Carvana (CVNA), the used-car retailer, has recently surprised investors by releasing its second-quarter earnings ahead of schedule. The company reported a record profit for the period in terms of adjusted Ebitda and also announced a debt reduction agreement of over $1.2 billion. As a result, Carvana’s shares surged by 40% on Wednesday.
However, some Wall Street analysts are advising caution, especially considering the stock’s staggering 870% increase so far this year. Piper Sandler analysts downgraded Carvana’s stock from Overweight to Neutral, even though they raised their price target from $29 to $48. In Friday trading, Carvana’s stock fell by 1.5% to $46.04.
The analysts mentioned an anticipated growth spurt and recent operational enhancements as the reasons behind their higher price target. They believe these factors will lead to improved margins and volumes in the near future.
Quarterly Results and Analysts’ Stance
The recently announced quarterly results have exceeded expectations, showcasing the company’s outstanding performance across various metrics. In addition, the restructuring agreement has significantly mitigated the going-concern risk for the company. However, analysts highlight the need for cautious optimism when considering the stock’s potential for further growth.
RBC Capital Markets analysts, in alignment with others, acknowledge the positive impact of the second-quarter results and debt restructuring on the stock. Despite this, they advocate for a more prudent approach, downgrading shares from Sector Perform to Underperform, emphasizing the importance of focusing on fundamentals.
According to data from FactSet, the majority of analysts adopt a cautious outlook on the stock. Only 9% rate it as a Buy, with 74% considering it as Neutral, and 17% categorizing it as a Sell.
On the other hand, JMP analysts remain optimistic about Carvana’s future growth prospects. They maintain their Market Outperform rating and raise their price target from $50 to $60, highlighting a decline in bankruptcy risk and underscoring the company’s ability to meet demand efficiently through its direct-to-consumer model.
Carvana’s Stock Performance
After facing significant challenges in 2022, wherein the stock plummeted by 98% and closed at sub $5 levels, Carvana’s shares have experienced a remarkable turnaround this year, delivering exceptional returns to investors.