10-K 1 kmx0228201810-k.htm 10-K Document


 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018
OR
   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____ to _____
Commission File Number: 1-31420
CARMAX, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
VIRGINIA
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
54-1821055
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
12800 TUCKAHOE CREEK PARKWAY, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
(Address of principal executive offices)
23238
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (804) 747-0422
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.50
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ☐ No ☒


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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☒
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐ (do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ☐
 
Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates as of August 31, 2017, computed by reference to the closing price of the registrant’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date, was $12,214,839,459.
On March 31, 2018, there were 178,676,159 outstanding shares of CarMax, Inc. common stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the CarMax, Inc. Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

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CARMAX, INC.
FORM 10-K
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
Page 
No.
 
 
 
 
 
PART I
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
Business
 
Item 1A.
 
Risk Factors
 
Item 1B.
 
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
Item 2.
 
Properties
 
Item 3.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
Item 4.
 
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Officers of the Company
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II
Item 5.
 
Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities
 
Item 6.
 
Selected Financial Data
 
Item 7.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Item 7A.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Item 8.
 
Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
Item 9.
 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
Item 9A.
 
Controls and Procedures
 
Item 9B.
 
Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART III
Item 10.
 
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
Item 11.
 
Executive Compensation
 
Item 12.
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
 
Item 13.
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
 
Item 14.
 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV
Item 15.
 
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
Item 16.
 
Form 10-K Summary
 
 
 
Signatures
 

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PART I
In this document, “we,” “our,” “us,” “CarMax” and “the company” refer to CarMax, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.
FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K and, in particular, the description of our business set forth in Item 1 and our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations set forth in Item 7 contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), including statements regarding:

Our projected future sales growth, comparable store sales growth, margins, tax rates, earnings, CarMax Auto Finance income and earnings per share. 
Our expectations of factors that could affect CarMax Auto Finance income. 
Our expected future expenditures, cash needs, and financing sources. 
Our expected capital structure, stock repurchases and indebtedness.
The projected number, timing and cost of new store openings. 
Our gross profit margin, inventory levels and ability to leverage selling, general and administrative and other fixed costs. 
Our sales and marketing plans. 
The capabilities of our proprietary information technology systems and other systems. 
Our assessment of the potential outcome and financial impact of litigation and the potential impact of unasserted claims. 
Our assessment of competitors and potential competitors.
Our expectations for growth in our markets and in the used vehicle retail sector. 
Our assessment of the effect of recent legislation and accounting pronouncements.
 
In addition, any statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this report that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements.  You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “predict,” “should,” “will” and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative.  We cannot guarantee that we will achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements.  There are a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those set forth in Item 1A under the heading “Risk Factors.”  We caution investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements as these statements speak only as of the date when made.  We disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this report.

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Item 1.  Business.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW

CarMax Background
CarMax, Inc. delivers an unrivaled customer experience by offering a broad selection of quality used vehicles and related products and services at low, no-haggle prices using a customer-friendly sales process in an attractive, modern sales facility, as well as through carmax.com and our mobile apps.  By focusing on customer service, associate development and efficient execution, we are the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, selling 721,512 used vehicles at retail during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018.  In addition, we are one of the nation’s largest operators of wholesale vehicle auctions and one of the nation’s largest providers of used vehicle financing.
CarMax was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1996.  CarMax, Inc. is a holding company and our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries.  Under the ownership of Circuit City Stores, Inc. (“Circuit City”), we began operations in 1993 with the opening of our first CarMax store in Richmond, Virginia.  On October 1, 2002, the CarMax business was separated from Circuit City through a tax-free transaction, becoming an independent, publicly traded company.  As of February 28, 2018, we operated 188 used car stores in 91 U.S. television markets.  Our home office is located at 12800 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway, Richmond, Virginia.
CarMax Business
We operate in two reportable segments:  CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance (“CAF”).  Our CarMax Sales Operations segment consists of all aspects of our auto merchandising and service operations, excluding financing provided by CAF.  Our CAF segment consists solely of our own finance operation that provides financing to customers buying retail vehicles from CarMax.
CarMax Sales Operations.  Our CarMax Sales Operations segment sells used vehicles, purchases used vehicles from customers and other sources, sells related products and services, and arranges financing options for customers, all for fixed, no-haggle prices. We enable our customers to separately evaluate each component of the sales process based on comprehensive information about the terms and associated prices of each component. Customers can accept or decline any individual element of the offer without affecting the price or terms of any other component of the offer.
Purchasing a Vehicle
The vehicle purchase process in a CarMax store differs fundamentally from the traditional auto retail experience.  Our no-haggle pricing removes a frequent customer frustration with the purchase process and allows customers to shop for vehicles the same way they shop for items at other “big-box” retailers.  In addition, our sales consultants are generally paid commissions on a fixed dollars-per-unit standard, thereby earning the same commission regardless of the vehicle being sold, the amount a customer finances or the related interest rate. This pay structure aligns our sales associates’ interests with those of our customers, in contrast to other dealerships where sales and finance personnel may receive higher commissions for negotiating higher prices and interest rates, or steering customers to vehicles with higher gross profits.
We recondition every used vehicle we retail to meet our CarMax Quality Certified standards, and each vehicle must pass an inspection before being offered for sale.  We stand behind every used vehicle we sell with a 5-day, money-back guarantee and at least a 30-day limited warranty. Our CarMax Quality Certified standards were developed internally by CarMax and are not affiliated with any third party or original equipment manufacturer program.
We maximize customer choice by offering a large selection of inventory on our lots and by making our nationwide inventory of approximately 70,000 vehicles as of February 28, 2018, available for viewing on carmax.com, as well as our mobile apps.  Upon request by a customer, we will transfer virtually any used vehicle in this inventory to a local store.  This allows a single CarMax store to offer access to a much larger selection of vehicles than any traditional auto retailer.  In fiscal 2018, approximately 30% of our vehicles sold were transferred at customer request.
In addition to retailing used vehicles, we sell new vehicles at two locations under franchise agreements.
Selling us a Vehicle:
We have separated the practice of trading in a used vehicle in conjunction with the purchase of another vehicle into two distinct and independent transactions.  We will appraise a customer’s vehicle free of charge and make a written, guaranteed offer to buy that vehicle regardless of whether the owner is purchasing a vehicle from us.  This no-haggle offer is good for seven days. 

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Based on age, mileage or condition, fewer than half of the vehicles acquired through our in-store appraisal process meet our retail standards.  Those vehicles that do not meet our retail standards are sold to licensed dealers through our on-site wholesale auctions.  Unlike many other auto auctions, we own all the vehicles that we sell in our auctions, which allows us to maintain a high auction sales rate. This high sales rate, combined with dealer-friendly practices, makes our auctions an attractive source of vehicles for licensed dealers.    As of February 28, 2018, we conducted wholesale auctions at 73 of our 188 stores.  During fiscal 2018, we sold 408,509 wholesale vehicles through these on-site auctions with an average auction sales rate of approximately 95%.
Financing a Vehicle
The availability of on-the-spot financing is a critical component of the vehicle purchase process, and having an array of finance sources increases approvals, expands finance opportunities for our customers and mitigates risk to CarMax.  Our finance program provides access to credit for customers across a wide range of the credit spectrum through both CAF and third-party providers.  We believe that our processes and systems, transparency of pricing, and vehicle quality, as well as the integrity of the information collected at the time the customer applies for credit, allow CAF and our third-party providers to make underwriting decisions in a unique and advantageous environment distinct from the traditional auto retail environment.  All finance offers, whether from CAF or our third-party providers, are backed by a 3-day payoff option, which allows customers to refinance their loan with another finance provider within three business days at no charge. 
Related Products and Services:    
We provide customers with a range of other related products and services, including extended protection plan (“EPP”) products and vehicle repair service. EPP products include extended service plans (“ESPs”) and guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”), which is designed to cover the unpaid balance on an auto loan in the event of a total loss of the vehicle or unrecovered theft.  Our ESP customers have access to vehicle repair service at each CarMax store and at thousands of independent and franchised service providers.  We believe that the broad scope of our ESPs helps promote customer satisfaction and loyalty, and thus increases the likelihood of repeat and referral business.  In fiscal 2018, approximately 60% of the customers who purchased a retail used vehicle also purchased an ESP and approximately 20% purchased GAP.
CarMax Auto Finance.  CAF provides financing solely to customers buying retail vehicles from CarMax.  CAF allows us to manage our reliance on third-party finance providers and to leverage knowledge of our business to provide qualifying customers a competitive financing option.  CAF utilizes proprietary scoring models based upon the credit history and other credit data of the customer along with CAF’s historical experience to predict the likelihood of customer repayment.  Because CAF offers financing solely through CarMax stores, our scoring models are optimized for the CarMax channel.  We believe CAF enables us to capture additional profits, cash flows and sales.  After the effect of 3-day payoffs and vehicle returns, CAF financed 43.1% of our retail used vehicle unit sales in fiscal 2018.
CAF also services all auto loans it originates and is responsible for providing billing statements, collecting payments, maintaining contact with delinquent customers, and arranging for the repossession of vehicles securing defaulted loans.  As of February 28, 2018, CAF serviced approximately 895,000 customer accounts in its $11.62 billion portfolio of managed receivables.
Competition 
CarMax Sales Operations.  The U.S. used car marketplace is highly fragmented, and we face competition from franchised dealers, who sell both new and used vehicles; independent used car dealers; online and mobile sales platforms; and private parties. According to industry sources, as of December 31, 2017, there were approximately 18,000 franchised dealers in the U.S., who we consider to be our primary retail competitors, as they sell the majority of late-model used vehicles.  Competition in our industry is increasingly affected by the use of web-based marketing and other web-based tools for both consumers and the dealers with whom we compete.
Based on industry data, there were approximately 40 million used cars sold in the U.S. in calendar 2017, of which approximately 22 million were estimated to be 0- to 10-year old vehicles.  While we are the largest retailer of used vehicles in the U.S., in calendar 2017, we estimate we sold approximately 4.6% of the age 0- to 10-year old vehicles sold in the television markets in which we operate, an increase of almost 7% over calendar 2016. Our market share is generally the highest in markets in which we have been established for many years. Entering new markets could have a dampening effect on our market share given that our initial market share in new markets is generally much lower than our average. On a nationwide basis, we estimate we sold approximately 3% of the age 0- to 10-year old vehicles sold in calendar year 2017.     
We believe that our principal competitive advantages in used vehicle retailing include our ability to provide a high degree of customer satisfaction with the car-buying experience by virtue of our low, no-haggle prices and our customer-friendly sales process; our breadth of selection of the most popular makes and models available on site and via carmax.com and our mobile apps; the quality of our vehicles; our proprietary information systems; the transparency and availability of CAF and third-party financing; the locations of our retail stores; and our commitment to evolving our car-buying experience to meet customers’ changing expectations.  In addition, we believe our willingness to appraise and purchase a customer’s vehicle, whether or not the customer

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is buying a car from us, provides a competitive sourcing advantage for retail vehicles.  Our high volume of appraisal purchases supplies not only a large portion of our retail inventory, but also provides the scale that enables us to conduct our own wholesale auctions to dispose of vehicles that do not meet our retail standards.
Our wholesale auctions compete with other automotive auction houses.  In contrast to the highly fragmented used vehicle retail market, the automotive auction market has two primary competitors: Manheim, a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, and KAR Auction Services, Inc., which together represent an estimated 70% of the North American wholesale car auction market.  These competitors auction vehicles of all ages, while CarMax’s auctions predominantly sell older, higher mileage vehicles.   
CarMax Auto Finance.  CAF operates and is a significant participant in the auto finance sector of the consumer finance market.  This sector is primarily comprised of banks, captive finance divisions of new car manufacturers, credit unions and independent finance companies.  According to industry sources, this sector represented more than $1 trillion in outstanding receivables as of December 31, 2017.  CAF’s primary competitors are banks and credit unions that offer direct financing to customers purchasing used cars.  
We believe that CAF’s principal competitive advantage is its strategic position as the primary finance source in CarMax stores and that CAF’s primary driver for growth is the growth in CarMax’s retail used unit sales.  We periodically test different credit offers and closely monitor acceptance rates and the effect on sales to assess market competitiveness.  We also monitor 3-day payoffs, as the percentage of customers exercising this option can be an indication of the competitiveness of our offer.
Products and Services
Retail Merchandising.  We offer customers a broad selection of makes and models of used vehicles, including domestic, imported and luxury vehicles, at competitive prices.  Our focus is vehicles that are 0 to 10 years old; these vehicles generally range in price from $11,000 to $35,000.  The mix of our used vehicle inventory by make, model and age will vary from time to time, depending on consumer preferences, seasonality and market availability.
Wholesale Auctions.  The typical vehicle sold at our wholesale auctions is approximately 10 years old and has more than 100,000 miles.  We provide condition disclosures on each vehicle, including those for vehicles with major mechanical issues, possible frame or flood damage, branded titles, salvage history and unknown true mileage.  Professional, licensed auctioneers conduct our auctions.  Dealers pay a fee to us based on the sales price of the vehicles they purchase.  Our auctions are generally held on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. 
 
Extended Protection Plans.  At the time of sale, we offer customers EPP products.  We receive revenue for selling these plans on behalf of unrelated third parties, who are the primary obligors.  We have no contractual liability to customers for claims under these agreements.  The ESPs we currently offer on all used retail vehicles provide coverage up to 60 months (subject to mileage limitations).  GAP covers the customer for the term of their finance contract.  The EPPs that we sell (other than manufacturer programs on new car sales) have been designed to our specifications and are administered by the third parties through private-label arrangements.  Periodically, we may receive retrospective commissions based upon the performance of the policies administered by the third parties. 
Reconditioning and Service.  An integral part of our used car consumer offer is the reconditioning process designed to make sure every car meets our internal standards before it can become a CarMax Quality Certified vehicle.  This process includes an inspection of the engine and all major systems.  Based on this inspection, we determine the reconditioning necessary to bring the vehicle up to our internal quality standards.  Many of our stores depend upon nearby, typically larger, CarMax stores for reconditioning, which increases efficiency and reduces overhead.  We perform most routine mechanical and minor body repairs in-house; however, for some reconditioning services, including but not limited to services related to manufacturer’s warranties, we engage third parties specializing in those services. CarMax does not have manufacturer authorization to complete recall-related repairs, and some vehicles CarMax sells may have unrepaired safety recalls. However, we review any unrepaired safety recall information, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with our used vehicle customers before purchase.
In addition, all CarMax used car stores provide vehicle repair service, including repairs of vehicles covered by the ESPs we sell. 
Customer Credit.  We offer financing alternatives for retail customers across a wide range of the credit spectrum through CAF and arrangements with several financial institutions.  Vehicles are financed using retail installment contracts secured by the vehicle.  As of February 28, 2018, our third-party finance providers included Ally Financial, American Credit Acceptance, Capital One Auto Finance, Chase Auto Finance, Exeter Finance Corp., Santander Consumer USA, Wells Fargo Dealer Services and Westlake Financial Services.  We have no recourse liability for credit losses on retail installment contracts arranged and held by third-party providers, and we periodically test additional third-party providers. 

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Generally, credit applications submitted by customers to CarMax are initially reviewed by CAF using our proprietary underwriting standards. Based on that review, CAF makes financing offers designed to create a loan portfolio that meets our targeted risk profile in the aggregate.  Applications that CAF declines or approves with conditions are generally evaluated by other third-party finance providers.  Third-party providers generally either pay us or are paid a fixed, pre-negotiated fee per contract.  We refer to the providers who generally pay us a fee or to whom no fee is paid as Tier 2 providers and we refer to providers to whom we pay a fee as Tier 3 providers.  We are willing to pay a fee to Tier 3 providers because we believe their participation provides us with incremental sales by enabling customers to secure financing that they may not otherwise be able to obtain.  All fees either received or paid are pre-negotiated at a fixed amount and do not vary based on the amount financed, the interest rate, the term of the loan or the loan-to-value ratio.  CAF also provides financing for a small percentage of customers who would typically be financed by a Tier 3 provider.
We do not offer financing to dealers purchasing vehicles at our wholesale auctions.  However, we have made arrangements to have third-party financing available to our auction customers.
Suppliers for Used Vehicles 
We acquire a significant percentage of our retail used vehicle inventory directly from consumers through our appraisal process, as well as through local, regional and online auctions. While in any individual period conditions may vary, over the past 10 fiscal years, 38% to 52% of our retail inventory has been acquired through our appraisal process annually. We also, to a lesser extent, acquire used vehicle inventory from wholesalers, franchised and independent dealers and fleet owners, such as leasing companies and rental companies.  The used vehicle inventory we acquire directly from consumers through our appraisal process helps provide an inventory of makes and models that reflects consumer preferences in each market. 
The supply of late-model used vehicles is influenced by a variety of factors, including the total number of vehicles in operation; the volume of new vehicle sales, which in turn generate used car trade-ins; and the number of used vehicles sold or remarketed through retail channels, wholesale transactions and at automotive auctions.  According to industry sources, there were approximately 270 million light vehicles in operation in the U.S. as of December 31, 2017.  During calendar year 2017, it is estimated that approximately 17 million new cars and 40 million used cars were sold at retail, many of which were accompanied by trade-ins, and approximately 20 million wholesale vehicles were sold at auctions and through other non-traditional channels.
Based on the large number of vehicles remarketed each year, consumer acceptance of our in-store appraisal process, our experience and success in acquiring vehicles from auctions and other sources, and the large size of the U.S. auction market relative to our needs, we believe that sources of used vehicles will continue to be sufficient to meet our current and future needs.
Seasonality
Historically, our business has been seasonal.  Our stores typically experience their strongest traffic and sales in the spring and summer quarters.  Sales are typically slowest in the fall quarter.  We typically experience an increase in traffic and sales in February and March, coinciding with federal income tax refund season.
Systems
Our business is supported by proprietary digital and mobile technologies that provide enhanced customer experience while enabling highly integrated automation of all operating functions, including credit processing and supply chain management.  Buyers and sales consultants are equipped with mobile and centralized tools that allow them to access real-time information to better serve our customers. Our proprietary store technology provides our management with real-time information about many aspects of store operations, such as inventory management, pricing, vehicle transfers, wholesale auctions and sales consultant productivity.
Our proprietary centralized inventory management and pricing system tracks each vehicle throughout the sales process and allows us to buy the mix of makes, models, age, mileage and price points tailored to customer buying preferences at each CarMax location.  Leveraging our more than twenty years of experience buying and selling millions of used vehicles, our system generates recommended initial retail price points, as well as retail price markdowns for specific vehicles based on algorithms that take into account factors that include sales history, consumer interest and seasonal patterns.  We believe this systematic approach to vehicle pricing allows us to optimize inventory turns, which reduces the depreciation risk inherent in used cars and helps us to achieve our targeted gross profit dollars per unit.  Because of the pricing discipline afforded by our inventory management and pricing system, generally more than 99% of our entire used car inventory offered at retail is sold at retail.
Marketing and Advertising
Our marketing strategies are focused on developing awareness of the advantages of shopping at our stores and on carmax.com and on attracting customers who are already considering buying or selling a vehicle.  These strategies are implemented through a broad range of media types.  Our website and related mobile apps are marketing tools for communicating the CarMax consumer offer in detail, sophisticated search engines for finding the right vehicle and sales channels for customers who prefer to conduct

