WallStSmart

KAR Auction Services Inc (KAR)vsRush Enterprises A Inc (RUSHA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Rush Enterprises A Inc generates 292% more annual revenue ($7.43B vs $1.90B). RUSHA leads profitability with a 3.5% 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

RUSHA

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.5Value: 6.0Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.13
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KARSignificantly Overvalued (-38.3%)

Margin of Safety

-38.3%

Fair Value

$22.33

Current Price

$30.88

$8.55 premium

UndervaluedFair: $22.33Overvalued
RUSHAUndervalued (+56.7%)

Margin of Safety

+56.7%

Fair Value

$168.59

Current Price

$74.03

$94.56 discount

UndervaluedFair: $168.59Overvalued

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

RUSHA2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.1310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

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

RUSHA4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
3.162/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-11.8%2/10

Revenue declined 11.8%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-11.0%2/10

Earnings declined 11.0%

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 : RUSHA

The strongest argument for RUSHA centers on Altman Z-Score, 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 : RUSHA

The primary concerns for RUSHA are Profit Margin, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Thin 3.5% 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.

KAR generates stronger free cash flow (111M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

KAR scores higher overall (65/100 vs 44/100). RUSHA offers better value entry with a 56.7% margin of safety. 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.

Rush Enterprises A Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Rush Enterprises, Inc. is an integrated retailer of commercial vehicles and related services in the United States. The company is headquartered in New Braunfels, Texas.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?