WallStSmart

CarMax Inc (KMX)vsRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CarMax Inc generates 51% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $18.39B). RCL leads profitability with a 24.4% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. RCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

KMX

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

RCL

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.96
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
RCLSignificantly Overvalued (-56.3%)

Margin of Safety

-56.3%

Fair Value

$213.48

Current Price

$275.24

$61.76 premium

UndervaluedFair: $213.48Overvalued

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

RCL6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
49.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 50 in profit

Market CapQuality
$73.82B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
26.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
28.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 28.9% YoY

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%

RCL1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.962/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : RCL

The strongest argument for RCL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 26.2%. Revenue growth of 11.3% 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 : RCL

The primary concerns for RCL are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KMX profiles as a value stock while RCL is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

RCL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.78 — expect wider price swings.

RCL is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.

RCL generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

RCL scores higher overall (72/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 24.4% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. KMX offers better value entry with a 83.0% margin of safety. 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.

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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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA

Royal Caribbean Group, formerly known as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., is an American global cruise holding company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami, Florida, US.

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