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Carmax Inc (KMX)
NYSE:KMX
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CarMax (KMX) AI Stock Analysis

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KMX

CarMax

(NYSE:KMX)

Rating:71Outperform
Price Target:
$64.00
▲(6.56% Upside)
CarMax's strong earnings growth and strategic focus on digital sales are key strengths, contributing to a high earnings call score. Financial performance remains stable, though technical indicators suggest caution. Valuation is moderate, with no dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Financial Strategy
A strong balance sheet and free cash flow allow CarMax to invest in growth opportunities and return capital to shareholders, while maintaining flexibility for strategic initiatives.
Market Position and Strategy
CarMax is the largest used-vehicle retailer in the U.S., strategically positioned with a scalable, defensible model supported by vertical integration and investments in digital tools and AI.
Market Recovery
There is potential support for CarMax shares from a recovery in late-model used car supply starting in 2026 and ongoing share buybacks.
Negative Factors
Competitive Pressure
CarMax faces increased competition from peers like CVNA, which has significantly outperformed in growth and unit economics.
Operational Challenges
Poor underwriting performance at CarMax Auto Finance, compared to peers, has added to the challenges faced by the company in a weak industry environment.
Strategic Execution
CarMax has struggled with disappointing execution and slow strategic pivots, impacting earnings.

CarMax (KMX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

CarMax Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCarMax, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer of used vehicles in the United States. The company operates through two segments, CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance. It offers customers a range of makes and models of used vehicles, including domestic, imported, and luxury vehicles, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles; and extended protection plans to customers at the time of sale, as well as sells vehicles that are approximately 10 years old and has more than 100,000 miles through wholesale auctions. The company also provides reconditioning and vehicle repair services; and financing alternatives for retail customers across a range of credit spectrum through its CarMax Auto Finance and arrangements with various financial institutions. As of February 28, 2022, it operated approximately 230 used car stores. CarMax, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, Virginia.
How the Company Makes MoneyCarMax generates revenue primarily through the sale of used vehicles, which constitutes its main revenue stream. The company purchases cars from various sources, including auctions and trade-ins, and then sells them to customers at a markup. In addition to vehicle sales, CarMax earns significant revenue from its financing services, where it offers loans to customers through its own finance arm. This includes both retail and wholesale financing. Additionally, CarMax offers extended service plans and vehicle warranties, which further contribute to its earnings. The company's focus on a transparent, customer-friendly buying experience has built strong brand loyalty, while its national footprint allows it to leverage economies of scale in vehicle procurement and sales. Partnerships with various financial institutions also enhance its financing capabilities, providing customers with competitive loan options.

CarMax Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Average Selling Prices
Average Selling Prices
Tracks the average price at which vehicles are sold, reflecting pricing strategy, market demand, and potential impact on revenue and margins.
Chart InsightsCarMax's average selling prices for both used and wholesale vehicles have seen a decline since their peak in 2022, reflecting broader market trends and economic pressures. Despite this, CarMax reported a 42% growth in EPS and strong sales growth, driven by strategic initiatives like increased dealer purchases and enhanced digital capabilities. The decline in average selling prices is offset by record retail gross profit per used unit, suggesting effective cost management and operational efficiencies. However, challenges remain with decreased CAF income and increased loan loss provisions, highlighting potential risks in financial services.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

CarMax Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 31, 2025
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: -24.98%|
Next Earnings Date:Sep 25, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a strong performance with significant EPS growth, increased vehicle purchases, and successful implementation of digital strategies. However, challenges were evident in the decline of CAF income and increased loan loss provisions. Despite some financial headwinds, the overall tone remained optimistic about future growth and market positioning.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Record EPS Growth
Achieved 42% EPS growth, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of positive retail unit comps and double-digit earnings per share growth.
Increased Vehicle Purchases
Purchased approximately 336,000 vehicles during the quarter, up 7% from last year, with significant purchases from both consumers and dealers.
Omni-Channel Sales Growth
80% of retail sales supported by digital capabilities, with 66% being omni and 14% online.
Share Repurchases
Doubled the pace of share repurchases, buying back approximately 3 million shares for a total spend of $200 million.
Increase in Service Margin
Service margin improved by $30 million over last year's first quarter, driven by cost coverage and efficiencies.
AI Implementation
Strategic deployment of AI technology improved customer service productivity by 24%.
Negative Updates
Decline in CAF Income
CAF income for the quarter was $142 million, down $5 million from FY '25, due to an influx of self-funded higher credit purchasers.
Loan Loss Provision Increase
CAF's loan loss provision increased to $102 million, influenced by higher sales and lower credit quality periods, and the uncertain economic outlook.
Decreased CarMax Auto Finance Penetration
CAF penetration decreased by 150 basis points from last year due to higher credit purchasers and increased Tier 3 penetration.
Company Guidance
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, CarMax, Inc. reported significant growth and strategic advancements. The company achieved total sales of $7.5 billion, marking a 6% increase from the previous year, driven by a 9% rise in total unit sales. Retail unit comps increased by 8.1%, with an average selling price of $26,100, despite a year-over-year reduction of $400 per unit. CarMax also recorded a 42% growth in earnings per share, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of positive retail unit comps and double-digit EPS growth. In terms of gross profit, the company reported a total of $894 million, up 13% from last year, with a retail gross profit per used unit reaching a record high of $2,407. The company also made significant strides in its CarMax Auto Finance division, originating over $2.3 billion with a net interest margin of 6.5%. Additionally, the company set a record by purchasing approximately 336,000 vehicles, a 7% increase from the previous year, and doubled the pace of its share repurchases. These results reflect CarMax's strong omni-channel experience, strategic execution, and focus on expanding market share while leveraging operational efficiencies.