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part of the shopping and sales process online.  Our website and mobile apps also include a variety of other customer service features, including the ability to initiate vehicle transfers, schedule appointments and apply for financing pre-approval.  Information on the thousands of cars available in our nationwide inventory is updated several times per day.  Our survey data indicates that during fiscal 2018, approximately 90% of customers who purchased a vehicle from us had first visited us online.
Associates
On February 28, 2018, we had a total of 25,110 full- and part-time associates, including 18,637 hourly and salaried associates and 6,473 sales associates, who predominantly worked on a commission basis.  We employ additional associates during peak selling seasons.  We believe we have created a unique corporate culture and maintain good employee relations.  No associate is subject to a collective bargaining agreement.  We focus on developing our associates and providing them with the information and resources they need to offer exceptional customer service and have been recognized for the success of our efforts by a number of external organizations.
Intellectual Property
Our brand image is a critical element of our business strategy.  Our principal trademarks, including CarMax and the related family of marks, have been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
 
Laws and Regulations
Vehicle Dealer and Other Laws and Regulations.  We operate in a highly regulated industry.  In every state in which we operate, we must obtain licenses and permits to conduct business, including dealer, service, sales and finance licenses issued by state and local regulatory authorities.  A wide range of federal, state and local laws and regulations govern the manner in which we conduct business, including advertising, sales, financing and employment practices.  These laws include consumer protection laws and privacy laws, as well as other laws and regulations applicable to new and used motor vehicle dealers.  These laws also include federal and state wage-hour, anti-discrimination and other employment practices laws.  Our financing activities with customers are subject to federal truth-in-lending, consumer leasing, equal credit opportunity and fair credit reporting laws and regulations, as well as state and local motor vehicle finance, collection, repossession and installment finance laws. Our activities are subject to enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and other federal and state regulators, and our financing activities are also subject to enforcement by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).
The CFPB has supervisory authority over large nonbank auto finance companies, including CarMax’s CAF segment.  The CFPB can use this authority to conduct supervisory examinations to ensure compliance with various federal consumer protection laws. 
Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law could be asserted against us by individuals or governmental authorities and could expose us to significant damages or other penalties, including revocation or suspension of the licenses necessary to conduct business and fines.
Environmental Laws and Regulations.  We are subject to a variety of federal, state and local laws and regulations that pertain to the environment.  Our business involves the use, handling and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes, including motor oil, gasoline, solvents, lubricants, paints and other substances.  We are subject to compliance with regulations concerning, among other things, the operation of underground and above-ground gasoline storage tanks, gasoline dispensing equipment, above-ground oil tanks and automotive paint booths.
Financial Information
For financial information on our segments, see Item 6. Selected Financial Data, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplemental Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
AVAILABILITY OF REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION

The following items are available free of charge on our website through the “Corporate Governance” link on our investor information home page at investors.carmax.com, shortly after we file them with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”): annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements on Schedule 14A, and any amendments to those reports.  The following documents are also available free of charge on our website: Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct, and the charters of the Audit, Nominating and Governance, and Compensation and Personnel Committees.  We publish any changes to these documents on our website.  We also promptly disclose reportable waivers of the Code of Business Conduct on our website.  The contents of our website are not, however, part of this report.


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Printed copies of these documents are also available to any shareholder, without charge, upon written request to our corporate secretary at the address set forth on the cover page of this report.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.
We are subject to a variety of risks, the most significant of which are described below.  Our business, sales, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.
We operate in a highly competitive industry.  Failure to develop and execute strategies to remain the nation’s preferred retailer of used vehicles and to adapt to the increasing use of the internet to market, buy, sell and finance used vehicles could adversely affect our business, sales and results of operations.
 
Automotive retailing is a highly competitive and highly fragmented business.  Our competition includes publicly and privately owned new and used car dealers and online and mobile sales platforms, as well as millions of private individuals.   Competitors buy and sell the same or similar makes of vehicles that we offer in the same or similar markets at competitive prices.  New car dealers in particular, including publicly traded auto retailers, have increased their sales of used vehicles in recent years.  These new car dealers also leverage their franchise relationships with automotive manufacturers to brand certain used cars as “certified pre-owned,” which could provide those competitors with an advantage over CarMax.   
Retail Competition.  Some of our competitors have announced plans for rapid expansion, including into markets with CarMax locations, and some of them have begun to execute those plans.  Some of our competitors have also replicated or attempted to replicate portions of the consumer offer that we pioneered when we opened our first used car store in 1993, including our use of low, no-haggle prices and our commitment to buy a customer’s vehicle even if they do not purchase one from us. If we fail to respond effectively to our retail competitors, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. 
Online Sales and Facilitation.  The increasing use of the internet to market, buy and sell used vehicles and to provide vehicle financing could have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations.  Emerging competitors using online focused business models, both for direct sales and consumer-to-consumer facilitation, could materially impact our current business model. The online availability of used vehicle information, including pricing information, could make it more difficult for us to differentiate our customer offering from competitors’ offerings, could result in lower-than-expected retail margins, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. In addition, our competitive standing is affected by companies, including search engines and online classified sites, that are not direct competitors but that may direct online traffic to the websites of competing automotive retailers.  The increasing activities of these companies could make it more difficult for carmax.com to attract traffic.  These companies could also make it more difficult for CarMax to otherwise market its vehicles online.
The increasing use of the internet to facilitate consumers’ sales or trade-ins of their current vehicles could have a material adverse effect on our ability to source vehicles through our appraisal process, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our vehicle acquisition costs and results of operations.  For example, certain websites provide online appraisal tools to consumers that generate offers and facilitate purchases by dealers other than CarMax. 
In addition to the direct competition and increasing use of the internet described above, there are companies that sell software and data solutions to new and used car dealers to enable those dealers to, among other things, more efficiently source and price inventory.  Although these companies do not compete with CarMax, the increasing use of such products by dealers who compete with CarMax could reduce the relative competitive advantage of CarMax’s internally developed proprietary systems.
If we fail to respond effectively to competitive pressures or to changes in the used vehicle marketplace, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
CAF Competition.  Our CAF segment is subject to competition from various financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, which provide vehicle financing to consumers.  If we were unable to continue providing competitive finance offers to our customers through CAF, it could result in a greater percentage of sales financed through our third-party finance providers, which are generally less profitable to CarMax, or through other outside financing sources.  Moreover, if CAF competitors are able to attract potential customers before they visit CarMax, whether through competitive finance offers or ease of customer experience, they may be directed to retail options other than CarMax.  Accordingly, if CAF was unable to continue making competitive finance offers to our customers, or our finance competitors are able to successfully attract and redirect a disproportionate number of our potential customers, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Evolving Marketplace.  The marketplace for used vehicles may be impacted by the significant, and likely accelerating, changes to the broader automotive industry. Technological changes, including the development of autonomous vehicles, new products

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and services, new business models and new methods of travel could reduce automotive retail demand or disrupt our current business model. If we fail to respond effectively to the evolving marketplace, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
CarMax was founded on the fundamental principle of integrity.  Failure to maintain a reputation of integrity and to otherwise maintain and enhance our brand could adversely affect our business, sales and results of operations.
Our reputation as a company that is founded on the fundamental principle of integrity is critical to our success. Our reputation as a retailer offering low, no-haggle prices, a broad selection of CarMax Quality Certified used vehicles and superior customer service is also critical to our success.  If we fail to maintain the high standards on which our reputation is built, or if an event occurs that damages this reputation, it could adversely affect consumer demand and have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.  Such an event could include an isolated incident at a single store, particularly if such incident results in adverse publicity, governmental investigations, or litigation and could involve, among other things, our sales process, our provision of financing, our reconditioning process, or our treatment of customers.  Even the perception of a decrease in the quality of our brand could impact results. 
The use of social media increases the speed with which information and opinions can be shared and thus the speed with which reputation can be affected.  We monitor social media and attempt to address customer concerns, provide accurate information and protect our reputation, but there can be no guarantee that our efforts will succeed.  If we fail to correct or mitigate misinformation or negative information, including information spread through social media or traditional media channels, about the vehicles we offer, our customer experience, or any aspect of our brand, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
The automotive retail industry in general and our business in particular are sensitive to economic conditions.  These conditions could adversely affect our business, sales, results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to national and regional U.S. economic conditions.  These conditions include, but are not limited to, recession, inflation, interest rates, unemployment levels, the state of the housing market, gasoline prices, consumer credit availability, consumer credit delinquency and loss rates, personal discretionary spending levels, and consumer sentiment about the economy in general. These conditions and the economy in general could be affected by significant national or international events such as acts of terrorism.  When these economic conditions worsen or stagnate, it can have a material adverse effect on consumer demand for vehicles generally, on demand from particular consumer categories or demand for particular vehicle types. It can also negatively impact availability of credit to finance vehicle purchases for all or certain categories of consumers.  This could result in lower sales, decreased margins on units sold, and decreased profits for our CAF segment. Worsening or stagnating economic conditions can also have a material adverse effect on the supply of late-model used vehicles, as automotive manufacturers produce fewer new vehicles and consumers retain their current vehicles for longer periods of time. This could result in increased costs to acquire used vehicle inventory and decreased margins on units sold.
 
Any significant change or deterioration in economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales, results of operations and financial condition.
 
Our business is dependent upon capital to fund growth and to support the activities of our CAF segment.  Changes in capital and credit markets could adversely affect our business, sales, results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in the availability or cost of capital and working capital financing, including the long-term financing to support the expansion of our store base and sales growth in existing stores, could adversely affect sales, operating strategies and store growth.  Although, in recent years, internally generated cash flows have been sufficient to fund our growth, there can be no assurance that we will continue to generate cash flows sufficient to fund our growth.  Failure to do so—or our decision to put our cash to other uses—would make us more dependent on external sources of financing to fund our growth.
Changes in the availability or cost of the long-term financing to support the origination of auto loan receivables through CAF could adversely affect sales and results of operations.  We use a securitization program to fund the majority of the auto loan receivables originated by CAF.  Changes in the condition of the asset-backed securitization market could lead us to incur higher costs to access funds in this market or require us to seek alternative means to finance CAF’s loan originations.  In the event that this market ceased to exist and there were no immediate alternative funding sources available, we might be forced to curtail our lending practices for some period of time.  The impact of reducing or curtailing CAF’s loan originations could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.

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Our revolving credit facility, term loan, senior unsecured notes and certain securitization and sale-leaseback agreements contain covenants and performance triggers.  Any failure to comply with these covenants or performance triggers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Disruptions in the capital and credit markets could adversely affect our ability to draw on our revolving credit facility.  If our ability to secure funds from the facility were significantly impaired, our access to working capital would be impacted, our ability to maintain appropriate inventory levels could be affected and these conditions—especially if coupled with a failure to generate significant cash flows—could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales, results of operations and financial condition.
Our success depends upon the continued contributions of our more than 25,000 associates.
 
Our associates are the driving force behind our success.  We believe that one of the things that sets CarMax apart is a culture centered on valuing all associates.  In addition, our strategic initiatives require management, employees and contractors to adapt and learn new skills and capabilities. Our failure to maintain this culture or to continue recruiting, developing and retaining the associates that drive our success could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.  Our ability to recruit associates while controlling related costs is subject to numerous external and internal factors, including unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates, our growth plans, changes in employment legislation, and competition for qualified employees in the industry and regions in which we operate, and for qualified service technicians in particular.  Our ability to recruit associates while controlling related costs is also subject to our ability to maintain positive associate relations.  If we are unable to do so, or if, despite our efforts, we become subject to successful unionization efforts, it could increase costs, limit our ability to respond to competitive threats and have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
 
Our success also depends upon the continued contributions of our store, region and corporate management teams.  Consequently, the loss of the services of any of these associates could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.  In addition, an inability to build our management bench strength to support store growth could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
We collect sensitive confidential information from our customers.  A breach of this confidentiality, whether due to a cyber-security or other incident, could result in harm to our customers and damage to our brand.
We collect, process and retain sensitive and confidential customer information in the normal course of business and may share that information with our third-party service providers.  This information includes the information customers provide when purchasing a vehicle and applying for vehicle financing.  We also collect, process and retain sensitive and confidential associate information in the normal course of business and may share that information with our third-party service providers.  Although we have taken measures designed to safeguard such information and have received assurances from our third-party providers, our facilities and systems, and those of third-party providers, could be vulnerable to external or internal security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming or human errors or other similar events.  Numerous national retailers have disclosed security breaches involving sophisticated cyber-attacks that were not recognized or detected until after such retailers had been affected, notwithstanding the preventive measures such retailers had in place.  Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer or associate information, whether experienced by us or by our third-party service providers, and whether due to an external cyber-security incident, a programming error, or other cause, could damage our reputation, expose us to mitigation costs and the risks of private litigation and government enforcement, disrupt our business and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.  In addition, our failure to respond quickly and appropriately to such a security breach could exacerbate the consequences of the breach.
Our business is sensitive to changes in the prices of new and used vehicles.
Any significant changes in retail prices for new and used vehicles could have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations.  For example, if retail prices for used vehicles rise relative to retail prices for new vehicles, it could make buying a new vehicle more attractive to our customers than buying a used vehicle, which could have a material adverse effect on sales and results of operations and could result in decreased used margins.  Manufacturer incentives could contribute to narrowing this price gap.  In addition, any significant changes in wholesale prices for used vehicles could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations by reducing wholesale margins.
We may experience greater credit losses in CAF’s portfolio of auto loan receivables than anticipated.
We are exposed to the risk that our customers who finance their purchases through CAF will be unable or unwilling to repay their loans according to their terms and that the vehicle collateral securing the payment of their loans may not be sufficient to ensure full repayment. Credit losses are inherent in CAF’s business and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

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We make various assumptions and judgments about CAF’s portfolio of auto loan receivables and provide an allowance for loan losses based on a number of factors. Although management will establish an allowance for loan losses it believes is appropriate, this allowance may not be adequate. For example, if economic conditions were to deteriorate unexpectedly, additional loan losses not incorporated in the existing allowance for loan losses may occur. Losses in excess of the existing allowance for loan losses could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our business is dependent upon access to vehicle inventory.  Obstacles to acquiring inventory—whether because of supply, competition, or other factors—or a failure to expeditiously liquidate that inventory could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
A reduction in the availability of or access to sources of inventory could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.  Although the supply of late-model used vehicles has been increasing, there can be no assurance that this trend will continue or that it will benefit CarMax.
We source a significant percentage of our vehicles though our appraisal process and these vehicles are generally more profitable for CarMax.  Accordingly, if we fail to adjust appraisal offers to stay in line with broader market trade-in offer trends, or fail to recognize those trends, it could adversely affect our ability to acquire inventory.  It could also force us to purchase a greater percentage of our inventory from third-party auctions, which is generally less profitable for CarMax.  Our ability to source vehicles through our appraisal process could also be affected by competition, both from new and used car dealers directly and through third-party websites driving appraisal traffic to those dealers.  See the risk factor above titled “We operate in a highly competitive industry” for discussion of this risk.  Our ability to source vehicles from third-party auctions could be affected by an increase in the number of closed auctions that are open only to new car dealers who have franchise relationships with automotive manufacturers.
Used vehicle inventory is subject to depreciation risk.  Accordingly, if we develop excess inventory, the inability to liquidate such inventory at prices that allow us to meet margin targets or to recover our costs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.     
We rely on third-party finance providers to finance a significant portion of our customers’ vehicle purchases.  Accordingly, our sales and results of operations are partially dependent on the actions of these third parties.

We provide financing to qualified customers through CAF and a number of third-party finance providers.  If one or more of these third-party providers cease to provide financing to our customers, provide financing to fewer customers or no longer provide financing on competitive terms, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.  Additionally, if we were unable to replace the current third-party providers upon the occurrence of one or more of the foregoing events, it could also have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.

We rely on third-party providers to supply EPP products to our customers. Accordingly, our sales and results of operations are partially dependent on the actions of these third-parties.

We receive revenue for selling EPP products on behalf of unrelated third-parties, who are the primary obligors. The third parties that provide ESPs are The Warranty Group, CNA National Warranty Corporation and Fidelity Warranty Services. The third party that provides GAP products is Safe-Guard Products International LLC. If one or more of these third-party providers cease to provide EPP products, make changes to their products or no longer provide their products on competitive terms, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations. Additionally, if we were unable to replace the current third-party providers upon the occurrence of one or more of the foregoing events, it could also have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.

We operate in a highly regulated industry and are subject to a wide range of federal, state and local laws and regulations.  Changes in these laws and regulations, or our failure to comply, could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales, results of operations and financial condition.
 
We are subject to a wide range of federal, state and local laws and regulations.  Our sale of used vehicles is subject to state and local licensing requirements, federal and state laws regulating vehicle advertising, and state laws regulating vehicle sales and service.  Our provision of vehicle financing is subject to federal and state laws regulating the provision of consumer finance.  Our facilities and business operations are subject to laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and health and safety.  In addition to these laws and regulations that apply specifically to our business, we are also subject to laws and regulations affecting public companies and large employers generally, including federal employment practices, securities and tax laws.  For additional discussion of these laws and regulations, see the section of this Form 10-K titled “Business Laws and Regulations.

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The violation of any of these laws or regulations could result in administrative, civil or criminal penalties or in a cease-and-desist order against our business operations, any of which could damage our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.  We have incurred and will continue to incur capital and operating expenses and other costs to comply with these laws and regulations. 
Changes in federal labor policy could lead to increased unionization efforts, which could increase labor costs, disrupt store operations, and have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Private plaintiffs and federal, state and local regulatory and law enforcement authorities continue to scrutinize advertising, sales, financing and insurance activities in the sale and leasing of motor vehicles.  If, as a result, other automotive retailers adopt more transparent, consumer-oriented business practices, our differentiation versus those retailers could be reduced.  See the risk factor titled “We operate in a highly competitive industry” for discussion of this risk.
Our failure to manage our growth and the related challenges could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Our growth is dependent both on opening stores in new and existing markets and continued sales growth in our existing stores. The expansion of our store base places significant demands on our management team, our associates and our information systems.  If we fail to effectively or efficiently manage our new store growth, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.  Sales growth in our existing stores requires that we continue to effectively execute our business strategies and implement new and ongoing initiatives to elevate the experience of our customers. The expansion of our store base and implementation of new initiatives also requires us to recruit and retain the associates necessary to support that expansion.  See the risk factor above titled “Our success depends upon the continued contributions of our more than 25,000 associates” for discussion of this risk.  The expansion of our store base also requires real estate.  Our inability to acquire or lease suitable real estate at favorable terms could limit our expansion and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

If we are forced to curtail or stop new store growth or the implementation of our customer experience initiatives, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
We rely on sophisticated information systems to run our business.  The failure of these systems, or the inability to enhance our capabilities, could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Our business is dependent upon the integrity and efficient operation of our information systems.  In particular, we rely on our information systems to manage sales, inventory, our customer-facing websites and applications (carmax.com, CarMax mobile apps, and carmaxauctions.com), consumer financing and customer information.  The failure of these systems to perform as designed, the failure to maintain or update these systems as necessary, or the inability to enhance our information technology capabilities, could disrupt our business operations and have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations. 
In addition, despite our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the integrity and security of these systems, we could be subjected to attacks by hackers, including denial-of-service attacks directed at our websites or other system breaches or malfunctions due to associate error or misconduct or other disruptions.  Such incidents could disrupt our business and have a material adverse effect on sales and results of operations.  See the risk factor above titled “We collect sensitive confidential information from our customers” for the risks associated with a breach of confidential customer or associate information.
We are subject to various legal proceedings.  If the outcomes of these proceedings are adverse to CarMax, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to various litigation matters from time to time, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.  Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law could be asserted against us by individuals, either individually or through class actions, or by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings.  These claims could be asserted under a variety of laws including, but not limited to, consumer finance laws, consumer protection laws, intellectual property laws, privacy laws, labor and employment laws, securities laws and employee benefit laws.  These actions could expose us to adverse publicity and to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and criminal and civil fines and penalties including, but not limited to, suspension or revocation of licenses to conduct business.

