WallStSmart

CarMax Inc (KMX)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CarMax Inc generates 12% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $24.70B). UNP leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. UNP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).

KMX

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

UNP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 3.3Quality: 5.0
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
UNPSignificantly Overvalued (-75.9%)

Margin of Safety

-75.9%

Fair Value

$150.49

Current Price

$264.65

$114.16 premium

UndervaluedFair: $150.49Overvalued

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

UNP5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
40.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.4%

Market CapQuality
$157.27B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.2%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.50B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

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%

UNP3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.5x4/10

Trading at 8.5x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.2%4/10

3.2% revenue growth

PEG RatioValuation
3.302/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : UNP

The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 40.4%.

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 : UNP

The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

UNP is growing revenue faster at 3.2% — sustainability is the question.

UNP generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

UNP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 29.2% 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.

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Union Pacific Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.

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