WallStSmart

Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 71% more annual revenue ($73.17B vs $42.72B). MS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 3.5%. DG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.69. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

DG

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.00

MS

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DGUndervalued (+31.5%)

Margin of Safety

+31.5%

Fair Value

$214.72

Current Price

$113.29

$101.43 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.72Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MS.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DG4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
121.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
17.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.27B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

MS6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$299.95B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
40.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.3%8/10

16.3% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

DG3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.694/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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
2.334/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-7.85B2/10

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, Price/Book.

Bull Case : MS

The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 40.6%. Revenue growth of 16.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : DG

The primary concerns for DG are PEG Ratio, 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 growth 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 16.3% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

MS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 16.3% revenue growth. DG offers better value entry with a 31.5% 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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