CARMAX INC
For the period ended Feb 28, 2026. Filed Apr 15, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
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
KMX$51.48-2.1%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-02-28; filed 2025-04-11.
0001170010-25-000024
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2026-02-28; filed 2026-04-15.
0001170010-26-000021
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe 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 83 previous paragraphs and 86 current paragraphs.
52 unchanged; 27 reworded; 6 added; 3 removed; 1 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 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 (6)
Current report
Integrity is a critical component of the CarMax brand and foundational to the trust our customers place in us. Our reputation for integrity, together with transparent, no‑haggle pricing, vehicle quality, customer service and a seamless omni‑channel experience, is important to our ability to attract and retain customers. While consumers consider a range of factors when choosing where to buy or sell a vehicle, a perceived failure to act with integrity, or a loss of trust in our brand for any reason, could significantly undermine customer confidence and have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Current report
Our brand and reputation could be harmed by actual or perceived failures to maintain high standards of integrity, quality or customer experience, including isolated incidents at a single store or broader issues, particularly if they result in adverse publicity, governmental investigations or litigation. These events could relate to, among other things, our sales or financing practices, vehicle reconditioning or quality, treatment of customers or associates, use of AI or other technologies, cultural brand positioning or real or perceived safety issues or injuries. The widespread use of social media and other digital platforms has increased the speed and scale with which information and misinformation can be disseminated, and we may not be successful in correcting or mitigating negative perceptions. Any resulting damage to our reputation or brand could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Current report
Our associates are critical to our success, and our culture is an important differentiator. Cost-reduction initiatives, workforce reductions and changes to our workplace model may affect our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, result in loss of institutional knowledge and expertise, cause attrition beyond our intended reduction in force or negatively impact associate morale. Internal restructurings may also divert management attention from our business and may negatively impact our culture. A failure to maintain our culture could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Current report
Our future success also depends in substantial part on our ability to attract, recruit, hire, motivate, develop and retain talented personnel possessing the qualifications, experiences, capabilities and skills we need for all areas of our organization, including senior leadership. As our new chief executive officer leads our company in its next chapter, there could be uncertainty among investors, customers, third parties and employees. Failure to successfully execute our succession plans or disruptions associated with leadership transitions could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Current report
Our business and operations could be negatively affected by actions of activist shareholders against us, which could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of business and growth strategy, and impact our stock price.
Current report
Shareholders have engaged, and in the future may engage, in activist activities against the company, including engaging in proxy solicitations, submitting shareholders proposals, nominating individuals to serve on our Board or otherwise attempting to effect changes, assert influence or acquire some level of control over us. We have been and may continue to be subject to activism in the future. Activist shareholders have sought, and may in the future seek, to effect changes in our strategic direction and how our company is governed through changes to our Board or otherwise. Shareholder activism, including potential proxy contests, could result in substantial costs and divert management’s and the Board’s attention and resources from our business. Additionally, such shareholder activism could give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with service providers and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. We may also be required to incur significant fees and other expenses related to any activist shareholder matters. Further, our stock price could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the events, risks and uncertainties of any shareholder activism.
Removed paragraphs (3)
Previous report
Our reputation as a company that is founded on the fundamental principle of integrity is critical to our success. Our reputation as a retailer offering competitive, no-haggle prices, a broad selection of CarMax Quality Certified used vehicles, superior customer service and a seamless omni-channel experience is also critical to our success. If we fail to maintain the high standards on which our reputation is built, or if an event occurs that damages this reputation, it could adversely affect consumer demand and have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. Such an event could include an isolated incident at a single store, particularly if such incident results in adverse publicity, governmental investigations, or litigation and could involve, among other things, our sales process, our provision of financing, our reconditioning process, our treatment of customers or associates, our use of AI, cultural brand positioning, or real or perceived vehicle quality and related injury. Even the perception of a decrease in the quality of our brand could impact results.
Previous report
The use of social media has increased the speed with which information and opinions can be shared and the speed with which reputation can be affected. We monitor social media and attempt to address customer concerns, provide accurate information and protect our reputation, but there can be no guarantee that our efforts will succeed. If we fail to correct or mitigate misinformation or negative information, including information spread through social media or traditional media channels, about the vehicles we offer, our customer experience, or any aspect of our brand, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Previous report
Our associates are the driving force behind our success. We believe that one of the key factors that distinguishes CarMax is a culture centered on valuing our associates. We provide flexible, hybrid and remote work arrangements for certain associates, which may impact associate engagement, integration of new associates and overall company culture. A failure to maintain our culture could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Reworded paragraphs (27)
Previous wording
We are subject to a variety of risks, the most significant of which are described below. Our business, sales, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.
