WallStSmart

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp Class A (CTSH)vsCarMax Inc (KMX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CarMax Inc generates 30% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $21.41B). CTSH leads profitability with a 10.4% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. CTSH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CTSH

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 9.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 2/9

KMX

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 4.0Value: 8.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.53
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CTSHUndervalued (+76.7%)

Margin of Safety

+76.7%

Fair Value

$304.80

Current Price

$51.68

$253.12 discount

UndervaluedFair: $304.80Overvalued
KMXUndervalued (+83.0%)

Margin of Safety

+83.0%

Fair Value

$270.07

Current Price

$40.34

$229.73 discount

UndervaluedFair: $270.07Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CTSH3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

PEG RatioValuation
0.858/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

KMX2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3810/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

CTSH2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
3.6%4/10

3.6% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

KMX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.534/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Return on EquityProfitability
4.1%3/10

ROE of 4.1% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.9%3/10

0.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.8%3/10

Operating margin of 1.8%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CTSH

The strongest argument for CTSH centers on P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.85 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : KMX

The strongest argument for KMX centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CTSH

The primary concerns for CTSH are EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : KMX

The primary concerns for KMX are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 0.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.

CTSH is growing revenue faster at 5.8% — sustainability is the question.

CTSH generates stronger free cash flow (198M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CTSH scores higher overall (67/100 vs 52/100). KMX offers better value entry with a 83.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp Class A

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA

Cognizant is an American multinational technology company that provides business consulting, information technology and outsourcing services. It is headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, United States.

CarMax Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

CarMax is a used vehicle retailer based in the United States. It operates two business segments: CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance.

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