WallStSmart

The Home Depot Inc (HD)vsEl Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (LOCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The Home Depot Inc generates 33416% more annual revenue ($166.59B vs $497.05M). HD leads profitability with a 8.4% profit margin vs 5.9%. LOCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. LOCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

HD

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.59

LOCO

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 6.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.55
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HDSignificantly Overvalued (-46.5%)

Margin of Safety

-46.5%

Fair Value

$212.07

Current Price

$310.78

$98.71 premium

UndervaluedFair: $212.07Overvalued
LOCOUndervalued (+2.4%)

Margin of Safety

+2.4%

Fair Value

$10.97

Current Price

$13.82

$2.85 discount

UndervaluedFair: $10.97Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HD4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$310.62B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
101.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.5910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.19B8/10

Generating 5.2B in free cash flow

LOCO3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
14.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
43.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 43.3% YoY

Areas to Watch

HD4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.764/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.8%4/10

4.8% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Price/BookValuation
22.3x2/10

Trading at 22.3x book value

LOCO3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.554/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Market CapQuality
$426.07M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.9%3/10

5.9% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HD

The strongest argument for HD centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bull Case : LOCO

The strongest argument for LOCO centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : HD

The primary concerns for HD are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.18 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : LOCO

The primary concerns for LOCO are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — expect wider price swings.

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

HD generates stronger free cash flow (5.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

LOCO scores higher overall (67/100 vs 54/100). 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.

The Home Depot Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

The Home Depot, Inc., commonly known as Home Depot, is the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, supplying tools, construction products, and services. The company is headquartered in incorporated Cobb County, Georgia, with an Atlanta mailing address.

El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary El Pollo Loco, Inc., develops, franchises, licenses and operates quick service restaurants under the name El Pollo Loco. The company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California.

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