WallStSmart

Penske Automotive Group Inc (PAG)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Penske Automotive Group Inc generates 134% more annual revenue ($31.72B vs $13.55B). PAG leads profitability with a 2.9% profit margin vs -1.6%. PAG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.09. PAG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).

PAG

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.5Value: 5.3Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 4/9

WPP

Avoid

32

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 3.0Value: 5.7Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.73
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PAGFair Value (-1.7%)

Margin of Safety

-1.7%

Fair Value

$170.26

Current Price

$173.81

$3.55 premium

UndervaluedFair: $170.26Overvalued
WPPUndervalued (+75.6%)

Margin of Safety

+75.6%

Fair Value

$75.12

Current Price

$18.97

$56.15 discount

UndervaluedFair: $75.12Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PAG2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
12.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

WPP1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

PAG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.094/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
2.9%3/10

2.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

Operating margin of 3.7%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.563/10

Elevated debt levels

WPP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

Operating margin of 2.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.232/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-5.3%2/10

ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : PAG

The strongest argument for PAG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bull Case : WPP

The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : PAG

The primary concerns for PAG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : WPP

The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PAG profiles as a value stock while WPP is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

PAG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.89 — expect wider price swings.

PAG is growing revenue faster at -1.1% — sustainability is the question.

WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PAG scores higher overall (51/100 vs 32/100). WPP offers better value entry with a 75.6% 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.

Penske Automotive Group Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Penske Automotive Group, Inc., a diversified transportation services company, operates commercial and automotive truck dealerships. The company is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Visit Website →

WPP PLC ADR

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?