WallStSmart

CarMax Inc (KMX)vsOtter Tail Corporation (OTTR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CarMax Inc generates 2013% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $1.31B). OTTR leads profitability with a 21.3% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. OTTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

KMX

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

OTTR

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.67
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KMXUndervalued (+83.0%)

Margin of Safety

+83.0%

Fair Value

$270.07

Current Price

$40.34

$229.73 discount

UndervaluedFair: $270.07Overvalued
OTTRSignificantly Overvalued (-60.8%)

Margin of Safety

-60.8%

Fair Value

$53.45

Current Price

$88.03

$34.58 premium

UndervaluedFair: $53.45Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KMX2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3810/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

OTTR4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
21.3%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.7%

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%

OTTR4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.814/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.9%4/10

2.9% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.674/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : OTTR

The strongest argument for OTTR centers on Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.3% and operating margin at 24.7%.

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 : OTTR

The primary concerns for OTTR are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.

OTTR is growing revenue faster at 2.9% — sustainability is the question.

OTTR generates stronger free cash flow (-115M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

OTTR scores higher overall (67/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 21.3% margins. 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.

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Otter Tail Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Otter Tail Corporation is engaged in electrical service, manufacturing and plastic piping businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

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