CarMax Inc (KMX)vsS&P Global Inc (SPGI)
KMX
CarMax Inc
$40.34
+1.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.66B
SPGI
S&P Global Inc
$420.12
-2.00%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $126.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CarMax Inc generates 76% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $15.73B). SPGI leads profitability with a 30.4% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. SPGI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
KMX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
SPGI
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+83.0%
Fair Value
$270.07
Current Price
$40.34
$229.73 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for SPGI.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 44.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 32.5% YoY
Generating 1.0B 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%
Moderate valuation
Grey zone — moderate risk
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 : SPGI
The strongest argument for SPGI centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.4% and operating margin at 44.3%. Revenue growth of 10.4% 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 : SPGI
The primary concerns for SPGI are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KMX profiles as a value stock while SPGI is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.
SPGI is growing revenue faster at 10.4% — sustainability is the question.
SPGI generates stronger free cash flow (1.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SPGI scores higher overall (71/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 30.4% margins and 10.4% 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.
Visit Website →S&P Global Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
S&P Global Inc. is an American publicly traded corporation headquartered in Manhattan, New York City. Its primary areas of business are financial information and analytics.
Visit Website →Compare with Other AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?