-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:
CarMax, Inc. (KMX) posted Feb-Q adjusted EPS of $0.34 vs. $0.64 (-47%), well ahead of the $0.21 consensus. Adjusted EPS excluded $1.19/sh of net goodwill and restructuring charges, as reported EPS came in at -$0.85 vs. $0.58 in the year-ago quarter. The beat was due to a stronger-than-expected top line, as net sales fell 1.0% to $5.95B ($220M above consensus) and the gross margin contracted 90 bps to 10.2% (20 bps shy of consensus). Sales volumes were mixed, while pricing was weaker. While KMX's new CEO, Keith Barr, was appointed following the end of the quarter, we found his comments encouraging as he attempts to right the ship. Despite the beat, KMX shares are currently trading 5% lower in pre-market trading. We think the reaction reflects profit taking, as KMX shares had quietly posted a rebound of nearly 60% from the early November lows. We were encouraged by the quarter, as KMX's top and bottom lines exceeded expectations by a wide margin, although one-time items once again weighed on headline EPS.