Current wording
We are subject to a variety of risks, the most significant of which are described below. Our business, sales, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. These disclosures reflect the company’s beliefs and opinions as to factors that could materially and adversely affect the company and its securities in the future. References to past events are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be a complete listing or a representation as to whether or not such factors have occurred in the past or their likelihood of occurring in the future.
Previous wording
We operate in a highly competitive industry. Failure to develop and execute strategies to remain the nation’s largest retailer of used vehicles and to adapt to the increasing use of digital and online tools to market, buy, sell and finance used vehicles could adversely affect our business, sales and results of operations.
Current wording
We operate in a highly competitive industry. Failure to develop and execute strategies to compete in the used vehicle marketplace and to adapt to the increasing use of digital and online tools to market, buy, sell and finance used vehicles could adversely affect our business, sales and results of operations.
Previous wording
Automotive retailing is a highly competitive and highly fragmented business. Our competition includes publicly and privately owned new and used car dealers and online and mobile sales platforms, as well as millions of private individuals. Competitors buy and sell the same or similar makes of vehicles that we offer in the same or similar markets at competitive prices. New car dealers leverage their franchise relationships with automotive manufacturers to brand certain used cars as “certified pre-owned,” which could provide those competitors with an advantage over CarMax.
Current wording
Automotive retailing is a highly competitive and fragmented business. Our competition includes publicly and privately owned new and used car dealers and online and mobile sales platforms, as well as millions of private individuals. Competitors buy and sell the same or similar makes of vehicles that we offer in the same or similar markets at competitive prices. New car dealers leverage their franchise relationships with automotive manufacturers to brand certain used cars as “certified pre-owned,” which could provide those competitors with an advantage over CarMax.
Previous wording
Retail Competition. Some of our competitors have replicated or attempted to replicate portions of the consumer offer that we pioneered when we opened our first used car store in 1993, including our use of competitive, no-haggle prices and our commitment to buy a customer’s vehicle even if they do not purchase one from us.
Current wording
Retail Competition. Some of our competitors have replicated or attempted to replicate portions of our consumer offer, including our use of competitive, no-haggle prices and our commitment to buy a customer’s vehicle even if they do not purchase one from us.
Previous wording
Competitors using online focused business models, both for direct sales and consumer-to-consumer facilitation, could materially impact our business model. Increased online used vehicle offerings and the growing consumer trend of buying vehicles online adds new competition in a segment that is growing and could result in lower-than-expected retail margins, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. Further, existing e-commerce businesses have and could continue to enter the online new and used vehicle markets, including companies with significantly more resources than CarMax that might be able to provide customers access to a greater inventory of vehicles while delivering a superior online experience. If we fail to respond effectively to our existing and potential retail competitors, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Current wording
Competitors using online focused business models, both for direct sales and consumer-to-consumer facilitation, have and could continue to materially impact our business model, sales and results of operations. Increased online used vehicle offerings and the growing consumer trend of buying vehicles online adds competition in a segment that is growing and could result in lower-than-expected retail margins, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. Further, existing e-commerce businesses have and could continue to enter the online new and used vehicle markets, including companies with significantly more resources than CarMax that might be able to provide customers access to a greater inventory of vehicles while delivering a superior online experience. If we fail to respond effectively to our existing and new retail competitors, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Previous wording
The increasing use of digital and online tools to facilitate consumers’ sales or trade-ins of their current vehicles could have a material adverse effect on our ability to source vehicles through our appraisal process, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our vehicle acquisition costs and results of operations. For example, online appraisal tools are available to consumers that generate offers and facilitate purchases by dealers other than CarMax.
Current wording
The widespread adoption of digital and online tools to facilitate consumers’ sales or trade-ins of their current vehicles could have a material adverse effect on our ability to source vehicles through our appraisal process, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our vehicle acquisition costs and results of operations. For example, online appraisal tools are available to consumers that generate offers and facilitate purchases by dealers other than CarMax.
Previous wording
In addition, there are companies that sell software and data solutions to new and used car dealers to enable those dealers to, among other things, more efficiently source and price inventory. The increasing use of such products by dealers who compete with CarMax could reduce the relative competitive advantage of CarMax’s internally developed proprietary systems.
