WallStSmart

CarMax Inc (KMX)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lowe's Companies Inc generates 207% more annual revenue ($90.43B vs $29.46B). LOW leads profitability with a 7.3% profit margin vs 1.0%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.68. KMX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

KMX

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 4.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.66

LOW

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.97
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for KMX.

LOWSignificantly Overvalued (-44.4%)

Margin of Safety

-44.4%

Fair Value

$144.78

Current Price

$218.12

$73.34 premium

UndervaluedFair: $144.78Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KMX4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
81.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 81.6% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.688/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.7%8/10

17.7% revenue growth

LOW4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-5.6510/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$117.30B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.12B8/10

Generating 3.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

KMX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

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
1.0%3/10

1.0% margin — thin

LOW4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.974/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.3%3/10

7.3% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : KMX

The strongest argument for KMX centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 17.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.68 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LOW

The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.33 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : KMX

The primary concerns for KMX are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.83 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : LOW

The primary concerns for LOW are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KMX profiles as a growth stock while LOW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.23 — expect wider price swings.

KMX is growing revenue faster at 17.7% — sustainability is the question.

LOW generates stronger free cash flow (3.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KMX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 50/100) and 17.7% revenue growth. 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.

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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Lowe's Companies Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.

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