CarMax Inc (KMX)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)
KMX
CarMax Inc
$40.34
+1.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.66B
SYF
Synchrony Financial
$73.14
-1.16%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $25.48B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CarMax Inc generates 181% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $9.89B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
KMX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
SYF
Strong Buy77
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 SYF.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.1% — below average capital efficiency
0.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.8%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated 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 : SYF
The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.0%.
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 : SYF
The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KMX profiles as a value stock while SYF is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.36 — expect wider price swings.
SYF is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — sustainability is the question.
SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SYF scores higher overall (77/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. 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 →Synchrony Financial
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.
Visit Website →Compare with Other AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS Stocks
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