Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsLincoln Educational Services (LINC)
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$124.58
+1.29%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $29.39B
LINC
Lincoln Educational Services
$25.02
+2.63%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $808.26M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Dollar General Corporation generates 7545% more annual revenue ($43.64B vs $570.78M). LINC leads profitability with a 4.0% profit margin vs 3.9%. LINC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.72. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
DG
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
LINC
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+13.5%
Fair Value
$170.18
Current Price
$124.58
$45.60 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 33.3% YoY
Revenue surging 22.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 20.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.9% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Grey zone — moderate risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bull Case : LINC
The strongest argument for LINC centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 22.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : LINC
The primary concerns for LINC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. Thin 4.0% 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 0.85 — expect wider price swings.
LINC is growing revenue faster at 22.4% — sustainability is the question.
DG generates stronger free cash flow (374M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DG scores higher overall (63/100 vs 56/100). 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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