WallStSmart

Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)vsOPENLANE, Inc. (OPLN)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lithia Motors Inc generates 1728% more annual revenue ($37.94B vs $2.08B). OPLN leads profitability with a 9.7% profit margin vs 1.9%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.72. OPLN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

LAD

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.38

OPLN

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.5Value: 4.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.20
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LADUndervalued (+12.0%)

Margin of Safety

+12.0%

Fair Value

$364.07

Current Price

$358.02

$6.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $364.07Overvalued
OPLNSignificantly Overvalued (-44.9%)

Margin of Safety

-44.9%

Fair Value

$19.80

Current Price

$35.28

$15.48 premium

UndervaluedFair: $19.80Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LAD3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.728/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

OPLN3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
113.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 113.3% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.1%8/10

15.1% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

LAD4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
1.9%3/10

1.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.6%3/10

Operating margin of 4.6%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

OPLN1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.202/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LAD

The strongest argument for LAD centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. PEG of 0.72 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : OPLN

The strongest argument for OPLN centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.22 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : LAD

The primary concerns for LAD are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.58 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : OPLN

The primary concerns for OPLN are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAD profiles as a value stock while OPLN is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

OPLN is growing revenue faster at 15.1% — sustainability is the question.

OPLN generates stronger free cash flow (39M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

OPLN scores higher overall (67/100 vs 61/100) and 15.1% revenue growth. 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.

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.

OPENLANE, Inc.

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

OPENLANE, Inc., is a digital marketplace for used vehicles, which connects sellers and buyers in the United States, Canada, Continental Europe and the United Kingdom. The company is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.

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