WallStSmart

Group 1 Automotive Inc (GPI)vsCarMax Inc (KMX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CarMax Inc generates 24% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $22.47B). GPI leads profitability with a 1.5% profit margin vs 0.9%. GPI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. GPI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

GPI

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.0Value: 7.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.33

KMX

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

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

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GPI4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.3310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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

GPI4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
1.5%3/10

1.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

Operating margin of 4.5%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.983/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-1.8%2/10

Revenue declined 1.8%

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 : GPI

The strongest argument for GPI centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 0.39 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : GPI

The primary concerns for GPI are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.98 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

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

KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.

KMX is growing revenue faster at -1.2% — sustainability is the question.

GPI generates stronger free cash flow (-2M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

GPI scores higher overall (59/100 vs 49/100). 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.

Group 1 Automotive Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Group 1 Automotive, Inc., operates in the automotive retail industry. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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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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