Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In FY 2025, the company spent approximately $425 million on share buybacks, with an expectation of a step-up in FY 2026 [21] - The first quarter of FY 2026 saw $200 million allocated for share buybacks, indicating a positive trend in free cash flow [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on diversifying inventory sourcing to ensure competitive pricing for consumers, which is crucial in the current economic environment [27] - Efforts are being made to improve efficiency measures that will impact both cost of goods sold and selling, general, and administrative expenses [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The impact of tariffs has been somewhat muted so far, with no significant inflation in parts observed, which is beneficial for the used car market [23][24] - As new car prices rise, the used car industry is expected to benefit, making used cars more affordable for consumers [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to enhancing customer experience by ensuring the largest total addressable market compared to competitors [26] - New funding tools and strategies are being implemented to increase profits, which can be reinvested into the business [27] - The focus on ancillary profits, such as extended service plans, is part of the strategy to drive both top-line and bottom-line growth [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the dynamic environment due to tariffs but remains optimistic about the company's ability to manage costs effectively [23][24] - The company believes that continued growth in the past four quarters will positively influence stock performance [28] Other Important Information - The board of directors recommended voting against a shareholder proposal for special shareholder meeting rights, stating it is not in the best interest of the company [15] - The preliminary voting results indicated that all director nominees were elected, and the appointment of KPMG as auditors was ratified [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much was spent on share buybacks in 2024 and how much is expected in 2025? - The company spent approximately $425 million on share buybacks in FY 2025 and expects a step-up in FY 2026 [21] Question: How is the company positioning itself to handle tariffs? - The impact of tariffs has been muted, with no inflation in parts observed, and the company is focused on sourcing at the best prices [23][24] Question: What can be done to reward CarMax shareholders given the stock price comparison with Carvana? - The company is focusing on customer experience, diversifying inventory sourcing, and improving efficiency to drive growth and positively impact stock performance [26][27][28]

Core Viewpoint - CarMax reported better-than-expected Q1 results, with revenue rising approximately 6% year-over-year to $7.55 billion and earnings exceeding predictions at $1.38 per share, leading to a nearly 6% surge in stock price [2] Financial Performance - CarMax experienced a 6.6% rise in same-store sales year-over-year during the quarter, indicating a positive shift after a slight decline over the past two years [2] - The company noted an improvement in gross margins, with retail gross profit per used unit nearing an all-time high due to increased demand and cost efficiencies [2] - Quarterly revenues grew 6.7% to $6.0 billion compared to $5.6 billion a year prior, contrasting with a 4.8% improvement for the S&P 500 [6] - CarMax's revenues have decreased 0.7% from $27 billion to $26 billion in the last 12 months, against a 5.5% growth for the S&P 500 [6] Valuation Comparison - CarMax's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 0.4 compared to 3.1 for the S&P 500, and its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 19.7 versus 26.9 for the benchmark [6] - The current valuation of CarMax appears moderate when compared to its operational performance and financial health over recent years [3] Profitability Metrics - CarMax's operating income for the last four quarters was -$221 million, reflecting an operating margin of -0.8% [7] - The operating cash flow (OCF) for this period was $624 million, indicating an OCF margin of 2.4%, compared to 14.9% for the S&P 500 [7] - Net income for the four-quarter period was $501 million, resulting in a net income margin of 1.9%, against 11.6% for the S&P 500 [7] Financial Stability - CarMax's total debt was $19 billion at the end of the most recent quarter, with a market capitalization of $11 billion, leading to a debt-to-equity ratio of 194.8% compared to 19.4% for the S&P 500 [9] - Cash and cash equivalents amount to $247 million of the $27 billion in total assets, resulting in a cash-to-assets ratio of 0.9% [9] Downturn Resilience - KMX stock has historically performed worse than the S&P 500 during several downturns, indicating lower resilience in adverse market conditions [9] - The stock experienced a significant decline of 64.0% from a peak of $154.85 in November 2021 to $55.69 in October 2022, compared to a 25.4% drop for the S&P 500 [10] - During the COVID pandemic, KMX stock fell 56.6% from a high of $101.90 in February 2020 to $44.27 in March 2020, versus a 33.9% decline for the S&P 500 [11] Overall Assessment - CarMax's performance across key metrics indicates extremely weak operational performance and financial condition, leading to the conclusion that KMX is a very unattractive stock to buy [12][14]

