WallStSmart

CarMax Inc (KMX)vsLive Ventures Inc (LIVE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CarMax Inc generates 6180% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $441.98M). LIVE leads profitability with a 5.0% profit margin vs 0.9%. LIVE trades at a lower P/E of 2.8x. KMX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).

KMX

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 4.0Value: 8.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.53

LIVE

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 8.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KMXUndervalued (+83.0%)

Margin of Safety

+83.0%

Fair Value

$270.07

Current Price

$37.25

$232.82 discount

UndervaluedFair: $270.07Overvalued
LIVEUndervalued (+89.0%)

Margin of Safety

+89.0%

Fair Value

$177.68

Current Price

$12.26

$165.42 discount

UndervaluedFair: $177.68Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KMX2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4010/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

LIVE3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
2.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Return on EquityProfitability
26.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Areas to Watch

KMX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.534/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Return on EquityProfitability
4.1%3/10

ROE of 4.1% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.9%3/10

0.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.8%3/10

Operating margin of 1.8%

LIVE4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$40.42M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.0%3/10

5.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.2%3/10

Operating margin of 3.2%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.213/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : KMX

The strongest argument for KMX centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.40 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LIVE

The strongest argument for LIVE centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity.

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 : LIVE

The primary concerns for LIVE are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.

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

LIVE generates stronger free cash flow (9M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

KMX scores higher overall (52/100 vs 44/100). LIVE offers better value entry with a 89.0% margin of safety. 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.

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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Live Ventures Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Live Ventures Incorporated is engaged in flooring manufacturing, steel fabrication and retail businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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