Here's a summary of the Carvana ($CVNA) allegations by Hindenburg Research:
1) Hindenburg is alleging that Carvana is engaging in financial misconduct, including $800 million in loan sales to a suspected undisclosed related party.
2) Despite these allegations, Carvana's stock rose by 284% in 2024, indicating that investors are expressing confidence in the company's recovery.
3) Carvana is being accused of using accounting manipulation and lax underwriting to inflate income, while insiders are reportedly cashing out billions.
4) Carvana’s business model involves selling auto loans, with a significant portion being subprime, which is leading to high delinquency rates.
5) The company is being valued at an 845% higher sales multiple compared to peers, suggesting overvaluation despite the allegations.
6) Carvana is reporting positive net income for three consecutive quarters, showing some financial stability.
7) Claims are surfacing that Carvana’s related-party transactions might be artificially inflating its profitability (wholesale vehicle sales to DriveTime)
8) Carvana’s CEO’s father, Ernest Garcia II, is selling substantial amounts of stock, potentially signaling concerns about the company’s future.
9) The stock experienced volatile trading following Hindenburg's report, initially dropping but later recovering.
10) Questions are remaining about the sustainability of Carvana’s business model given the economic headwinds and the reliance on subprime loans.
Right now, what surprises me most is that the stock price is staying relatively unfazed.
Tough to tell if this is a big "nothingburger" or real cause for concern... What do you think?
Below is the podcast I recorded a couple of weeks back with CEO of Carvana
Have offered Ernie the opportunity to return to the podcast to address all these allegations head on.
Hypothetically, if he were to come back on, what would you want me to ask?