AutoNation (AN) vs CarMax (KMX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
CarMax (KMX) has outperformed AutoNation (AN) over the past year, gaining 18.8% versus a loss of 27.4%. Over five years, AN leads with a +33.8% price change compared with -61.0% for KMX. CarMax is the larger company by market cap ($7.56 billion vs $5.16 billion), about 1.5 times the size, while AutoNation is growing revenue faster (+3.2% vs -1.8%).
On valuation, AutoNation trades at a lower forward P/E (6.5x vs 14.9x for CarMax). AutoNation converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 2.3% versus 1.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AN | KMX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $156.21 | $53.28 |
| Market cap | $5.16B | $7.56B |
| 1-day change | -1.22% | -3.64% |
| YTD return | -24.35% | +37.89% |
| 1-year return | -27.40% | +18.77% |
| 5-year return | +33.84% | -61.05% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 7.32 | 26.25 |
| Forward P/E | 6.49 | 14.94 |
| EPS (TTM) | $21.33 | $2.03 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $27.63B | $25.88B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.24% | -1.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $649.10M | $247.29M |
| Gross margin | 17.91% | 10.84% |
| Operating margin | 4.49% | — |
| Net margin | 2.35% | 0.96% |
| 52-week high | $235.81 | $65.28 |
| 52-week low | $152.86 | $30.26 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -33.76% | -18.38% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +47.51% | +17.53% |
| Average volume | 497.46K | 2.56M |
| Shares outstanding | 33.06M | 141.94M |
| Employees | 24,800 | 28,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations | Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- KMX has outperformed AN by 46.2 percentage points over the past year.
- CarMax trades at a higher earnings multiple (26.2x vs 7.3x trailing P/E).
- AutoNation grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+3.24% vs -1.79%).
About AutoNation
AN stock →AutoNation, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Domestic, Import, Premium Luxury, and AutoNation Finance.
Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 24,800 employees
About CarMax
KMX stock →CarMax, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer of used vehicles and related products in the United States. The company operates in two segments: CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance.
Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 28,000 employees
AN vs KMX FAQ
Which is bigger, AutoNation or CarMax?
CarMax (KMX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.56B compared with $5.16B for AutoNation (AN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AN or KMX?
KMX returned +18.77% over the past 12 months, compared with -27.40% for AN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AN or KMX?
AN has the lower trailing P/E at 7.3, versus 26.2 for KMX. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Are AutoNation and CarMax in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.