CarMax Faces Turbulent Times as Shares Drop 24% Amid CEO Firing and Sales Forecast Decline
On November 6, 2025, the stock of CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX) experienced a dramatic drop of $9.93, translating to a staggering 24% decrease in value. This sharp decline followed the startling announcement that the company had terminated its CEO, Bill Nash, and revealed an unfavorable outlook for its Q3 2026 comparable store unit sales—projected to fall between 8% and 12% year-over-year. This news comes on the heels of already disappointing financial results for Q2 2026, where the shares had plummeted by $11.45 or 20% on September 25, 2025.
The effects of these announcements ripple through the investor community, with many shareholders expressing concern regarding the company's operational integrity and future profitability. Hagens Berman, a national shareholder rights firm, is actively investigating legal claims related to this sharp decline and is urging affected CarMax investors to step forward with their losses for potential claims in a pending securities class action.
The tense atmosphere within CarMax was set against the backdrop of the company’s prior assurances to its investors. Just months earlier, CarMax had confidently projected double-digit earnings per share (EPS) growth for Q1 2026, specifically stating that the company operated in a fragmented market that would allow it to continue gaining market share and driving sales. However, the reality appeared to differ starkly from those optimistic projections when CarMax reported a notable decline in its Q2 2026 metrics—its net EPS dropped by 24%, retail used unit sales plummeted by 5.4%, and comparable store unit sales decreased by 6.3%.
Moreover, a rising concern over the quality of CarMax's CarMax Auto Finance (CAF) loan portfolio has emerged. The firm disclosed an 11.02% year-over-year decline in CAF revenue attributed to a $142 million loan loss provision, a figure significantly higher than previous projections. This alarming development reflected a near 40% sequential increase and a yearly surge of around 24%, raising questions about the financial management and risk assessments within CarMax.
The latest updates indicate that investor sentiments are swaying towards skepticism as CarMax shifts from a perceived value play to a risky investment characterized by increasingly negative outlooks. Instances of experts describing the company as a “falling knife” encapsulate the urgency and seriousness of the current situation. The discourse among analysts and investors is fixated on whether CarMax has previously misled them regarding the robustness of its business model and its growth potential.
As the investigation unfolds, there is a swift call for transparency and accountability from CarMax leadership. Hagens Berman is focusing on the possibility that the company intentionally misrepresented its market strength and growth forecasts while neglecting to disclose the underlying issues affecting their financial performance. Shareholders are now watching closely as the implications of the ongoing investigation will play a pivotal role in determining the course of action for those who have invested in CarMax during this tumultuous period.
If you have experienced significant losses as a result of investments in CarMax, or if you possess information that may aid in the investigation, you are encouraged to reach out to Hagens Berman. This situation highlights not just the fragility of stock market investments but also the imperative for informed and transparent communication from corporate entities to their shareholders. As the case develops, it remains crucial for investors to stay updated and prepared for any further developments regarding CarMax's restructuring efforts and strategic direction.