Current wording
In addition, there are companies that sell software and data solutions to new and used car dealers to enable those dealers to, among other things, more efficiently source and price inventory. The increased use of such products by dealers who compete with CarMax may reduce the relative competitive advantage of CarMax’s internally developed proprietary systems.
Previous wording
Evolving Marketplace. The marketplace for used vehicles may be impacted by the significant, and likely accelerating, changes to the broader automotive industry. Increasing demand for EVs is driving the need to adapt our business to source, recondition and service EVs. Technological changes, including the development of autonomous vehicles, new products and services, new business models, including subscription models, and new methods of travel could reduce automotive retail demand or disrupt our current business model. If we fail to respond effectively to the evolving marketplace, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Current wording
Evolving Marketplace. The marketplace for used vehicles may be impacted by the significant, and likely accelerating, changes to the broader automotive industry. Demand for EVs is driving the need to adapt our business to source, recondition and service EVs. Technological changes, including the development of autonomous vehicles, new products and services, new business models and new methods of travel could reduce automotive retail demand or disrupt our current business model. In addition, technology related to generative AI is advancing rapidly, and its future impact on the automotive ecosystem, including online shopping behavior, is unknown. If we fail to respond effectively to the evolving marketplace, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Previous wording
We are subject to national and regional U.S. economic conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to, recession, inflation, interest rates, unemployment levels, the state of the housing market, gasoline prices, consumer credit availability, consumer credit delinquency and loss rates, tariffs or the imposition of new tariffs, trade wars, barriers or restrictions, or threats of such actions, personal discretionary spending levels, and consumer sentiment about the economy in general. These conditions and the economy in general have been, and in the future may be, affected by significant national or international events such as a global health crisis or current geopolitical conditions. When these economic conditions worsen or stagnate, it can have a material adverse effect on consumer demand for vehicles generally, demand from particular consumer categories or demand for particular vehicle types. It can also negatively impact availability of credit to finance vehicle purchases for all or certain categories of consumers. This could result in challenges to vehicle affordability, lower sales, decreased margins on units sold, and decreased profits for our CAF segment. For example, tariffs impacting the availability and price of automotive parts, vehicles, or steel used in constructing new locations could also adversely impact our business. Economic conditions can also have a material adverse effect on the supply of late-model used vehicles, as automotive manufacturers produce fewer new vehicles and consumers retain their current vehicles for longer periods of time. This could result in increased costs to acquire used vehicle inventory and decreased margins on units sold.
Current wording
We are subject to national and regional U.S. economic conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to, economic downturn, recession, inflation, interest rates, unemployment levels, the state of the housing market, gasoline prices, consumer credit availability, consumer credit delinquency and loss rates, tariffs or the imposition and enforceability of tariffs, trade wars, barriers or restrictions, or threats of such actions and related uncertainties, personal discretionary spending levels, and consumer sentiment about the economy in general. These conditions and the economy in general have been, and in the future may be, affected by significant national or international events such as a global health crisis or current geopolitical conditions. When these economic conditions worsen or stagnate (as, for example, the current conflict in the Middle East and the resulting increase in the price of gasoline in the U.S.), it can have a material adverse effect on consumer demand for vehicles generally, demand from particular consumer segments or demand for particular vehicle types. It can also negatively impact availability of credit to finance vehicle purchases for all or certain categories of consumers. This could result in challenges to vehicle affordability, lower sales, decreased margins on units sold, and decreased profits for our CAF segment. For example, tariffs impacting the availability and price of automotive parts, vehicles, or steel used in constructing new locations, and uncertainties regarding the ability to obtain refunds for previously paid tariffs that have subsequently been invalidated could also adversely impact our business. Economic conditions can also have a material adverse effect on the supply of late-model used vehicles, as automotive manufacturers produce fewer new vehicles and consumers retain their current vehicles for longer periods of time. This could result in increased costs to acquire used vehicle inventory and decreased margins on units sold.