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Our business is sensitive to conditions affecting automotive manufacturers, including manufacturer recalls.
Adverse conditions affecting one or more automotive manufacturers could have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations and could impact the supply of vehicles, including the supply of late-model used vehicles.  In addition, manufacturer recalls are a common occurrence that have accelerated in frequency and scope in recent years. Because we do not have manufacturer authorization to complete recall-related repairs, some vehicles we sell may have unrepaired safety recalls. Such recalls, and our lack of authorization to make recall-related repairs, could adversely affect used vehicle sales or valuations, could cause us to temporarily remove vehicles from inventory, could force us to incur increased costs and could expose us to litigation and adverse publicity related to the sale of recalled vehicles, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Our results of operations and financial condition are subject to management’s accounting judgments and estimates, as well as changes in accounting policies.
The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of CarMax’s assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and earnings. If these estimates or assumptions are incorrect, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. We have identified several accounting policies as being “critical” to the fair presentation of our financial condition and results of operations because they involve major aspects of our business and require us to make judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.  These policies are described in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.
The implementation of new accounting requirements or other changes to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles could have a material adverse effect on our reported results of operations and financial condition.
We rely on third-party vendors for key components of our business.
Many components of our business, including data management, key operational processes, and critical customer systems are provided by third parties. We carefully select our third-party vendors, but we do not control their actions. If our vendors fail to perform as we expect, our operations and reputation could suffer if the failure harms the vendors’ ability to serve us and our customers. The use of third-party vendors represents an unavoidable inherent risk to our company that could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.
Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations.
We generally realize a higher proportion of revenue and operating profit during the first and second fiscal quarters.  If conditions arise that impair vehicle sales during the first or second fiscal quarters, these conditions could have a disproportionately large adverse effect on our annual results of operations.
Our business is sensitive to weather events.
The occurrence of severe weather events, such as rain, hail, snow, wind, storms, hurricanes, extended periods of unusually cold weather or natural disasters, could cause store closures or affect the timing of consumer demand, either of which could adversely affect consumer traffic and could have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations in a given period.
We are subject to local conditions in the geographic areas in which we are concentrated.
Our performance is subject to local economic, competitive and other conditions prevailing in geographic areas where we operate.  Since a large portion of our sales is generated in the Southeastern U.S., California, Texas and Washington, D.C./Baltimore, our results of operations depend substantially on general economic conditions and consumer spending habits in these markets.  In the event that any of these geographic areas experience a downturn in economic conditions, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.

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Item 2.  Properties.
We conduct our retail vehicle operations primarily in two formats – production and non-production stores.  Production stores are those locations at which vehicle reconditioning is performed.  Production stores have more service bays and require additional space for reconditioning activities and, therefore, are generally larger than non-production stores.  In determining whether to construct a production or a non-production store on a given site, we take several factors into account, including the anticipated long-term regional reconditioning needs and the available acreage of the sites in that market.  As a result, some stores that are constructed to accommodate reconditioning activities may initially be operated as non-production stores until we expand our presence in that market.  We also have production and non-production stores that operate in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (“MSAs”) of less than 600,000 people, which we define as small markets. Some of these stores also have a smaller footprint compared with our stores in larger markets.
USED CAR STORES BY FORMAT AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2018

 
Production Stores
Non-production Stores
Store count
94
94
Store location size
generally 10 - 25 acres
generally 4 - 12 acres
Stores located in small MSAs
9
27

As of February 28, 2018, we operated 73 wholesale auctions, most of which were located at production stores.  Stores at which auctions are conducted generally have additional space to store wholesale inventory.  

USED CAR STORES BY STATE AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2018
State
Count
 
State
Count
Alabama
4

 
Missouri
3

Arizona
3

 
Nebraska
1

California
25

 
Nevada
4

Colorado
6

 
New Hampshire
1

Connecticut
3

 
New Jersey
2

Delaware
1

 
New Mexico
1

Florida
17

 
New York
2

Georgia
9

 
North Carolina
9

Idaho
1

 
Ohio
5

Illinois
9

 
Oklahoma
2

Indiana
2

 
Oregon
2

Iowa
1

 
Pennsylvania
4

Kansas
2

 
Rhode Island
1

Kentucky
2

 
South Carolina
4

Louisiana
1

 
Tennessee
8

Maine
1

 
Texas
17

Maryland
7

 
Utah
1

Massachusetts
4

 
Virginia
10

Michigan
1

 
Washington
4

Minnesota
2

 
Wisconsin
4

Mississippi
2

 
Total
188





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Of the 188 used car stores open as of February 28, 2018, 111 were located on owned sites and 77 were located on leased sites. The leases are classified as follows:
Land-only leases
21

Land and building leases
56

Total leased sites
77

As of February 28, 2018, we leased our CAF office buildings in Atlanta, Georgia and other ancillary properties to support our corporate and store operations.  We own our home office building in Richmond, Virginia, and land associated with planned future store openings. 
Expansion
Since opening our first used car store in 1993, we have grown organically, through the construction and opening of company-operated stores.  We do not franchise our operations.  As of February 28, 2018, we operated in 91 U.S. television markets, which covered approximately 73% of the U.S. population.  We believe that both further expansion of our store base and increases in market share will provide a foundation for future sales and earnings growth.  In fiscal 2019, we plan to open 15 stores. In fiscal 2020, we plan to open between 13 and 16 stores.  

For additional details on our future expansion plans, see “PLANNED FUTURE ACTIVITIES,” included in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.
Information in response to this Item is included in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.
None.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
 
The following table identifies our current executive officers.  We are not aware of any family relationships among any of our executive officers or between any of our executive officers and any directors.  All executive officers are elected annually and serve for one year or until their successors are elected and qualify.  The next election of officers will occur in June 2018.
Name
 
Age
 
Office
William D. Nash………………………..….……...........
 
48
 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Thomas W. Reedy……………………….…..….............
 
54
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
William C. Wood, Jr.……………….……..…….............
 
51
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Edwin J. Hill……………………....……………............
 
58
 
Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Transformation
James Lyski………………….……..……………..........
 
55
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
Eric M. Margolin………………….……..………..........
 
65
 
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Diane L. Cafritz……………………....…………….......
 
47
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Jon G. Daniels………………….……..…………...........
 
46
 
Senior Vice President, CarMax Auto Finance
Shamim Mohammad………………….……..…...….....
 
49
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Darren C. Newberry.........................................................
 
48
 
Senior Vice President, Store Operations
C. Joseph Wilson.............................................................
 
45
 
Senior Vice President, Store Strategy and Logistics
 
Mr. Nash joined CarMax in 1997 as auction manager.  In 2007, he was promoted to vice president and later, senior vice president of merchandising, a position he held until 2011, when he was named senior vice president, human resources and administrative services.  In 2012, he was promoted to executive vice president, human resources and administrative services.  In February 2016, he was promoted to president, and in September 2016, he was promoted to chief executive officer and named to the board of directors. Prior to joining CarMax, Mr. Nash worked at Circuit City.

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Mr. Reedy joined CarMax in 2003 as its vice president and treasurer and, in January 2010, was promoted to senior vice president, finance.  In October 2010, Mr. Reedy was promoted to senior vice president and chief financial officer.  In 2012, he was promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer.  Prior to joining CarMax, Mr. Reedy was vice president, corporate development and treasurer of Gateway, Inc., a technology retail company.
Mr. Wood joined CarMax in 1993 as a buyer-in-training.  He has served as buyer, purchasing manager, district manager, regional director and director of buyer development.  He was promoted to vice president, merchandising in 1998, vice president of sales operations in 2007, senior vice president, sales in 2010, senior vice president, stores in 2011 and executive vice president, stores in 2012.  In 2016, he was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining CarMax, Mr. Wood worked at Circuit City. As previously announced, Mr. Wood intends to retire from his position by the end of Summer 2018.
Mr. Hill joined CarMax in 1995 as director of service operations. In 2001, Mr. Hill was promoted to vice president of service operations, and, in 2010, he was promoted to senior vice president of service operations, a position he held until 2013, when he was promoted to senior vice president, strategy and business transformation.  In 2016, Mr. Hill was promoted to executive vice president, strategy and business transformation. Prior to joining CarMax, Mr. Hill was vice president of advanced programs at Reveo, Inc. and vice president of operations at Hypres. As previously announced, Mr. Hill will succeed Mr. Wood as chief operating officer following Mr. Wood’s retirement.
Mr. Lyski joined CarMax in August 2014 as senior vice president and chief marketing officer.  In 2017, he was promoted to executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Prior to joining CarMax, he served as chief marketing officer of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company from 2011 to 2014 and as chief marketing officer at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company from 2006 to 2010. In addition, Mr. Lyski has held marketing leadership positions at Cigna Healthcare Inc. and FedEx Corporation.
Mr. Margolin joined CarMax in 2007 as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.  In 2016, Mr. Margolin was promoted to executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. Prior to joining CarMax, he was senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary with Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and, before that, vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary with Tire Kingdom, Inc.
Ms. Cafritz joined CarMax in 2003 as assistant general counsel. She was promoted to associate general counsel, director in 2005, deputy general counsel, assistant vice president in 2010, and vice president in 2014.  During her tenure in the CarMax legal department, Ms. Cafritz managed commercial and consumer litigation, was responsible for operational regulatory guidance and led CarMax’s government affairs program. In 2017, Ms. Cafritz was named senior vice president and chief human resources officer. Prior to joining CarMax, Ms. Cafritz was a partner at McDermott, Will & Emery.
Mr. Daniels joined CarMax in 2008 as vice president, risk and analytics.  In 2014, he was promoted to senior vice president, CarMax Auto Finance.  Prior to joining CarMax, Mr. Daniels served as group director, credit risk management of HSBC and vice president of Metris.
Mr. Mohammad joined CarMax in 2012 as vice president of application development and IT planning. In 2014, he was promoted to senior vice president and chief information officer. Prior to joining CarMax, Mr. Mohammad was vice president of information technology at BJ’s Wholesale Club from 2006 to 2012 and held various positions at Blockbuster and TravelCLICK.
Mr. Newberry joined CarMax in March 2004 as location general manager-in-training in the Los Angeles region and was promoted to location general manager of the Duarte, California store in 2006. He was subsequently promoted to positions of increasing responsibility, including regional vice president general manager in 2013 and vice president, regional sales in 2016. In 2017, he was promoted to senior vice president, store operations. Prior to joining CarMax, Mr. Newberry served as store manager and area manager for Bed, Bath and Beyond from 1994 to 2004.

Mr. Wilson joined CarMax in May 1995 as a buyer-in-training at the Raleigh, North Carolina store, where he was subsequently promoted to buyer and then senior buyer. Mr. Wilson later served as purchasing manager at two CarMax stores in southern Florida before being promoted to regional vice president of merchandising. He was promoted to assistant vice president, auction services and merchandising development in 2008, vice president, auction services and merchandising development in 2013, and then vice president, merchandising operations in 2016. In 2017, Mr. Wilson was promoted to senior vice president, store strategy and logistics.



18



PART II
Item 5.  Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KMX.  We are authorized to issue up to 350,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock.  As of February 28, 2018, there were 179,747,894 shares of CarMax common stock outstanding and we had approximately 3,600 shareholders of record.  As of that date, there were no preferred shares outstanding.
The following table presents the quarterly high and low sales prices per share for our common stock for each quarter during the last two fiscal years, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape.
 
1st Quarter
 
2nd Quarter
 
3rd Quarter
 
4th Quarter
Fiscal 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
$
66.44

 
$
67.47

 
$
77.64

 
$
72.88

Low
$
54.29

 
$
58.34

 
$
66.63

 
$
59.70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
$
55.99

 
$
60.53

 
$
60.81

 
$
69.11

Low
$
46.09

 
$
45.06

 
$
47.50

 
$
57.76

We have not paid any dividends on our common stock and do not plan to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. We anticipate that for the foreseeable future any cash flow generated from our operations will be used to fund our existing operations, capital expenditures and share repurchase program.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we sold no CarMax equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information relating to the company’s repurchase of common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.  The table does not include transactions related to employee equity awards or the exercise of employee stock options.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Approximate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dollar Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Number
 
of Shares that
 
 
Total Number
 
Average
 
of Shares Purchased
 
May Yet Be
 
 
of Shares
 
Price Paid
 
as Part of Publicly
 
Purchased Under
Period
 
Purchased
 
per Share
 
Announced Programs
 
the Programs (1) 
December 1-31, 2017
 
656,072

 
$
66.75

 
656,072

 
$
1,100,824,006

January 1-31, 2018
 
521,407

 
$
69.98

 
521,407

 
$
1,064,334,301

February 1-28, 2018
 
743,500

 
$
63.88

 
743,500

 
$
1,016,837,733

Total
 
1,920,979

 
 
 
1,920,979

 
 
 
(1) 
On October 22, 2014, we announced that the board had authorized the repurchase of up to $2 billion of our common stock, expiring on December 31, 2016. On June 28, 2016, we announced that the board had further authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $750 million of our common stock. At the same time, the board removed the expiration date of the outstanding repurchase authorizations.  Purchases may be made in open market or privately negotiated transactions at management’s discretion and the timing and amount of repurchases are determined based on share price, market conditions, legal requirements and other factors.  Shares repurchased are deemed authorized but unissued shares of common stock. 







19



Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return (stock price appreciation plus dividends, as applicable) on our common stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Retailing Index.  The graph assumes an original investment of $100 in CarMax common stock and in each index on February 28, 2013, and the reinvestment of all dividends, as applicable.
chart-8e1eac25bb7b57278aa.jpg 
 
As of February 28 or 29
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
CarMax
$
100.00

 
$
126.09

 
$
174.72

 
$
120.44

 
$
168.03

 
$
161.21

S&P 500 Index
$
100.00

 
$
125.37

 
$
144.81

 
$
135.85

 
$
169.78

 
$
198.81

S&P 500 Retailing Index
$
100.00

 
$
134.34

 
$
162.52

 
$
174.30

 
$
210.93

 
$
296.58


20



Item 6.  Selected Financial Data. 
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share or per unit data)
FY18
 
FY17
 
FY16
 
FY15
 
FY14
Income statement information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle sales
$
14,392.4

 
$
13,270.7

 
$
12,439.4

 
$
11,674.5

 
$
10,306.3

Wholesale vehicle sales
2,181.2

 
2,082.5

 
2,188.3

 
2,049.1

 
1,823.4

Net sales and operating revenues
17,120.2

 
15,875.1

 
15,149.7

 
14,268.7

 
12,574.3

Gross profit
2,328.9

 
2,183.3

 
2,018.8

 
1,887.5

 
1,648.7

CarMax Auto Finance income
421.2

 
369.0

 
392.0

 
367.3

 
336.2

Selling, general and administrative expenses
1,617.1

 
1,488.5

 
1,351.9

 
1,257.7

 
1,155.2

Interest expense
70.7

 
56.4

 
36.4

 
24.5

 
30.8

Net earnings
664.1

 
627.0

 
623.4

 
597.4

 
492.6

Share and per share information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
184.5

 
192.2

 
205.5

 
218.7

 
227.6

Diluted net earnings per share
$
3.60

 
$
3.26

 
$
3.03

 
$
2.73

 
$
2.16

Balance sheet information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto loan receivables, net
$
11,535.7

 
$
10,596.1

 
$
9,536.9

 
$
8,435.5

 
$
7,147.8

Total assets
17,486.3

 
16,279.4

 
14,459.9

 
13,177.6

 
11,688.5

Total current liabilities
1,174.1

 
1,105.8

 
1,005.2

 
997.2

 
875.5

Total notes payable and other debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-recourse notes payable
11,622.4

 
10,720.9

 
9,507.2

 
8,451.1

 
7,229.8

Other
1,496.0

 
1,448.8

 
1,129.0

 
637.5

 
334.9

Unit sales information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle units sold
721,512

 
671,294

 
619,936

 
582,282

 
526,929

Wholesale vehicle units sold
408,509

 
391,686

 
394,437

 
376,186

 
342,576

Per unit information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle gross profit
$
2,173

 
$
2,163

 
$
2,159

 
$
2,179

 
$
2,171

Wholesale vehicle gross profit
961

 
926

 
984

 
970

 
916

SG&A per used unit
2,241

 
2,217

 
2,181

 
2,160

 
2,192

Percent changes in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable store used vehicle unit sales
2.0
%
 
4.3
%
 
2.4
%
 
4.4
%
 
12.2
%
Total used vehicle unit sales
7.5

 
8.3

 
6.5

 
10.5

 
17.7

Wholesale vehicle unit sales
4.3

 
(0.7
)
 
4.9

 
9.8

 
5.5

CarMax Auto Finance information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CAF total interest margin (1)
5.7
%
 
5.8
%
 
6.1
%
 
6.5
%
 
6.9
%
Other information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Used car stores
188

 
173

 
158

 
144

 
131

Associates
25,110

 
24,344

 
22,429

 
22,064

 
20,171


(1)  
Represents CAF total interest margin (which reflects the spread between interest and fees charged to consumers and our funding costs) as a percentage of total average managed receivables.



21



Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes presented in Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.  Note references are to the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.  All references to net earnings per share are to diluted net earnings per share.  Amounts and percentages may not total due to rounding.
OVERVIEW
See Part I, Item 1 for a detailed description and discussion of the company’s business.
 
