CARMAX INC
For the period ended Feb 28, 2026. Filed Apr 15, 2026.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2026 · Filed Apr 15, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-02-28; filed 2025-04-11.
0001170010-25-000024
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2026-02-28; filed 2026-04-15.
0001170010-26-000021
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 177 previous paragraphs and 172 current paragraphs.
77 unchanged; 59 reworded; 36 added; 40 removed; 1 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 18 previous and 18 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (36)
Current report
(2) Adjusted net earnings per diluted share is a non-GAAP measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for a reconciliation of this measure to the most comparable GAAP measure net earnings per diluted share.
Current report
(3) A digitally enabled transaction is defined as either an omni retail sale or an online retail sale, as defined below.
Current report
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Current report
To provide additional transparency, we disclose certain non-GAAP financial measures, which adjust for items as presented below. We believe this information is useful in providing period-to-period comparisons of the results of our operations. The reconciliations of SG&A expenses, SG&A as a percent of gross profit, SG&A per total unit and net earnings per diluted share (GAAP financial measures) to adjusted SG&A expenses, adjusted SG&A as a percent of gross profit, adjusted SG&A per total unit and adjusted net earnings per diluted share (non-GAAP financial measures) are as follows:
Current report
(1)Includes the portion of costs related to severance costs for our CEO change and workforce reductions as well as costs related to the abandonment of our Edmunds lease that have been recorded in SG&A expenses.
Current report
(3)Includes the goodwill impairment charge recorded in fiscal 2026 and the Edmunds lease impairment charge recorded in fiscal 2025.
Current report
(4)Includes all costs related to severance costs for our CEO change and workforce reductions as well as all costs related to the abandonment of our Edmunds lease.
Current report
(5)Calculated using the blended statutory tax rate for each period.
Current report
We possess a beloved brand with national scale, the combination of an unmatched physical footprint and strong digital infrastructure and an award-winning culture. Despite these advantages and after decades of industry leadership, based on recent results, it is clear CarMax needs change. In November 2025, we announced a change in leadership. Effective December 1, 2025, Bill Nash stepped down from his position as CEO and as a member of the board. David McCreight, a member of the board, was named Interim President and CEO and Tom Folliard, Chair of the Board, was appointed Interim Executive Chair of the Board. Effective March 16, 2026, Keith Barr was appointed President and CEO to lead the company in its next chapter. We are focused on driving sales and earnings, maximizing the benefits of our omni-channel experience, strengthening our brand, improving operations and championing our culture in order to capture the tremendous opportunity ahead of us.
Current report
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, we made progress on the priorities noted above. We improved sales trends by lowering our prices, investing in acquisition marketing and deploying an initial set of digital enhancements designed to drive conversion. We also continued to streamline our cost structure and lower the cost to bring cars to market, helping us offer more affordable vehicles. Concurrently, we made progress on our SG&A reduction goals, CAF full spectrum ambitions and EPP redesign.
Current report
Looking ahead to fiscal 2027, while we work to update our strategy and long-term objectives, our initial priorities, in addition to the items noted above, are to:
Current report
•Make CarMax the obvious and easy choice for customers by consistently delivering the three things that matter most to them: a fair, competitive price, access to a broad selection of high-quality vehicles and an end-to-end experience that meets their needs.
Current report
•Use technology to drive more differentiated experiences and efficiencies by using software, data and AI in practical ways that make it even easier for customers to buy and sell cars and for our associates to serve them.
Current report
•Act with more urgency and intention, while ensuring there is alignment across the organization. We plan to change what is not working, double down on what is and keep evaluating opportunities and risks as we move with speed to build a durable, long-term growth engine.
Current report
Regarding SG&A expenses, our goal is to achieve $200 million in exit rate savings in SG&A expense by the end of fiscal 2027, which is an increase from our previous goal of $150 million. However, the year-over-year savings within fiscal 2027 are expected to be offset as we annualize over materially reduced corporate bonus and share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2026, which offsets approximately half of the anticipated savings in fiscal 2027. The savings will also be impacted by inflationary pressures and new location growth. We expect the full impact from these savings to occur in fiscal 2028. We took our first significant step toward these savings during the third quarter of fiscal 2026 with an approximately 30% reduction in our CEC workforce, which we expect will result in annualized savings of approximately $35 million. We completed additional restructuring changes during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, which we expect will result in annualized savings of approximately $60 million. In addition to offsetting cost pressures, these ongoing savings are expected to enable additional flexibility to reinvest in areas that directly drive sales, while also serving as a tailwind to our earnings.
Current report
SG&A as a percent of gross profit increased to 87.4% in fiscal 2026 compared with 84.0% in fiscal 2025, driven by the decline in gross profit and impacted by the restructuring charges noted above. Adjusted SG&A as a percent of gross profit was 85.6% in fiscal 2026. Moving forward, we will focus our SG&A efficiency metric on total units instead of gross profit dollars. We believe this metric has stronger alignment to driving unit volumes. In fiscal 2027, we expect to leverage SG&A per total unit when excluding the restructuring charges incurred in fiscal 2026.
Current report
For fiscal 2027, we expect to take a more dynamic approach to margin management. We expect used margins for the full fiscal year to decline at a rate broadly in line with the year-over-year trend for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, although this may vary as we continue to optimize performance. We expect the first quarter of fiscal 2027 to reflect the largest year-over-year decline at close to $300 per unit, as we lap record margins in the prior year. This outlook reflects our pricing actions and our ongoing efforts to reduce logistics and reconditioning cost of sales in support of more competitive pricing and stronger sales.
Current report
During fiscal 2026, we tested EPP product enhancements that focused on increasing penetration and margin per unit. We expect to achieve nationwide rollout of these products by the second quarter of fiscal 2027, which we anticipate will result in an increase in EPP margin per unit of approximately $35 in fiscal 2027. We expect this increase to ramp throughout the fiscal year, driven by the rollout plan.
Current report
During fiscal 2026, we opened six stores (Tuscaloosa, AL; El Cajon, CA; Hagerstown, MD; Tulalip, WA; Rogers, AR; and Florence, KY). We also opened four stand-alone reconditioning/auction centers located in El Mirage, Arizona, supporting the Phoenix metro market; Midlothian, Texas, supporting the Dallas metro market; New Kent, Virginia, supporting the Richmond metro market; and Frederick, Maryland, supporting the Washington D.C/Baltimore metro market.
Current report
Fiscal 2026 Versus Fiscal 2025. Other sales and revenues decreased 1.8% in fiscal 2026, primarily reflecting an increase in net third-party finance fees driven by higher Tier 3 volume, for which we generally pay a fee, as well as lower Tier 2 volume, for which we generally receive a fee.
Current report
Fiscal 2026 Versus Fiscal 2025. Used vehicle gross profit decreased 3.5% in fiscal 2026, driven by the $58 decrease in used vehicle gross profit per unit, which reflects deliberate actions to drive improved sales performance taken during the fourth quarter, as well as the 1.1% decrease in total used unit sales.
Current report
•$22.3 million increase in advertising expense to support our new brand positioning campaign and to invest in acquisition spend. Advertising spend in fiscal 2026 was slightly above fiscal 2025 at approximately $200 per total unit.
