Buoyed by the increasing demand for used cars, online retailer Carvana (CVNA) has reported stellar Q3 earnings that comfortably outstrip profit and sales predictions, prompting an upgrade to its full-year outlook. Consequently, the company's shares witnessed a sharp surge on Thursday.
Carvana reported its Q3 earnings per share (EPS) late Wednesday, which stood at 64 cents, nearly three times the estimate given by analysts polled by Visible Alpha. Furthermore, the company recorded a revenue surge of about 32% amounting to $3.66 billion, beating forecasts. Retail units sold saw a 34% increase, totaling 108,651.
Carvana announced that it posted records for adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBTIDA), adjusted EBITDA margin, and GAAP operating income. The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of $429 million with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11.7%, implying better profitability. It also achieved a GAAP operating income of $337 million, the highest operating profit in its history.
Ernie Garcia, Founder and CEO of Carvana, stated that Q3 echoed the strong customer demand witnessed in Q1 and Q2. In a letter to the shareholders, Garcia outlined Carvana's strategy, which includes expanding retail units and revenue, increasing gross profit per unit, and showcasing operating leverage.
Carvana anticipates its full-year adjusted EBITDA to be significantly above its previous forecast of $1.0 billion to $1.2 billion.
On Thursday, Carvana shares soared to their highest level in almost three years, recently trading 22% higher at $253.18.