CarMax is the nation’s largest retailer of used vehicles.  We operate in two reportable segments:  CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance (“CAF”).  Our CarMax Sales Operations segment consists of all aspects of our auto merchandising and service operations, excluding financing provided by CAF.  Our CAF segment consists solely of our own finance operation that provides financing to customers buying retail vehicles from CarMax.
CarMax Sales Operations
Our sales operations segment consists of retail sales of used vehicles and related products and services, such as wholesale vehicle sales; the sale of extended protection plan (“EPP”) products, which include extended service plans (“ESPs”) and guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”); and vehicle repair service. We offer low, no-haggle prices; a broad selection of CarMax Quality Certified used vehicles; value-added EPP products; and superior customer service. Our website and related mobile apps are tools for communicating the CarMax consumer offer in detail; sophisticated search engines for finding the right vehicle; and sales channels for customers who prefer to conduct part of the shopping and sales process online.  
Our customers finance the majority of the retail vehicles purchased from us, and availability of on-the-spot financing is a critical component of the sales process.  We provide financing to qualified retail customers through CAF and our arrangements with industry-leading third-party finance providers.  All of the finance offers, whether by CAF or our third-party providers, are backed by a 3-day payoff option.
As of February 28, 2018, we operated 188 used car stores in 91 U.S. television markets. As of that date, we also conducted wholesale auctions at 73 used car stores and we operated 2 new car franchises.
CarMax Auto Finance
In addition to third-party finance providers, we provide vehicle financing through CAF, which offers financing solely to customers buying retail vehicles from CarMax.  CAF allows us to manage our reliance on third-party finance providers and to leverage knowledge of our business to provide qualifying customers a competitive financing option.  As a result, we believe CAF enables us to capture additional profits, cash flows and sales.  CAF income primarily reflects the interest and fee income generated by the auto loan receivables less the interest expense associated with the debt issued to fund these receivables, a provision for estimated loan losses and direct expenses. CAF income does not include any allocation of indirect costs. After the effect of 3-day payoffs and vehicle returns, CAF financed 43.1% of our retail used vehicle unit sales in fiscal 2018.  As of February 28, 2018, CAF serviced approximately 895,000 customer accounts in its $11.62 billion portfolio of managed receivables. 
Management regularly analyzes CAF’s operating results by assessing the competitiveness of our consumer offer, profitability, the performance of the auto loan receivables, including trends in credit losses and delinquencies, and CAF direct expenses.
Revenues and Profitability
During fiscal 2018, net sales and operating revenues increased 7.8% and net earnings increased 5.9%. The 10.4% increase in earnings per share reflected the increase in net earnings and the effect of our ongoing share repurchase program. Net earnings was impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“2017 Tax Act”).
Our primary source of revenue and net earnings is the retail sale of used vehicles.  During fiscal 2018, we sold 721,512 used cars, representing 84.1% of our net sales and operating revenues and 67.3% of our gross profit.  Used vehicle revenues grew 8.5% and used vehicle gross profits improved 8.0%, primarily due to a 7.5% increase in total used unit sales, which included a 2.0% increase in comparable store used units.
Wholesale sales are also a significant contributor to our revenues and net earnings.  During fiscal 2018, we sold 408,509 wholesale vehicles, representing 12.7% of our net sales and operating revenues and 16.9% of our gross profit.  Wholesale vehicle revenues

22



grew 4.7% and wholesale vehicle gross profits improved 8.2% due to the combination of a 4.3% increase in unit sales and a 3.8% increase in wholesale vehicle gross profit per unit.
During fiscal 2018, other sales and revenues, which include revenue earned on the sale of EPP products, net third-party finance fees, and service department and new car sales, represented 3.2% of our net sales and operating revenues and 15.8% of our gross profit.  Other sales and revenues increased 4.7% primarily reflecting improvements in EPP revenues, partially offset by a decline in net third-party finance fees. Other gross profit remained consistent with the prior year, as decreases in service profits and net third-party finance fees were largely offset by the increase in EPP revenues.
Income from our CAF segment totaled $421.2 million in fiscal 2018, up 14.1% compared with fiscal 2017.  The increase in CAF income was primarily due to an increase in average managed receivables and a decline in the provision for loan losses, partially offset by a lower total interest margin percentage.
During fiscal 2018, selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased 8.6% to $1.62 billion, primarily reflecting the 9% increase in our store base since the beginning of fiscal 2018, as well as an increase in the accrual for corporate incentive pay and spending on strategic initiatives, partially offset by a decrease in share-based compensation.
The effective income tax rate was 37.6% in fiscal 2018 compared with 37.7% in fiscal 2017. The current year’s effective tax rate was affected by an $11.9 million increase in tax expense as a result of the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, including:

The $32.7 million increase in tax expense associated with the revaluation of our net deferred tax asset, which increased our effective tax rate by 3.1 percentage points.
The $20.8 million decrease in tax expense primarily resulting from the reduction in the federal statutory tax rate, effective January 1, 2018, which reduced our effective tax rate by 2.0 percentage points.

Liquidity
Our primary ongoing sources of liquidity include funds provided by operations, proceeds from non-recourse funding vehicles, and borrowings under our revolving credit facility or through other financing sources.  During fiscal 2018, net cash used in operations totaled $80.6 million. This amount, combined with $902.2 million of net issuances of non-recourse notes payable, resulted in $821.6 million of adjusted net cash provided by operating activities, a non-GAAP measure. This liquidity, together with borrowing under our revolving credit facility, was primarily used to fund the 8.9 million common shares repurchased under our share repurchase program and our store growth. 
When considering cash provided by operating activities, management does not include increases in auto loan receivables that have been funded with non-recourse notes payable, which are separately reflected as cash provided by financing activities. For a reconciliation of adjusted net cash provided by operating activities to net cash used in operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see “Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Cash from Operating Activities” included in “FINANCIAL CONDITION – Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Future Outlook
Our long-term strategy is to complete the rollout of our retail concept and to increase our share of used vehicle unit sales in each of the markets in which we operate. We believe that, over the long term, used vehicle unit sales are the primary driver for earnings growth. We also believe that increased used vehicle unit sales will drive increased sales of wholesale vehicles and ancillary products and, over time, increased CAF income.
As of February 28, 2018, we had used car stores located in 91 television markets, which covered approximately 73% of the U.S. population.  Completing our rollout requires a disciplined approach to opening stores in new markets and expanding our presence in existing markets. The format and operating models utilized in stores are continuously evaluated and may change or evolve over time based upon market and consumer expectations. We opened 15 stores in fiscal 2018 and plan to open 15 stores in fiscal 2019 and between 13 and 16 stores in fiscal 2020. For a detailed list of stores we plan to open in fiscal 2019, see the table included in “PLANNED FUTURE ACTIVITIES.” 
In calendar 2017, we estimate we sold approximately 4.6% of the age 0- to 10-year old vehicles sold in the television markets in which we operate. Our strategy to increase our share of each of these markets includes focusing on:

Delivering an unrivaled customer experience both in stores and online.
Connecting the digital and physical customer experiences to enhance the car buying and selling process.
Hiring and developing an engaged and skilled workforce.
Improving efficiency to drive out waste.

23



Leveraging data and advanced analytics to continuously improve our processes and systems.

We are investing in various strategic initiatives to increase innovation, specifically with regards to customer facing and customer enabling technologies. We have implemented new enterprise-wide customer relationship management and mobile appraisal technologies. We also continue to invest in search engine optimization and enhance our online financing and online appraisal processes. Our use of data is a core component of these initiatives and continues to be a strategic asset for us as we leverage data in new ways to enhance customer experience and increase operational efficiencies.

While we execute our long-term strategy, there are trends and factors that could impact our strategic approach or our results in the short and medium term. A significant portion of our used vehicle inventory is sourced from local, regional and online wholesale auto auctions. Wholesale vehicle prices are influenced by a variety of factors, including the supply of vehicles available at auction relative to dealer demand. Industry sources predict that there will be a continued influx in off-lease vehicles in coming years, which has and could continue to increase the volume of late-model vehicles available at auction relative to dealer demand. While conditions in any one quarter may vary, this has and could continue to reduce wholesale auction prices and our vehicle acquisition costs. It could also impact CAF recovery rates.

The federal statutory tax rate associated with the 2017 Tax Act, which was enacted in our fourth quarter, is expected to result in future benefits to our financial results and cash flows. While the exact amount of those future benefits has not yet been determined, we currently intend to use those benefits to invest in our associates and business, including our digital and technology capabilities. We expect that, after these investments, 70% to 85% of the benefit from the lower tax rate will impact our net earnings. While in any individual period conditions may vary, over the long term we would expect to begin leveraging our SG&A expenses when comparable store used unit sales growth is in the mid-single digit range. In the near term, while we are investing more heavily in strategic initiatives, we believe the SG&A leverage point is likely at the higher end of this range.

For additional information about risks and uncertainties facing our Company, see “Risk Factors,” included in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our results of operations and financial condition as reflected in the consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  We use our historical experience and other relevant factors when developing our estimates and assumptions.  We regularly evaluate these estimates and assumptions.  Note 2 includes a discussion of significant accounting policies.  The accounting policies discussed below are the ones we consider critical to an understanding of our consolidated financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on our judgment.  Our financial results might have been different if different assumptions had been used or other conditions had prevailed.
Financing and Securitization Transactions
We maintain a revolving funding program composed of three warehouse facilities (“warehouse facilities”) that we use to fund auto loan receivables originated by CAF. We typically elect to fund these receivables through an asset-backed term funding transaction, such as a term securitization or alternative funding arrangement, at a later date.  We recognize transfers of auto loan receivables into the warehouse facilities and asset-backed term funding transactions, including term securitizations (together, “non-recourse funding vehicles”), as secured borrowings, which result in recording the auto loan receivables and the related non-recourse notes payable on our consolidated balance sheets.  CAF income included in the consolidated statements of earnings primarily reflects the interest and fee income generated by the auto loan receivables less the interest expense associated with the debt issued to fund these receivables, a provision for estimated loan losses and direct CAF expenses.
See Notes 2(F), 2(H) and 4 for additional information on securitizations and auto loan receivables.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses represents an estimate of the amount of net losses inherent in our portfolio of managed receivables as of the applicable reporting date. Such losses are expected to become evident during the following 12 months.  Because net loss performance can vary substantially over time, estimating net losses requires assumptions about matters that are uncertain.
The allowance for loan losses is estimated using a combination of analytical models and management judgment. These models are primarily based on the composition of the portfolio of managed receivables (including month of origination and actual prior performance of the receivables), historical loss trends and forecasted forward loss curves.  For receivables that have less than 12 months of performance history, the estimate also takes into account the credit grades of the receivables and historical losses by

24



credit grade to supplement actual loss data in estimating future performance. Once the receivables have 12 months of performance history, the estimate reflects actual loss experience of those receivables to date along with forward loss curves to predict future performance. The forward loss curves are constructed using historical performance data and show the average timing of losses over the course of a receivable’s life.
Estimates from these models rely on historical performance information and may not fully reflect losses inherent in the present portfolio. Therefore, management also considers recent trends in delinquencies and defaults, recovery rates and the economic environment in assessing the models used in estimating the allowance for loan losses, and may adjust the allowance for loan losses to reflect factors that may not be captured in the models.  In addition, management periodically considers whether the use of additional metrics would result in improved model performance and revises the models when appropriate.
Determining the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses requires management to exercise judgment about matters that are inherently uncertain, including the timing and distribution of net losses that could materially affect the allowance for loan losses and, therefore, net earnings. To the extent that actual performance differs from our estimates, additional provision for credit losses may be required that would reduce net earnings. A 10% change in the estimated loss rates would have changed the allowance for loan losses by approximately $12.9 million as of February 28, 2018.

See Notes 2(H) and 4 for additional information on the allowance for loan losses.

Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when the earnings process is complete, generally either at the time of sale to a customer or upon delivery to a customer.  As part of our customer service strategy, we guarantee the retail vehicles we sell with a 5‑day, money-back guarantee.  We record a reserve for estimated returns based on historical experience and trends, and results could be affected if future vehicle returns differ from historical averages.
We also sell ESPs and GAP on behalf of unrelated third parties, who are the primary obligors, to customers who purchase a retail vehicle. The ESPs we currently offer on all used vehicles provide coverage up to 60 months (subject to mileage limitations), while GAP covers the customer for the term of their finance contract.  We recognize revenue, on a net basis, at the time of sale. We also record a reserve for estimated contract cancellations.  Periodically, we may receive retrospective commissions based upon the performance of the policies administered by the third parties.  These additional amounts are recognized as revenue when received.  The reserve for cancellations is evaluated for each product and is based on forecasted forward cancellation curves utilizing historical experience, recent trends and credit mix of the customer base.  Our risk related to contract cancellations is limited to the revenue that we receive.  Cancellations fluctuate depending on the volume of EPP sales, customer financing default or prepayment rates, and shifts in customer behavior related to changes in the coverage or term of the product.  Results could be affected if actual events differ from our estimates. A 10% change in the estimated cancellation rates would have changed cancellation reserves by approximately $10.5 million as of February 28, 2018.  See Note 8 for additional information on cancellation reserves.
Customers applying for financing who are not approved or are conditionally approved by CAF are generally evaluated by other third-party finance providers.  These providers generally either pay us or are paid a fixed, pre-negotiated fee per contract.  We recognize these fees at the time of sale.
We collect sales taxes and other taxes from customers on behalf of governmental authorities at the time of sale.  These taxes are accounted for on a net basis and are not included in net sales and operating revenues or cost of sales.

25



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – CARMAX SALES OPERATIONS
 
NET SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In millions)
2018
 
Change
 
2017
 
Change
 
2016
Used vehicle sales
$
14,392.4

 
8.5
 %
 
$
13,270.7

 
6.7
 %
 
$
12,439.4

Wholesale vehicle sales
2,181.2

 
4.7
 %
 
2,082.5

 
(4.8
)%
 
2,188.3

Other sales and revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extended protection plan revenues
336.4

 
10.1
 %
 
305.5

 
14.1
 %
 
267.8

Third-party finance fees, net
(49.9
)
 
(29.9
)%
 
(38.4
)
 
37.6
 %
 
(61.5
)
Other
260.2

 
2.1
 %
 
254.9

 
(19.3
)%
 
315.7

Total other sales and revenues
546.7

 
4.7
 %
 
522.0

 
 %
 
522.0

Total net sales and operating revenues
$
17,120.2

 
7.8
 %
 
$
15,875.1

 
4.8
 %
 
$
15,149.7


UNIT SALES
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
Change
 
2017
 
Change
 
2016
Used vehicles
721,512

 
7.5
%
 
671,294

 
8.3
 %
 
619,936

Wholesale vehicles
408,509

 
4.3
%
 
391,686

 
(0.7
)%
 
394,437

 
AVERAGE SELLING PRICES
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
Change
 
2017
 
Change
 
2016
Used vehicles
$
19,757

 
0.9
 %
 
$
19,586

 
(1.7
)%
 
$
19,917

Wholesale vehicles
$
5,102

 
(0.1
)%
 
$
5,106

 
(4.1
)%
 
$
5,327


COMPARABLE STORE USED VEHICLE SALES CHANGES
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Used vehicle units
2.0
%
 
4.3
%
 
2.4
%
Used vehicle dollars
2.9
%
 
2.7
%
 
2.5
%
Stores are added to the comparable store base beginning in their fourteenth full month of operation. We do not remove renovated stores from our comparable store base. Comparable store calculations include results for a set of stores that were included in our comparable store base in both the current and corresponding prior year periods.

VEHICLE SALES CHANGES
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Used vehicle units
7.5
%
 
8.3
 %
 
6.5
%
Used vehicle revenues
8.5
%
 
6.7
 %
 
6.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale vehicle units
4.3
%
 
(0.7
)%
 
4.9
%
Wholesale vehicle revenues
4.7
%
 
(4.8
)%
 
6.8
%


26



USED VEHICLE FINANCING PENETRATION BY CHANNEL (BEFORE THE IMPACT OF 3-DAY PAYOFFS)
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29 (1)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
CAF (2)
48.4
%
 
49.5
%
 
47.8
%
Tier 2 (3)
16.6

 
17.8

 
18.1

Tier 3 (4)
10.5

 
9.8

 
13.8

Other (5)
24.5

 
22.9

 
20.3

Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

(1)  
Calculated as used vehicle units financed for respective channel as a percentage of total used units sold.
(2) 
Includes CAF's Tier 3 loan originations, which represent less than 1% of total used units sold.
(3)
Third-party finance providers who generally pay us a fee or to whom no fee is paid.
(4)
Third-party finance providers to whom we pay a fee.
(5)
Represents customers arranging their own financing and customers that do not require financing.

CHANGE IN USED CAR STORE BASE
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Used car stores, beginning of year
173

 
158

 
144

Store openings
15

 
15

 
14

Used car stores, end of year
188

 
173

 
158

 
During fiscal 2018, we opened 15 stores, including 7 stores in 5 new television markets (3 stores in Seattle, WA, and 1 store each in Salisbury, MD; Tyler, TX; Myrtle Beach, SC; and Portland, ME) and 8 stores in 7 existing television markets (1 store each in Pensacola, FL; Hartford, CT; Philadelphia, PA; Las Vegas, NV; Boston, MA; and Denver, CO; and 2 stores in San Francisco, CA).

Used Vehicle Sales
Fiscal 2018 Versus Fiscal 2017.  The 8.5% increase in used vehicle revenues in fiscal 2018 was primarily due to a 7.5% increase in unit sales. The increase in used unit sales included a 2.0% increase in comparable store used unit sales and sales from newer stores not yet included in the comparable store base. The comparable store used unit sales performance was driven by a continued strong conversion, partially offset by lower store traffic. We believe that strong execution in our stores as well as the impact of our digital initiatives contributed to our continued improvements in conversion. Our data indicates that in our television markets, we increased our share of the 0- to 10-year old used vehicle market by almost 7% in calendar 2017.
Average retail selling price for fiscal 2018 remained relatively consistent with the prior year, reflecting the net effects of shifts in the mix of our sales by both vehicle age and class and lower vehicle acquisition costs. Decreases in vehicle acquisition costs in the first half of the year were largely offset by increases in the second half of the year. We believe lower seasonal depreciation was a significant driver of the increase in vehicle acquisition costs in the second half of the year. At the same time, industry new vehicle transaction prices benefited from aggressive new car incentives. We believe the resulting change in the relative affordability of new vehicles versus late-model vehicles was one of the factors contributing to our comparable store used unit sales performance.
Fiscal 2017 Versus Fiscal 2016.  The 6.7% increase in used vehicle revenues in fiscal 2017 resulted from an 8.3% increase in unit sales combined with a 1.7% decline in average retail selling price.  The increase in used unit sales included a 4.3% increase in comparable store used unit sales and sales from newer stores not yet included in the comparable store base. The comparable store used unit sales performance resulted from an increase in conversion, partially offset by a slight decline in store traffic.
We believe the decline in store traffic was predominantly the result of a decline in customers typically financed by Tier 3 providers. The decline in Tier 3 sales was the result of tightened lending standards by one of our third-party Tier 3 finance providers that we experienced starting in the middle of the first quarter of fiscal 2017, and lower applicant volume within this credit tier. Our data indicates that in our television markets, we increased our share of the 0- to 10-year old used vehicle market by approximately 2% in calendar 2016.

27



The decline in average retail selling price reflected the net effects of lower vehicle acquisition costs and shifts in the mix of our sales by both vehicle age and class. We believe the increased supply of late-model vehicles available at auction contributed to the lower acquisition costs, which, in turn, helped to increase the value proposition of late-model used vehicles relative to new cars.