Core Viewpoint - CarMax reported strong first-quarter earnings, exceeding analyst expectations, which led RBC Capital to maintain an Outperform rating and raise the price target from $80 to $81 [1]. Financial Performance - CarMax's first-quarter earnings per share were $1.38, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.21 [1]. - Quarterly sales reached $7.55 billion, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $7.47 billion [1]. - Retail used unit sales increased by 9.0%, while comparable store used unit sales grew by 8.1%, both outperforming expectations [2][3]. Operational Insights - The company experienced a sequential improvement in category demand and market share gains, with each month of the quarter showing positive results, particularly April [3]. - SG&A as a percentage of gross profit improved to 73.8%, a reduction of approximately 680 basis points, attributed to cost management efforts despite rising compensation costs [4]. - CarMax repurchased $200 million in shares during the quarter, a significant increase compared to previous trends [4][5]. Challenges and Risks - CAF income declined by 3.6% to $141.7 million, primarily due to increased loan loss provisions, reflecting seasonal sales patterns and credit quality concerns [6]. - The company anticipates net sales growth of 1.9% and 3.9% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, with adjusted EPS estimates of $3.88 and $4.52 [7].

Financial Performance - CarMax reported earnings per share of $1.38, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $1.21 [1] - Quarterly sales reached $7.55 billion, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $7.47 billion [1] Business Expansion - The company opened two new stand-alone reconditioning/auction centers in El Mirage, Arizona, and Midlothian, Texas [2] Management Commentary - CEO Bill Nash highlighted the fourth consecutive quarter of positive retail comps and double-digit year-over-year earnings per share growth, emphasizing the strength of the company's earnings growth model [3] - Nash noted the importance of the omni-channel experience and the integration of associates, stores, technology, and digital capabilities in enhancing customer experience [3] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Truist Securities maintained a Hold rating and raised the price target from $72 to $74 [6] - RBC Capital maintained an Outperform rating and increased the price target from $80 to $81 [6] - Needham reiterated a Buy rating with a price target of $92 [6]

Core Insights - CarMax experienced increased loan losses and economic uncertainty during the quarter ending May 31 [1] - The company's CarMax Auto Finance (CAF) raised its provision for loan losses to $101.7 million, up from $81.2 million year-over-year [2] Financial Performance - Retail used unit sales grew by 9.0%, comparable store used unit sales rose by 8.1%, and wholesale unit sales increased by 1.2% [4] - Gross profit per retail used unit reached a record high of $2,407, an increase of $60 [4] Operational Efficiency - The deployment of artificial intelligence has led to efficiencies, with the AI-powered virtual assistant Skye achieving a 30% improvement in containment rate [6] - 80% of retail unit sales were supported by digital capabilities, with omnichannel sales accounting for 66% and online sales for 14% [6] Market Dynamics - Growth in sales was partly driven by consumer purchases ahead of new U.S. tariffs, although the company had been growing prior to this surge due to internal improvements [5] - A slight decline in omnichannel and online sales percentages was noted, attributed to seasonal changes, but the overall trend remains positive [7]

Core Insights - CarMax Inc. reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.38 for Q1 fiscal 2026, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.18 and up from $0.97 in the prior year [1][9] - The company's revenues reached $7.55 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.52 billion and reflecting a 6% year-over-year increase [1] Segmental Performance - Used-vehicle net sales amounted to $6.1 billion, a 7.5% increase year-over-year, driven by a 9% rise in unit sales to 230,210 vehicles, exceeding the forecast of 207,124 units [2] - The average selling price (ASP) of used vehicles decreased by 1.5% to $26,120, which was below the projected ASP of $28,279 [2] - Comparable store used-vehicle units increased by 8.1%, with revenues rising by 6.6% year-over-year; gross profit per unit (GPU) was $2,407, up from $2,347 in the prior year but below the estimate of $2,376.8 [3] Wholesale Vehicle Performance - Wholesale vehicle revenues decreased by 0.3% year-over-year to $1.25 billion, falling short of the projection of $1.27 billion due to lower-than-expected ASP [4] - Units sold in the wholesale segment rose by 1.2% to 149,517, exceeding the forecast of 145,645; however, the ASP fell by 1.7% to $7,959, below the estimate of $8,717 [4] - Wholesale GPU was $1,047, down from $1,064 in the prior year but above the estimate of $1,033.3 [4] Other Revenues and Expenses - Other sales and revenues increased by 6.1% year-over-year to $190.4 million, missing the estimate of $196.2 million [5] - CarMax Auto Finance's income fell by 3.6% year-over-year to $141.7 million [5] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses rose by 3.3% to $659.6 million [5] Share Repurchase Activity - During the fiscal first quarter, CarMax repurchased shares worth $199.8 million and had $1.74 billion remaining under its share repurchase authorization as of May 31, 2025 [6]

