CarMax (KMX) vs Penske Automotive Group (PAG)
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 Penske Automotive Group (PAG) over the past year, gaining 18.8% versus a gain of 14.5%. Over five years, PAG leads with a +87.9% price change compared with -61.0% for KMX. Penske Automotive Group is the larger company by market cap ($12.95 billion vs $7.61 billion), about 1.7 times the size.
On valuation, Penske Automotive Group trades at a lower forward P/E (13.7x vs 15.0x for CarMax). Penske Automotive Group pays a dividend yielding 2.86%, while CarMax does not currently pay one. Penske Automotive Group converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 2.9% 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 | PAG |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $53.60 | $197.25 |
| Market cap | $7.61B | $12.95B |
| 1-day change | +0.60% | +1.56% |
| YTD return | +37.89% | +22.70% |
| 1-year return | +18.77% | +14.48% |
| 5-year return | -61.05% | +87.87% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 25.40 | 13.87 |
| Forward P/E | 15.03 | 13.73 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.11 | $14.22 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 2.86% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $5.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $25.88B | $31.81B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.79% | -0.18% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $247.29M | $935.40M |
| Gross margin | 10.84% | 16.40% |
| Operating margin | — | 4.03% |
| Net margin | 0.96% | 2.94% |
| 52-week high | $65.28 | $227.00 |
| 52-week low | $30.26 | $140.12 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -17.89% | -13.11% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.83% | +6.15% |
| Average volume | 2.57M | 425.30K |
| Shares outstanding | 141.94M | 65.66M |
| Employees | 28,000 | 28,600 |
| 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
- CarMax trades at a higher earnings multiple (25.4x vs 13.9x trailing P/E).
- Penske Automotive Group offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.86% vs 0.00%).
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 Penske Automotive Group
PAG stock →Penske Automotive Group, Inc., a diversified transportation services company, operates automotive and commercial truck dealerships in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Retail Automotive, Retail Commercial Truck, Other, and Non-Automotive Investments.
Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 28,600 employees
KMX vs PAG FAQ
Which is bigger, CarMax or Penske Automotive Group?
Penske Automotive Group (PAG) is larger, with a market capitalization of $12.95B compared with $7.61B for CarMax (KMX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KMX or PAG?
KMX returned +18.77% over the past 12 months, compared with +14.48% for PAG (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, KMX or PAG?
PAG has the lower trailing P/E at 13.9, 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 Penske Automotive Group?
Penske Automotive Group pays a dividend yielding 2.86%, while CarMax does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are CarMax and Penske Automotive Group in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.