Current report
•$20.2 million increase in store occupancy costs driven by charges related to the abandonment of our Edmunds lease.
Current report
•$33.5 million decrease in share-based compensation expense, primarily related to cash-settled restricted stock units, as the expense associated with these units was primarily driven by the change in the company's stock price during the relevant periods.
Current report
Excluding the $49.8 million of restructuring charges, which impacted compensation and benefits and occupancy costs, adjusted SG&A decreased $31.8 million or 1.3%.
Current report
SG&A as a percent of gross profit increased to 87.4% in fiscal 2026 compared with 84.0% in fiscal 2025, driven by the decline in gross profit and impacted by the restructuring charges noted above. Adjusted SG&A as a percent of gross profit, which excludes these charges, was 85.6% for fiscal 2026.
Current report
Fiscal 2026 Versus Fiscal 2025. Interest expense of $110.4 million in fiscal 2026 was relatively consistent with $107.9 million in fiscal 2025.
Current report
Goodwill Impairment
Current report
We recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $141.3 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, driven by the combination of a significant decline in market capitalization resulting from the decrease in our share price, pressured financial performance during fiscal 2026 and downward revisions to our forecasted financial outlook relative to the prior year’s outlook.
Current report
Other expense of $7.1 million in fiscal 2026 was relatively consistent with $11.6 million in fiscal 2025.
Current report
We typically use securitizations or other funding arrangements to fund loans originated by CAF. Certain pools of loans may be sold in such a way that CAF relinquishes all, or nearly all, of its continuing financial interests in the loans. These loans are classified as held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet until they are sold. On September 24, 2025, we executed a non-prime securitization transaction. The structure of the transaction resulted in the sale of approximately $930 million of auto loans, inclusive of accrued interest, in exchange for consideration in the form of cash and beneficial interests. The beneficial interests represent the 5% interest in the rated notes and residual certificate that we retained as the sponsor of the transaction. We recognized a gain on sale of $26.9 million from the transaction, net of transaction expenses, in the third quarter of fiscal 2026. As servicer, CAF continues to be responsible for managing collections and performing other servicing activities for the sold auto loans and earns servicing income as compensation for these activities. We expect to receive approximately $40 million to $45 million in CAF income related to servicing fees and the retained beneficial interest over the life of the transaction. We expect this additional funding lever, as well as other off-balance sheet funding vehicles under consideration, will provide us with significant flexibility and allow us to mitigate risk while focusing on our growth plan.
Current report
(1)Includes auto loans held for investment and auto loans held for sale.
Current report
(1)Includes auto loans held for investment and auto loans held for sale.
Current report
•CAF income decreased $19.0 million, or 3.3%, due to an increase in the provision for loan losses and a decrease in average auto loans outstanding, partially offset by an increase in the interest margin percentage and the gain recognized on the sale of auto loans.
Current report
◦There was also a reduction in the provision in fiscal 2026 due to the release of $42.2 million for the allowance recorded for loans that were previously classified as held for sale and subsequently sold during the third quarter of fiscal 2026.
Current report
◦CAF net penetration decreased 30 basis points in fiscal 2026. During fiscal 2026, we made underwriting adjustments that translated to approximately 200 to 300 basis points of growth, but this growth was offset by lower application volume in the Tier 1 credit segment as well as an increase in penetration for Tier 3 third-party finance providers. We expect our penetration growth, targeting the top half of the Tier 2 space, will accelerate in fiscal 2027.
Removed paragraphs (40)
Previous report
As of February 28, 2025, we operated 250 used car stores in 109 U.S. television markets.
Previous report
(4) Revenue from online transactions is defined as revenue from retail sales that qualify as an online retail sale, as well as any related EPP and third-party finance contribution, wholesale sales where the winning bid was taken from an online bid and all revenue earned by Edmunds.
Previous report
SG&A during fiscal 2024 included a $67.2 million benefit in connection with the receipt of settlement proceeds in a class action lawsuit related to the economic loss associated with vehicles containing Takata airbags. Excluding these proceeds, SG&A leveraged by 270 basis points, driven by the growth in gross profit and continued expense efficiency actions.
Previous report
Net earnings per diluted share during fiscal 2025 included a negative impact of $0.06 resulting from an Edmunds lease impairment charge. Net earnings per diluted share during fiscal 2024 included a benefit of $0.32 in connection with the Takata proceeds. Net earnings per diluted share excluding both of these impacts increased 21.1% in fiscal 2025.
Previous report
As noted in the table above, our omni sales definition incorporates customers who complete some, but not all, of the listed activities online. To better reflect the ways customers are utilizing our digital capabilities to buy a car, going forward we are updating the definition to also include customers who complete any of the following steps online: pre-qualifying for financing, setting appointments and signing up for notifications on cars coming soon. Based on the updated definition, approximately 66% of retail units sales were omni sales in fiscal 2025, up from 63% in the prior year. This change has no impact on the definition for online sales. The following table presents quarterly omni sales under the new definition:
Previous report
Our diversified business model, combined with our exceptional associates, stores, technology and digital capabilities seamlessly tied together, is a key differentiator that strengthens our competitive advantage and we believe will be increasingly important to win customers going forward. We expect the impact of our omni-channel capabilities will continue to grow as consumers demand a more personalized car-buying experience. The associate and customer facing tools we launched during fiscal 2025 are supporting our results and enable us to provide the most customer centric car buying and selling experience. Some examples of the steps we took to further differentiate our offering and drive incremental operational efficiencies during fiscal 2025 include:
Previous report
•For retail, we rolled out several new systems including order processing in our stores, customer accounts online, AI-driven knowledge management in our Customer Experience Centers (“CECs”) and EV research and shopping tools on the Edmunds and CarMax websites. These systems enhance consumers’ shopping experiences while also supporting conversion and enabling our associates to be more efficient.
Previous report
•Our digital tools and enhancements have made it easier for customers to self-progress in their shopping journey. Skye, our AI-powered virtual assistant, is now able to independently answer over half of the questions our customers ask it, reflecting a more than 20% year-over-year improvement. Additionally, the rate of fully self-progressed online sales grew by 25% in fiscal 2025. Fully self-progressed online sales, which are a subset of our online retail sales, are completed without the help of a CEC or store associate.
Previous report
•For supply, we enhanced our industry-leading consumer and dealer-facing online appraisal experiences and are now able to give digital offers to approximately 99% of the customers who visit carmax.com for an appraisal. We also made MaxOffer even easier to use, which has attracted more dealers to the offering and has driven record sourcing volume each quarter.
Previous report
•For finance, we began testing of our new credit scoring models and the corresponding strategies across the full credit spectrum, which positions us to grow CAF income modestly in the near-term and more materially over time. We also released an update to our finance-based shopping experience that seamlessly incorporates existing instant appraisal offers into our prequalification offering, giving customers more precise credit terms.
Previous report
In fiscal 2026, we will leverage and enhance our capabilities to drive growth through better execution, innovative efforts and upleveled experiences. Examples of our initiatives for fiscal 2026 include the following:
Previous report
•For retail, we will continue leveraging data science and AI to offer even better digital experiences for associates and consumers, driving conversion and efficiency. We plan to improve our online vehicle transfer experience and expand Skye’s functionality with additional data and new architecture.
