CarMax Inc (KMX)vsWest Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)
KMX
CarMax Inc
$40.34
+1.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.66B
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
$325.92
+1.21%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $22.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CarMax Inc generates 762% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $3.22B). WST leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. WST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
KMX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
WST
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
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
-32.4%
Fair Value
$185.95
Current Price
$325.92
$139.97 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 56.1% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 21.7%
Revenue surging 21.0% 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
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 : WST
The strongest argument for WST centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.9% and operating margin at 21.7%. Revenue growth of 21.0% 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 : WST
The primary concerns for WST are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 41.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KMX profiles as a value stock while WST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.
WST is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.
WST generates stronger free cash flow (47M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WST scores higher overall (67/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins and 21.0% revenue growth. 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.
Visit Website →West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. The company is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.
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