Wholesale Vehicle Sales
Vehicles sold at our wholesale auctions are, on average, approximately 10 years old with more than 100,000 miles and are primarily comprised of vehicles purchased through our appraisal process that do not meet our retail standards. Our wholesale auction prices usually reflect the trends in the general wholesale market for the types of vehicles we sell, although they can also be affected by changes in vehicle mix or the average age, mileage or condition of the vehicles being sold.
Fiscal 2018 Versus Fiscal 2017.  The 4.7% increase in wholesale vehicle revenues in fiscal 2018 resulted from a 4.3% increase in wholesale unit sales. During fiscal 2018, increases in wholesale unit volumes attributable to an increase in our appraisal buy rate and growth in our store base were partially offset by a reduction in appraisal traffic. We believe the appraisal buy rate benefited from strong wholesale industry vehicle valuations, which allowed us to provide seasonally strong appraisal offers. Wholesale vehicle average selling price for fiscal 2018 remained consistent with the prior year.
Fiscal 2017 Versus Fiscal 2016.  The 4.8% decrease in wholesale vehicle revenues in fiscal 2017 resulted from a 4.1% decrease in wholesale vehicle average selling prices and a 0.7% decrease in wholesale unit sales. During fiscal 2017, increases in wholesale unit volumes attributable to the growth in our store base and an improved appraisal buy rate were more than offset by a reduction in appraisal traffic. In particular, we experienced a reduced mix of 7- to 9-year old vehicles in our wholesale sales mix, which we believe resulted, at least in part, from the reduced overall industry supply of these model year vehicles due to the decline in industry new vehicle sales during the recession. This shift in mix also contributed to the decline in average selling price.
Other Sales and Revenues
Other sales and revenues include revenue from the sale of ESPs and GAP (collectively reported in EPP revenues, net of a reserve for estimated contract cancellations), net third-party finance fees, and other revenues, which are predominantly comprised of service department and new vehicle sales. The fees we pay to the Tier 3 providers are reflected as an offset to finance fee revenues received from the Tier 2 providers. The mix of our retail vehicles financed by CAF, Tier 2 and Tier 3 providers, or customers that arrange their own financing, may vary from quarter to quarter depending on several factors including the credit quality of applicants, changes in providers’ credit decisioning and external market conditions. Changes in originations by one tier of credit providers may also affect the originations made by providers in other tiers.
Fiscal 2018 Versus Fiscal 2017.  Other sales and revenues increased 4.7% in fiscal 2018. EPP revenues increased 10.1% compared with the prior year, largely reflecting the growth in our used unit sales. The $11.5 million reduction in net third-party finance fees reflected shifts in our sales mix by finance channel, including a decline in our Tier 2 and an increase in our Tier 3 sales.
Fiscal 2017 Versus Fiscal 2016.  Other sales and revenues remained consistent in fiscal 2017, as changes in the underlying components offset one another. New vehicle sales declined due to the disposal of two of our four new car franchises during fiscal 2016. EPP revenues increased 14.1% largely reflecting the growth in our used unit sales and pricing changes. Net third-party finance fees improved by 37.6% primarily due to the reduced proportion of our used unit sales financed by Tier 3 finance providers.
GROSS PROFIT
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In millions)
2018
 
Change
 
2017
 
Change
 
2016
Used vehicle gross profit
$
1,567.6

 
8.0
%
 
$
1,451.7

 
8.4
 %
 
$
1,338.6

Wholesale vehicle gross profit
392.5

 
8.2
%
 
362.6

 
(6.6
)%
 
388.1

Other gross profit
368.8

 
%
 
369.0

 
26.3
 %
 
292.1

Total
$
2,328.9

 
6.7
%
 
$
2,183.3

 
8.2
 %
 
$
2,018.8



28



GROSS PROFIT PER UNIT
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ per unit (1)
 
% (2)
 
$ per unit (1)
 
% (2)
 
$ per unit (1)
 
% (2)
Used vehicle gross profit
$
2,173

 
10.9
 
$
2,163

 
10.9
 
$
2,159

 
10.8
Wholesale vehicle gross profit
$
961

 
18.0
 
$
926

 
17.4
 
$
984

 
17.7
Other gross profit
$
511

 
67.5
 
$
550

 
70.7
 
$
471

 
55.9
Total gross profit
$
3,228

 
13.6
 
$
3,252

 
13.8
 
$
3,256

 
13.3
 
(1) 
Calculated as category gross profit divided by its respective units sold, except the other and total categories, which are divided by total used units sold.
(2) 
Calculated as a percentage of its respective sales or revenue.
 
Used Vehicle Gross Profit
We target a dollar range of gross profit per used unit sold.  The gross profit dollar target for an individual vehicle is based on a variety of factors, including its probability of sale and its mileage relative to its age; however, it is not primarily based on the vehicle’s selling price.  Our ability to quickly adjust appraisal offers to be consistent with the broader market trade-in trends and the pace of our inventory turns reduce our exposure to the inherent continual fluctuation in used vehicle values and contribute to our ability to manage gross profit dollars per unit. 
We systematically adjust individual vehicle prices based on proprietary pricing algorithms in order to appropriately balance sales trends, inventory turns and gross profit achievement.  Other factors that may influence gross profit include the wholesale and retail vehicle pricing environments, vehicle reconditioning and logistics costs, and the percentage of vehicles sourced directly from consumers through our appraisal process.  Vehicles purchased directly from consumers typically generate more gross profit per unit compared with vehicles purchased at auction or through other channels.
Fiscal 2018 Versus Fiscal 2017.  The 8.0% increase in used vehicle gross profit in fiscal 2018 was primarily driven by the 7.5% growth in total used unit sales. Despite an overall trend reported by publicly traded auto retailers in recent quarters towards lower gross profit per unit sold, our used vehicle gross profit per unit remained consistent with fiscal 2017. We believe we can manage to a targeted gross profit per unit dollar range, subject to future changes to our business or pricing strategy.
Fiscal 2017 Versus Fiscal 2016.  The 8.4% increase in used vehicle gross profit in fiscal 2017 was primarily driven by the 8.3% growth in total used unit sales. Our used vehicle gross profit per unit remained consistent with fiscal 2016.
Wholesale Vehicle Gross Profit
Our wholesale gross profit per unit reflects the demand for older, higher mileage vehicles, which are the mainstay of our auctions, as well as strong dealer attendance and resulting high dealer-to-car ratios at our auctions.  The frequency of our auctions, which are generally held weekly or bi-weekly, minimizes the depreciation risk on these vehicles.  Our ability to adjust appraisal offers in response to the wholesale pricing environment is a key factor that influences wholesale gross profit.
Fiscal 2018 Versus Fiscal 2017.  The 8.2% increase in wholesale vehicle gross profit in fiscal 2018 was driven by the 4.3% increase in wholesale unit sales and the $35, or 3.8%, increase in wholesale gross profit per unit. We believe our wholesale gross profit per unit benefited from a lower depreciation environment relative to historical trends.
Fiscal 2017 Versus Fiscal 2016.  The 6.6% decrease in wholesale vehicle gross profit in fiscal 2017 reflected the combination of the 0.7% decrease in wholesale unit sales and a $58, or 5.9%, reduction in wholesale gross profit per unit. The decline in gross profit per unit was due in part to the reduced proportion of 7- to 9-year old vehicles in our wholesale sales mix. In addition, compared with fiscal 2016, differences in the rate of depreciation relative to changes in our appraisal offers contributed to the decline in wholesale vehicle gross profit per unit.
Other Gross Profit
Other gross profit includes profits related to EPP revenues, net third-party finance fees and other revenues, which are predominantly comprised of service department operations, including used vehicle reconditioning, and new vehicle sales.  We have no cost of sales related to EPP revenues or net third-party finance fees, as these represent revenues paid to us by certain third-party providers. Third-party finance fees are reported net of the fees we pay to third-party Tier 3 finance providers.  Accordingly, changes in the relative mix of the components of other gross profit can affect the composition and amount of other gross profit.

29



Fiscal 2018 Versus Fiscal 2017.  Other gross profit remained consistent in fiscal 2018, as a $19.2 million decrease in service profits and the decrease in net third-party finance fees discussed above were largely offset by the noted increase in EPP revenues. Service profits were affected by the reduced leverage of service department costs resulting from our more modest comparable store used unit growth in the latter half of fiscal 2018.
Fiscal 2017 Versus Fiscal 2016.  Other gross profit rose 26.3% in fiscal 2017, primarily reflecting the improvement in EPP revenues and net third-party finance fees discussed above. The decrease in new vehicle sales did not significantly affect other gross profit.
Impact of Inflation
Historically, inflation has not had a significant impact on results.  Profitability is primarily affected by our ability to achieve targeted unit sales and gross profit dollars per vehicle rather than by changes in average retail prices.  However, changes in average vehicle selling prices impact CAF income, to the extent the average amount financed also changes.
SG&A Expenses
 
COMPONENTS OF SG&A EXPENSES
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In millions except per unit data)
2018
 
Change
 
2017
 
Change
 
2016
Compensation and benefits (1)
$
863.2

 
7.4
%
 
$
803.9

 
9.0
%
 
$
737.6

Store occupancy costs
337.3

 
12.1
%
 
300.8

 
9.1
%
 
275.6

Advertising expense
157.7

 
9.3
%
 
144.2

 
2.6
%
 
140.6

Other overhead costs (2)
258.9

 
8.1
%
 
239.6

 
20.9
%
 
198.1

Total SG&A expenses
$
1,617.1

 
8.6
%
 
$
1,488.5

 
10.1
%
 
$
1,351.9

SG&A per used vehicle unit (3)
$
2,241

 
$
24

 
$
2,217

 
$
36

 
$
2,181

(1) 
Excludes compensation and benefits related to reconditioning and vehicle repair service, which are included in cost of sales. See Note 12 for details of stock-based compensation expense by grant type.
(2) 
Includes IT expenses, preopening and relocation costs, insurance, non-CAF bad debt, travel, charitable contributions and other administrative expenses.
(3) 
Calculated as total SG&A expenses divided by total used vehicle units.

Fiscal 2018 Versus Fiscal 2017.  SG&A expenses for fiscal 2018 increased 8.6%. The increase primarily reflected the 9% growth in our store base during fiscal 2018 (representing the addition of 15 stores); an $18.0 million increase in the corporate incentive pay accrual; and higher variable costs associated with our comparable store unit growth. These increases were partially offset by a $27.7 million decrease in share-based compensation expense, which reduced SG&A per used unit by $47. The decrease in share-based compensation expense reflected higher costs incurred in fiscal 2017 in connection with the retirement of our former chief executive officer, as well as a decrease in the expense related to cash-settled restricted stock units in fiscal 2018. The expense associated with these units was primarily driven by the change in the company’s stock price during the fiscal year. The $19.3 million, or 8.1%, increase in other overhead costs included increased spending related to strategic initiatives.
Fiscal 2017 Versus Fiscal 2016.  SG&A expenses for fiscal 2017 increased 10.1%. The increase primarily reflected the 9% growth in our store base during fiscal 2017 (representing the addition of 15 stores), and a $35.7 million increase in share-based compensation expense. The increase in share-based compensation expense increased SG&A per used unit by $47 and was largely related to cash-settled restricted stock units, which are awards provided broadly to non-executive associates in our organization. The fiscal 2017 share-based compensation expense included approximately $10 million of incremental expense related to awards granted or modified by the board of directors to our former chief executive officer. The $41.5 million, or 20.9%, increase in other overhead costs included increased spending related to strategic initiatives.

Interest Expense
Interest expense includes the interest related to short- and long-term debt and finance and capital lease obligations. It does not include interest on the non-recourse notes payable, which is reflected within CAF income.

Fiscal 2018 Versus Fiscal 2017.  Interest expense increased to $70.7 million in fiscal 2018 versus $56.4 million in fiscal 2017. The increase reflected the combined effects of higher outstanding debt levels and interest rates in fiscal 2018 as well as a reduction in capitalized interest.

30



Fiscal 2017 Versus Fiscal 2016.  Interest expense increased to $56.4 million in fiscal 2017 versus $36.4 million in fiscal 2016. The increase reflected the combination of planned higher outstanding debt levels in fiscal 2017 as part of our capital structure strategy, as well as growth in our finance and capital lease obligations. During fiscal 2017, we sold $500 million of senior unsecured notes, due in 2023, 2026 and 2028, to investors in a private placement.
Other Expense
During fiscal 2016, we recorded a one-time charge of $8.3 million associated with a property that was no longer planned to be used.

Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 37.6% in fiscal 2018, 37.7% in fiscal 2017 and 38.3% in fiscal 2016. The 2017 Tax Act was enacted on December 22, 2017. The provision with the most significant impact to CarMax was the reduction of the federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21%.

The 2017 Tax Act increased our fiscal 2018 income tax expense by $11.9 million, which was made up of the following:

We revalued our net deferred tax asset based on the rate at which it is expected to reverse in the future. As a result, we recognized a provisional $32.7 million of tax expense related to this revaluation.
Tax expense decreased by $20.8 million, primarily resulting from the reduction in the federal statutory tax rate, effective January 1, 2018. Our U.S. federal statutory tax rate was 32.7% for fiscal 2018, which reflects the blended federal statutory rate.

These combined effects resulted in a net impact to our fiscal 2018 effective tax rate of 1.1 percentage points. In future quarters, we anticipate that our effective tax rate will generally be around 25%. This rate is subject to volatility associated with the adoption in fiscal 2018 of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) ASU 2016-09 regarding share-based compensation.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – CARMAX AUTO FINANCE

CAF income primarily reflects interest and fee income generated by CAF’s portfolio of auto loan receivables less the interest expense associated with the debt issued to fund these receivables, a provision for estimated loan losses and direct CAF expenses. CAF income does not include any allocation of indirect costs.  Although CAF benefits from certain indirect overhead expenditures, we have not allocated indirect costs to CAF to avoid making subjective allocation decisions.  Examples of indirect costs not allocated to CAF include retail store expenses and corporate expenses.
 
CAF’s managed portfolio is composed primarily of loans originated over the past several years.  Trends in receivable growth and interest margins primarily reflect the cumulative effect of changes in the business over a multi-year period. We strive to originate loans with an underlying risk profile that we believe will, in the aggregate and excluding CAF’s Tier 3 originations, result in cumulative net losses in the 2% to 2.5% range over the life of the loans.  Actual loss performance of the loans may fall outside of this range based on various factors, including intentional changes in the risk profile of originations, economic conditions and wholesale recovery rates.  Current period originations reflect current trends in both our retail sales and the CAF business, including the volume of loans originated, current interest rates charged to consumers, loan terms and average credit scores.   Because we recognize CAF income over the life of the underlying auto loan, loans originated in a given fiscal period generally do not have a significant effect on that period’s financial results. 

See Note 3 for additional information on CAF income and Note 4 for information on auto loan receivables, including credit quality.

31



SELECTED CAF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In millions)
2018
 
% (1)
 
2017
 
% (1)
 
2016
 
% (1)
Interest margin:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fee income
$
856.6

 
7.6

 
$
762.0

 
7.5

 
$
682.9

 
7.5

Interest expense
(215.0
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(171.4
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(127.7
)
 
(1.4
)
Total interest margin
$
641.6

 
5.7

 
$
590.6

 
5.8

 
$
555.2

 
6.1

Provision for loan losses
$
(137.6
)
 
(1.2
)
 
$
(150.6
)
 
(1.5
)
 
$
(101.2
)
 
(1.1
)
CarMax Auto Finance income
$
421.2

 
3.8

 
$
369.0

 
3.6

 
$
392.0

 
4.3


(1) 
Percent of total average managed receivables.

CAF ORIGINATION INFORMATION (AFTER THE IMPACT OF 3-DAY PAYOFFS)
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net loans originated (in millions)
$
5,962.2

 
$
5,643.3

 
$
5,171.0

Vehicle units financed 
310,739

 
297,043

 
265,426

Net penetration rate (1)
43.1
%
 
44.2
%
 
42.8
%
Weighted average contract rate
7.8
%
 
7.4
%
 
7.3
%
Weighted average credit score (2)
707

 
706

 
702

Weighted average loan-to-value (LTV) (3)
95.0
%
 
95.0
%
 
94.6
%
Weighted average term (in months)
65.8

 
65.8

 
65.9


(1) 
Vehicle units financed as a percentage of total used units sold.
(2) 
The credit scores represent FICO® scores and reflect only receivables with obligors that have a FICO® score at the time of application.  The FICO® score with respect to any receivable with co-obligors is calculated as the average of each obligor’s FICO® score at the time of application.  FICO® scores are not a significant factor in our primary scoring model, which relies on information from credit bureaus and other application information as discussed in Note 4.  FICO® is a federally registered servicemark of Fair Isaac Corporation.
(3) 
LTV represents the ratio of the amount financed to the total collateral value, which is measured as the vehicle selling price plus applicable taxes, title and fees.

LOAN PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
As of and for the
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Total ending managed receivables
$
11,618.9

 
$
10,681.3

 
$
9,593.6

Total average managed receivables
$
11,210.8

 
$
10,158.3

 
$
9,092.9

Allowance for loan losses (1)
$
128.6

 
$
123.6

 
$
94.9

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of ending managed receivables
1.11
%
 
1.16
%
 
0.99
%
Net credit losses on managed receivables
$
132.6

 
$
121.9

 
$
88.0

Net credit losses as a percentage of total average managed receivables
1.18
%
 
1.20
%
 
0.97
%
Past due accounts as a percentage of ending managed receivables
3.38
%
 
3.10
%
 
2.74
%
Average recovery rate (2)
46.1
%
 
47.4
%
 
51.2
%

(1)  
The allowance for loan losses represents an estimate of the amount of net losses inherent in our portfolio of managed receivables as of the applicable reporting date and anticipated to occur during the following 12 months.  
(2) 
The average recovery rate represents the average percentage of the outstanding principal balance we receive when a vehicle is repossessed and liquidated, generally at our wholesale auctions. While in any individual period conditions may vary, over the past 10 fiscal years, the annual recovery rate has ranged from a low of 44% to a high of 60%, and it is primarily affected by changes in the wholesale market pricing environment.


