CarMax Surpasses Earnings Estimates in Q1 Report
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Significant Revenue Growth: CarMax's total revenue for Q1 increased by 6.1% year-over-year to $8.01 billion, surpassing consensus estimates by $580 million, indicating strong performance under new CEO Keith Barr's leadership.
- Used Vehicle Sales Increase: Combined retail and wholesale used vehicle unit sales reached 392,357, up 3.3% from the previous year, with retail used vehicle sales slightly rising to 230,293 units, reflecting stable market demand.
- Digital Sales Support: Digital capabilities supported 84% of retail unit sales, with online retail sales accounting for 14%, demonstrating significant progress in the company's digital transformation and enhancing customer experience.
- Gross Margin Changes: Although the gross margin for Q1 was 10.7%, down from 11.8% a year ago, the GAAP EPS of $1.31 beat consensus estimates by $0.37, showcasing resilience in profitability despite margin pressures.
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Analyst Views on KMX
Wall Street analysts forecast KMX stock price to fall
13 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
10 Hold
3 Sell
Hold
Current: 52.210
Low
24.00
Averages
33.60
High
37.00
Current: 52.210
Low
24.00
Averages
33.60
High
37.00
About KMX
CarMax, Inc. is a retailer of used autos. The Company operates through two segments: CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance (CAF). The CarMax Sales Operations segment consists of all aspects of its auto merchandising and service operations. The CarMax Sales Operations segment sells used vehicles, purchases used vehicles from customers and other sources, sells related products and services, and arranges financing options for customers. The CAF segment consists solely of its own finance operation that provides financing for customers buying retail vehicles from the Company. The CAF segment also services all auto loans, it originates and is responsible for providing billing statements, collecting payments, maintaining contact with delinquent customers, and arranging for the repossession of vehicles securing defaulted loans. It provides customers with a range of other related products and services, including extended protection plan (EPP) products and vehicle repair services.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Earnings Announcement Date: CarMax (KMX) is scheduled to release its Q1 earnings on June 17 after market close, with a consensus EPS estimate of $0.98, reflecting a significant 29% year-over-year decline, indicating potential profitability challenges.
- Revenue Expectations Decline: The anticipated revenue for Q1 is $7.43 billion, down 1.6% year-over-year, which suggests a weakening overall market demand that could impact the company's sales strategies and inventory management.
- Historical Performance Review: Over the past two years, CarMax has beaten EPS estimates 63% of the time and revenue estimates 88% of the time, demonstrating some resilience amid market fluctuations, although recent estimate revisions may affect investor confidence.
- Estimate Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, EPS estimates have seen one upward revision and two downward adjustments, while revenue estimates experienced six upward revisions and one downward, indicating a divergence in analysts' outlook on the company's future performance.
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- Revenue Growth: CarMax reported a 6.2% increase in net revenues to $8.0 billion for Q1, indicating robust performance despite competitive pressures in the automotive retail sector.
- Unit Sales Performance: Combined retail and wholesale unit sales reached 392,357, up 3.3%, with wholesale unit sales increasing by 8.4%, reflecting effective inventory management and sales strategies.
- Cost Control: SG&A expenses decreased by 3.7% to $635.2 million, primarily due to ongoing cost reduction efforts, which will enhance the company's profitability and operational efficiency moving forward.
- Strategic Framework: CEO Keith Barr introduced a four-pillar strategy aimed at improving customer experience and operational efficiency, thereby driving sustainable growth and strengthening the company's competitive position in the used car market.
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- Revenue Growth: CarMax reported a 6.2% year-over-year increase in revenue to $8.01 billion for Q1, exceeding analyst expectations of $7.4 billion, demonstrating the company's resilience amid rising used-vehicle prices and strong wholesale demand.
- Used Vehicle Price Increase: Average used vehicle prices rose 4.5% year-over-year to $27,288, which, despite retail demand being pressured by affordability concerns, contributed positively to the company's overall revenue growth.
- Profit Decline: Despite revenue growth, CarMax's retail gross profit per used vehicle fell to $2,177 from $2,407 a year earlier, indicating pressure on retail margins and a narrowing profit space in a challenging market.
- Positive Stock Reaction: Following the earnings report, CarMax's shares rose over 5% in premarket trading, reflecting investor optimism regarding the company's performance, even as overall profits declined.
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- Significant Revenue Growth: CarMax's total revenue for Q1 increased by 6.1% year-over-year to $8.01 billion, surpassing consensus estimates by $580 million, indicating strong performance under new CEO Keith Barr's leadership.
- Used Vehicle Sales Increase: Combined retail and wholesale used vehicle unit sales reached 392,357, up 3.3% from the previous year, with retail used vehicle sales slightly rising to 230,293 units, reflecting stable market demand.
- Digital Sales Support: Digital capabilities supported 84% of retail unit sales, with online retail sales accounting for 14%, demonstrating significant progress in the company's digital transformation and enhancing customer experience.
- Gross Margin Changes: Although the gross margin for Q1 was 10.7%, down from 11.8% a year ago, the GAAP EPS of $1.31 beat consensus estimates by $0.37, showcasing resilience in profitability despite margin pressures.
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