CarMax Inc (KMX)vsSonic Automotive Inc (SAH)
KMX
CarMax Inc
$51.48
-2.13%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $7.97B
SAH
Sonic Automotive Inc
$61.71
-1.74%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $2.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CarMax Inc generates 90% more annual revenue ($29.46B vs $15.47B). SAH leads profitability with a 1.4% profit margin vs 1.0%. SAH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.62. KMX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
KMX
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
SAH
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for KMX.
Margin of Safety
-21.6%
Fair Value
$50.03
Current Price
$61.71
$11.68 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 81.6% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
17.7% revenue growth
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.2% — below average capital efficiency
1.0% margin — thin
1.4% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.4%
Earnings declined 12.3%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : SAH
The strongest argument for SAH centers on P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.62 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 : SAH
The primary concerns for SAH are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 4.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KMX profiles as a growth stock while SAH 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.
KMX generates stronger free cash flow (806M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KMX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 61/100) and 17.7% revenue growth. 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 →Sonic Automotive Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA
Sonic Automotive, Inc. is an automobile retailer in the United States. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Visit Website →Compare with Other AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS Stocks
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