Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsLincoln Educational Services (LINC)
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$103.70
+0.17%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $25.32B
LINC
Lincoln Educational Services
$47.99
-5.16%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Dollar General Corporation generates 7808% more annual revenue ($43.08B vs $544.69M). LINC leads profitability with a 4.1% profit margin vs 3.6%. DG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.65. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
DG
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
LINC
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+13.5%
Fair Value
$170.04
Current Price
$103.70
$66.34 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LINC.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 133.2% YoY
Revenue surging 22.5% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.4% revenue growth
3.6% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Grey zone — moderate risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
4.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bull Case : LINC
The strongest argument for LINC centers on EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : LINC
The primary concerns for LINC are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin. A P/E of 66.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DG profiles as a value stock while LINC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LINC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.80 — expect wider price swings.
LINC is growing revenue faster at 22.5% — sustainability is the question.
DG generates stronger free cash flow (365M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DG scores higher overall (59/100 vs 49/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Visit Website →Lincoln Educational Services
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation offers various career-oriented postsecondary education services to high school graduates and working adults in the United States. The company is headquartered in West Orange, New Jersey.
Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?