WallStSmart

Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)vsRio Tinto ADR (RIO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Rio Tinto ADR generates 53% more annual revenue ($57.64B vs $37.73B). RIO leads profitability with a 17.3% profit margin vs 1.9%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. LAD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).

LAD

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 9.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.55

RIO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LADUndervalued (+53.9%)

Margin of Safety

+53.9%

Fair Value

$694.31

Current Price

$293.99

$400.32 discount

UndervaluedFair: $694.31Overvalued
RIOUndervalued (+33.7%)

Margin of Safety

+33.7%

Fair Value

$147.89

Current Price

$105.38

$42.51 discount

UndervaluedFair: $147.89Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LAD3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.648/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

RIO5 strengths · Avg: 8.2/10
Market CapQuality
$171.59B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.53B8/10

Generating 2.5B in free cash flow

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

RIO2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
5.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-5.6%2/10

Earnings declined 5.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : RIO

The strongest argument for RIO centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.3% and operating margin at 25.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : LAD

The primary concerns for LAD are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : RIO

The primary concerns for RIO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAD profiles as a value stock while RIO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

LAD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.

RIO is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.

RIO generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LAD scores higher overall (55/100 vs 54/100). RIO offers better value entry with a 33.7% margin of safety. 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.

Rio Tinto ADR

BASIC MATERIALS · OTHER INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING · USA

Rio Tinto Group is dedicated to the exploration, extraction and processing of mineral resources worldwide. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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