Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsGrand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$128.68
+2.15%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $27.74B
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc
$150.13
-5.76%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $3.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Dollar General Corporation generates 3727% more annual revenue ($43.08B vs $1.13B). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.5% profit margin vs 3.6%. LOPE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
DG
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
LOPE
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+12.8%
Fair Value
$168.83
Current Price
$128.68
$40.15 discount
Margin of Safety
-54.7%
Fair Value
$103.59
Current Price
$150.13
$46.54 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 30.9%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.4% revenue growth
3.6% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
No major concerns identified
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on P/E Ratio.
Bull Case : LOPE
The strongest argument for LOPE centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.5% and operating margin at 30.9%. PEG of 0.92 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 : LOPE
No major red flags identified for LOPE, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DG profiles as a value stock while LOPE is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
LOPE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.57 — expect wider price swings.
LOPE is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.
DG generates stronger free cash flow (365M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LOPE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 19.5% margins. 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.
Visit Website →Grand Canyon Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. provides educational services to colleges and universities in the United States. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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