32



Fiscal 2018 Versus Fiscal 2017.  CAF income increased 14.1% in fiscal 2018, which was due to an increase in the average managed receivables and a decline in the provision for loan losses, partially offset by a lower total interest margin percentage. Average managed receivables grew 10.4% to $11.21 billion in fiscal 2018 driven primarily by the rise in CAF loan originations in recent years. The growth in net loan originations in fiscal 2018 resulted from our used vehicle sales growth and an increase in average amount financed, partially offset by a decrease in CAF's penetration rate.
The provision for loan losses declined to $137.6 million in fiscal 2018 from $150.6 million in fiscal 2017. The prior year’s provision was affected by rising loss experience, while losses were generally consistent with expectations in fiscal 2018. As a result, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of ending managed receivables was 1.11% as of February 28, 2018 compared with 1.16% as of February 28, 2017. Changes in the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of ending managed receivables reflect the effect of the change in loss and delinquency experience on our outlook for net losses expected to occur over the next 12 months.
The total interest margin, which reflects the spread between interest and fees charged to consumers and our funding costs, declined to 5.7% of average managed receivables from 5.8% in fiscal 2017. This was the result of a gradual compression of the spread between rates charged to consumers and our funding costs in recent years. Changes in the interest margin on new originations affect CAF income over time. Continued increases in interest rates, which affect CAF’s funding costs, or other competitive pressures on consumer rates, could result in further compression in the interest margin on new originations.
Fiscal 2017 Versus Fiscal 2016.  CAF income declined 5.9% in fiscal 2017. The decline was due to an increase in the provision for loan losses and lower total interest margin percentage, partially offset by the increase in average managed receivables. Average managed receivables grew 11.7% to $10.16 billion in fiscal 2017 driven by the rise in CAF loan originations in recent years. The growth in net loan originations in fiscal 2017 resulted from our used vehicle sales growth and an increase in CAF's penetration rate that was caused by an increased mix of credit applications from customers at the higher end of the credit spectrum.

The total interest margin declined to 5.8% of average managed receivables from 6.1% in fiscal 2016.  This was due to the same reasons noted above in the fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017 comparison.
The provision for loan losses rose to $150.6 million in fiscal 2017 from $101.2 million in fiscal 2016 due to unfavorable loss experience in fiscal 2017 as well as the growth in managed receivables. While higher loss rates were primarily due to an increase in charge-offs, lower recovery rates also contributed to the unfavorable loss experience in fiscal 2017, which we believe reflected conditions impacting our industry as a whole.
Tier 3 Loan Originations.  CAF also originates a small portion of auto loans to customers who typically would be financed by our Tier 3 finance providers, in order to better understand the performance of these loans, mitigate risk and add incremental profits.  CAF currently targets originating approximately 5% of the total Tier 3 loan volume; however, this rate may vary over time based on market conditions. A total of $147.5 million and $123.3 million in CAF Tier 3 receivables were outstanding as of February 28, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  These loans have higher loss and delinquency rates than the remainder of the CAF portfolio, as well as higher contract rates.  As of February 28, 2018 and 2017, approximately 10% of the total allowance for loan losses related to the outstanding CAF Tier 3 loan balances.


33



PLANNED FUTURE ACTIVITIES
 
We currently plan to open 15 stores in fiscal 2019 and between 13 and 16 stores in fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2019, we will be entering nine new television markets and expanding our presence in six existing television markets. Of the 15 stores we plan to open in fiscal 2019, 10 are in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (“MSAs”) having populations of 600,000 or less, which we define as small markets. We currently estimate capital expenditures will total approximately $340 million in fiscal 2019.
FISCAL 2019 PLANNED STORE OPENINGS
Location
Television Market
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Planned Opening Date
Winterville, North Carolina (1)
Greenville/New Bern/Washington (2)
Greenville
Q1 Fiscal 2019
McKinney, Texas
Dallas/Ft. Worth
Dallas/Ft. Worth
Q1 Fiscal 2019
Jensen Beach, Florida
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale/W. Palm Beach
Port St. Lucie
Q1 Fiscal 2019
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Albuquerque/Santa Fe
Santa Fe
Q2 Fiscal 2019
Warner Robins, Georgia
Macon (2)
Warner Robins
Q2 Fiscal 2019
Norman, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
Q2 Fiscal 2019
Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington (2)
Wilmington
Q3 Fiscal 2019
Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette (2)
Lafayette
Q3 Fiscal 2019
Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi (2)
Corpus Christi
Q3 Fiscal 2019
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport (2)
Shreveport
Q3 Fiscal 2019
Amherst, New York
Buffalo (2)
Buffalo
Q4 Fiscal 2019
Melbourne, Florida
Orlando/Daytona Beach
Palm Bay/Melbourne
Q4 Fiscal 2019
Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery/Selma (2)
Montgomery
Q4 Fiscal 2019
Vancouver, Washington
Portland
Portland/Vancouver
Q4 Fiscal 2019
Kenner, Louisiana
New Orleans (2)
New Orleans
Q4 Fiscal 2019

(1)  
Store opened in March 2018.
(2)  
Represents new television market as of planned store opening date.

Normal construction, permitting or other scheduling delays could shift the opening dates of any of these stores into a later period. 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 2(X) to the consolidated financial statements for information on recent accounting pronouncements applicable to CarMax.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary ongoing cash requirements are to fund our existing operations, store expansion and improvement and CAF. Since fiscal 2013, we have also elected to use cash for our share repurchase program.  Our primary ongoing sources of liquidity include funds provided by operations, proceeds from non-recourse funding vehicles and borrowings under our revolving credit facility or through other financing sources.

We currently target an adjusted debt to capital ratio in a range of 35% to 45%. In calculating this ratio, we utilize total debt, excluding non-recourse notes payable, a multiple of 8 times rent expense and total shareholders’ equity. We expect to use our revolving credit facility and other financing sources, together with stock repurchases, to maintain this targeted ratio; however, in any period, we may be outside this range due to seasonal, market, strategic or other factors.
 
Operating Activities.  During fiscal 2018, net cash used in operating activities totaled $80.6 million compared with $455.3 million in fiscal 2017 and $116.8 million in fiscal 2016. The net cash used in operating activities includes increases in auto loan receivables of $1.08 billion in fiscal 2018, $1.21 billion in fiscal 2017 and $1.20 billion in fiscal 2016.  The majority of the increases in auto loan receivables are accompanied by increases in non-recourse notes payable, which are separately reflected as cash provided by financing activities. 
 

34



As of February 28, 2018, total inventory was $2.39 billion, representing an increase of $130.1 million, or 5.8%, compared with the balance as of the start of the fiscal year. The increase primarily reflected the addition of inventory to support new store openings in fiscal 2018 as well as an increase in acquisition costs resulting from higher wholesale valuations, especially in the months following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

As of February 28, 2017, total inventory was $2.26 billion, representing an increase of $328.5 million, or 17.0%, compared with the balance as of the start of the fiscal year.  The increase primarily reflected the addition of inventory to support new store openings and our comparable store sales growth in fiscal 2017. Increased inventory levels were also a result of changes in the timing in federal income tax refunds that impacted the timing of anticipated sales in February 2017. These increases were partially offset by a decline in the average carrying cost of inventory due to changes in acquisition costs.

When considering cash provided by operating activities, management uses an adjusted measure of net cash from operating activities that offsets the changes in auto loan receivables with the corresponding changes in non-recourse notes payable.  This is achieved by adding back the cash provided from the net issuances of non-recourse notes payable, which represents the increase in auto loan receivables that were funded through the issuance of non-recourse notes payable during the year.  The resulting financial measure, adjusted net cash from operating activities, is a non-GAAP financial measure.  We believe adjusted net cash from operating activities is a meaningful metric for investors because it provides better visibility into the cash generated from operations.  Including the increases in non-recourse notes payable, net cash provided by operating activities would have been as follows:
 
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net cash used in operating activities (1)
$
(80.6
)
 
$
(455.3
)
 
$
(116.8
)
Add: Net issuances of non-recourse notes payable (2)
902.2

 
1,214.7

 
1,057.1

Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities
$
821.6

 
$
759.4

 
$
940.3

  
(1) 
In connection with our adoption of FASB ASU 2016-09 during the current fiscal year, cash flows related to excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements are now classified as operating activities, rather than financing activities, in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.
(2) 
Calculated using the gross issuances less payments on non-recourse notes payable as disclosed on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
Compared with fiscal 2017, the increase in fiscal 2018 adjusted net cash provided by operating activities reflected the change in inventory during fiscal 2018 and the increase in net earnings when excluding non-cash expenses, which include depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense, the provisions for loan losses and cancellation reserves and the deferred income tax provision. These increases were partially offset by the timing and use of non-recourse funding vehicles in relation to originations of auto loan receivables.

Compared with fiscal 2016, the decrease in fiscal 2017 adjusted net cash provided by operating activities reflected the change in inventory, partially offset by the timing of payments related to operating payables and an increase in net earnings when excluding non-cash expenses. In addition, the increase in net issuances of non-recourse notes payable was primarily attributable to loan origination growth, as well as the new warehouse facility being used to fund certain of CAF’s Tier 3 loans. In fiscal 2016, all of CAF's Tier 3 loans were funded through the use of existing working capital.
 
Investing Activities.  Net cash used in investing activities totaled $326.8 million in fiscal 2018, $465.6 million in fiscal 2017 and $378.8 million in fiscal 2016.  Investing activities primarily consist of capital expenditures, which totaled $296.8 million in fiscal 2018, $418.1 million in fiscal 2017 and $315.6 million in fiscal 2016. Capital expenditures primarily include store construction costs, real estate acquisitions for planned future store openings and store remodeling expenses.  We maintain a multi-year pipeline of sites to support our store growth, so portions of capital spending in one year may relate to stores that we open in subsequent fiscal years.  We opened 15 stores in both fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, and we opened 14 stores and relocated 1 store in fiscal 2016. The decrease in capital expenditures in fiscal 2018 largely reflected reduced spending on construction and land acquisitions resulting from changes in the mix of markets in which stores were being built.
 
Financing Activities.  Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $413.4 million in fiscal 2018, $921.9 million in fiscal 2017 and $505.3 million in fiscal 2016.  Included in these amounts were net increases in total non-recourse notes payable of $902.2 million, $1.21 billion and $1.06 billion, respectively, which were used to provide the financing for the majority of the increases of $1.08 billion, $1.21 billion and $1.20 billion, respectively, in auto loan receivables (see Operating Activities).  During

35



fiscal 2018, we increased net borrowings under the revolving credit facility by $42.6 million. During fiscal 2017, we sold $500 million of senior unsecured notes in a private placement, and used a portion of the proceeds to reduce net borrowings under our revolving credit facility. During fiscal 2016, we increased net borrowings under the revolving credit facility by $404.6 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was reduced by stock repurchases of $579.6 million in fiscal 2018, $564.3 million in fiscal 2017 and $983.9 million in fiscal 2016

TOTAL DEBT AND CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
As of February 28
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
Borrowings under revolving credit facility
$
197,627

 
$
155,062

Other long-term debt
800,000

 
800,000

Finance and capital lease obligations
500,363

 
496,136

Non-recourse notes payable
11,644,615

 
10,742,425

Total debt (1)
$
13,142,605

 
$
12,193,623

Cash and cash equivalents
$
44,525

 
$
38,416

(1) 
Total debt excludes unamortized debt issuance costs. See Note 11 for additional information.

We have a $1.20 billion unsecured revolving credit facility, which expires in August 2020.  Borrowings under this credit facility are available for working capital and general corporate purposes, and the unused portion is fully available to us.  We also have a $300 million unsecured variable-rate term loan, which is due in August 2020.  In addition, we have $500 million of fixed-rate senior unsecured notes, which are due in 2023, 2026 and 2028. The credit facility, term loan and senior note agreements contain representations and warranties, conditions and covenants.  If these requirements were not met, all amounts outstanding or otherwise owed could become due and payable immediately and other limitations could be placed on our ability to use any available borrowing capacity. 

Finance and capital lease obligations relate primarily to stores subject to sale-leaseback transactions that did not qualify for sale accounting and, therefore, are accounted for as financings. Payments on the leases are recognized as interest expense and a reduction of the obligations. In the event the leases are modified or extended beyond their original lease term, the related obligation is increased based on the present value of the revised future minimum lease payments, with a corresponding increase to the assets subject to these transactions. Upon modification, the amortization of the obligation is reset, resulting in more of the lease payments being applied to interest expense in the initial years following the modification.
See Note 11 for additional information on our revolving credit facility, term loan, senior notes and finance and capital lease obligations.
CAF auto loan receivables are primarily funded through our warehouse facilities and asset-backed term funding transactions.  These non-recourse funding vehicles are structured to legally isolate the auto loan receivables, and we would not expect to be able to access the assets of our non-recourse funding vehicles, even in insolvency, receivership or conservatorship proceedings.  Similarly, the investors in the non-recourse notes payable have no recourse to our assets beyond the related receivables, the amounts on deposit in reserve accounts and the restricted cash from collections on auto loan receivables.  We do, however, continue to have the rights associated with the interest we retain in these non-recourse funding vehicles.
The timing of principal payments on the non-recourse notes payable is based on the timing of principal collections and defaults on the related auto loan receivables. The current portion of non-recourse notes payable represents principal payments that are due to be distributed in the following period.
As of February 28, 2018, $9.81 billion of non-recourse notes payable was outstanding related to asset-backed term funding transactions.  These notes payable have scheduled maturities through July 2024, but they may mature earlier, depending on the repayment rate of the underlying auto loan receivables.  During fiscal 2018, we funded a total of $5.25 billion in asset-backed term funding transactions.
As of February 28, 2018$1.83 billion of non-recourse notes payable was outstanding related to our warehouse facilities.  We have periodically increased our warehouse facility limit over time, as our store base, sales and CAF loan originations have grown.  In fiscal 2018, we increased the combined limit of our warehouse facilities by $340 million. As of February 28, 2018, the combined warehouse facility limit was $3.14 billion, and the unused warehouse capacity totaled $1.31 billion.  Of the combined warehouse

36



facility limit, $1.30 billion will expire in August 2018, $140.0 million will expire in September 2018 and $1.70 billion will expire in February 2019.  See Notes 2(F) and 11 for additional information on the warehouse facilities. 
The agreements related to the warehouse facilities include various representations and warranties, covenants and performance triggers.  If these requirements are not met, we could be unable to continue to fund receivables through the warehouse facilities.  In addition, warehouse facility investors could charge us a higher rate of interest and could have us replaced as servicer.  Further, we could be required to deposit collections on the related receivables with the warehouse facility agents on a daily basis and deliver executed lockbox agreements to the warehouse facility agents.
We expect that adjusted net cash provided by operations, borrowings under existing, new or expanded credit facilities and other funding arrangements will be sufficient to fund CAF, capital expenditures, repurchases of stock and working capital for the foreseeable future.  We anticipate that we will be able to enter into new, or renew or expand existing, funding arrangements to meet our future funding needs.  However, based on conditions in the credit markets, the cost for these arrangements could be materially higher than historical levels and the timing and capacity of these transactions could be dictated by market availability rather than our requirements.
The timing and amount of stock repurchases are determined based on share price, market conditions, legal requirements and other factors.  Shares repurchased are deemed authorized but unissued shares of common stock.  As of February 28, 2018, a total of $2.75 billion of board authorizations for repurchases were outstanding, with no expiration date.  At that date, $1.02 billion remained available for repurchase. See Note 12 for more information on share repurchase activity.
Fair Value Measurements.  We recognize money market securities, mutual fund investments and derivative instruments at fair value.  See Note 6 for more information on fair value measurements.
 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS (1)  
 
As of February 28, 2018
 
 
 
Less Than
 
1 to 3
 
3 to 5
 
More Than
 
 
(In millions)
Total
 
1 Year
 
Years
 
Years
 
5 Years
 
Other
Short-term debt
$
0.1

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Long-term debt
997.5

 

 
497.5

 

 
500.0

 

Interest on debt (2)
181.8

 
20.7

 
41.5

 
41.5

 
78.1

 

Finance and capital leases (3)
1,080.2

 
52.1

 
99.0

 
97.5

 
831.6

 

Operating leases (3) 
848.2

 
51.8

 
98.1

 
86.4

 
611.9

 

Purchase obligations (4) 
175.0

 
78.8

 
51.8

 
38.1

 
6.3

 

Defined benefit retirement plans (5) 
85.1

 
0.5

 

 

 

 
84.6

Unrecognized tax benefits (6) 
25.9

 

 

 

 

 
25.9

Total
$
3,393.8

 
$
204.0

 
$
787.9

 
$
263.5

 
$
2,027.9

 
$
110.5

 
(1) 
This table excludes the non-recourse notes payable that relate to auto loan receivables funded through asset-backed term funding transactions and our warehouse facilities.  These receivables can only be used as collateral to settle obligations of these vehicles.  In addition, the investors in the non-recourse notes payable have no recourse to our assets beyond the related receivables, the amounts on deposit in reserve accounts and the restricted cash from collections on auto loan receivables.  See Note 2(F) and 11.
(2) 
Represents interest payments to be made on our fixed-rate senior notes. Due to the uncertainty of forecasting expected variable interest rate payments associated with our revolving credit facility and term loan, such amounts are not included in the table.  See Note 11.
(3) 
Excludes taxes, insurance and other costs payable directly by us.  These costs vary from year to year and are incurred in the ordinary course of business.  See Note 15.
(4) 
Includes certain enforceable and legally binding obligations related to real estate purchases, third-party outsourcing services and advertising.  Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancellable at any time without penalty. See Note 17(B).
(5) 
Represents the recognized funded status of our retirement plans, of which $84.6 million has no contractual payment schedule and we expect payments to occur beyond 12 months from February 28, 2018.  See Note 10.
(6) 
Represents the net unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions.  The timing of payments associated with these tax benefits could not be estimated as of February 28, 2018.  See Note 9.

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Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Interest Rate Exposure - Non-Recourse Notes Payable
As of February 28, 2018 and 2017, all loans in our portfolio of managed receivables were fixed-rate installment contracts.  Financing for these receivables was achieved primarily through non-recourse funding vehicles that, in turn, issued both fixed- and variable-rate notes. Non-recourse funding vehicles include warehouse facilities and asset-backed term funding transactions. 
Borrowings under our warehouse facilities are variable-rate debt and are secured by auto loan receivables.  The receivables are funded through the warehouse facilities until we elect to fund them through an asset-backed term funding transaction, which issue notes payable that accrue interest predominantly at fixed rates.  
Interest rate risk related to variable-rate debt is primarily mitigated by entering into derivative instruments. Our derivative instruments are used to manage differences in the amount of our known or expected cash receipts and our known or expected cash payments principally related to the funding of our auto loan receivables. Disruptions in the credit markets could impact the effectiveness of our hedging strategies.  Generally, changes in interest rates associated with underlying swaps will not have a material impact on earnings; however, they could have a material impact on cash and cash flows.
Absent any additional actions by the company to further mitigate risk, a 100-basis point increase in market interest rates associated with non-recourse funding vehicles would have decreased our fiscal 2018 net earnings per share by approximately $0.06.

Credit risk is the exposure to nonperformance of another party to an agreement.  We mitigate credit risk by dealing with highly rated bank counterparties.  The market and credit risks associated with derivative instruments are similar to those relating to other types of financial instruments.  See Notes 5 and 6 for additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities.

COMPOSITION OF NON-RECOURSE NOTES PAYABLE
 
As of February 28
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Fixed-rate
$
9,367.4

 
$
8,795.7

Variable-rate (1)
2,277.2

 
1,946.7

Total
$
11,644.6

 
$
10,742.4

 
(1) 
Variable-rate debt includes borrowings under our warehouse facilities as well as the variable portion of borrowings under our asset-backed term funding transactions.  See Note 11.
 
