CarMax (KMX) vs OPENLANE (OPLN)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
OPENLANE (OPLN) has outperformed CarMax (KMX) over the past year, gaining 30.0% versus a gain of 21.3%. Over five years, OPLN leads with a +127.1% price change compared with -60.7% for KMX. CarMax is the larger company by market cap ($7.64 billion vs $4.36 billion), about 1.8 times the size, while OPENLANE is growing revenue faster (+8.2% vs -1.8%).
On valuation, CarMax trades at a lower forward P/E (15.1x vs 20.5x for OPENLANE). OPENLANE converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 9.2% 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 | OPLN |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $53.79 | $35.68 |
| Market cap | $7.64B | $4.36B |
| 1-day change | +0.96% | +2.56% |
| YTD return | +39.21% | +19.81% |
| 1-year return | +21.26% | +30.03% |
| 5-year return | -60.68% | +127.12% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 25.49 | — |
| Forward P/E | 15.08 | 20.52 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.11 | $-0.83 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $25.88B | $1.93B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.79% | +8.16% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $247.29M | $177.70M |
| Gross margin | 10.84% | 46.15% |
| Operating margin | — | 10.16% |
| Net margin | 0.96% | 9.19% |
| 52-week high | $65.28 | $42.90 |
| 52-week low | $30.26 | $24.32 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -17.60% | -16.83% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.42% | +29.54% |
| Average volume | 2.60M | 1.20M |
| Shares outstanding | 141.94M | 122.07M |
| Employees | 28,000 | 4,032 |
| 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
- OPENLANE is more profitable, keeping 9.2 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 1.0 cents for CarMax.
- OPENLANE grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.16% 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 OPENLANE
OPLN stock →OPENLANE, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a digital marketplace for wholesale used vehicles in the United States, Canada, Continental Europe, and the United Kingdom. The company operates through two segments, Marketplace and Finance.
Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 4,032 employees
KMX vs OPLN FAQ
Which is bigger, CarMax or OPENLANE?
CarMax (KMX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.64B compared with $4.36B for OPENLANE (OPLN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KMX or OPLN?
OPLN returned +30.03% over the past 12 months, compared with +21.26% for KMX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Are CarMax and OPENLANE in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.