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•We will launch a new marketing campaign that will bring our best-in-class omni-channel experience to the forefront for the consumer.
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•For supply, we plan to streamline the online appraisal checkout process, expand appraisal pick-up availability to new markets and further enhance MaxOffer to attract new dealers, expanding our access to directly sourced vehicles.
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•For credit, we plan to continue expanding CAF’s participation across the credit spectrum to grow penetration and capture profitable returns. Additionally, we plan to modernize the ownership experience on CAF’s digital platform, which will enhance the customer experience and drive operating efficiencies.
Previous report
As noted above, during fiscal 2025, we focused on MaxOffer improvements, attracting more dealers and increasing our purchases through the program. We leverage the Edmunds sales team to open new markets and sign up new dealers for MaxOffer. During fiscal 2025, our MaxOffer active dealers increased approximately 47% from the prior year. We purchased approximately 269,000 vehicles from consumers and dealers during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, up 15.3% from the prior year quarter. Approximately 46,000 vehicles were purchased from dealers, including through MaxOffer, up 114.2% from the prior year quarter. Of the approximately 223,000 vehicles purchased from consumers, more than half were purchased through our online instant appraisal experience.
Previous report
While SG&A as a percent of gross profit can fluctuate from quarter to quarter depending on variability in gross profit and the timing of SG&A spending, our initial goal on the path to strengthening our SG&A to gross profit leverage over time is to achieve a rate in the mid-70% range on an annual basis. Achieving this annual rate will require continued efficiency gains in our operating model, gross profit growth and healthier consumer demand. In fiscal 2026, we expect to require low-single-digit gross profit growth to lever SG&A. This will be supported by our goal of becoming omni cost neutral for the first time for the full year of fiscal 2026. Omni-channel costs include commissions and the cost of operating our CECs. We expect our omni-channel costs per used unit, per total unit and as a percentage of gross profit for the full year of fiscal 2026 to be more efficient than before our omni-channel roll-out. This reinforces our pathway back to a lower SG&A leverage ratio, as noted above.
Previous report
We have positioned the company to achieve gains in retail and wholesale unit sales and market share, with double-digit EPS growth for years to come. Our earnings model is designed to deliver an earnings per share compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) in the high teens when used unit growth is in the mid-single digits. This earnings growth will be driven primarily by used and wholesale unit growth, strength in other gross profit, CAF’s credit spectrum expansion, continued operational efficiencies, ongoing SG&A leverage and our share repurchase program.
Previous report
Regarding our long-term goals, we are focused on growing the business and we continue to make progress toward our long-term goals; however, we are removing the timeframes associated with them given the potential impact of broader macroeconomic factors.
Previous report
•Delivering a customer-driven, omni-channel buying and selling experience that is a unique and powerful seamless integration of our in-store and online capabilities.
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•Utilizing advertising to drive customer growth, educate customers about our omni-channel platform and to differentiate and elevate our brand.
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•Hiring, developing and retaining an engaged and skilled workforce.
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•Leveraging data and advanced analytics to continuously improve the customer experience as well as our processes and systems.
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•Improving efficiency in our stores and CECs as well as our logistics and reconditioning operations to reduce waste.
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•Opening stores in new markets and expanding our presence in existing markets.
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•Becoming the leading retailer of used EVs in the market. In support of this goal, Edmunds has launched several research and buying tools.
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During fiscal 2025, we opened 5 stores in existing television markets (El Paso, TX; Gainesville, GA; Alliance, TX; Mays Landing, NJ; and Visalia, CA).
Previous report
Fiscal 2025 Versus Fiscal 2024. Other sales and revenues increased 7.6% in fiscal 2025, reflecting an increase in EPP revenues. EPP revenues increased 12.4%, largely reflecting increased margins and an increase in retail unit sales, partially offset by decreased penetration.
Previous report
Fiscal 2025 Versus Fiscal 2024. Used vehicle gross profit increased 4.1% in fiscal 2025, primarily driven by the 3.1% increase in total used unit sales. Used vehicle gross profit per unit in fiscal 2025 was in line with the prior fiscal year. We continue to focus on striking the right balance between managing changes in vehicle costs, maintaining margin and passing along efficiencies to consumers to support vehicle affordability.
Previous report
Excluding the legal settlement in the prior year, SG&A expenses in fiscal 2025 increased 3.5%, or $81.8 million. SG&A leveraged by 30 basis points during fiscal 2025. Excluding the legal settlement in the prior year, SG&A leveraged by 270 basis points, driven by the growth in gross profit and continued expense efficiency actions.
Previous report
Advertising spend in fiscal 2025 was consistent with fiscal 2024 at approximately $200 per total unit. For fiscal 2026, we expect that full year marketing spend on a per total unit basis will be in line with fiscal 2025.
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Fiscal 2025 Versus Fiscal 2024. Interest expense decreased to $107.9 million in fiscal 2025 compared with $124.8 million in fiscal 2024. The decrease primarily reflected lower outstanding debt balances in the current fiscal year resulting from the payoff of the $300 million term loan in May 2024.
Previous report
Other expense was $11.6 million in fiscal 2025 compared with income of $10.3 million in fiscal 2024. The change was primarily driven by expenses of $12.3 million related to an Edmunds lease impairment and $4.2 million related to equipment and leasing arrangements in our logistics operations.
Previous report
CAF expanded its asset-backed securitization program to allow for distinct higher prime and non-prime issuances, with higher prime generally representing FICO scores greater than 650 and non-prime generally representing FICO scores below 650. We believe this strategy will enable CAF to efficiently fund incremental originations and support future CAF growth across the credit spectrum by creating additional funding capacity, driving additional finance income for the business over time. In June 2024, CAF closed on its first non-prime securitization deal. CAF closed on three higher prime securitization deals under this expanded funding strategy during the remainder of fiscal 2025.
Previous report
We are continuously exploring opportunities to help our customers through adjustments in our account servicing strategies. One such example is with payment extensions, which have historically impacted less than 1% of our portfolio on an account basis in any given month and been below industry levels. We believe this tool has proven successful in helping customers navigate temporary challenges. During the third quarter of fiscal 2025, we began testing an enhancement to our policy that further empowers delinquent customers to take advantage of a payment extension and more aligns with industry levels. This testing has brought payment extensions to slightly above 1% of our portfolio on an account basis in a given month. While early performance results are encouraging, we recognize that some customers will eventually return to delinquency and result in a charge-off. We believe our estimate of the allowance for loan losses appropriately incorporates the impact of our enhanced extension policy. We will continue to evaluate the performance results and make further adjustments to our account servicing strategies as needed.
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(1)Percent of total average managed receivables.
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•CAF income increased $13.5 million, or 2.4%, reflecting increases in the net interest margin percentage and average managed receivables, partially offset by an increase in the provision for loan losses.
