The Coca-Cola Company (KO)vsLithia Motors Inc (LAD)
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$78.42
-0.01%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $337.40B
LAD
Lithia Motors Inc
$293.99
+0.99%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $6.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 31% more annual revenue ($49.28B vs $37.73B). KO leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 1.9%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
KO
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
LAD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.1%
Fair Value
$64.21
Current Price
$78.42
$14.21 premium
Margin of Safety
+53.9%
Fair Value
$694.31
Current Price
$293.99
$400.32 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Trading at 10.0x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.0% revenue growth
1.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.6%
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KO
The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : LAD
The strongest argument for LAD centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.64 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : LAD
The primary concerns for LAD are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KO profiles as a mature stock while LAD is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LAD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.
KO is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KO scores higher overall (65/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins and 12.1% revenue growth. LAD offers better value entry with a 53.9% 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.
The Coca-Cola Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.
Visit Website →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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