Bank of America upgrades CarMax to Buy, lifts price target to $65

Bank of America Securities raised its rating on CarMax from Underperform to Buy and increased its price target to $65, up from $50. The upgrade cites the FTC’s price‑transparency rule and CarMax’s own pricing work, which drove a 13% rise in comparable used‑vehicle sales in the fiscal second quarter while the industry fell 2%. The analyst also highlighted the upcoming November 3 strategic update as a near‑term catalyst, and the stock jumped about 4% in trading.

The higher target suggests upside potential for shareholders, and the upgrade may attract new buying interest. The firm’s pricing advantage could sustain comparable‑sales growth, supporting future earnings expectations (BofA’s note).

  • 1BofA upgraded CarMax to Buy from Underperform and raised the price target to $65, up from $50.
  • 2CarMax’s comparable used‑vehicle sales rose 13% in the fiscal second quarter, versus a 2% decline for the industry.
  • 3Shares rose roughly 4% after the upgrade, trading at $51.75, up 3.9% from the prior close.
  • 4The FTC price‑transparency rule, in effect since May, is credited with improving CarMax’s price competitiveness.
  • 5BofA expects the November 3 strategic update to outline cost‑cutting measures that could support the sales momentum.

Sources