CarMax Inc (KMX)vsAltria Group (MO)
KMX
CarMax Inc
$40.34
+1.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.66B
MO
Altria Group
$68.12
-1.33%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $115.29B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CarMax Inc generates 36% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $20.38B). MO leads profitability with a 39.5% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. MO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
KMX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
MO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+83.0%
Fair Value
$270.07
Current Price
$40.34
$229.73 discount
Margin of Safety
-37.1%
Fair Value
$48.09
Current Price
$68.12
$20.03 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 62.3%
Earnings expanding 106.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.1% — below average capital efficiency
0.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.8%
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
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 : MO
The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.5% and operating margin at 62.3%.
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 : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KMX profiles as a value stock while MO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.
MO is growing revenue faster at 5.3% — sustainability is the question.
MO generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 39.5% margins. KMX offers better value entry with a 83.0% margin of safety. Both earn "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 →Altria Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.
Visit Website →Compare with Other AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS Stocks
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