WallStSmart

Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 32% more annual revenue ($56.58B vs $42.72B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs 3.5%. DG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.69. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

DG

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
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
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-51.8%)

Margin of Safety

-51.8%

Fair Value

$110.12

Current Price

$146.03

$35.91 premium

UndervaluedFair: $110.12Overvalued

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

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$277.42B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
30.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
23.9%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

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

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

PEG RatioValuation
2.592/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.7%2/10

Revenue declined 0.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-9.3%2/10

Earnings declined 9.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DG

The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bull Case : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.

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 : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DG profiles as a value stock while NVS is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.

DG is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DG scores higher overall (63/100 vs 51/100). 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.

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Novartis AG ADR

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

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