Interest Rate Exposure - Other Debt
We have interest rate risk from changing interest rates related to borrowings under our revolving credit facility.  We also have interest rate risk from changing interest rates related to borrowings under our term loan; however, a portion of the variable-rate risk is mitigated by a derivative instrument. Substantially all of these borrowings are variable-rate debt based on LIBOR.  A 100-basis point increase in market interest rates would have decreased our fiscal 2018 net earnings per share by less than $0.01.  
Other Market Exposures
Our pension plan has interest rate risk related to its projected benefit obligation (PBO).  Due to the relatively young overall age of the plan’s participants, a 100-basis point change in the discount rate has approximately a 20% effect on the PBO balance.  A 100-basis point decrease in the discount rate would have decreased our fiscal 2018 net earnings per share by less than $0.01.  See Note 10 for more information on our benefit plans.
 
As our cash-settled restricted stock units are liability awards, the related compensation expense is sensitive to changes in the company’s stock price.  The mark-to-market effect on the liability depends on each award’s grant price and previously recognized expense.  At February 28, 2018, a $1.00 change in the company’s stock price would have affected fiscal 2018 net earnings per share by less than $0.01.

38



Item 8.  Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the company.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of February 28, 2018.
KPMG LLP, the company’s independent registered public accounting firm, has issued a report on our internal control over financial reporting.  Their report is included herein. 


image1a02.jpg 
WILLIAM D. NASH
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER



image1a01.jpg
THOMAS W. REEDY
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

39



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
CarMax, Inc.:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CarMax, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of February 28, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended February 28, 2018, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 28, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended February 28, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

40



Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

image2a01.jpg

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1996.
Richmond, Virginia
April 24, 2018

41



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In thousands except per share data)
2018
 
% (1)
 
2017
 
% (1)
 
2016
 
% (1)
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle sales
$
14,392,360

 
84.1

 
$
13,270,662

 
83.6
 
$
12,439,401

 
82.1
Wholesale vehicle sales
2,181,156

 
12.7

 
2,082,464

 
13.1
 
2,188,267

 
14.4
Other sales and revenues
546,693

 
3.2

 
521,992

 
3.3
 
522,007

 
3.4
NET SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES
17,120,209

 
100.0

 
15,875,118

 
100.0
 
15,149,675

 
100.0
COST OF SALES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle cost of sales
12,824,741

 
74.9

 
11,818,951

 
74.4
 
11,100,763

 
73.3
Wholesale vehicle cost of sales
1,788,704

 
10.4

 
1,719,821

 
10.8
 
1,800,167

 
11.9
Other cost of sales
177,905

 
1.0

 
153,052

 
1.0
 
229,985

 
1.5
TOTAL COST OF SALES
14,791,350

 
86.4

 
13,691,824

 
86.2
 
13,130,915

 
86.7
GROSS PROFIT 
2,328,859

 
13.6

 
2,183,294

 
13.8
 
2,018,760

 
13.3
CARMAX AUTO FINANCE INCOME 
421,182

 
2.5

 
368,984

 
2.3
 
392,036

 
2.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses
1,617,051

 
9.4

 
1,488,504

 
9.4
 
1,351,935

 
8.9
Interest expense
70,745

 
0.4

 
56,416

 
0.4
 
36,358

 
0.2
Other (income) expense
(1,363
)
 

 
953

 
 
12,559

 
0.1
Earnings before income taxes
1,063,608

 
6.2

 
1,006,405

 
6.3
 
1,009,944

 
6.7
Income tax provision
399,496

 
2.3

 
379,435

 
2.4
 
386,516

 
2.6
NET EARNINGS 
$
664,112

 
3.9

 
$
626,970

 
3.9
 
$
623,428

 
4.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Basic
182,660

 
 

 
190,343

 
 
 
203,275

 
 
Diluted
184,470

 
 

 
192,215

 
 
 
205,540

 
 
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Basic
$
3.64

 
 
 
$
3.29

 
 
 
$
3.07

 
 
Diluted
$
3.60

 
 
 
$
3.26

 
 
 
$
3.03

 
 
 
(1)     Percents are calculated as a percentage of net sales and operating revenues and may not total due to rounding.
 
 
 
 
















See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

42



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
NET EARNINGS
$
664,112

 
$
626,970

 
$
623,428

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in retirement benefit plan unrecognized actuarial losses
(1,371
)
 
949

 
2,750

Net change in cash flow hedge unrecognized gains
14,194

 
12,692

 
(7,555
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
12,823

 
13,641

 
(4,805
)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
676,935

 
$
640,611

 
$
618,623

 
 
 















































 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

43



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
As of February 28
(In thousands except share data)
2018
 
2017
ASSETS
 

 
 

CURRENT ASSETS:
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
44,525

 
$
38,416

Restricted cash from collections on auto loan receivables
399,442

 
380,353

Accounts receivable, net
133,321

 
152,388

Inventory
2,390,694

 
2,260,563

Other current assets
93,462

 
41,910

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 
3,061,444

 
2,873,630

Auto loan receivables, net
11,535,704

 
10,596,076

Property and equipment, net
2,667,061

 
2,518,393

Deferred income taxes
63,256

 
150,962

Other assets
158,807

 
140,295

TOTAL ASSETS 
$
17,486,272

 
$
16,279,356

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 

 
 
Accounts payable
$
529,733

 
$
494,989

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
278,771

 
266,128

Accrued income taxes

 
1,404

Short-term debt
127

 
62

Current portion of finance and capital lease obligations
9,994

 
9,491

Current portion of non-recourse notes payable
355,433

 
333,713

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 
1,174,058

 
1,105,787

Long-term debt, excluding current portion
995,479

 
952,562

Finance and capital lease obligations, excluding current portion
490,369

 
486,645

Non-recourse notes payable, excluding current portion
11,266,964

 
10,387,231

Other liabilities
242,553

 
238,551

TOTAL LIABILITIES 
14,169,423

 
13,170,776

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities


 


SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 

Common stock, $0.50 par value; 350,000,000 shares authorized; 179,747,894 and 186,548,602 shares issued and outstanding as of February 28, 2018 and 2017, respectively
89,874

 
93,274

Capital in excess of par value
1,234,047

 
1,188,578

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(54,312
)
 
(56,555
)
Retained earnings
2,047,240

 
1,883,283

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
3,316,849

 
3,108,580

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
$
17,486,272

 
$
16,279,356

 
 



 




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

44



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
\
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
664,112

 
$
626,970

 
$
623,428

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
179,942

 
168,875

 
137,360

Share-based compensation expense
61,879

 
91,595

 
51,077

Provision for loan losses
137,591

 
150,598

 
101,199

Provision for cancellation reserves
62,749

 
64,120

 
77,118

Deferred income tax provision
81,007

 
2,324

 
17,237

Other
1,298

 
4,169

 
13,136

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net decrease (increase) in:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
19,067

 
(20,217
)
 
5,519

Inventory
(130,131
)
 
(328,534
)
 
154,845

Other current assets
(34,620
)
 
(2,781
)
 
15,229

Auto loan receivables, net
(1,077,219
)
 
(1,209,782
)
 
(1,202,587
)
Other assets
(2,361
)
 
143

 
(160
)
Net increase (decrease) in:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
 
 
 
 
 
  current liabilities and accrued income taxes
38,286

 
74,579

 
(23,051
)
Other liabilities
(82,150
)
 
(77,370
)
 
(87,107
)
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
(80,550
)
 
(455,311
)
 
(116,757
)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(296,816
)
 
(418,144
)
 
(315,584
)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
97

 
1,229

 
1,542

Increase in restricted cash from collections on auto loan receivables
(19,089
)
 
(36,524
)
 
(49,707
)
Increase in restricted cash in reserve accounts
(22,343
)
 
(17,390
)
 
(12,264
)
Release of restricted cash from reserve accounts
18,321

 
11,250

 
8,357

Purchases of investments
(8,649
)
 
(6,724
)
 
(11,463
)
Sales of investments
1,692

 
730

 
324

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(326,787
)
 
(465,573
)
 
(378,795
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt, net
65

 
(366
)
 
(357
)
Proceeds from issuances of long-term debt
4,203,150

 
2,974,600

 
2,057,100

Payments on long-term debt
(4,160,650
)
 
(2,734,600
)
 
(1,652,100
)
Cash paid for debt issuance costs
(16,261
)
 
(17,118
)
 
(3,104
)
Payments on finance and capital lease obligations
(8,997
)
 
(10,817
)
 
(16,417
)
Issuances of non-recourse notes payable
10,198,962

 
9,610,035

 
9,553,805

Payments on non-recourse notes payable
(9,296,773
)
 
(8,395,360
)
 
(8,496,684
)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock
(579,570
)
 
(564,337
)
 
(983,941
)
Equity issuances
73,520

 
59,869

 
47,038

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
413,446

 
921,906

 
505,340

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
6,109

 
1,022

 
9,788

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
38,416

 
37,394

 
27,606

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
$
44,525

 
$
38,416

 
$
37,394












See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

45



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
Common
 
 
 
Capital in
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
Shares
 
Common
 
Excess of
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
 
(In thousands)
Outstanding
 
Stock
 
Par Value
 
Earnings
 
Loss
 
Total
Balance as of February 28, 2015
208,870

 
$
104,435

 
$
1,123,520

 
$
1,994,221

 
$
(65,391
)
 
$
3,156,785

Net earnings

 

 

 
623,428

 

 
623,428

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 
(4,805
)
 
(4,805
)
Share-based compensation expense

 

 
39,164

 

 

 
39,164

Repurchases of common stock
(16,300
)
 
(8,150
)
 
(92,452
)
 
(870,845
)
 

 
(971,447
)
Exercise of common stock options
1,711

 
855

 
46,183

 

 

 
47,038

Stock incentive plans, net shares issued
431

 
216

 
(17,477
)
 

 

 
(17,261
)
Tax effect from the exercise/vesting of equity awards

 

 
31,884

 

 

 
31,884

Balance as of February 29, 2016
194,712

 
97,356

 
1,130,822

 
1,746,804

 
(70,196
)
 
2,904,786

Net earnings

 

 

 
626,970

 

 
626,970

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
13,641

 
13,641

Share-based compensation expense

 

 
53,356

 

 

 
53,356

Repurchases of common stock
(10,262
)
 
(5,131
)
 
(62,160
)
 
(490,491
)
 

 
(557,782
)
Exercise of common stock options
1,887

 
943

 
58,926

 

 

 
59,869

Stock incentive plans, net shares issued
212

 
106

 
(4,619
)
 

 

 
(4,513
)
Tax effect from the exercise/vesting of equity awards

 

 
12,253

 

 

 
12,253

Balance as of February 28, 2017
186,549

 
93,274

 
1,188,578

 
1,883,283

 
(56,555
)
 
3,108,580

Net earnings

 

 

 
664,112

 

 
664,112

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
12,823

 
12,823

Share-based compensation expense

 

 
38,340

 

 

 
38,340

Repurchases of common stock
(8,897
)
 
(4,448
)
 
(58,455
)
 
(510,735
)
 

 
(573,638
)
Exercise of common stock options
1,866

 
933

 
72,587

 

 

 
73,520

Stock incentive plans, net shares issued
230

 
115

 
(7,003
)
 

 

 
(6,888
)
Adoption of ASU 2018-02

 

 

 
10,580

 
(10,580
)
 

Balance as of February 28, 2018
179,748

 
$
89,874

 
$
1,234,047

 
$
2,047,240

 
$
(54,312
)
 
$
3,316,849

 
 
 





 









See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

46



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
BUSINESS AND BACKGROUND
 
CarMax, Inc. (“we,” “our,” “us,” “CarMax” and “the company”), including its wholly owned subsidiaries, is the largest retailer of used vehicles in the United States.  We operate in two reportable segments:  CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance (“CAF”).  Our CarMax Sales Operations segment consists of all aspects of our auto merchandising and service operations, excluding financing provided by CAF.  Our CAF segment consists solely of our own finance operation that provides financing to customers buying retail vehicles from CarMax.
We deliver an unrivaled customer experience by offering a broad selection of high quality used vehicles and related products and services at low, no-haggle prices using a customer-friendly sales process in an attractive, modern sales facility, as well as through carmax.com and our mobile apps.  We provide customers with a range of related products and services, including the appraisal and purchase of vehicles directly from consumers; the financing of retail vehicle purchases through CAF and third-party finance providers; the sale of extended protection plan (“EPP”) products, which include extended service plans (“ESPs”) and guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”); and vehicle repair service.  Vehicles purchased through the appraisal process that do not meet our retail standards are sold to licensed dealers through on-site wholesale auctions.  
 
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(A)
Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CarMax and our wholly owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.  Amounts and percentages may not total due to rounding.

In connection with our adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09 during the current fiscal year, cash flows related to excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements are now classified as operating activities, rather than financing activities, in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. Additionally, excess tax benefits previously included within capital in excess of par value in the consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity are now recognized directly in income tax expense.

In connection with our adoption of the FASB’s ASU 2018-02 during the current fiscal year, we elected to reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“2017 Tax Act”) stranded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) to retained earnings in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity as of February 28, 2018. See further discussion at Note 2(X).
 
(B)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are not significant to the consolidated balance sheets as of February 28, 2018 and 2017.
 
(C)
Restricted Cash from Collections on Auto Loan Receivables
Cash equivalents totaling $399.4 million as of February 28, 2018, and $380.4 million as of February 28, 2017, consisted of collections of principal, interest and fee payments on auto loan receivables that are restricted for payment to holders of non-recourse notes payable pursuant to the applicable agreements.

(D)
Marketable Securities
The company classifies its marketable securities as trading.  These securities consisted primarily of mutual funds reported at fair value, as well as investments in equity securities that are reported at cost less any impairment. Gains and losses on these securities are reflected as a component of other expense.  
 
(E)
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, includes certain amounts due from third-party finance providers and customers and other miscellaneous receivables.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on historical experience and trends.

47



(F)
Financing and Securitization Transactions
We maintain a revolving funding program composed of three warehouse facilities (“warehouse facilities”) that we use to fund auto loan receivables originated by CAF. We typically elect to fund these receivables through an asset-backed term funding transaction, such as a term securitization or alternative funding arrangement, at a later date.  We sell the auto loan receivables to one of three wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entities that transfer an undivided percentage ownership interest in the receivables, but not the receivables themselves, to entities formed by third-party investors.  These entities issue asset-backed commercial paper or utilize other funding sources supported by the transferred receivables, and the proceeds are used to finance the related receivables.

We typically use term securitizations to provide long-term funding for most of the auto loan receivables initially funded through the warehouse facilities.  In these transactions, a pool of auto loan receivables is sold to a bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entity that, in turn, transfers the receivables to a special purpose securitization trust.  The securitization trust issues asset-backed securities, secured or otherwise supported by the transferred receivables, and the proceeds from the sale of the asset-backed securities are used to finance the securitized receivables.
 
We are required to evaluate term securitization trusts for consolidation.  In our capacity as servicer, we have the power to direct the activities of the trusts that most significantly impact the economic performance of the trusts.  In addition, we have the obligation to absorb losses (subject to limitations) and the rights to receive any returns of the trusts, which could be significant.  Accordingly, we are the primary beneficiary of the trusts and are required to consolidate them.
 
We recognize transfers of auto loan receivables into the warehouse facilities and asset-backed term funding transactions, including term securitizations (together, “non-recourse funding vehicles”), as secured borrowings, which result in recording the auto loan receivables and the related non-recourse notes payable on our consolidated balance sheets.
 
These receivables can only be used as collateral to settle obligations of the related non-recourse funding vehicles.  The non-recourse funding vehicles and investors have no recourse to our assets beyond the related receivables, the amounts on deposit in reserve accounts and the restricted cash from collections on auto loan receivables.  We have not provided financial or other support to the non-recourse funding vehicles that was not previously contractually required, and there are no additional arrangements, guarantees or other commitments that could require us to provide financial support to the non-recourse funding vehicles.
 
See Notes 4 and 11 for additional information on auto loan receivables and non-recourse notes payable.
 
(G)
Inventory
Inventory is primarily comprised of vehicles held for sale or currently undergoing reconditioning and is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value (“NRV”).  Vehicle inventory cost is determined by specific identification.  Parts, labor and overhead costs associated with reconditioning vehicles, as well as transportation and other incremental expenses associated with acquiring and reconditioning vehicles, are included in inventory.
 
(H)
Auto Loan Receivables, Net
Auto loan receivables include amounts due from customers related to retail vehicle sales financed through CAF.  The receivables are presented net of an allowance for estimated loan losses.  The allowance for loan losses represents an estimate of the amount of net losses inherent in our portfolio of managed receivables as of the applicable reporting date and expected to become evident during the following 12 months.  The allowance for loan losses is primarily based on the composition of the portfolio of managed receivables, historical loss trends and forecasted forward loss curves.  For receivables that have less than 12 months of performance history, the estimate also takes into account the credit grades of the receivables and historical losses by credit grade to supplement actual loss data in estimating future performance. Once the receivables have 12 months of performance history, the estimate reflects actual loss experience of those receivables to date along with forward loss curves to predict future performance. The forward loss curves are constructed using historical performance data and show the average timing of losses over the course of a receivable’s life.

We also consider recent trends in delinquencies and defaults, recovery rates and the economic environment in assessing the models used in estimating the allowance for loan losses, and may adjust the allowance for loan losses to reflect factors that may not be captured in the models. In addition, we periodically consider whether the use of additional metrics would result in improved model performance and revise the models when appropriate.  The provision for loan losses is the periodic expense of maintaining an adequate allowance.
 
An account is considered delinquent when the related customer fails to make a substantial portion of a scheduled payment on or before the due date.  In general, accounts are charged-off on the last business day of the month during which the earliest of the following occurs:  the receivable is 120 days or more delinquent as of the last business day of the month, the related vehicle is

48



repossessed and liquidated, or the receivable is otherwise deemed uncollectible.  For purposes of determining impairment, auto loans are evaluated collectively, as they represent a large group of smaller-balance homogeneous loans, and therefore, are not individually evaluated for impairment.  See Note 4 for additional information on auto loan receivables.
 
Interest income and expenses related to auto loans are included in CAF income.  Interest income on auto loan receivables is recognized when earned based on contractual loan terms.  All loans continue to accrue interest until repayment or charge-off.  Direct costs associated with loan originations are not considered material, and thus, are expensed as incurred.  See Note 3 for additional information on CAF income.

(I)
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, if applicable.  Costs incurred during new store construction are capitalized as construction-in-progress and reclassified to the appropriate fixed asset categories when the store is completed.
 
Estimated Useful Lives
 
Life
Buildings
25 years
Leasehold improvements
15 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
3 – 15 years
 
We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  We recognize impairment when the sum of undiscounted estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value of the asset.  See Note 7 for additional information on property and equipment.
 
(J)
Other Assets
Restricted Cash on Deposit in Reserve Accounts.  The restricted cash on deposit in reserve accounts is for the benefit of holders of non-recourse notes payable, and these funds are not expected to be available to the company or its creditors.  In the event that the cash generated by the related receivables in a given period was insufficient to pay the interest, principal and other required payments, the balances on deposit in the reserve accounts would be used to pay those amounts.  Restricted cash on deposit in reserve accounts is invested in money market securities or bank deposit accounts and was $56.8 million as of February 28, 2018 and $52.8 million as of February 28, 2017.
 
