Carvana (CVNA -4.00%), the online car retailer and e-commerce platform, released its third-quarter results on October 30, 2024, revealing remarkable financial advancement.
Notably, the company delivered a net income of $148 million, surpassing analyst expectations, with earnings per share at $0.69, compared to an estimate of $0.30. The total revenue hit $3.655 billion, reflecting a significant 32% increase year-over-year.
This strong performance is attributed to increased retail units sold and enhanced profitability measures, highlighting a robust Q3 for the company.
| Metric | Q3 2024 | Estimate | Q3 2023 | % Change YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Income | $148 million | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Adjusted Earnings Per Share | $0.69 | $0.30 | N/A | N/A |
| Total Revenue | $3.655 billion | N/A | $2.773 billion | 32% |
| Gross Profit | $807 million | N/A | $482 million | 67% |
| Retail Units Sold | 108,651 | N/A | 80,987 | 34% |
| Gross Profit per Unit (GPU) | $7,427 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Analyst estimates for the quarter provided by FactSet.
Overview of Carvana's Business
Carvana is a leader in the digital car sales industry, offering a convenient online platform for purchasing used vehicles. It eliminates traditional dealership obstacles, providing customers a seamless experience from selection to home delivery. The company has rapidly expanded its logistical footprint, reaching over 81% of the U.S. population.
Recent business strategies emphasize revenue growth through increasing sales volume and market reach. Central to this is its vertically integrated model, leveraging extensive logistics and state-of-the-art technology to efficiently manage inventory and operations. Key success factors include market penetration, technological prowess, and operational efficiency.
Quarter Highlights
The quarter marked a turning point for Carvana, with a substantial rise in retail units sold, amounting to 108,651 units—a 34% year-over-year increase. Total revenue reached $3.655 billion, a leap from $2.773 billion in Q3 2023, indicating a robust growth trajectory.
Notably, Carvana set a new record for its Gross Profit per Unit (GPU), achieving $7,427, up 67% from the previous year. This suggests improved operational efficiency and cost management, essential in its competitive industry landscape.
The company's Adjusted EBITDA margin was recorded at 11.7%, up from 5.3% last year, reflecting enhanced operational leverage. However, while the retail revenue per unit experienced a slight decline to $23,405 from $24,066 in Q3 2023, the overall revenue growth trajectory remains strong.
Another significant strategic move during the quarter is Carvana’s continued investment in technology. Integration of ADESA’s physical auction sites with proprietary algorithms for inventory management sets it apart from competitors like CarMax. This innovation aids the company's market presence and cost efficiency.
Looking Ahead
Management expects ongoing growth in retail units sold for the fourth quarter, with ambitions to exceed its full-year Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $1.0 to $1.2 billion. This outlook is supported by its strategic focus on efficiency and scale benefits.
Looking forward, maintaining market momentum amidst competitive pressures, such as those presented by CarMax, will be crucial. Financial flexibility remains key, given Carvana's substantial long-term debt of $5.431 billion. Investors should observe how it navigates these challenges while achieving growth and profitability targets in upcoming quarters.