Previous report
◦We anticipate a sequential increase in the provision for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 over the $68 million observed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 given the seasonal nature of the first quarter in terms of higher sales volume and a larger mix of lower credit quality purchasers. In addition, our recapture of profitable portions of Tier 1 originations, as discussed above, will require additional loss provision. We estimate the combined effect from these items will increase our provision by approximately 45% to 50% as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. For the remainder of fiscal 2026, we anticipate the quarterly provision to decrease slightly from the seasonal peak in the first quarter but remain elevated relative to our fourth quarter fiscal 2025 provision. Despite the anticipated increase in our provision, we expect CAF income to increase in fiscal 2026.
Previous report
◦The weighted average contract rate increased to 11.3% in fiscal 2025, compared with 11.2% in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to our expansion of Tier 2 originations within CAF’s portfolio, partially offset by a reduction in Tier 3 originations.
Previous report
◦The decrease in past due accounts as a percentage of ending managed receivables for fiscal 2025 primarily reflects the impact of enhancements to our payment extension policy, as discussed above.
Reworded paragraphs (59)
Previous wording
Our sales operations segment consists of retail sales of used vehicles and related products and services, such as wholesale vehicle sales; the sale of extended protection plan (“EPP”) products, which include extended service plans (“ESPs”) and guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”); advertising and subscription revenues; and vehicle repair service. We offer competitive, no-haggle prices; a broad selection of CarMax Quality Certified used vehicles; value-added EPP products; and superior customer service. Our omni-channel experience provides a common platform across all of CarMax that leverages our scale, nationwide footprint and infrastructure and empowers our customers to buy a vehicle on their terms, whether online, in-store or through a seamless combination of both. Our associates, stores, technology and digital capabilities seamlessly tied together enable us to provide the most customer centric car buying and selling experience, a key differentiator.
Current wording
Our sales operations segment consists of retail sales of used vehicles and related products and services, such as wholesale vehicle sales; the sale of extended protection plan (“EPP”) products, which include extended service plans (“ESPs”) and guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”); advertising and subscription revenues; and vehicle repair service. We offer competitive, no-haggle prices; a broad selection of CarMax Quality Certified used vehicles; value-added EPP products; and superior customer service. Our omni-channel experience provides a common platform across all of CarMax that leverages our scale, nationwide footprint and infrastructure and empowers our customers to buy a vehicle on their terms, whether online, in-store or through a seamless combination of both. Our associates, stores, technology and digital capabilities seamlessly tied together enable us to provide the most customer-centric car buying and selling experience, a key differentiator in a large and fragmented market.
Previous wording
In addition to third-party finance providers, we provide vehicle financing through CAF, which offers financing solely to customers buying retail vehicles from CarMax. CAF allows us to manage our reliance on third-party finance providers and to leverage knowledge of our business to provide qualifying customers a competitive financing option. As a result, we believe CAF enables us to capture additional profits, cash flows and sales. CAF income primarily reflects the interest and fee income generated by the auto loans receivable less the interest expense associated with the debt issued to fund these receivables, a provision for estimated loan losses and direct expenses. CAF income does not include any allocation of indirect costs. After the effect of 3-day payoffs and vehicle returns, CAF financed 42.7% of our retail used vehicle unit sales in fiscal 2025. As of February 28, 2025, CAF serviced approximately 1.1 million customer accounts in its $17.59 billion portfolio of managed receivables.
Current wording
In addition to third-party finance providers, we provide vehicle financing through CAF, which offers financing solely to customers buying retail vehicles from CarMax. CAF allows us to manage our reliance on third-party finance providers and to leverage knowledge of our business to provide qualifying customers a competitive financing option. As a result, we believe CAF enables us to capture additional profits, cash flows and sales. CAF income primarily reflects the interest and fee income generated by the auto loans held for investment and auto loans held for sale less the interest expense associated with the debt issued to fund these loans, a provision for estimated loan losses on loans held for investment and direct expenses. CAF income does not include any allocation of indirect costs. After the effect of 3-day payoffs and vehicle returns, CAF financed 42.4% of our retail used vehicle unit sales in fiscal 2026. As of February 28, 2026, CAF serviced approximately 1.0 million customer accounts in its $16.37 billion portfolio of auto loans.
Previous wording
Management regularly analyzes CAF’s operating results by assessing the competitiveness of our consumer offer, profitability, the performance of the auto loans receivable, including trends in credit losses and delinquencies, and CAF direct expenses.
Current wording
Management regularly analyzes CAF’s operating results by assessing the competitiveness of our consumer offer, profitability, the performance of its auto loans, including trends in credit losses and delinquencies, and CAF direct expenses.
Previous wording
(3) An omni sale is defined as a sale where customers complete at least one, but not all, of the four activities listed above online.
Current wording
(4) An omni retail sale is defined as a sale where customers complete at least one, but not all, of the four activities listed in note (4) below online, or additional steps that can be completed online, including pre-qualifying for financing, setting appointments and signing up for notifications of cars coming soon.
Previous wording
•$63.1 million increase in other overhead costs driven by the $67.2 million benefit in the prior year in connection with the receipt of settlement proceeds in a class action lawsuit related to the economic loss associated with vehicles containing Takata airbags.
Current wording
(2)Represents the receipt of settlement proceeds in a class action lawsuit related to the economic loss associated with vehicles containing Takata airbags.
Previous wording
Our current capital allocation strategy is to focus on our core business including investing in digital capabilities and the strategic expansion of our store and capacity footprint, pursue CAF’s expansion into the full credit spectrum, pursue new growth opportunities through investments, partnerships and acquisitions and return excess capital to shareholders. We believe we have the appropriate liquidity, access to capital and financial strength to support our operations and continue investing in our business for the next 12 months and thereafter for the foreseeable future.
Current wording
Our current capital allocation strategy is to focus on our core business including investing in digital capabilities and the strategic expansion of our store and capacity footprint, pursue CAF’s expansion into the full credit spectrum, pursue new growth opportunities through investments, partnerships and acquisitions and return excess capital to shareholders. We continue to take a disciplined approach to our capital structure, including managing our net leverage to preserve efficient access to the capital markets for both CAF and CarMax overall. With leverage slightly above our targeted range, and as we focus on improving the business during this transitional period, we paused our share buybacks during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. We believe we have the appropriate liquidity, access to capital and financial strength to support our operations and continue investing in our business for the next 12 months and thereafter for the foreseeable future.
Previous wording
Our omni-channel experience provides a common platform across all of CarMax that leverages our scale, nationwide footprint and infrastructure and empowers our customers to buy a vehicle on their terms, whether online, in-store or through a seamless combination of both experiences. While we expect our online and omni sales to grow over time, our goal is to provide the best experience whether in-store, online or a combination of the two. As a result, online, omni and in-person sales can vary from quarter to quarter depending on consumer preferences and how they choose to interact with us. We believe consumers in the used car industry will increasingly prefer to have the ability to shop and transact digitally. Approximately 80% of our customers leveraged some or all of our digital capabilities to complete their transactions during the current fiscal year.
Current wording
Our omni-channel experience provides a common platform across all of CarMax that leverages our scale, nationwide footprint and infrastructure and empowers our customers to buy a vehicle on their terms, whether online, in-store or through a seamless combination of both experiences. While we expect our online and omni sales to grow over time, our goal is to provide the best experience whether in-store, online or a combination of the two. As a result, online, omni and in-person sales can vary from quarter to quarter depending on consumer preferences and how they choose to interact with us. We believe consumers in the used vehicle industry will increasingly prefer optionality that seamlessly connects digital and physical experiences.
