CarMax Inc (KMX)vsLumentum Holdings Inc (LITE)
KMX
CarMax Inc
$40.34
+1.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.66B
LITE
Lumentum Holdings Inc
$903.80
+1.26%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $69.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CarMax Inc generates 1015% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $2.49B). LITE leads profitability with a 17.7% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. LITE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
KMX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
LITE
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+83.0%
Fair Value
$270.07
Current Price
$40.34
$229.73 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LITE.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 90.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 71.1% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 21.8%
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.1% — below average capital efficiency
0.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.8%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 76.2x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : LITE
The strongest argument for LITE centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.7% and operating margin at 21.8%. Revenue growth of 90.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
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.
Bear Case : LITE
The primary concerns for LITE are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 156.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KMX profiles as a value stock while LITE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LITE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.53 — expect wider price swings.
LITE is growing revenue faster at 90.1% — sustainability is the question.
LITE generates stronger free cash flow (79M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LITE scores higher overall (74/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 17.7% margins and 90.1% revenue growth. 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.
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 →Lumentum Holdings Inc
TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA
Lumentum Holdings Inc. manufactures and sells optical and photonic products in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
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