Lowe's Companies Inc (LOW)vsMurphy USA Inc (MUSA)
LOW
Lowe's Companies Inc
$210.74
-0.12%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $115.86B
MUSA
Murphy USA Inc
$546.51
+1.25%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $11.50B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lowe's Companies Inc generates 411% more annual revenue ($88.43B vs $17.30B). LOW leads profitability with a 7.5% profit margin vs 3.2%. LOW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. MUSA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
LOW
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
MUSA
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-50.6%
Fair Value
$139.97
Current Price
$210.74
$70.77 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MUSA.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.8B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 89 in profit
Earnings expanding 176.8% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Grey zone — moderate risk
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
7.5% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 15.3x book value
3.2% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LOW
The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, P/E Ratio. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.36 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MUSA
The strongest argument for MUSA centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : LOW
The primary concerns for LOW are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : MUSA
The primary concerns for MUSA are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 4.08 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.90 — expect wider price swings.
LOW is growing revenue faster at 10.3% — sustainability is the question.
LOW generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MUSA scores higher overall (62/100 vs 50/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Lowe's Companies Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.
Visit Website →Murphy USA Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · SPECIALTY RETAIL · USA
Murphy USA Inc. is engaged in the marketing of retail motor fuel products and convenience merchandise. The company is headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL Stocks
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