Previous wording
In addition to these actions, we are focused on driving down our cost of sales by pursuing incremental efficiency opportunities that we have identified across our logistics network and reconditioning operations. We achieved savings of approximately $125 per unit in fiscal 2025 and anticipate that we will achieve another $125 per unit in fiscal 2026. This exceeds the initial $200 per unit target that we set at the beginning of fiscal 2025. These efficiencies support affordability as we pass savings on to our customers and also support our margins.
Current wording
We also remain focused on driving down our cost of sales by pursuing incremental efficiency opportunities that we have identified across our logistics network and reconditioning operations. We achieved savings of approximately $125 per unit in fiscal 2025. Due to our recent sales performance, our savings in fiscal 2026 were slightly below our goal of another $125 per unit. These efficiencies support affordability as we pass savings on to our customers and also support our margins.
Previous wording
In calendar 2024, we estimate we sold approximately 3.7% of the age 0- to 10-year old vehicles sold on a nationwide basis, consistent with calendar 2023. External title data indicates that while our year-over-year market share came under pressure during the first half of the year, it recovered as we achieved accelerating gains through the second half of the year, with particular strength in vehicles aged 0 to 4 years, which grew for the entire year. The data indicates that our market share continued to grow year-over-year during January 2025, the latest period for which information is available. Our strategy to increase our market share includes focusing on:
Current wording
In calendar 2025, we estimate we sold approximately 3.6% of the age 0- to 10-year old vehicles sold on a nationwide basis, a decrease from 3.7% in calendar 2024. External title data indicates that while we gained market share in the first half of calendar 2025, sales and market share were pressured in the second half of the year.
Previous wording
As of February 28, 2025, we had used car stores located in 109 U.S. television markets, which covered approximately 85% of the U.S. population. The format and operating models utilized in our stores are continuously evaluated and may change or evolve over time based upon market and consumer expectations. During fiscal 2025, we opened five stores, one stand-alone auction facility in Chino, California and our second stand-alone reconditioning center in Richland, Mississippi. During fiscal 2026, we anticipate opening six stores as well as four stand-alone reconditioning/auction centers. We are utilizing our stand-alone reconditioning and auction locations to balance capacity and drive efficiencies across the network.
Current wording
As of February 28, 2026, we operated 256 used car stores located in 110 U.S. television markets, which covered approximately 85% of the U.S. population. The format and operating models utilized in our stores are continuously evaluated and may change or evolve over time based upon market and consumer expectations. During fiscal 2026, we opened six stores and four stand-alone reconditioning/auction centers. During fiscal 2027, we anticipate opening four stores as well as two stand-alone reconditioning/auction centers and two stand-alone auction facilities. We are utilizing our stand-alone reconditioning and auction locations to balance capacity and drive efficiencies across the network.
Previous wording
The allowance for loan losses represents the net credit losses expected over the remaining contractual life of our managed receivables. Because net loss performance can vary substantially over time, estimating net losses requires assumptions about matters that are uncertain.
Current wording
The allowance for loan losses represents the net credit losses expected over the remaining contractual life of our auto loans held for investment. Because net loss performance can vary substantially over time, estimating net losses requires assumptions about matters that are uncertain.
Previous wording
The allowance for loan losses is determined using a net loss timing curve method (“method”), primarily based on the composition of the portfolio of managed receivables and historical gross loss and recovery trends. Due to the fact that losses for receivables with less than 18 months of performance history can be volatile, our net loss estimate weights both historical losses by credit grade at origination and actual loss data on the receivables to-date, along with forward loss curves, in estimating future performance. Once the receivables have 18 months of performance history, the net loss estimate reflects actual loss experience of those receivables to date, along with forward loss curves, to predict future performance. The forward loss curves are constructed using historical performance data and show the average timing of losses over the course of a receivable’s life. The net loss estimate is calculated by applying the loss rates developed using the methods described above to the amortized cost basis of the managed receivables.
Current wording
The allowance for loan losses is determined using a net loss timing curve method (“method”), primarily based on the composition of the portfolio of auto loans held for investment and historical gross loss and recovery trends. Due to the fact that losses for loans with less than 18 months of performance history can be volatile, our net loss estimate weights both historical losses by credit grade at origination and actual loss data on the loans to-date, along with forward loss curves, in estimating future performance. Once the loans have 18 months of performance history, the net loss estimate reflects actual loss experience of those loans to-date, along with forward loss curves, to predict future performance. The forward loss curves are constructed using historical performance data and show the average timing of losses over the course of a loan’s life. The net loss estimate is calculated by applying the loss rates developed using the methods described above to the amortized cost basis of the auto loans held for investment at inception of the loan.
Previous wording
The output of the method is adjusted to take into account reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future. Specifically, the change in U.S. unemployment rates and the National Automobile Dealers Association used vehicle price index are used to predict changes in gross loss and recovery rate, respectively. An economic adjustment factor, based upon a single macroeconomic scenario, is developed to capture the relationship between changes in these indices and changes in gross loss and recovery rates. This factor is applied to the output of the method for the reasonable and supportable forecast period of two years. After the end of this two-year period, we revert to historical experience on a straightline basis over a period of 12 months. We periodically consider whether the use of alternative metrics would result in improved model performance and revise the model when appropriate. We also consider whether qualitative adjustments are necessary for factors that are not reflected in the quantitative methods but impact the measurement of estimated credit losses. Such adjustments include the uncertainty of the impacts of recent economic trends on customer behavior. The change in the allowance for loan losses is recognized through an adjustment to the provision for loan losses.
Current wording
The output of the method is adjusted to take into account reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future. Specifically, the change in U.S. unemployment rates and the Black Book wholesale used vehicle retention index are used to predict changes in gross loss and recovery rate, respectively. An economic adjustment factor, based upon a single macroeconomic scenario, is developed to capture the relationship between changes in these indices and changes in gross loss and recovery rates. This factor is applied to the output of the method for the reasonable and supportable forecast period of two years. After the end of this two-year period, we revert to historical experience on a straightline basis over a period of 12 months. We periodically consider whether the use of alternative metrics would result in improved model performance and revise the model when appropriate. We also consider whether qualitative adjustments are necessary for factors that are not reflected in the quantitative methods but impact the measurement of estimated credit losses. Such adjustments include the uncertainty of the impacts of recent economic trends on customer behavior. The change in the allowance for loan losses is recognized through an adjustment to the provision for loan losses.
Previous wording
Determining the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses requires management to exercise judgment about matters that are inherently uncertain, including the timing and distribution of net losses that could materially affect the allowance for loan losses and, therefore, net earnings. To the extent that actual performance differs from our estimates, additional provision for credit losses may be required that would reduce net earnings. To demonstrate the sensitivity of credit loss assumptions and macroeconomic scenarios used in our estimated allowance for loan losses, we compared our February 28, 2025, modeled allowance base case scenario to a downside scenario. Relative to the base case, the downside scenario assumed 10% worsening in loss performance, U.S. unemployment rates and the NADA used vehicle price index. This sensitivity analysis resulted in a hypothetical increase in the allowance for loan losses of approximately $42.7 million.
