CarMax (KMX) vs Sonic Automotive (SAH)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
CarMax (KMX) has outperformed Sonic Automotive (SAH) over the past year, gaining 21.3% versus a loss of 14.6%. Over five years, SAH leads with a +18.0% price change compared with -60.7% for KMX. CarMax is the larger company by market cap ($7.64 billion vs $1.94 billion), about 3.9 times the size, while Sonic Automotive is growing revenue faster (+6.5% vs -1.8%).
On valuation, Sonic Automotive trades at a lower forward P/E (8.4x vs 15.1x for CarMax). Sonic Automotive pays a dividend yielding 2.52%, while CarMax does not currently pay one. CarMax converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 1.0% versus 0.8%.
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 | SAH |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $53.79 | $61.51 |
| Market cap | $7.64B | $1.94B |
| 1-day change | +0.96% | +1.64% |
| YTD return | +39.21% | -0.57% |
| 1-year return | +21.26% | -14.59% |
| 5-year return | -60.68% | +17.99% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 25.49 | 9.81 |
| Forward P/E | 15.08 | 8.37 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.11 | $6.27 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 2.52% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $1.55 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $25.88B | $15.15B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.79% | +6.53% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $247.29M | $118.70M |
| Gross margin | 10.84% | 15.72% |
| Operating margin | — | 2.43% |
| Net margin | 0.96% | 0.78% |
| 52-week high | $65.28 | $113.67 |
| 52-week low | $30.26 | $54.11 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -17.60% | -45.89% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.42% | +50.15% |
| Average volume | 2.60M | 308.11K |
| Shares outstanding | 141.94M | 19.59M |
| Employees | 28,000 | 11,000 |
| 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
- CarMax is about 3.9 times larger than Sonic Automotive by market value ($7.64B vs $1.94B).
- KMX has outperformed SAH by 35.9 percentage points over the past year.
- CarMax trades at a higher earnings multiple (25.5x vs 9.8x trailing P/E).
- Sonic Automotive offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.52% vs 0.00%).
- Sonic Automotive grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+6.53% 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 Sonic Automotive
SAH stock →Sonic Automotive, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. It operates in three segments: Franchised Dealerships, EchoPark, and Powersports.
Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 11,000 employees
KMX vs SAH FAQ
Which is bigger, CarMax or Sonic Automotive?
CarMax (KMX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.64B compared with $1.94B for Sonic Automotive (SAH).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KMX or SAH?
KMX returned +21.26% over the past 12 months, compared with -14.59% for SAH (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, KMX or SAH?
SAH has the lower trailing P/E at 9.8, versus 25.5 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 Sonic Automotive?
Sonic Automotive pays a dividend yielding 2.52%, while CarMax does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are CarMax and Sonic Automotive in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.