WallStSmart

CarMax Inc (KMX)vsMedline Inc. Class A Common Stock (MDLN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock generates 5% more annual revenue ($29.14B vs $27.76B). MDLN leads profitability with a 3.3% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX trades at a lower P/E of 23.8x. MDLN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).

KMX

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 4.0Value: 8.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.53

MDLN

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 5.0Value: 6.3Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KMXUndervalued (+83.0%)

Margin of Safety

+83.0%

Fair Value

$270.07

Current Price

$40.34

$229.73 discount

UndervaluedFair: $270.07Overvalued
MDLNUndervalued (+69.5%)

Margin of Safety

+69.5%

Fair Value

$147.84

Current Price

$39.52

$108.32 discount

UndervaluedFair: $147.84Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KMX2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3810/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MDLN2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
1258.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1258.0% YoY

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

KMX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.534/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Return on EquityProfitability
4.1%3/10

ROE of 4.1% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.9%3/10

0.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.8%3/10

Operating margin of 1.8%

MDLN4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
6.0%3/10

ROE of 6.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.3%3/10

3.3% margin — thin

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-113.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : MDLN

The strongest argument for MDLN centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : MDLN

The primary concerns for MDLN are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 3.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MDLN is growing revenue faster at 10.7% — sustainability is the question.

MDLN generates stronger free cash flow (-113M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

KMX scores higher overall (52/100 vs 52/100). MDLN offers better value entry with a 69.5% 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.

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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Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA

Medline Inc. manufactures med-surg products serving the hospital, surgery centers, physician offices, post-acute facilities, and nursing home sites of care in the United States and Internationally. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.

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