WallStSmart

The Home Depot Inc (HD)vsCarMax Inc (KMX)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The Home Depot Inc generates 474% more annual revenue ($169.18B vs $29.46B). HD leads profitability with a 8.4% profit margin vs 1.0%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.68. KMX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

HD

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.59

KMX

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 4.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.66
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HDSignificantly Overvalued (-50.7%)

Margin of Safety

-50.7%

Fair Value

$218.46

Current Price

$341.17

$122.71 premium

UndervaluedFair: $218.46Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for KMX.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HD4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$328.44B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
85.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 86 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.5910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.51B8/10

Generating 4.5B in free cash flow

KMX4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
81.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 81.6% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.688/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.7%8/10

17.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

HD4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.744/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Price/BookValuation
20.5x2/10

Trading at 20.5x book value

KMX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

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
1.0%3/10

1.0% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HD

The strongest argument for HD centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

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 : HD

The primary concerns for HD are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.77 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

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

HD 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.

HD generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KMX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 58/100) and 17.7% revenue growth. 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.

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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