KAR Auction Services Inc
NYSE: KAR · CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS
Updated 2025-12-24
KAR Auction Services Inc (KAR) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for KAR.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
KAR historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in KAR's own 5Y range.
KAR intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
KAR valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 35.49x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 1.73x
Is KAR overvalued in 2026?
KAR Auction Services Inc (KAR) currently trades at $30.88 per share with a market capitalization of $3,282,656,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 65/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 35.5x. The PEG ratio of 1.34 points to a price that reasonably reflects expected earnings growth.
Our discounted cash flow model estimates KAR's intrinsic value at $22.33 per share, against the current market price of $30.88. This implies a premium to fair value of -38.29%. The current price sits well above what projected cash flows justify, implying investors are paying for growth that has not yet materialized.
Financial quality is a concern. The Piotroski F-Score of 0/9 flags weakening fundamentals that deserve closer scrutiny before the valuation case can be fully trusted.
Bottom line: KAR trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 65/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is KAR overvalued in 2026?
Based on a Smart Value Score of 65/100, KAR is fairly valued. Price reasonably reflects current fundamentals with limited cushion in either direction.
What is KAR's fair value?
Our DCF model estimates KAR's intrinsic value at $22.33 per share, versus the current price of $30.88. This produces a margin of safety of -38.29%.
What P/E ratio does KAR trade at?
KAR trades at a P/E of 35.5x on trailing twelve-month earnings.
Is KAR a buy based on valuation?
WallStSmart does not issue buy or sell recommendations. Our Smart Value Score of 65/100 reflects the combined read on growth, quality, and price. The profile is balanced. Best suited for investors with an existing thesis.
How does KAR's valuation compare to its history?
Insufficient historical valuation data exists yet for a confident percentile read on KAR.
What is KAR's Smart Value Score?
KAR's Smart Value Score is 65/100. The Smart Value Score is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation attractiveness into a single 0-100 read. Scores above 75 are rare and indicate strong multi-factor alignment.