Co (HSY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Dollar General Corporation generates 259% more annual revenue ($43.08B vs $11.99B). HSY leads profitability with a 9.1% profit margin vs 3.6%. HSY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.04. HSY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

DG

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.08

HSY

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DGUndervalued (+13.5%)

Margin of Safety

+13.5%

Fair Value

$170.04

Current Price

$103.70

$66.34 discount

UndervaluedFair: $170.04Overvalued
HSYSignificantly Overvalued (-23.2%)

Margin of Safety

-23.2%

Fair Value

$187.44

Current Price

$184.58

$2.86 premium

UndervaluedFair: $187.44Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DG2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
16.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

HSY3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
93.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 93.6% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
23.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.3%

Areas to Watch

DG4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.654/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.4%4/10

3.4% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

3.6% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.793/10

Elevated debt levels

HSY3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.133/10

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.

Bull Case : HSY

The strongest argument for HSY centers on EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.04 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : DG

The primary concerns for DG are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.79 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : HSY

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.26 — expect wider price swings.

HSY is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.

DG generates stronger free cash flow (365M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

HSY scores higher overall (69/100 vs 59/100) and 10.6% revenue growth. 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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