WallStSmart

Live Ventures Inc (LIVE)vsMeritage Corporation (MTH)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Meritage Corporation generates 1183% more annual revenue ($5.62B vs $437.87M). MTH leads profitability with a 6.9% profit margin vs 0.9%. MTH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

LIVE

Avoid

33

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.02

MTH

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.26
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LIVEUndervalued (+86.4%)

Margin of Safety

+86.4%

Fair Value

$143.82

Current Price

$9.06

$134.76 discount

UndervaluedFair: $143.82Overvalued
MTHUndervalued (+5.6%)

Margin of Safety

+5.6%

Fair Value

$82.71

Current Price

$68.33

$14.38 discount

UndervaluedFair: $82.71Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LIVE1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MTH4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.2610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.548/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
13.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

LIVE4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$28.66M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
4.2%3/10

ROE of 4.2% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.9%3/10

0.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.9%3/10

Operating margin of 1.9%

MTH4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.6%3/10

ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
6.9%3/10

6.9% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-17.7%2/10

Revenue declined 17.7%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LIVE

The strongest argument for LIVE centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : MTH

The strongest argument for MTH centers on Price/Book, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.54 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : LIVE

The primary concerns for LIVE are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.50 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 0.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MTH

The primary concerns for MTH are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MTH carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

LIVE is growing revenue faster at -3.8% — sustainability is the question.

MTH generates stronger free cash flow (97M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

MTH scores higher overall (57/100 vs 33/100). LIVE offers better value entry with a 86.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Live Ventures Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Live Ventures Incorporated is engaged in flooring manufacturing, steel fabrication and retail businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Meritage Corporation

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION · USA

Meritage Homes Corporation designs and builds single-family homes in the United States. The company is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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