The Home Depot Inc (HD)vsKAR Auction Services Inc (KAR)
HD
The Home Depot Inc
$310.78
+0.73%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $310.62B
KAR
KAR Auction Services Inc
$30.88
+0.36%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $3.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Home Depot Inc generates 8690% more annual revenue ($166.59B vs $1.90B). HD leads profitability with a 8.4% profit margin vs 0.1%. KAR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. KAR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
HD
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
KAR
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-46.5%
Fair Value
$212.07
Current Price
$310.78
$98.71 premium
Margin of Safety
-65.7%
Fair Value
$18.64
Current Price
$30.88
$12.24 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Generating 5.2B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.8% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 22.3x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
0.1% revenue growth
1.1% earnings growth
ROE of 0.1% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HD
The strongest argument for HD centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bull Case : KAR
The strongest argument for KAR centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : HD
The primary concerns for HD are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.18 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : KAR
The primary concerns for KAR are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Thin 0.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KAR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.
HD is growing revenue faster at 4.8% — sustainability is the question.
HD generates stronger free cash flow (5.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
KAR scores higher overall (65/100 vs 54/100). 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.
The Home Depot Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
The Home Depot, Inc., commonly known as Home Depot, is the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, supplying tools, construction products, and services. The company is headquartered in incorporated Cobb County, Georgia, with an Atlanta mailing address.
KAR Auction Services Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA
KAR Auction Services, Inc. provides used vehicle auctions and related vehicle remarketing services for the automotive industry in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The company is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.
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