WallStSmart

Carvana Co (CVNA)vsCarMax Inc (KMX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CarMax Inc generates 23% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $22.52B). CVNA leads profitability with a 6.4% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX trades at a lower P/E of 30.5x. CVNA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

CVNA

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.18

KMX

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 4.0Value: 5.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.66
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CVNASignificantly Overvalued (-74.9%)

Margin of Safety

-74.9%

Fair Value

$40.04

Current Price

$67.25

$27.21 premium

UndervaluedFair: $40.04Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for KMX.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CVNA4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
42.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
52.0%10/10

Revenue surging 52.0% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$70.31B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Debt/EquityHealth
0.179/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

KMX2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

CVNA3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
37.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
12.9x4/10

Trading at 12.9x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
6.4%3/10

6.4% margin — thin

KMX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
30.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.664/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CVNA

The strongest argument for CVNA centers on Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 52.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : KMX

The strongest argument for KMX centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.53 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CVNA

The primary concerns for CVNA are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : KMX

The primary concerns for KMX are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Thin 0.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CVNA profiles as a hypergrowth stock while KMX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CVNA carries more volatility with a beta of 3.45 — expect wider price swings.

CVNA is growing revenue faster at 52.0% — sustainability is the question.

CVNA generates stronger free cash flow (56M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CVNA scores higher overall (56/100 vs 49/100) and 52.0% revenue growth. 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.

Carvana Co

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Carvana Co., operates an e-commerce platform to buy and sell used cars in the United States. The company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.

Visit Website →

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.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?