CarMax Inc (KMX)vsValmont Industries Inc (VMI)
KMX
CarMax Inc
$40.34
+1.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $5.66B
VMI
Valmont Industries Inc
$510.55
+0.27%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $9.88B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CarMax Inc generates 567% more annual revenue ($27.76B vs $4.16B). VMI leads profitability with a 8.9% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. VMI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
KMX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
VMI
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+83.0%
Fair Value
$270.07
Current Price
$40.34
$229.73 discount
Margin of Safety
-71.5%
Fair Value
$278.61
Current Price
$510.55
$231.94 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Earnings expanding 27.5% 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
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
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 : VMI
The strongest argument for VMI centers on Debt/Equity, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
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 : VMI
The primary concerns for VMI are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
VMI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.36 — expect wider price swings.
VMI is growing revenue faster at 6.2% — sustainability is the question.
VMI generates stronger free cash flow (69M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
VMI scores higher overall (60/100 vs 52/100). KMX offers better value entry with a 83.0% margin of safety. 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.
Visit Website →Valmont Industries Inc
INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA
Valmont Industries, Inc. produces and sells metal products manufactured in the United States, Australia, Denmark, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
Visit Website →Compare with Other AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?