Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsLincoln Educational Services (LINC)
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$115.88
+1.53%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $25.51B
LINC
Lincoln Educational Services
$40.35
+1.74%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.27B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Dollar General Corporation generates 8144% more annual revenue ($42.72B vs $518.24M). LINC leads profitability with a 3.9% profit margin vs 3.5%. DG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
DG
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
LINC
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+31.8%
Fair Value
$215.69
Current Price
$115.88
$99.81 discount
Margin of Safety
-6.3%
Fair Value
$25.34
Current Price
$40.35
$15.01 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 87.1% YoY
19.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
3.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
3.9% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.36 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : LINC
The strongest argument for LINC centers on EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 19.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : LINC
The primary concerns for LINC are Market Cap, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 62.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.9% 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 0.83 — expect wider price swings.
LINC is growing revenue faster at 19.7% — sustainability is the question.
DG generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DG scores higher overall (65/100 vs 50/100). 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.
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.
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