Current wording
Determining the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses requires management to exercise judgment about matters that are inherently uncertain, including the timing and distribution of net losses that could materially affect the allowance for loan losses and, therefore, net earnings. To the extent that actual performance differs from our estimates, additional provision for credit losses may be required that would reduce net earnings. To demonstrate the sensitivity of credit loss assumptions and macroeconomic scenarios used in our estimated allowance for loan losses, we compared our February 28, 2026, modeled allowance base case scenario to a downside scenario. Relative to the base case, the downside scenario assumed 10% worsening in loss performance, U.S. unemployment rates and the Black Book wholesale used vehicle retention index. This sensitivity analysis resulted in a hypothetical increase in the allowance for loan losses of approximately $51.8 million.
Previous wording
Fiscal 2025 Versus Fiscal 2024. The 0.8% increase in used vehicle revenues in fiscal 2025 was primarily driven by a 3.1% increase in used unit sales, partially offset by a 2.8% decrease in average retail selling price, or approximately $800. The increase in used units included a 2.2% increase in comparable store used unit sales. Online retail sales, as defined previously, accounted for 15% of used unit sales in fiscal 2025, compared with 14% in fiscal 2024. During fiscal 2025, we experienced a decline in comparable store used unit sales in the first quarter, which was more than offset by gains in the second, third and fourth quarters. Comparable store used unit sales in March 2025 were higher than our fourth quarter fiscal 2025 results and further accelerated into the beginning of April. For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, through the beginning of April, comparable store used unit sales were in the high single-digits.
Current wording
Fiscal 2026 Versus Fiscal 2025. The 1.8% decrease in used vehicle revenues in fiscal 2026 was driven by a 1.1% decrease in used unit sales and a 0.6% decrease in average retail selling price, or approximately $150. The decrease in used units included a 2.0% decrease in comparable store used unit sales.
Previous wording
The decrease in average selling price in fiscal 2025 was primarily due to decreased acquisition costs and shifts in the mix of our sales by vehicle age.
Current wording
The decrease in average retail selling price in fiscal 2026 primarily reflected a shift in the mix of our sales by vehicle age, partially offset by an increase in vehicle acquisition costs.
Previous wording
Vehicles sold at our wholesale auctions are, on average, more than 10 years old with more than 100,000 miles and are primarily comprised of vehicles purchased through our appraisal process that do not meet our retail standards. Our wholesale auction prices usually reflect trends in the general wholesale market for the types of vehicles we sell, although they can also be affected by changes in vehicle mix or the average age, mileage or condition of the vehicles being sold.
Current wording
Vehicles sold at our wholesale auctions are, on average, more than 11 years old with more than 100,000 miles and are primarily comprised of vehicles purchased through our appraisal process that do not meet our retail standards. Our wholesale auction prices usually reflect trends in the general wholesale market for the types of vehicles we sell, although they can also be affected by changes in vehicle mix or the average age, mileage or condition of the vehicles being sold.
Previous wording
Fiscal 2025 Versus Fiscal 2024. The 7.8% decrease in wholesale vehicle revenues in fiscal 2025 was primarily driven by a 7.9% decrease in average selling price, or approximately $700, and a 0.4% decrease in unit sales. During fiscal 2025, we experienced a decline in wholesale unit sales in the first quarter, which was mostly offset by gains in the back half of the year.
Current wording
Fiscal 2026 Versus Fiscal 2025. The 1.8% decrease in wholesale vehicle revenues in fiscal 2026 was driven by a 1.1% decrease in unit sales and a 1.0% decrease in average selling price, or approximately $80.
Previous wording
The decrease in average retail selling price in fiscal 2025 reflected lower vehicle acquisition costs, partially offset by shifts in the mix of our sales by vehicle age and class.
Current wording
The decrease in average selling price in fiscal 2026 primarily reflected shifts in the mix of our sales by vehicle age, partially offset by an increase in vehicle acquisition costs.
Previous wording
Other sales and revenues include revenue from the sale of ESPs and GAP (collectively reported in EPP revenues, net of a reserve for estimated contract cancellations), net third-party finance (fees)/income, advertising and subscription revenues earned by our Edmunds business, and other revenues, which are predominantly comprised of service department sales. The fees we pay to the Tier 3 providers are reflected as an offset to finance fee revenues received from the Tier 2 providers. The mix of our retail vehicles financed by CAF, Tier 2 and Tier 3 providers, or customers that arrange their own financing, may vary from quarter to quarter depending on several factors, including the credit quality of applicants, changes in providers’ credit decisioning and external market conditions. Changes in originations by one tier of credit providers may also affect the originations made by providers in other tiers.
Current wording
Other sales and revenues include revenue from the sale of ESPs and GAP (collectively reported in EPP revenues, net of a reserve for estimated contract cancellations), net third-party finance fees, advertising and subscription revenues earned by our Edmunds business, and other revenues, which are predominantly comprised of service department sales. The fees we pay to the Tier 3 providers are reflected as an offset to finance fee revenues received from the Tier 2 providers. The mix of our retail vehicles financed by CAF, Tier 2 and Tier 3 providers, or customers that arrange their own financing, may vary from quarter to quarter depending on several factors, including the credit quality of applicants, changes in providers’ credit decisioning and external market conditions. Changes in originations by one tier of credit providers may also affect the originations made by providers in other tiers.
Previous wording
We systematically adjust individual vehicle prices based on proprietary pricing algorithms in order to appropriately balance sales trends, inventory turns and gross profit achievement. Other factors that may influence gross profit include the wholesale and retail vehicle pricing environments, vehicle reconditioning and logistics costs, and the percentage of vehicles sourced directly from consumers and dealers through our appraisal process. Vehicles purchased directly from consumers and dealers generally have a lower cost per unit compared with vehicles purchased at auction or through other channels, which may generate more gross profit per unit. In any given period, our gross profit may also be impacted by the age mix of vehicles sold, as older vehicles are generally more profitable. We monitor macroeconomic factors and pricing elasticity and adjust our pricing accordingly to optimize unit sales and profitability while also maintaining competitively priced inventory.
Current wording
We systematically adjust individual vehicle prices based on proprietary pricing algorithms in order to appropriately balance sales trends, inventory turns and gross profit achievement. Other factors that may influence gross profit include the wholesale and retail vehicle pricing environments, vehicle reconditioning and logistics costs, and the percentage of vehicles sourced directly from consumers and dealers through our appraisal process. Vehicles purchased directly from consumers and dealers generally have a lower cost per unit compared with vehicles purchased at auction or through other channels, which may generate more gross profit per unit. In any given period, our gross profit may also be impacted by the age mix of vehicles sold, as older vehicles are generally more profitable. We monitor macroeconomic factors and pricing elasticity and adjust our pricing accordingly to strike the right balance between optimizing unit sales and profitability while also maintaining competitively priced inventory.