Previous wording
Changes in the availability or cost of the long-term financing to support the origination of auto loans receivable through CAF could adversely affect sales and results of operations. We use a securitization program to fund the majority of the auto loans receivable originated by CAF. Changes in the condition of the asset-backed securitization market could lead us to incur higher costs to access funds in this market or require us to seek alternative means to finance CAF’s loan originations. If this market ceased to exist and there were no immediate alternative funding sources available, we might be forced to curtail our lending practices for some period of time. The impact of reducing or curtailing CAF’s loan originations could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Current wording
Changes in the availability or cost of the long-term financing to support the origination of auto loans through CAF could adversely affect sales and results of operations. We use a securitization program to fund the majority of the auto loans originated by CAF. Changes in the condition of the asset-backed securitization market could lead us to incur higher costs to access funds in this market or require us to seek alternative means to finance CAF’s loan originations. If this market ceased to exist and there were no immediate alternative funding sources available, we might be forced to curtail our lending practices for some period of time. The impact of reducing or curtailing CAF’s loan originations could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Previous wording
Any significant changes in retail prices for new and used vehicles could have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations. For example, when retail prices for used vehicles rise relative to retail prices for new vehicles, it can make buying a new vehicle more attractive to our customers than buying a used vehicle, which can have a material adverse effect on sales and results of operations and can result in decreased used margins. Manufacturer incentives could contribute to narrowing this price gap. In addition, any significant changes in retail or wholesale prices for used vehicles could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations by reducing margins.
Current wording
Any significant changes in retail prices for new and used vehicles could have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations. An overall increase in prices or monthly payments for used vehicles, including the impacts of increased interest rates customers face when financing a vehicle, makes it difficult for certain customers to afford to purchase a vehicle. Similarly, when retail prices for used vehicles rise relative to retail prices for new vehicles, it can make buying a new vehicle more attractive to our customers than buying a used vehicle, which can have a material adverse effect on sales and results of operations and can result in decreased used margins. Manufacturer incentives could contribute to narrowing this price gap. In addition, any significant changes in retail or wholesale prices for used vehicles could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations by reducing margins.
Previous wording
We source a significant percentage of our vehicles through our appraisal process, which includes our online instant appraisal offers, and these vehicles are generally more profitable for CarMax. Accordingly, if we fail to adjust appraisal offers to stay in line with broader market trade-in offer trends, or fail to recognize those trends, it could adversely affect our ability to acquire inventory. Acquiring inventory from third-party auctions or from other dealers through our MaxOffer channel is generally less profitable than acquiring it from our in-store and online appraisal products. Our ability to source vehicles through our appraisal process could also be affected by competition, both from new and used car dealers directly and through third parties driving appraisal traffic to those dealers. See the risk factor above titled “We operate in a highly competitive industry” for discussion of this risk. Our ability to source vehicles from third-party auctions could be affected by an increase in the number of closed auctions that are open only to new car dealers who have franchise relationships with automotive manufacturers.
Current wording
We source a significant percentage of our vehicles through our appraisal process, and these vehicles are generally more profitable for CarMax. Accordingly, if we fail to adjust appraisal offers to stay in line with broader market trade-in offer trends, or fail to recognize those trends, it could adversely affect our ability to acquire inventory. Acquiring inventory from third-party auctions or from other dealers through our MaxOffer channel is generally less profitable than acquiring it from our in-store and online appraisal products. Our ability to source vehicles through our appraisal process could also be affected by competition, both from new and used car dealers directly and through third parties driving appraisal traffic to those dealers. See the risk factor above titled “We operate in a highly competitive industry” for discussion of this risk. Our ability to source vehicles from third-party auctions could be affected by an increase in the number of closed auctions that are open only to new car dealers who have franchise relationships with automotive manufacturers.
Previous wording
We have made a considerable investment in our omni-channel platform, as well as investments in initiatives designed to leverage evolving technologies, including AI. A failure to capture the benefits that we expect from the platform or these initiatives and our continued investments in enhancements to the platform or in these initiatives could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. We must anticipate and meet our customers’ expectations in an evolving retail marketplace. Our business, sales and results of operations may be negatively affected if we fail to provide a high quality and consistent customer experience, regardless of sales channel, if our omni-channel platform or other initiatives do not meet customer expectations, or if we are unable to attract, retain and manage the personnel at various levels who have the necessary skills and experience we need to implement our initiatives.
