Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsCarMax Inc (KMX)
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$113.29
-2.73%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $25.63B
KMX
CarMax Inc
$40.34
+1.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Dollar General Corporation generates 54% more annual revenue ($42.72B vs $27.76B). DG leads profitability with a 3.5% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
DG
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
KMX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+31.5%
Fair Value
$214.72
Current Price
$113.29
$101.43 discount
Margin of Safety
+83.0%
Fair Value
$270.07
Current Price
$40.34
$229.73 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.1% — below average capital efficiency
0.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
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.
Bear Case : DG
The primary concerns for DG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
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.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.
DG is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.
DG generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
DG scores higher overall (63/100 vs 52/100). 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.
Dollar General Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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