Previous wording
Our wholesale gross profit per unit reflects the demand for older, higher mileage vehicles, which are the mainstay of our auctions, as well as strong dealer attendance and resulting high dealer-to-car ratios at our auctions. The frequency of our auctions, which are generally held weekly or bi-weekly, minimizes the depreciation risk on these vehicles. Our ability to adjust appraisal offers in response to the wholesale pricing environment is a key factor that influences wholesale gross profit.
Current wording
Our wholesale gross profit per unit reflects the demand for older, higher mileage vehicles, which are the mainstay of our auctions, as well as strong dealer attendance and resulting high dealer-to-car ratios at our auctions. The frequency of our auctions, which are generally held weekly or bi-weekly, minimizes the depreciation risk on these vehicles. Our ability to adjust appraisal offers and quickly move vehicles to our standalone auctions in response to the wholesale pricing environment are key factors that influences wholesale gross profit.
Previous wording
Fiscal 2025 Versus Fiscal 2024. Wholesale vehicle gross profit increased 0.1% in fiscal 2025.
Current wording
Fiscal 2026 Versus Fiscal 2025. Wholesale vehicle gross profit decreased 6.0% in fiscal 2026, driven by a $50 decrease in wholesale vehicle gross profit per unit as well as a 1.1% decrease in unit sales.
Previous wording
Other gross profit includes profits related to EPP revenues, net third-party finance (fees)/income, advertising and subscription profits earned by our Edmunds business, and other revenues. Other revenues are predominantly comprised of service department operations, including used vehicle reconditioning. We have no cost of sales related to EPP revenues or net third-party finance (fees)/income, as these represent revenues paid to us by certain third-party providers. Third-party finance income is reported net of the fees we pay to third-party Tier 3 finance providers. Accordingly, changes in the relative mix of the components of other gross profit can affect the composition and amount of other gross profit.
Current wording
Other gross profit includes profits related to EPP revenues, net third-party finance fees, advertising and subscription profits earned by our Edmunds business, and other revenues. Other revenues are predominantly comprised of service department operations, including used vehicle reconditioning. We have no cost of sales related to EPP revenues or net third-party finance fees, as these represent revenues paid to us by certain third-party providers. Third-party finance income is reported net of the fees we pay to third-party Tier 3 finance providers. Accordingly, changes in the relative mix of the components of other gross profit can affect the composition and amount of other gross profit.
Previous wording
Fiscal 2025 Versus Fiscal 2024. Other gross profit increased 27.9% in fiscal 2025, primarily driven by a $70.7 million improvement in service department margins as well as an increase in EPP revenues, as discussed above. The increase in service department profits was driven by cost coverage measures that we have implemented, increased efficiencies and the increase in used unit sales. In fiscal 2026, we plan to test EPP product enhancements that will focus on increasing penetration and margin per unit. We expect this will result in a slight year-over-year increase in EPP margin per unit during fiscal 2026, with the potential for more expansion in fiscal 2027. In addition, we expect service margin to grow year-over-year in fiscal 2026, predominantly in the first half of the year, and to deliver a slightly positive profit contribution for the full year, as governed by sales performance given the leverage/deleverage nature of service. We expect service will continue to serve as a slight profit lever beyond fiscal 2026.
Current wording
Fiscal 2026 Versus Fiscal 2025. Other gross profit increased 1.2% in fiscal 2026, primarily driven by an $18.4 million improvement in service department margins, partially offset by an increase in net third-party finance fees, as discussed above. The increase in service department margins was driven by cost coverage measures that we have implemented and increased efficiencies.
Previous wording
Fiscal 2025 Versus Fiscal 2024 (Increase of $149.0 million or 6.5%). Factors contributing to the increase include the following:
Current wording
Fiscal 2026 Versus Fiscal 2025 (Increase of $18.0 million or 0.7%). Factors contributing to the net increase include the following:
Previous wording
•$62.9 million increase in compensation and benefits, excluding share-based compensation expense, driven by an increase in the corporate bonus accrual.
Current wording
•$2.7 million net increase in compensation and benefits, excluding share-based compensation expense, as severance costs for both the CEO change and the reductions in workforce were offset by a decrease in the corporate bonus accrual.
Previous wording
The effective income tax rate was 25.2% in fiscal 2025 compared with 25.3% in fiscal 2024.
Current wording
The effective income tax rate was 35.5% in fiscal 2026 compared with 25.2% in fiscal 2025. The increase in effective income tax rate was primarily driven by the goodwill impairment charge, which is a non-deductible item.
Previous wording
CAF income primarily reflects interest and fee income generated by CAF’s portfolio of auto loans receivable less the interest expense associated with the debt issued to fund these receivables, a provision for estimated loan losses and direct CAF expenses. Total interest margin reflects the spread between interest and fees charged to consumers and our funding costs. Changes in the interest margin on new originations affect CAF income over time. Increases in interest rates, which affect CAF’s funding costs, competitive pressures on rates charged to customers or reducing higher risk accounts in our origination strategy could result in compression in the interest margin on new originations.
Current wording
CAF income primarily reflects interest and fee income generated by auto loans held for investment and auto loans held for sale less the interest expense associated with the debt issued to fund these loans, a provision for estimated loan losses on loans held for investment, direct CAF expenses and income related to the sale of auto loans. Total interest margin primarily reflects the spread between interest and fees charged to consumers and our funding costs. Changes in the interest margin on new originations generally affect CAF income over time. Increases in interest rates, which affect CAF’s funding costs, competitive pressures on rates charged to customers or reducing higher risk accounts in our origination strategy, could result in compression in the interest margin on new originations.
Previous wording
The provision for loan losses reflects changes in the allowance for loan losses. Changes to the allowance are primarily driven by loss and delinquency experience, economic factors on our outlook for net losses expected to occur over the remaining contractual life of the loans receivable as well as changes in the mix of credit quality of originations.
Current wording
The provision for loan losses reflects the estimated lifetime loan losses on new originations as well as changes in the estimated allowance for remaining loan losses on the existing portfolio. Changes to the allowance are primarily driven by loss and delinquency experience as well as economic factors related to our outlook for net losses expected to occur over the remaining contractual life of the loans held for investment.
Previous wording
CAF’s managed portfolio is composed primarily of loans originated over the past several years. Trends in receivable growth and interest margins primarily reflect the cumulative effect of changes in the business over a multi-year period. Current period originations reflect current trends in both our retail sales and the CAF business, including the volume and credit mix of loans originated, current interest rates charged to consumers and loan terms. Loans originated in a given fiscal period impact CAF income over time, as we recognize income over the life of the underlying auto loan.
Current wording
CAF’s portfolio is composed primarily of auto loans originated over the past several years. Trends in auto loan growth and interest margins primarily reflect the cumulative effect of changes in the business over a multi-year period. Current period originations reflect current trends in both our retail sales and the CAF business, including the volume and credit mix of loans originated, current interest rates charged to consumers and loan terms. Loans originated in a given fiscal period generally impact CAF income over time, as we recognize income over the life of the underlying auto loan, or upon sale of the loan.
