WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lithia Motors Inc generates 1784% more annual revenue ($37.73B vs $2.00B). OPLN leads profitability with a 9.5% profit margin vs 1.9%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.75. OPLN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

LAD

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 8.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.38

OPLN

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.20
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LADUndervalued (+8.4%)

Margin of Safety

+8.4%

Fair Value

$349.64

Current Price

$427.48

$77.84 discount

UndervaluedFair: $349.64Overvalued
OPLNSignificantly Overvalued (-31.5%)

Margin of Safety

-31.5%

Fair Value

$21.81

Current Price

$40.44

$18.63 premium

UndervaluedFair: $21.81Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LAD3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

PEG RatioValuation
0.758/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

OPLN1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
94.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 94.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

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%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

OPLN2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.493/10

Elevated debt levels

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 P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.75 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : OPLN

The strongest argument for OPLN centers on EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 14.7% 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 2.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : OPLN

The primary concerns for OPLN are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

OPLN is growing revenue faster at 14.7% — sustainability is the question.

OPLN generates stronger free cash flow (147M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

OPLN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 55/100) and 14.7% revenue growth. 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.

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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