CarMax Financial Statement Overview

Summary
CarMax is maintaining profitability and cash flow generation despite revenue growth challenges and declining margins. The balance sheet shows a reliance on debt, but this is balanced by effective cash management and shareholder returns.
Income Statement
70
Positive
CarMax shows reasonable profitability with a gross profit margin of approximately 11.2% and a net profit margin of 2.1% in TTM. However, the company is experiencing a decrease in revenue growth, with a drop of about 15.7% over the past two years. EBIT and EBITDA margins have also declined, indicating pressures on operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a moderately leveraged position with a debt-to-equity ratio of about 2.85. The return on equity (ROE) is fairly stable at 8.9% for TTM, suggesting that the company is generating returns for shareholders. However, equity ratio stands at 22.9%, indicating a reliance on debt financing.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
CarMax demonstrates strong cash flow management with a significant improvement in free cash flow, growing by over 245% in the latest year. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is healthy at 1.87, suggesting effective cash generation relative to net earnings. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also favorable at 0.97.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue26.35B26.54B29.68B31.90B18.95B
Gross Profit2.90B2.71B2.80B3.29B2.38B
EBITDA1.03B1.04B1.02B2.09B1.29B
Net Income500.56M479.20M484.76M1.15B746.92M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets27.40B27.20B26.18B26.34B21.54B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments246.96M574.14M314.76M102.72M132.32M
Total Debt19.22B19.53B18.93B19.27B15.53B
Total Liabilities21.16B21.12B20.57B21.10B17.18B
Stockholders Equity6.24B6.07B5.61B5.24B4.36B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow156.50M-6.69M860.62M-2.86B503.22M
Operating Cash Flow624.44M458.62M1.28B-2.55B667.76M
Investing Cash Flow-461.00M-467.00M-425.77M-523.75M-128.18M
Financing Cash Flow-453.54M307.79M-710.18M3.10B-424.02M

CarMax Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price60.06
Price Trends
50DMA
62.38
Negative
100DMA
64.90
Negative
200DMA
72.85
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.91
Negative
RSI
53.11
Neutral
STOCH
65.86
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For KMX, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 60.06 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 57.39, below the 50-day MA of 62.38, and below the 200-day MA of 72.85, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.91 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 53.11 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 65.86 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for KMX.

CarMax Risk Analysis

CarMax disclosed 26 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. CarMax reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

CarMax Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$12.14B12.8018.11%2.74%2.39%5.84%
75
Outperform
$4.82B8.8015.19%8.39%40.35%
75
Outperform
$5.86B12.5415.72%0.41%19.75%-10.74%
73
Outperform
$7.89B9.1213.34%0.70%10.25%9.08%
71
Outperform
$8.91B15.998.97%3.17%42.14%
70
Outperform
$7.96B13.1327.24%3.15%-12.49%
61
Neutral
$17.16B12.39-5.32%3.05%1.51%-15.30%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KMX
CarMax
60.06
-24.96
-29.36%
ABG
Asbury
253.82
9.76
4.00%
AN
AutoNation
218.80
36.44
19.98%
GPI
Group 1 Automotive
470.11
102.57
27.91%
LAD
Lithia Motors
326.73
27.43
9.16%
PAG
Penske Automotive Group
187.31
23.50
14.35%

CarMax Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
CarMax Shareholders Meeting Concludes with Key Decisions
Neutral
Jun 26, 2025

On June 24, 2025, CarMax held its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, where several key decisions were made. The shareholders elected directors to the Board for a one-year term, ratified KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2026, and approved a non-binding advisory resolution on executive compensation. However, a shareholder proposal regarding a special meeting right was not approved.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 19, 2025