Group 1 - Carvana's shares fell approximately 20% in after-hours trading following the release of its outlook for the upcoming year, which lacked specific details [1] - The company experienced a significant surge in sales growth over the past year, indicating a strong performance prior to the outlook announcement [1]

Core Viewpoint - Carvana Co. is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws due to significant stock price drops linked to claims of accounting improprieties [2][3]. Company Overview - Carvana is an online e-commerce platform and used-car retailer that enables customers to buy, sell, or finance vehicles entirely online. A substantial portion of its revenue is derived from online vehicle sales and auto loans, which are often securitized or sold to external parties [3]. Investigation Details - The investigation by Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP focuses on whether Carvana overstated its earnings and improperly accounted for related party transactions [3]. - Gotham City Research LLC issued a report alleging that Carvana's financial results are closely tied to a network of related party entities controlled by Ernest Garcia II, which includes DriveTime, Bridgecrest, and GoFi. The report claims that these relationships led to an overstatement of Carvana's earnings by over $1 billion [4]. Stock Performance - Following the release of the Gotham City report on January 28, 2026, Carvana's stock price fell over 20%, dropping from $474.06 per share at market open to a low of $374.55 per share [5].

Core Insights - Carvana's shares have surged following its upcoming inclusion in the S&P 500 index, which has significantly increased investor demand and momentum buying [3][4] - The stock closed at $399, up 0.2%, and saw an after-hours increase of nearly 10%, resulting in a year-to-date gain of 100% [1][4] Group 1: S&P 500 Inclusion - Carvana will join the S&P 500 index ahead of the December 22 rebalancing, leading to a spike in after-hours trading as index-tracking funds and ETFs prepare to buy shares [4] - Inclusion in the S&P 500 is expected to improve liquidity and enhance long-term credibility for Carvana [5] Group 2: Financial Performance - Carvana reported third-quarter revenue of approximately $5.65 billion, alongside improved profitability metrics, which supported its inclusion in the S&P 500 [5] - The company's recovery in unit economics, operating efficiency, and retail demand has positioned it as a leader in digital auto retail [6] Group 3: Market Dynamics - Analysts caution that the stock's premium valuation may reflect aggressive expectations, leaving little room for disappointment [6] - Part of the recent stock price spike is attributed to index-related demand rather than purely fundamental buying [6]

Core Insights - The S&P 500's quarterly rebalancing on December 22 includes Carvana, marking a significant and unexpected recovery for the company [1][5] - Carvana's inclusion in the index is notable given its near-collapse in 2022, highlighting a remarkable turnaround in its business performance [2][10] - Following the announcement, Carvana's stock surged nearly 10% in after-hours trading, contributing to a 97% year-to-date gain and nearly 30% increase in the past month [3][4] Company Performance - Carvana is experiencing record profits and significant unit expansion, positioning itself for continued growth [3][10] - The addition of Carvana to the S&P 500 indicates that it has reached a scale that attracts institutional investment, enhancing its market visibility and trading volume [9][10] Index Changes - Alongside Carvana, several companies are being removed from the S&P 500, including CRH plc, Comfort Systems USA, LKQ Corp., Solstice Advanced Materials, and Mohawk Industries [6][8] - The reshuffling of the index reflects ongoing changes in market dynamics and company performances [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Carvana Co. (NYSE:CVNA) is facing scrutiny regarding its financial health, particularly in light of recent bankruptcy filings in the subprime auto lending sector, leading to a significant drop in its stock price [1][2] Group 1: Financial Health Concerns - Jim Chanos, a prominent short seller, raised concerns about Carvana's financial stability, citing "lots of red flags" following the bankruptcy of Tricolor Holdings, a subprime auto lender [1] - The stock of Carvana fell by 13% on October 22, indicating market reaction to these concerns [1] Group 2: Analyst Perspectives - Needham analyst Chris Pierce believes that the fears surrounding subprime auto loans are exaggerated and reaffirmed a Buy rating on Carvana with a price target of $500, suggesting over 50% upside potential from current levels [3] - Pierce argues that the headwinds affecting Other Gross Profit per Unit (GPU) are temporary and already accounted for in his estimates, indicating a stable environment for long-term investors [3] - Carvana's high volatility profile is noted, with a beta of 3.6, suggesting significant price fluctuations [3]