WallStSmart

CarMax Inc (KMX)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 192% more annual revenue ($81.14B vs $27.76B). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 0.9%. KMX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

KMX

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

WFC

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.43
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 WFC.

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

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$242.24B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
26.7%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
29.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$9.14B8/10

Generating 9.1B in free cash flow

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%

WFC1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.432/10

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 : WFC

The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.4%. PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its 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 : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

WFC is growing revenue faster at 5.7% — sustainability is the question.

WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 26.7% 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.

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Wells Fargo & Company

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.

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