WallStSmart

Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 65% more annual revenue ($70.30B vs $42.72B). MS leads profitability with a 24.0% profit margin vs 3.5%. DG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

DG

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

MS

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9
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
MSUndervalued (+59.3%)

Margin of Safety

+59.3%

Fair Value

$407.18

Current Price

$165.65

$241.53 discount

UndervaluedFair: $407.18Overvalued

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

MS6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$263.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.0%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.7% YoY

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

MS3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-4.60B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : MS

The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.0% and operating margin at 38.6%. Revenue growth of 11.0% 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 : MS

The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

MS is growing revenue faster at 11.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

MS scores higher overall (76/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 24.0% margins and 11.0% revenue growth. 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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Morgan Stanley

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

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