Current wording
We have made and may continue to make considerable investments in our omni-channel platform, as well as investments in initiatives designed to leverage evolving technologies, including AI. A failure to capture the benefits that we expect from the platform or these initiatives and our continued investments in enhancements to the platform or in these initiatives could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. We must anticipate and meet our customers’ expectations in an evolving retail marketplace. Our business, sales and results of operations may be negatively affected if we fail to provide a high quality and consistent customer experience, regardless of sales channel, if our omni-channel platform or other initiatives do not meet customer expectations, or if we are unable to attract, retain and manage the personnel at various levels who have the necessary skills and experience we need to implement our initiatives.
Previous wording
Our growth is dependent on the success of our omni-channel platform, opening stores in new and existing markets, continued sales growth and the build-out of our offsite production and auction facilities. These enhancements and expansions place significant demands on our management team, our associates and our information systems. If we fail to effectively or efficiently manage our growth, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. Sales growth requires that we continue to effectively execute our business strategies and implement new and ongoing initiatives to elevate the experience of our customers. See the risk factor above titled “Our failure to realize the benefits associated with our omni-channel platform could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations” for more discussion of this risk. The expansion of our store base, addition of offsite production and auction facilities and implementation of new initiatives also requires us to recruit and retain the associates necessary to support that expansion. See the risk factor below titled “Our success depends upon the continued contributions of our associates” for discussion of this risk. The expansion of our business also requires real estate. Our inability to acquire or lease suitable real estate at favorable terms could limit our expansion and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Current wording
Our growth is dependent on the success of our omni-channel platform, opening stores in new and existing markets, continued sales growth, the build-out of our offsite production and auction facilities and offering additional complementary products and services. These enhancements and expansions place significant demands on our management team, our associates and our information systems. If we fail to effectively or efficiently manage our growth, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. Sales growth requires that we effectively execute our business strategies and implement new and ongoing initiatives to elevate the experience of our customers. See the risk factor above titled “Our failure to realize the benefits associated with our omni-channel platform or initiatives designed to leverage evolving technologies, including AI, could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations” for more discussion of this risk. The expansion of our store base, addition of offsite production and auction facilities and implementation of new initiatives also requires us to recruit and retain the associates necessary to support that expansion. See the risk factor below titled “Our success depends upon the continued contributions of our associates” for discussion of this risk. The expansion of our business also requires real estate. Our inability to acquire or lease suitable real estate at favorable terms could limit our expansion and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Previous wording
Our ongoing success also depends upon the continued contributions of our store, CEC, region and corporate management teams. Consequently, the loss of the services of any of these associates could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. In addition, an inability to build our management bench strength to support store growth could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Current wording
Our ongoing success also depends upon the continued contributions of our store, CEC, regional and corporate management teams. Consequently, the loss of the services of any of these associates could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. In addition, an inability to build our management bench strength to support store growth could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Previous wording
We may experience greater credit losses in CAF’s portfolio of auto loans receivable than anticipated.
Current wording
We may experience greater credit losses in CAF’s portfolio of auto loans than anticipated.
Previous wording
We make various assumptions and judgments about CAF’s portfolio of auto loans receivable and provide an allowance for loan losses based on a number of factors. Although management will establish an allowance for loan losses it believes is appropriate, this allowance may not be adequate. For example, when economic conditions deteriorate unexpectedly, additional loan losses not incorporated in the existing allowance for loan losses may occur. Losses in excess of the existing allowance for loan losses could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Current wording
We make various assumptions and judgments about CAF’s portfolio of auto loans held for investment and provide an allowance for loan losses based on a number of factors. Although management will establish an allowance for loan losses it believes is appropriate, this allowance may not be adequate. For example, when economic conditions deteriorate unexpectedly, additional loan losses not incorporated in the existing allowance for loan losses may occur. Losses in excess of the existing allowance for loan losses could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Previous wording
Additionally, under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), if any investment’s fair value declines below its carrying value, we will need to record an impairment loss in the applicable fiscal period. As a result, we may incur expenses related to the impairment of existing or future equity investments. Any such impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Additionally, under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), if any investment’s fair value declines below its carrying value, we will need to record an impairment loss in the applicable fiscal period. As a result, we have incurred, and we may in the future incur, expenses related to the impairment of existing or future equity investments. Any such impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
Many components of our business, including data management, key operational processes and critical customer systems, are provided by third parties. We carefully select our third-party vendors, but we do not control their actions. If our vendors fail to perform as we expect or conduct operations that are inconsistent with our values, our operations and reputation could suffer if the failure harms the vendors’ ability to serve us and our customers. One or more of these third-party vendors may experience financial distress, technology challenges, cybersecurity incidents, staffing shortages, liquidity challenges, file for bankruptcy protection, go out of business, suffer disruptions in their business or experience significant increases in the cost of their goods or services sold due to factors beyond their control, including tariffs. The use of third-party vendors represents an inherent risk to our company that could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Current wording
