AutoNation Inc (AN)vsCarMax Inc (KMX)
AN
AutoNation Inc
$185.82
+3.48%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.43B
KMX
CarMax Inc
$56.42
+1.51%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $7.97B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CarMax Inc generates 7% more annual revenue ($29.46B vs $27.45B). AN leads profitability with a 2.8% profit margin vs 1.0%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. AN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
KMX
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Earnings expanding 138.5% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 81.6% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
17.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
2.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.5%
Revenue declined 0.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.2% — below average capital efficiency
1.0% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AN
The strongest argument for AN centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : KMX
The strongest argument for KMX centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 17.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.68 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AN
The primary concerns for AN are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 5.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : KMX
The primary concerns for KMX are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.83 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AN profiles as a value stock while KMX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.23 — expect wider price swings.
KMX is growing revenue faster at 17.7% — sustainability is the question.
KMX generates stronger free cash flow (806M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 65/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.
AutoNation Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA
AutoNation, Inc. is an automobile retailer in the United States. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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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