WallStSmart

CarMax Inc (KMX)vsThe Travelers Companies Inc (TRV)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The Travelers Companies Inc generates 76% more annual revenue ($48.94B vs $27.76B). TRV leads profitability with a 15.5% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. TRV 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

TRV

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.65
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for TRV.

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

TRV6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
357.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 357.6% YoY

Market CapQuality
$63.57B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
25.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.289/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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%

TRV3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.364/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.0%4/10

1.0% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.652/10

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 : TRV

The strongest argument for TRV centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.5% and operating margin at 18.7%.

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 : TRV

The primary concerns for TRV are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KMX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.

TRV is growing revenue faster at 1.0% — sustainability is the question.

TRV generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

TRV scores higher overall (72/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 15.5% 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 →

The Travelers Companies Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - PROPERTY & CASUALTY · USA

The Travelers Companies, Inc., commonly known as Travelers, is an American insurance company.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?