CarMax Inc (KMX)vsSterling Construction Company Inc (STRL)
KMX
CarMax Inc
$40.34
+1.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.66B
STRL
Sterling Construction Company Inc
$844.80
+4.12%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $24.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CarMax Inc generates 1015% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $2.49B). STRL leads profitability with a 11.7% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. STRL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
KMX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
STRL
Buy53
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
Intrinsic value data unavailable for STRL.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Revenue surging 51.5% year-over-year
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
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 23.4x book value
Earnings declined 22.6%
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 : STRL
The strongest argument for STRL centers on Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 51.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : STRL
The primary concerns for STRL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 72.5x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KMX profiles as a value stock while STRL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
STRL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.64 — expect wider price swings.
STRL is growing revenue faster at 51.5% — sustainability is the question.
STRL generates stronger free cash flow (146M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STRL scores higher overall (53/100 vs 52/100) and 51.5% revenue growth. 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 →Sterling Construction Company Inc
INDUSTRIALS · ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION · USA
Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a construction company, engages in residential construction, specialty services, and heavy civil activities primarily in the southern United States, the Rocky Mountain states, California, and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.
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