WallStSmart

KAR Auction Services Inc (KAR)vsPenske Automotive Group Inc (PAG)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Penske Automotive Group Inc generates 1574% more annual revenue ($31.72B vs $1.90B). PAG leads profitability with a 2.9% profit margin vs 0.1%. KAR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. KAR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

KAR

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.0Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0

PAG

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.70
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Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KARSignificantly Overvalued (-65.7%)

Margin of Safety

-65.7%

Fair Value

$18.64

Current Price

$30.88

$12.24 premium

UndervaluedFair: $18.64Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for PAG.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KAR1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PAG2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
13.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

KAR4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
35.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
1.1%4/10

1.1% earnings growth

Return on EquityProfitability
0.1%3/10

ROE of 0.1% — below average capital efficiency

PAG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.294/10

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
1.623/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : KAR

The strongest argument for KAR centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : PAG

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

Bear Case : KAR

The primary concerns for KAR are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Thin 0.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : PAG

The primary concerns for PAG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.62 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KAR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.

KAR is growing revenue faster at 0.1% — sustainability is the question.

PAG generates stronger free cash flow (152M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

KAR scores higher overall (65/100 vs 48/100). Both earn "Strong 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.

KAR Auction Services Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

KAR Auction Services, Inc. provides used vehicle auctions and related vehicle remarketing services for the automotive industry in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The company is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.

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.

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