CarMax Inc (KMX)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)
KMX
CarMax Inc
$40.34
+1.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.66B
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$146.03
+0.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.42B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Novartis AG ADR generates 104% more annual revenue ($56.58B vs $27.76B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. KMX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).
KMX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
NVS
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+83.0%
Fair Value
$270.07
Current Price
$40.34
$229.73 discount
Margin of Safety
-51.8%
Fair Value
$110.12
Current Price
$146.03
$35.91 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.1% — below average capital efficiency
0.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.8%
Grey zone — moderate risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.7%
Earnings declined 9.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.
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 : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KMX profiles as a value stock while NVS is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.
NVS is growing revenue faster at -0.7% — sustainability is the question.
NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KMX scores higher overall (52/100 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.
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 →Novartis AG ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
Visit Website →Compare with Other AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS Stocks
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