WallStSmart

CarMax Inc (KMX)vsPenske Automotive Group Inc (PAG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Penske Automotive Group Inc generates 14% more annual revenue ($32.20B vs $28.20B). PAG leads profitability with a 2.8% profit margin vs 0.8%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.61. KMX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

KMX

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

PAG

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.70

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

PAG2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

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

PAG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.214/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

Operating margin of 4.0%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.593/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : PAG

The strongest argument for PAG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

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.

Bear Case : PAG

The primary concerns for PAG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.59 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PAG is growing revenue faster at 6.0% — sustainability is the question.

PAG generates stronger free cash flow (132M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

KMX scores higher overall (53/100 vs 52/100). 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.

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Penske Automotive Group Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Penske Automotive Group, Inc., a diversified transportation services company, operates commercial and automotive truck dealerships. The company is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

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