Many components of our business, including data management, key operational and technology processes and critical customer systems, are provided by third parties. We carefully select our third-party vendors, but we do not control their actions. If our vendors fail to perform as we expect or conduct operations that are inconsistent with our values, our operations and reputation could suffer if the failure harms the vendors’ ability to serve us and our customers. One or more of these third-party vendors may experience financial distress, technology challenges, cybersecurity incidents, staffing shortages, liquidity challenges, file for bankruptcy protection, go out of business, suffer disruptions in their business or experience significant increases in the cost of their goods or services sold due to factors beyond their control, including tariffs. The use of third-party vendors represents an inherent risk to our company that could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Previous wording
Adverse conditions, such as the 2023 United Auto Workers strike and tariffs impacting the availability and price of vehicles and automotive parts, affecting one or more automotive manufacturers could have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations and could impact the supply of vehicles, including the supply of late-model used vehicles. In addition, manufacturer recalls are a common occurrence. Because we do not have manufacturer authorization to complete recall-related repairs, some vehicles we sell may have unrepaired safety recalls. Such recalls, and our lack of authorization to make recall-related repairs, could adversely affect used vehicle sales or valuations, could cause us to temporarily remove vehicles from inventory, could force us to incur increased costs and could expose us to litigation and adverse publicity related to the sale of recalled vehicles, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Current wording
Adverse conditions, such as tariffs impacting the availability and price of vehicles and automotive parts, affecting one or more automotive manufacturers could have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations and could impact the supply of vehicles, including the supply of late-model used vehicles. In addition, manufacturer recalls are a common occurrence. Because we do not have manufacturer authorization to complete recall-related repairs, some vehicles we sell may have unrepaired safety recalls. Such recalls, and our lack of authorization to make recall-related repairs, could adversely affect used vehicle sales or valuations, could cause us to temporarily remove vehicles from inventory, could force us to incur increased costs and could expose us to litigation and adverse publicity related to the sale of recalled vehicles, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Previous wording
The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of CarMax’s assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and earnings. If these estimates or assumptions are incorrect, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. We have identified several accounting policies as being “critical” to the fair presentation of our financial condition and results of operations because they involve major aspects of our business and require us to make judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. These policies are described in Item
Current wording
The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of CarMax’s assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and earnings. If these estimates or assumptions are incorrect, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. We have identified one accounting policy as being “critical” to the fair presentation of our financial condition and results of operations because it involves major aspects of our business and requires us to make judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. This policy is described in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Previous wording
We collect, process and retain sensitive and confidential customer information in the normal course of business and may share that information with our third-party service providers. This information includes the information customers provide when purchasing or selling a vehicle and applying for vehicle financing. We also collect, process and retain sensitive and confidential associate information in the normal course of business and may share that information with our third-party service providers. Although we have taken measures designed to safeguard such information and have received assurances from our third-party providers, our facilities and systems, and those of third-party providers, could be vulnerable to external or internal security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming or human errors or other similar events.
Current wording
We collect, process and retain sensitive and confidential customer information in the normal course of business and may share that information with our third-party service providers. This information includes the information customers provide when purchasing or selling a vehicle and applying for vehicle financing. We also collect, process and retain sensitive and confidential associate information in the normal course of business and may share that information with our third-party service providers. Although we have taken measures designed to safeguard such information and have received assurances from our third-party providers, our facilities and systems, and those of third-party providers, could be vulnerable to external or internal security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming or human errors or other similar events, any of which could be enhanced or facilitated by AI.
Previous wording
The security measures we have implemented to protect against cybersecurity incidents may not always prevent or mitigate the impact of a cybersecurity incident and there can be no assurance that future efforts to prevent or mitigate a cybersecurity incident will be effective either. Numerous national retailers have disclosed security breaches involving sophisticated cyber- attacks, including ransomware, that were not recognized or detected until after such retailers had been affected, notwithstanding the preventive measures such retailers had in place. Further, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of AI and other evolving technologies may increase our level of cybersecurity risk. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer or associate information, whether experienced by us or by our third-party service providers, and whether due to an external cybersecurity incident, a programming error, or other cause, could damage our reputation, expose us to mitigation costs and the risks of private litigation and government enforcement, disrupt our business and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. In addition, our failure to respond quickly and appropriately to such a security breach could exacerbate the consequences of the breach.
