WallStSmart

Group 1 Automotive Inc (GPI)vsLithia Motors Inc (LAD)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lithia Motors Inc generates 68% more annual revenue ($37.73B vs $22.47B). LAD leads profitability with a 1.9% profit margin vs 1.5%. GPI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. GPI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

GPI

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.0Value: 7.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.33

LAD

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 8.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.38
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for GPI.

LADUndervalued (+8.7%)

Margin of Safety

+8.7%

Fair Value

$350.78

Current Price

$288.84

$61.94 discount

UndervaluedFair: $350.78Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GPI4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.3310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

LAD3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.708/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

GPI4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
1.5%3/10

1.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

Operating margin of 4.5%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.983/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-1.8%2/10

Revenue declined 1.8%

LAD4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.0%4/10

1.0% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
1.9%3/10

1.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

Operating margin of 3.6%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.513/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : GPI

The strongest argument for GPI centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 0.39 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LAD

The strongest argument for LAD centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.70 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : GPI

The primary concerns for GPI are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.98 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : LAD

The primary concerns for LAD are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.51 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.

LAD is growing revenue faster at 1.0% — sustainability is the question.

GPI generates stronger free cash flow (-2M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

GPI scores higher overall (59/100 vs 55/100). 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.

Group 1 Automotive Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Group 1 Automotive, Inc., operates in the automotive retail industry. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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Lithia Motors Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Lithia Motors, Inc. is an automobile retailer in the United States. The company is headquartered in Medford, Oregon.

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