WallStSmart

Group 1 Automotive Inc (GPI)vsCarMax Inc (KMX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CarMax Inc generates 27% more annual revenue ($28.20B vs $22.15B). GPI leads profitability with a 1.3% profit margin vs 0.8%. GPI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.34. KMX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

GPI

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.0Value: 8.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.27

KMX

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 4.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.66

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GPI4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3410/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
11.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.2710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

KMX2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.618/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

GPI4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
1.3%3/10

1.3% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.8%3/10

Operating margin of 3.8%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-5.6%2/10

Revenue declined 5.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-20.1%2/10

Earnings declined 20.1%

KMX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
37.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.664/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Return on EquityProfitability
4.2%3/10

ROE of 4.2% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.8%3/10

0.8% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : GPI

The strongest argument for GPI centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : KMX

The strongest argument for KMX centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.61 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : GPI

The primary concerns for GPI are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.3% 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 3.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 0.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.

KMX is growing revenue faster at 5.5% — sustainability is the question.

GPI generates stronger free cash flow (84M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

KMX scores higher overall (53/100 vs 51/100). 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.

Group 1 Automotive Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Group 1 Automotive, Inc., operates in the automotive retail industry. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?