Why Are Investors Excited About Carvana Stock?

Core Viewpoint - Carvana (CVNA) has experienced a remarkable recovery in 2025, with its stock price increasing approximately 125% year-to-date, transitioning from a high-risk turnaround story to a rapidly growing and profitable online auto retailer [1] Company Overview - Carvana is valued at $99.1 billion and operates as an online automotive retailer, allowing customers to buy, sell, and finance used cars entirely online, aiming to enhance the car-buying experience through speed, convenience, and data-driven processes [3] Financial Performance - In Q3, Carvana sold 150,941 retail units, marking a 44% year-over-year increase, while revenue rose 55% to $5.65 billion, achieving an annual revenue run rate exceeding $20 billion for the first time [4] - Net income reached $263 million, with adjusted EBITDA hitting a record high of $637 million, and nearly 87% of adjusted EBITDA was converted into GAAP operating income, indicating high-quality earnings [4] Growth Strategy - Management highlighted the "feedback flywheel" effect, where rising data enhances pricing, inventory management, logistics, and customer experience, supporting the long-term goal of selling 3 million cars annually at a 13.5% adjusted EBITDA margin over the next five to ten years [5] - Increasing automation and vertical integration are driving investor enthusiasm, with over 30% of retail buyers completing the shopping process without interacting with a customer representative until delivery or pickup [5] Operational Efficiency - The level of automation requires interconnected systems, real-time data availability, and defined workflows, which streamline the client experience and reduce operating costs [6] - Carvana has significantly improved its financial position by retiring $1.2 billion in corporate debt in 2024 and 2025, and it reported $2.1 billion in cash on its balance sheet at the end of Q3 [6]