New York, Jan 22, 2026, 20:19 (ET) — Market closed
- Shares of Carvana climbed roughly 5% during Thursday’s regular trading, outpacing the broader market.
- The company scheduled its fourth-quarter and full-year results for Feb. 18, followed by a conference call after the market closes.
- Barclays raised its price target, citing more stable conditions in the used-vehicle market.
Carvana Co shares jumped roughly 5% to $478.45 Thursday, beating gains in the broader U.S. market and several auto-retail rivals. (MarketWatch)
Carvana has its next major event lined up. The company will release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings after the market shuts on Feb. 18, followed by a conference call at 5:30 p.m. ET. (Carvana)
Barclays analyst John Babcock bumped his Carvana price target to $530 from $465, maintaining an Overweight rating that signals the stock could outperform its sector. He noted some “soft” pressures in the auto sales unit but pointed to trade checks indicating the used-vehicle market retains its momentum. (TipRanks)
The mood is easing up a bit. Cox Automotive’s Manheim reported its Used Vehicle Value Index, tracking wholesale used-car prices, climbed 1.8% in the first half of January versus December. Interim chief economist Jeremy Robb pointed to “auto loan rates” as “providing some relief,” with dealers stocking up ahead of tax season demand. The firm noted tax returns can’t be filed until Jan. 26 and plans to release its next full monthly index on Feb. 6. (Cox Automotive Inc.)
Carvana, an online used-car retailer that also provides financing, has long been a high-beta proxy for consumer demand, credit conditions, and used-vehicle price trends. Its shares tend to swing sharply whenever investors question whether the cycle is shifting — or holding steady.
Shares swung from $456.08 up to $479.17 on Thursday, with roughly 2.66 million shares exchanging hands, market data shows.
As Feb. 18 approaches, investors will focus on unit sales, gross profit per unit, and adjusted EBITDA — a profit metric excluding interest, taxes, and certain non-cash charges — to gauge if margins stay intact alongside rising volumes.
The flip side carries risk as well. Retailers face pressure buying inventory if wholesale prices keep rising; and when demand slumps or credit tightens, pricing power slips fast. Stocks connected to auto credit usually take the initial hit.
Rate expectations are still a hot topic for the group. The Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting is set for Jan. 27-28, with the decision scheduled on Jan. 28. (Federal Reserve)
Traders tracking Carvana will be keen to see if Thursday’s rally holds into Friday and extends past the late-January Fed meeting. The next key sector data arrives on Feb. 6, followed by Carvana’s earnings report and call on Feb. 18.
