WallStSmart

Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsKLA Corporation (KLAC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Dollar General Corporation generates 235% more annual revenue ($42.72B vs $12.74B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 3.5%. DG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

DG

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.00

KLAC

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 8.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.70
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DGUndervalued (+54.1%)

Margin of Safety

+54.1%

Fair Value

$320.58

Current Price

$119.55

$201.03 discount

UndervaluedFair: $320.58Overvalued
KLACUndervalued (+3.9%)

Margin of Safety

+3.9%

Fair Value

$1605.71

Current Price

$1543.82

$61.89 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1605.71Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DG3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
121.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
17.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.27B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

KLAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$205.79B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
100.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.8%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
40.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 40.9% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.26B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

DG2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
2.021/10

Elevated debt levels

KLAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.664/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
45.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
37.0x2/10

Trading at 37.0x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DG

The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : KLAC

The strongest argument for KLAC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.8% and operating margin at 41.3%.

Bear Case : DG

The primary concerns for DG are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.6x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DG profiles as a value stock while KLAC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.

KLAC is growing revenue faster at 7.2% — sustainability is the question.

DG generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KLAC scores higher overall (70/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. DG offers better value entry with a 54.1% 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.

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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KLA Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

KLA Corporation is a capital equipment company based in Milpitas, California. It supplies process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry and other related nanoelectronics industries. The company's products and services are intended for all phases of wafer, reticle, integrated circuit (IC) and packaging production, from research and development to final volume manufacturing.

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