Current wording
The security measures we have implemented to protect against cybersecurity incidents may not always prevent or mitigate the impact of a cybersecurity incident and there can be no assurance that future efforts to prevent or mitigate a cybersecurity incident will be effective either. Numerous national retailers have disclosed security breaches involving sophisticated cyber-attacks, including ransomware, that were not recognized or detected until after such retailers had been affected, notwithstanding the preventive measures such retailers had in place. Further, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of AI and other evolving technologies may increase our level of cybersecurity risk. We and our third-party service providers face attempts by others to gain unauthorized access to, sabotage, take control of and corrupt our information systems and data. As a result of these types of attempts, both we and our third-party service providers have experienced information security, cybersecurity and data privacy incidents. To date, none of these incidents have had a material impact on our business, sales and results of operations. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer or associate information, whether experienced by us or by our third-party service providers, and whether due to an external cybersecurity incident, a programming error, or other cause, may damage our reputation, expose us to mitigation costs and the risks of private litigation and government enforcement, disrupt our business and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. In addition, our failure to respond quickly and appropriately to such a security breach could exacerbate the consequences of the breach.
Previous wording
Despite our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the integrity and security of these systems, we have been and could be subjected to attacks by hackers, including denial-of-service attacks directed at our websites or other system breaches or malfunctions due to associate error or misconduct or other disruptions. Such incidents could disrupt our business and have a material adverse effect on sales and results of operations. See the risk factor above titled “We collect sensitive confidential information from our customers” for the risks associated with a breach of confidential customer or associate information.
Current wording
Despite our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the integrity and security of these systems, we have been and could be subjected to attacks by hackers, including denial-of-service attacks directed at our websites or other system breaches or malfunctions due to associate error or misconduct or other disruptions. Such incidents could disrupt our business and have a material adverse effect on sales and results of operations. See the risk factor above titled “We collect sensitive confidential information from our customers. A breach of this confidentiality, whether due to a cybersecurity or other incident, could result in harm to our customers and damage our brand” for the risks associated with a breach of confidential customer or associate information.
Previous wording
We are subject to various litigation matters from time to time, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of the law could be asserted against us by individuals, either individually or through class claims, or by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings. These claims could be asserted under a variety of laws including, but not limited to, consumer finance laws, consumer protection laws, intellectual property laws, privacy laws, labor and employment laws, securities laws, employee benefit laws, tax laws and environmental laws. These actions could expose us to adverse publicity and to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and criminal and civil fines and penalties including, but not limited to, suspension or revocation of licenses to conduct business.
Current wording
We are subject to various litigation matters from time to time, which have in the past and could in the future have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of the law have been and could in the future be asserted against us by individuals, either individually or through class claims, or by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings. These claims have been and could in the future be asserted under a variety of laws including, but not limited to, consumer finance laws, consumer protection laws, intellectual property laws, privacy laws, labor and employment laws, securities laws, employee benefit laws, tax laws and environmental laws. These actions could expose us to adverse publicity and to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and criminal and civil fines and penalties including, but not limited to, suspension or revocation of licenses to conduct business.
Previous wording
The market price of our common stock may be volatile and could expose us to securities class action litigation.
Current wording
The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be volatile and could expose us to securities class action litigation.
Previous wording
The price of our common stock may be subject to wide fluctuations based upon our operating results, general economic and market conditions, general trends and prospects for our industry, announcements by our competitors, our ability to achieve any long-term targets or performance metrics and other factors. In addition, the market price of our common stock may also be affected by whether we meet analysts’ expectations. Failure to meet such expectations could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock. Following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation is more likely. If litigation were instituted against us, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Current wording
The price of our common stock has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations based upon our operating results, general economic and market conditions, general trends and prospects for our industry, announcements by our competitors, our ability to achieve any long-term targets or performance metrics and other factors. We have at times not met analysts’ expectations, and any continued failure to meet analysts’ expectations, or variations between our results and analysts’ projections, could result in further volatility in the price of our common stock.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Failure to meet such expectations has had and could in the future have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock. Following periods of volatility in the market price of the company’s securities, securities class action litigation has been brought against the company. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.