Core Viewpoint - CarMax, Inc. has experienced a decline in share value, losing approximately 10% and nearing a 52-week low due to challenges related to higher prices impacting its performance [1] Company Performance - The quarterly earnings report is anticipated amidst the company's struggles with pricing pressures [1] Market Context - The company has been identified as a poor performer in the current market environment, reflecting broader challenges within the industry [1]

Core Insights - CarMax reported strong financial results for Q1 FY 2026, with total revenue of $7.55 billion, a 6% increase from the previous year, and adjusted earnings per share of $1.38, up 42% [2][4]. Financial Performance - Total revenue increased from $7.11 billion in Q1 FY 2025 to $7.55 billion in Q1 FY 2026, representing a 6% growth and beating expectations [2]. - Adjusted earnings per share rose from $0.97 to $1.38, marking a 42% increase and also exceeding expectations [2]. - Retail used vehicle unit sales grew by 9%, from 211,132 units to 230,210 units [2]. - The average price of used vehicles decreased slightly by 1.5%, from $26,526 to $26,120 [2]. Business Operations - Total vehicle unit sales increased nearly 6% year over year, driven by strong retail performance, with comparable store used unit sales up 8.1% [3]. - CarMax purchased 336,000 vehicles during the quarter, a 7% increase, and revenue from extended protection plans rose by 11% [3]. - The company emphasized effective expense management and stronger gross profit figures as key factors in its earnings growth [4]. Market Reaction - Following the positive financial report, CarMax shares surged nearly 11% in premarket trading, indicating strong investor confidence [6]. - The stock had been trading near two-year lows, with concerns about consumer sentiment, but the results suggested resilience in consumer purchasing behavior [7]. Strategic Initiatives - CarMax opened two new stand-alone centers for auctions and vehicle reconditioning in Phoenix and Dallas, aimed at supporting strong market conditions in those regions [8]. - The company accelerated its stock repurchase program, spending $200 million to buy back approximately 3 million shares, leaving $1.74 billion available for future repurchases, reflecting confidence in ongoing favorable industry conditions [9].

Financial Performance - CarMax beat expectations on both top and bottom lines [1] - CarMax's same store sales increased by 81% for the quarter, exceeding analyst expectations of around 77% to 78% [2] - Gross profit per vehicle was also slightly better than many analysts anticipated [3][4] Market Dynamics - Tariffs are contributing to increased demand for used cars, particularly evident in April and May [1] - Residual value in the used car market is near a record high, benefiting CarMax's buy and sell operations [3] Company Outlook & Sustainability - The market is uncertain about CarMax's ability to sustain its strong performance consistently [4] - CarMax has historically struggled with delivering consistent results on a quarter-over-quarter basis [5]

Core Insights - CarMax reported a 6% year-over-year increase in total sales to $7.5 billion for Q1 FY2026, with used unit comps rising by 8.1% and a record diluted EPS of $1.38, reflecting a 42% year-over-year growth [1] Funding Strategy and Risk Mitigation - CarMax Auto Finance (CAF) originated over $2.3 billion in loans with a 41.8% penetration rate, earmarking a $632 million principal balance of non-prime receivables for off-balance sheet sale, marking the company's first such move [3][4] - Total loan loss provisions increased to $102 million, resulting in a reserve balance of $474 million, or 2.76% of managed receivables excluding loans held for sale [3] Operational Advancements and Margin Expansion - Digital engagement accounted for 80% of retail sales in Q1 FY2026, with SG&A expenses growing only 3% despite a 9% increase in retail unit sales, achieving "omnicost neutrality" on three key efficiency metrics [5][6] - The deployment of AI technology, including the Sky AI virtual assistant, led to a 30% year-over-year improvement in customer self-service containment and a 24% increase in consultant productivity [7][9] Future Outlook - Management anticipates continued positive retail unit comp growth and market share gains for the remainder of FY2026, with service margins expected to remain positive [10]