CarMax Inc (KMX)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
KMX
CarMax Inc
$40.34
+1.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.66B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$147.72
-4.05%
UTILITIES · Cap: $52.12B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CarMax Inc generates 56% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $17.74B). VST leads profitability with a 5.3% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. VST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
KMX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
VST
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
Margin of Safety
-52.8%
Fair Value
$101.40
Current Price
$147.72
$46.32 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.1% — below average capital efficiency
0.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.8%
Trading at 19.1x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (156M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
VST scores higher overall (53/100 vs 52/100) and 13.6% 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 →Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS Stocks
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