Will Carvana Extend Its Streak of Record Retail Sales in Q2?

Carvana Co. CVNA reported retail unit sales of 133,898 in the first quarter of 2025, which increased 46% year over year and set a new record. This growth reflects the company’s evolving customer offering, growing consumer awareness and trust and the operational advantages of scale, including increasing inventory selection. The significant rise in retail unit sales contributed to record quarterly revenues of $4.23 billion, up 38% year over year. The reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports could affect the cost of vehicles. However, Carvana expects that these higher tariffs are more likely to inflate prices of new vehicles relative to used ones, which could create a favorable pricing environment for the used vehicle market. Such conditions may particularly benefit business models focused on delivering strong consumer value, in which CVNA sees itself well-positioned.Assuming macroeconomic conditions remain steady, the company anticipates a sequential rise in retail unit sales in the second quarter, which could result in another all-time high. After delivering four consecutive quarters of retail unit growth exceeding 30%, the company has outlined a new long-term management goal. It plans to scale retail unit sales to 3 million annually within the next five to ten years. CVNA carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Carvana’s competitors, like Lithia Motors, Inc. LAD and Group 1 Automotive, Inc. GPI, have also registered growth in retail unit sales in the latest reported quarter and are expanding their geographical footprints to support further growth.In the first quarter of 2025, Lithia’s retail new and used vehicle sales reached 91,990 and 107,326 units, respectively, suggesting a year-over-year rise of 7.4% and 4.8%, respectively. Strategic acquisitions and store expansions are boosting Lithia’s sales. The company is focused on buying large, high-performing stores in the Southeast and South-Central United States. By also expanding its digital reach, Lithia aims to grow its U.S. market share to 5%, up from just over 1% currently.Group 1’s retail new and used vehicle sales totaled 56,099 and 59,618 units in the first quarter of 2025, marking an improvement of 26.6% and 21.2% year over year, respectively. Acquisitions of dealerships and franchises are boosting Group 1’s sales. In May, Group 1 acquired a Lexus and an Acura dealership in Florida and a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Texas to support growth in its key cluster markets.Carvana’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesCarvana has outperformed the Zacks Internet – Commerce industry year to date. CVNA shares have gained 51.4% compared with the industry’s growth of 4.2%.YTD Price PerformanceImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchFrom a valuation perspective, Carvana appears overvalued. Going by its price/sales ratio, the company is trading at a forward sales multiple of 3.28, higher than its industry’s 1.98.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchEPS Estimates RevisionThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 and 2026 EPS has moved up 9 cents and down 13 cents, respectively, in the past seven days. Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchZacks Names #1 Semiconductor StockIt's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom.With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028.See This Stock Now for Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (GPI): Free Stock Analysis Report Lithia Motors, Inc. (LAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Carvana Co. (CVNA): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks