CarMax (KMX) vs Lithia Motors (LAD)
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 Lithia Motors (LAD) over the past year, gaining 18.8% versus a loss of 5.5%. Over five years, LAD leads with a -14.8% price change compared with -61.0% for KMX. CarMax is the larger company by market cap ($7.61 billion vs $6.35 billion), about 1.2 times the size, while Lithia Motors is growing revenue faster (+4.0% vs -1.8%).
On valuation, Lithia Motors trades at a lower forward P/E (6.8x vs 15.0x for CarMax). Lithia Motors pays a dividend yielding 0.82%, while CarMax does not currently pay one. Lithia Motors converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 2.2% 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 | KMX | LAD |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $53.60 | $288.76 |
| Market cap | $7.61B | $6.35B |
| 1-day change | +0.60% | +0.48% |
| YTD return | +37.89% | -13.53% |
| 1-year return | +18.77% | -5.53% |
| 5-year return | -61.05% | -14.78% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 25.40 | 9.56 |
| Forward P/E | 15.03 | 6.77 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.11 | $30.19 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.82% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $2.37 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $25.88B | $37.63B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.79% | +4.00% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $247.29M | $819.60M |
| Gross margin | 10.84% | 15.23% |
| Operating margin | — | 4.24% |
| Net margin | 0.96% | 2.18% |
| 52-week high | $65.28 | $439.49 |
| 52-week low | $30.26 | $239.78 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -17.89% | -34.30% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.83% | +50.14% |
| Average volume | 2.57M | 301.56K |
| Shares outstanding | 141.94M | 21.98M |
| Employees | 28,000 | 30,000 |
| 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 LAD by 24.3 percentage points over the past year.
- CarMax trades at a higher earnings multiple (25.4x vs 9.6x trailing P/E).
- Lithia Motors grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+4.00% vs -1.79%).
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
About Lithia Motors
LAD stock →Lithia Motors, Inc. operates as an automotive retailer in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 30,000 employees
KMX vs LAD FAQ
Which is bigger, CarMax or Lithia Motors?
CarMax (KMX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.61B compared with $6.35B for Lithia Motors (LAD).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KMX or LAD?
KMX returned +18.77% over the past 12 months, compared with -5.53% for LAD (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, KMX or LAD?
LAD has the lower trailing P/E at 9.6, versus 25.4 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.
Which pays a higher dividend, CarMax or Lithia Motors?
Lithia Motors pays a dividend yielding 0.82%, while CarMax does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are CarMax and Lithia Motors in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.