CarMax, Inc vs Alliant Energy Corporation — how do they compare? CarMax, Inc trades at $52.91 (market cap $7.64B), while Alliant Energy Corporation trades at $65.91 (market cap $16.99B). The key difference: Alliant Energy Corporation is far larger — about 2.2× CarMax, Inc's market cap, and Alliant Energy Corporation pays a 3.27% dividend while CarMax, Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold CarMax, Inc for 49 Days and Alliant Energy Corporation for 64 Days on average.
| KMX | LNT | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $7.64B | $16.99B |
Volume | 3,610,116 | 2,488,387 |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Utilities |
52-Week High | $64.22 | $78.03 |
52-Week Low | $30.88 | $63.21 |
Typical Hold Time | 49 Days | 64 Days |
Enterprise Value | $25.34B | $29.08B |
Dividend Yield | — | 3.27% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
CarMax (KMX) trades at $52.82, down 0.86% today, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The company reported strong Q2 2026 results with EPS of $1.16 beating estimates by 58%, driven by 19.5% revenue growth to $7.9 billion. Valuation metrics show a P/E of 25.37 and P/S of 0.28, while profitability remains modest with 1.06% net margin. Recent news highlights the company's 'Shift into GEAR' turnaround strategy showing early success.
KMX presents a mixed outlook with improving operational performance offset by high debt levels and competitive pressures. The consensus price target of $58.89 suggests 11% upside potential, but analysts remain cautious with 62% hold ratings. Key risks include cyclical auto market exposure and interest rate sensitivity, while catalysts include continued execution of the turnaround strategy and potential share buybacks.
LNT trades at $65.84, up 0.97% today, with a mixed technical picture showing bullish overall signals but bearish moving averages. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters and maintains solid profitability with an 18.45% net margin. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $77 price target, and institutional interest remains high, evidenced by recent large purchases.
LNT's outlook is supported by a $13.4 billion capital investment plan and growing data center demand, though rising debt levels and competitive pressures present risks. The stock offers a defensive income stream with a consistent dividend, but investors should monitor execution of growth initiatives amid economic uncertainty.
Trailing returns across standard periods
CarMax sells, finances, and services used and new cars through a chain of over 230 used retail stores. It was formed in 1993 as a unit of Circuit City and spun off into an independent company in late 2002. Used-vehicle sales typically account for about 83% of revenue and wholesale about 13%, with the remaining portion composed of extended service plans and repair. In fiscal 2022, the company retailed and wholesaled 924,338 and 706,212 used vehicles, respectively. CarMax is the largest used-vehicle retailer in the U.S. but still estimates that it has only about 4% U.S. market share of vehicles 0-10 years old in 2021. It seeks over 5% share by the end of calendar 2025 and revenue between $33 billion to $45 billion by fiscal 2026. CarMax is based in Richmond, Virginia.
Read more on KMX →Alliant Energy is the parent of two regulated utilities, Interstate Power and Light and Wisconsin Power and Light, serving nearly 1 million electricity and natural gas customers and approximately 420,000 natural gas-only customers. Both subsidiaries engage in the generation and distribution of electricity and the distribution and transportation of natural gas. Alliant also owns a 16% interest in American Transmission Co.
Read more on LNT →