CarMax, Inc. (KMX) vs Macy's, Inc. (M)

M leads on 11 of 14 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of CarMax, Inc. and Macy's, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 28, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — KMX vs M

growth of $100 · last 29y
KMX +399.5%M +57.9%KMX compounded faster
05001k2kStart $10020022007201220172022$500$158
KMX M

KMX vs M: by the numbers

  • KMX is the larger company ($7.49B vs $6.83B market cap).
  • M trades at the lower earnings multiple (10.77 vs 32.77 P/E).
  • M converts more revenue to profit (2.94% vs 0.84% net margin).
  • M grew revenue faster over the past five years (2.77% vs 2.39% CAGR).
  • M pays a dividend (2.95% yield) while KMX does not currently pay one.

Which is better, KMX or M?

Metric tally: KMX 3 · M 11

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueM(lower P/E)
GrowthM(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityM(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricKMXM
P/E ratio32.7710.77
Forward P/E19.5811.86
P/S ratio0.280.31
P/B ratio1.231.46
PEG ratio0.66
EV / EBITDA5.73
FCF yield13.26%21.23%

Profitability

MetricKMXM
Gross margin10.24%36.54%
Operating margin-1.85%4.47%
Net margin0.84%2.94%
ROE3.64%13.79%
ROIC-1.10%6.63%

Dividends

MetricKMXM
Dividend yield2.95%
Payout ratio32.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricKMXM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.39%2.77%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-18.18%4.50%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.85%10.73%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-16.16%9.54%

Frequently asked

Which is better, KMX or M?
It depends on your goal. value: M (lower P/E); growth: M (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: M (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, M leads 11 to 3.
Is KMX or M cheaper?
On trailing earnings, M is cheaper: KMX trades at a 32.77 P/E and M at 10.77.
Which has grown faster, KMX or M?
Over the past five years, M grew revenue faster — KMX at a 2.39% CAGR versus M at 2.77%.
Does KMX or M pay a bigger dividend?
M pays a dividend (2.95% yield) while KMX does not currently pay one.
Is KMX or M more profitable?
M runs the higher net margin — KMX at 0.84% versus M at 2.94%.
Which has been the better investment, KMX or M?
Over the past 10-year, M delivered the higher annualized total return — KMX at 1.31% versus M at 1.71%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 28, 2026.