Previous wording
During the second quarter of fiscal 2025, CAF began testing its new full-spectrum credit scoring models and corresponding strategies across both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 spaces. CAF began its testing of the new model in the Tier 3 space during the third quarter of fiscal 2025. During March 2025, CAF began a measured expansion by recapturing profitable portions of Tier 1 originations that we had shifted to our Tier 2 lenders as we tightened lending standards. We expect this expansion will grow our penetration by 100 to 150 basis points in the near-term, which is enabled by our non-prime securitization program, allowing us to efficiently fund these non-prime receivables while retaining the full economic value of the contracts. We continue to learn from our new underwriting models and corresponding tests currently in place and anticipate capturing additional volume across Tier 2 and Tier 3 during the back half of fiscal 2026. We will continue to monitor consumer behavior and the broader economy and will adjust our origination strategy as needed. We would expect each additional percentage point of CAF penetration to generate $10 million to $12 million in lifetime pre-tax income per year of origination, net of the impact to finance partner participation fees. Our pre-tax income expectations will be impacted by the volume of loans originated, interest rates charged to customers, loan terms, loss rates, average credit scores and the broader macroeconomic and lending environments. While this income is earned over time, the provision for lifetime losses is recognized at the time of origination. We believe our unique finance platform with a full-spectrum in-house lending operation, coupled with a robust network of partner lenders, will strengthen our competitive advantage.
Current wording
During fiscal 2025, CAF began testing its new full-spectrum credit scoring models and corresponding strategies across the Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 spaces. During fiscal 2026, CAF began a measured expansion by recapturing profitable portions of Tier 1 originations that we had shifted to our Tier 2 lenders as we tightened lending standards as well as testing expanded lending with a focus in the top half of the Tier 2 space. This is a first step on the path towards our initial goal of increasing CAF penetration to 50%. We continue to learn from our new underwriting models and corresponding tests currently in place in order to capture additional origination volume. We will monitor consumer behavior and the broader economy and adjust our origination strategy as needed. We would expect each additional percentage point of CAF penetration to generate $10 million to $12 million in lifetime pre-tax income per year of origination, net of the impact to finance partner participation fees. Our pre-tax income expectations will be impacted by the volume of loans originated, interest rates charged to customers, loan terms, loss rates, average credit scores, funding strategy, loan sales and the broader macroeconomic and lending environments. We believe our unique finance platform with a full-spectrum in-house lending operation, along with our complementary network of partner lenders, will strengthen our competitive advantage.
Previous wording
Historically, CAF has originated a small portion of auto loans to customers who typically would be financed by our Tier 2 and Tier 3 finance providers, in order to better understand the performance of these loans, mitigate risk and add incremental profits. The targeted percentage of Tier 2 and Tier 3 originations has fluctuated over the past several years. With the testing of the new full-spectrum credit scoring models, we intend to continue our investment in this space during fiscal 2026, but remain within the target of originating less than 15% and 5% of the total Tier 2 and Tier 3 loan volume, respectively. Any future adjustments in Tier 2 and Tier 3 will consider the broader lending environment, which includes funding availability, along with the long-term sustainability of the change. These loans have higher loss and delinquency rates than the remainder of the CAF portfolio, as well as higher contract rates.
Current wording
Historically, CAF has originated a small portion of auto loans to customers who typically would be financed by our Tier 2 and Tier 3 finance providers, in order to better understand the performance of these loans, mitigate risk and add incremental profits. The targeted percentage of Tier 2 and Tier 3 originations has fluctuated over the past several years. With the testing of the new full-spectrum credit scoring models, we continued our investment in this space during fiscal 2026, but remained within the target of originating less than 15% and 5% of the total Tier 2 and Tier 3 loan volume, respectively. In fiscal 2027, we intend to increase the target originations for Tier 2 to approximately 30% of the total volume across the Tier 2 spectrum, with a continued focus on the top half of the Tier 2 space. We do not plan to increase our target originations for Tier 3 in fiscal 2027. Any future adjustments in Tier 2 and Tier 3 will consider the broader lending environment, which includes funding availability, along with the long-term sustainability of the change. These loans have higher loss and delinquency rates than the remainder of the CAF portfolio, as well as higher contract rates.
Previous wording
See Note 3 for additional information on CAF income and Note 4 for information on auto loans receivable, including credit quality.
Current wording
See Note 3 for additional information on CAF income and Note 4 for information on auto loans held for investment, including credit quality.
Previous wording
CAF ORIGINATIONI NFORMATION(AFTER THEI MPACT OF 3-DAYP AYOFFS)
Current wording
CAF ORIGINATIONI NFORMATION(AFTER THEI MPACT OF 3-DAYP AYOFFS)(1)
Previous wording
(1)Vehicle units financed as a percentage of total used units sold.
Current wording
(2)Vehicle units financed as a percentage of total used units sold.
Previous wording
(2)The credit scores represent FICO® scores and reflect only receivables with obligors that have a FICO® score at the time of application. The FICO® score with respect to any receivable with co-obligors is calculated as the average of each obligor’s FICO® score at the time of application. FICO® scores are not a significant factor in our primary scoring model, which relies on information from credit bureaus and other application information as discussed in Note 4. FICO® is a federally registered servicemark of Fair Isaac Corporation.
Current wording
(3)The credit scores represent FICO® scores and reflect only loans with obligors that have a FICO® score at the time of application. The FICO® score with respect to any loans with co-obligors is calculated as the average of each obligor’s FICO® score at the time of application. FICO® scores are not a significant factor in our primary scoring model, which relies on information from credit bureaus and other application information as discussed in Note 4. FICO® is a federally registered servicemark of Fair Isaac Corporation.
Previous wording
(3)LTV represents the ratio of the amount financed to the total collateral value, which is measured as the vehicle selling price plus applicable taxes, title and fees.
Current wording
(4)LTV represents the ratio of the amount financed to the total collateral value, which is measured as the vehicle selling price plus applicable taxes, title and fees.
Previous wording
(1) The average recovery rate represents the average percentage of the outstanding principal balance we receive when a vehicle is repossessed and liquidated, generally at our wholesale auctions. While in any individual period conditions may vary, over the past 10 fiscal years, the annual recovery rate has ranged from a low of 46% to a high of 71%, and it is primarily affected by the wholesale market environment.
Current wording
(1) The average recovery rate represents the average percentage of the outstanding principal balance we receive when a vehicle is repossessed and liquidated, generally at our wholesale auctions. While in any individual period conditions may vary, over the past 10 fiscal years, the annual recovery rate has ranged from a low of 45% to a high of 71%, and it is primarily affected by the wholesale market environment.
Previous wording
•Total interest margin increased as a percentage of average managed receivables to 6.2% in fiscal 2025 compared with 6.0% in fiscal 2024. The increase was primarily driven by higher customer rates, partially offset by higher funding costs.
Current wording
•Total interest margin increased as a percentage of average auto loans outstanding to 6.4% in fiscal 2026 compared with 6.2% in fiscal 2025. The increase was due to higher customer rates primarily driven by our Tier 2 expansion, partially offset by higher funding costs.
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(5) The definition of an omni sale has been updated to include additional steps that can be completed online, including pre-qualifying for financing, setting appointments and signing up for notifications of cars coming soon. See discussion below for fiscal 2025 results by quarter under this new definition.