Other Investments.  Other investments includes restricted money market securities primarily held to satisfy certain insurance program requirements, investments held in a rabbi trust established to fund informally our executive deferred compensation plan and investments in equity securities.  Other investments totaled $80.9 million as of February 28, 2018 and $70.8 million as of February 28, 2017.
 
(K)
Finance Lease Obligations
We generally account for sale-leaseback transactions as financings.  Accordingly, we record certain of the assets subject to these transactions on our consolidated balance sheets in property and equipment and the related sales proceeds as finance lease obligations.  Depreciation is recognized on the assets over their estimated useful lives, generally 25 years.  A portion of the periodic lease payments is recognized as interest expense and the remainder reduces the obligation.  In the event the leases are modified or extended beyond their original lease term, the related finance lease obligation is increased based on the present value of the revised future minimum lease payments on the date of the modification, with a corresponding increase to the net carrying amount of the assets subject to these transactions.  See Notes 11 and 15 for additional information on finance lease obligations.
 
(L)
Accrued Expenses
As of February 28, 2018 and 2017, accrued expenses and other current liabilities included accrued compensation and benefits of $148.6 million and $140.0 million, respectively; loss reserves for general liability and workers’ compensation insurance of $36.5 million and $35.0 million, respectively; and the current portion of cancellation reserves. See Note 8 for additional information on cancellation reserves.
 

49



(M)
Defined Benefit Plan Obligations
The recognized funded status of defined benefit retirement plan obligations is included both in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and in other liabilities.  The current portion represents benefits expected to be paid from our benefit restoration plan over the next 12 months.  The defined benefit retirement plan obligations are determined using a number of actuarial assumptions.  Key assumptions used in measuring the plan obligations include the discount rate, rate of return on plan assets and mortality rate.  See Note 10 for additional information on our benefit plans.
 
(N)
Insurance Liabilities
Insurance liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.  We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks including workers’ compensation, general liability and employee-related health care costs, a portion of which is paid by associates.  Estimated insurance liabilities are determined by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions.
 
(O)
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when the earnings process is complete, generally either at the time of sale to a customer or upon delivery to a customer.  As part of our customer service strategy, we guarantee the retail vehicles we sell with a 5-day, money-back guarantee.  We record a reserve for estimated returns based on historical experience and trends.

We also sell ESP and GAP products on behalf of unrelated third parties, who are the primary obligors, to customers who purchase a retail vehicle.  The ESPs we currently offer on all used vehicles provide coverage up to 60 months (subject to mileage limitations), while GAP covers the customer for the term of their finance contract.  We recognize revenue, on a net basis, at the time of sale. We also record a reserve for estimated contract cancellations.  Periodically, we may receive retrospective commissions based upon the performance of the policies administered by the third parties.  These additional amounts are recognized as revenue when received.  The reserve for cancellations is evaluated for each product and is based on forecasted forward cancellation curves utilizing historical experience, recent trends and credit mix of the customer base.  Our risk related to contract cancellations is limited to the revenue that we receive.  Cancellations fluctuate depending on the volume of EPP sales, customer financing default or prepayment rates, and shifts in customer behavior, including those related to changes in the coverage or term of the product.  The current portion of estimated cancellation reserves is recognized as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities with the remaining amount recognized in other liabilities.  See Note 8 for additional information on cancellation reserves.
 
Customers applying for financing who are not approved or are conditionally approved by CAF are generally evaluated by other third-party finance providers.  These providers generally either pay us or are paid a fixed, pre-negotiated fee per contract.  We recognize these fees at the time of sale.
 
We collect sales taxes and other taxes from customers on behalf of governmental authorities at the time of sale.  These taxes are accounted for on a net basis and are not included in net sales and operating revenues or cost of sales.
 
(P)
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes the cost to acquire vehicles and the reconditioning and transportation costs associated with preparing the vehicles for resale.  It also includes payroll, fringe benefits and parts, labor and overhead costs associated with reconditioning and vehicle repair services.  The gross profit earned by our service department for used vehicle reconditioning service is a reduction of cost of sales.  We maintain a reserve to eliminate the internal profit on vehicles that have not been sold. 
 
(Q)
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses primarily include compensation and benefits, other than payroll related to reconditioning and vehicle repair services; depreciation, rent and other occupancy costs; advertising; and IT expenses, insurance, bad debt, travel, preopening and relocation costs, charitable contributions and other administrative expenses.
 
(R)
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and substantially all are included in SG&A expenses.  Total advertising expenses were $158.6 million in fiscal 2018, $146.0 million in fiscal 2017 and $142.2 million in fiscal 2016.
 
(S)
Store Opening Expenses
Costs related to store openings, including preopening costs, are expensed as incurred and are included in SG&A expenses.
 
(T)
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation represents the cost related to share-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors.  We measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and we recognize the cost on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the grantee’s requisite service period, which is generally the vesting

50



period of the award.  We estimate the fair value of stock options using a binomial valuation model.  Key assumptions used in estimating the fair value of options are dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected term.  The fair values of restricted stock and stock-settled performance stock units are based on the volume-weighted average market value on the date of the grant.  The fair value of stock-settled restricted stock units is determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation based on the expected market price of our common stock on the vesting date and the expected number of converted common shares.  Cash-settled restricted stock units are liability awards with fair value measurement based on the market price of CarMax common stock as of the end of each reporting period.  Share-based compensation expense is recorded in either cost of sales, CAF income or SG&A expenses based on the recipients’ respective function.
 
We record deferred tax assets for awards that result in deductions on our income tax returns, based on the amount of compensation expense recognized and the statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which we will receive a deduction.  Differences between the deferred tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and the actual tax deduction reported on the income tax return are recorded in income tax expense.  See Note 12 for additional information on stock-based compensation.

(U)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We enter into derivative instruments to manage certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions that result in the future known receipt or payment of uncertain cash amounts, the values of which are impacted by interest rates.  We recognize the derivatives at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, and where applicable, such contracts covered by master netting agreements are reported net.  Gross positive fair values are netted with gross negative fair values by counterparty.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting.  We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain risks, even though hedge accounting may not apply or we do not elect to apply hedge accounting.  See Note 5 for additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities.
 
(V)
Income Taxes
We file a consolidated federal income tax return for a majority of our subsidiaries.  Certain subsidiaries are required to file separate partnership or corporate federal income tax returns.  Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for income tax purposes, measured by applying currently enacted tax laws.  A deferred tax asset is recognized if it is more likely than not that a benefit will be realized.  Changes in tax laws and tax rates are reflected in the income tax provision in the period in which the changes are enacted. We evaluate the need to record valuation allowances that would reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized.  When assessing the need for valuation allowances, we consider available loss carrybacks, tax planning strategies, future reversals of existing temporary differences and future taxable income.  
 
We recognize tax liabilities when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are supportable, we believe that certain positions may not be fully sustained upon review by tax authorities.  Benefits from tax positions are measured at the highest tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement.  The current portion of these tax liabilities is included in accrued income taxes and any noncurrent portion is included in other liabilities.  To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts recorded, the differences impact income tax expense in the period in which the determination is made.  Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are included in SG&A expenses.  See Note 9 for additional information on income taxes.
 
(W)
Net Earnings Per Share
Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available for basic common shares by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.  Diluted net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available for diluted common shares by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and dilutive potential common stock.  Diluted net earnings per share is calculated using the “if-converted” treasury stock method.  See Note 13 for additional information on net earnings per share. 
 
(X)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Adopted in the Current Period.
In July 2015, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2015-11), which simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory by replacing the lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost or NRV test. NRV is calculated as the estimated selling price less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. We adopted this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2017, and it did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-09) related to simplifications of employee share-based payment accounting. This pronouncement eliminates the APIC pool concept and requires that excess tax benefits

51



and tax deficiencies be recorded in the income statement when awards are settled. The standard also addresses simplifications related to statement of cash flows classification, accounting for forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. We adopted this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2017. The requirements related to the tax consequences of share-based payments were applied prospectively and resulted in $13.8 million recorded as a reduction to the income tax provision, rather than as a component of capital in excess of par value, during the year ended February 28, 2018. The provisions related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the consolidated statements of cash flows were applied retrospectively, resulting in an increase in cash provided by operating activities and a decrease in cash provided by financing activities of $12.8 million and $32.1 million for the years ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016, respectively. We elected to continue estimating forfeitures of share-based awards, and none of the other provisions of the pronouncement had a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2017-04) related to goodwill impairment. The pronouncement simplifies how an entity tests goodwill for impairment by eliminating the Step 2 requirement to compute the implied fair value of goodwill at the impairment testing date. The entity should compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We early adopted this pronouncement for our annual goodwill impairment test for fiscal 2018 and it did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2018-02) related to income tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) resulting from the 2017 Tax Act. This ASU provides companies the option to reclassify these amounts from AOCI to retained earnings and also requires new disclosures. We early adopted this pronouncement for our fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. The stranded income tax effects related to the 2017 Tax Act have been reclassified to retained earnings in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity as of February 28, 2018. See Note 9 for additional information.

In March 2018, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2018-05), which included amendments to SEC paragraphs pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”). The pronouncement addresses certain circumstances that may arise for registrants in accounting for the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act, including when certain income tax effects of the Act are incomplete by the time financial statements are issued. We have complied with the amendments related to SAB 118, as discussed further in Note 9.

Effective in Future Periods.
In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2014-09) related to revenue recognition. This ASU, along with subsequent ASUs issued to clarify certain provisions and the effective date of ASU 2014-09, provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. The standard contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and the timing of when it is recognized. The entity will recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. This standard will become effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We will adopt this standard for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018 and plan to apply the modified retrospective transition method with a cumulative effect adjustment, if any, recognized at the date of adoption.

We primarily sell products and recognize revenue at the point of sale or delivery to customers, at which point the earnings process is deemed to be complete. Our performance obligations are clearly identifiable and we do not anticipate significant changes to the assessment of such performance obligations, conclusions related to revenue that is currently recognized on a net basis, or the timing of our revenue recognition, with the exception of certain retrospective commissions earned on the ESP contracts we sell. A portion of the transaction price related to these contracts is considered variable consideration, which may be subject to accelerated recognition under the new standard. This variable consideration is required to be estimated, subject to certain constraints, in determining amounts to be recognized. We are in the process of finalizing our analysis of this variable consideration, which may result in a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of March 1, 2018. We do not expect any such adjustment to be material to our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the standard will require us to present our reserve for estimated sales returns on a gross basis on our consolidated balance sheets, with a return asset and a corresponding refund liability. Currently this reserve is presented as a net liability. This change will result in an estimated $10 million to $15 million increase to both assets and liabilities.

The standard will require additional financial statement disclosures, the effects of which we do not expect to be significant. We do not expect any material impacts resulting from this standard other than those discussed herein. Our primary business processes are consistent with the principles contained in the ASU, and we do not expect significant changes to those processes, our internal controls or systems.


52



In January 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-01) related to financial instruments (FASB ASC Subtopic 825-10). This pronouncement, along with FASB 2018-03 issued in February 2018, requires that most equity investments be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net earnings. The pronouncements also impact financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The changes are effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We will adopt the pronouncements for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018, and we do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-02) related to the accounting for leases. This pronouncement, along with subsequent ASUs issued to clarify certain provisions of ASU 2016-02, requires lessees to record most leases on their balance sheet while also disclosing key information about those lease arrangements. Under the new guidance, lease classification as either a finance lease or an operating lease will affect the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. The classification criteria to distinguish between finance and operating leases are generally consistent with the classification criteria to distinguish between capital and operating leases under existing lease accounting guidance. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018.

We expect to adopt the new standard for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2019. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with practical expedients available for election as a package.

We expect that this standard will have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheets as a result of recognizing new right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for existing operating leases. To date, we have not completed our comprehensive analysis of those leases and are unable to quantify the impact at this time. We are still evaluating the impact of the standard on our sale-leaseback transactions currently accounted for as direct financings. We believe that the majority of our leases will maintain their current lease classification under the new standard. As a result, we do not expect the new standard to have a material effect on our expense recognition pattern or, in turn, our consolidated statements of operations. We are continuing to evaluate the full impact of the new standard, as well as its impacts on our business processes, systems, and internal controls.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-13) related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The pronouncement changes the impairment model for most financial assets, and will require the use of an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. Under this model, entities will be required to estimate the lifetime expected credit loss on such instruments and record an allowance to offset the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, resulting in a net presentation of the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. We plan to adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2020. We are currently evaluating the effect on our consolidated financial statements, as well as the impacts on our business processes, systems and internal controls, and expect that the standard will have a material impact on our calculation of the allowance for loan losses.

In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-15) related to the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The pronouncement provides clarification guidance on eight specific cash flow presentation issues that have developed due to diversity in practice. The issues include, but are not limited to, debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, and cash receipts from payments on beneficial interests in securitization transactions. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We plan to adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018, and we do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements based on current operations.

In October 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-16) related to the income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The pronouncement requires that entities recognize the income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of those tax effects until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We plan to adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018, and we are in the process of completing our evaluation of the effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2017-07) related to net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The standard provides guidance on the presentation of net benefit cost in an employer’s income statement and on the components eligible for capitalization. This pronouncement requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item(s) as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the

53



period, and report the other components of net benefit cost separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of operating income. Only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The updated presentation of net benefit cost in an employer’s income statement should be applied retrospectively. The updated capitalization of the service cost component should be applied prospectively. We will adopt this pronouncement for our interim periods and fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018, and we do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2017-09) to provide guidance on determining which changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards require an entity to apply modification accounting under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is applied prospectively to changes in terms or conditions of awards occurring on or after the adoption date. We plan to adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018 and will consider the impact that this standard may have on future share-based payment award changes, should they occur.

In August 2017, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2017-12) related to the accounting for derivatives and hedging. The pronouncement expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. It also includes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of current guidance related to hedge accounting. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on our consolidated financial statements, including potential early adoption.

3.
CARMAX AUTO FINANCE
CAF provides financing to qualified retail customers purchasing vehicles from CarMax.  CAF provides us the opportunity to capture additional profits, cash flows and sales while managing our reliance on third-party finance sources.  Management regularly analyzes CAF’s operating results by assessing profitability, the performance of the auto loan receivables including trends in credit losses and delinquencies, and CAF direct expenses.  This information is used to assess CAF’s performance and make operating decisions including resource allocation. 
We typically use securitizations to fund loans originated by CAF, as discussed in Note 2(F).  CAF income primarily reflects the interest and fee income generated by the auto loan receivables less the interest expense associated with the debt issued to fund these receivables, a provision for estimated loan losses and direct CAF expenses.
CAF income does not include any allocation of indirect costs.  Although CAF benefits from certain indirect overhead expenditures, we have not allocated indirect costs to CAF to avoid making subjective allocation decisions.  Examples of indirect costs not allocated to CAF include retail store expenses and corporate expenses.  In addition, except for auto loan receivables, which are disclosed in Note 4, CAF assets are not separately reported nor do we allocate assets to CAF because such allocation would not be useful to management in making operating decisions.

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Components of CAF Income
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In millions)
2018
 
% (1)
 
2017
 
% (1)
 
2016
 
% (1)
Interest margin:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fee income
$
856.6

 
7.6

 
$
762.0

 
7.5

 
$
682.9

 
7.5

Interest expense
(215.0
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(171.4
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(127.7
)
 
(1.4
)
Total interest margin
641.6

 
5.7

 
590.6

 
5.8

 
555.2

 
6.1

Provision for loan losses
(137.6
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(150.6
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(101.2
)
 
(1.1
)
Total interest margin after
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
provision for loan losses
504.0

 
4.5

 
440.0

 
4.3

 
454.0

 
5.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other income (expense)
0.4

 

 

 

 
(0.4
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payroll and fringe benefit expense
(35.4
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(30.8
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(28.2
)
 
(0.3
)
Other direct expenses
(47.8
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(40.2
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(33.4
)
 
(0.4
)
Total direct expenses
(83.2
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(71.0
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(61.6
)
 
(0.7
)
CarMax Auto Finance income
$
421.2

 
3.8

 
$
369.0

 
3.6

 
$
392.0

 
4.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total average managed receivables
$
11,210.8

 
 
 
$
10,158.3

 
 
 
$
9,092.9

 
 
 
 (1) 
Percent of total average managed receivables.
 
4.
AUTO LOAN RECEIVABLES
Auto loan receivables include amounts due from customers related to retail vehicle sales financed through CAF and are presented net of an allowance for estimated loan losses.  We generally use warehouse facilities to fund auto loan receivables originated by CAF until we elect to fund them through an asset-backed term funding transaction.  The majority of the auto loan receivables serve as collateral for the related non-recourse notes payable of $11.64 billion as of February 28, 2018, and $10.74 billion as of February 28, 2017. See Notes 2(F) and 11 for additional information on securitizations and non-recourse notes payable.
Auto Loan Receivables, Net
 
As of February 28
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Asset-backed term funding
$
9,455.2

 
$
8,784.7

Warehouse facilities
1,834.0

 
1,624.0

Overcollateralization (1)
269.4

 
211.4

Other managed receivables (2)
60.3

 
61.2

Total ending managed receivables
11,618.9

 
10,681.3

Accrued interest and fees
43.2

 
38.5

Other
2.2

 
(0.1
)
Less allowance for loan losses
(128.6
)
 
(123.6
)
Auto loan receivables, net
$
11,535.7

 
$
10,596.1

 
(1) 
Represents receivables restricted as excess collateral for the non-recourse funding vehicles. 
(2) 
Other managed receivables includes receivables not funded through the non-recourse funding vehicles.

Credit Quality.  When customers apply for financing, CAF’s proprietary scoring models rely on the customers’ credit history and certain application information to evaluate and rank their risk.  We obtain credit histories and other credit data that includes information such as number, age, type of and payment history for prior or existing credit accounts.  The application information that is used includes income, collateral value and down payment.  The scoring models yield credit grades that represent the relative likelihood of repayment.  Customers assigned a grade of “A” are determined to have the highest probability of repayment, and customers assigned a lower grade are determined to have a lower probability of repayment.  For loans that are approved, the credit grade influences the terms of the agreement, such as the required loan-to-value ratio and interest rate.

55



CAF uses a combination of the initial credit grades and historical performance to monitor the credit quality of the auto loan receivables on an ongoing basis.  We validate the accuracy of the scoring models periodically.  Loan performance is reviewed on a recurring basis to identify whether the assigned grades adequately reflect the customers’ likelihood of repayment.
Ending Managed Receivables by Major Credit Grade
 
As of February 28
(In millions)
2018 (1)
 
%  (2)
 
2017 (1)
 
% (2)
A
$
5,725.1

 
49.3
 
$
5,223.4

 
48.9
B
4,133.8

 
35.6
 
3,739.4

 
35.0
C and other
1,760.0

 
15.1
 
1,718.5

 
16.1
Total ending managed receivables
$
11,618.9

 
100.0
 
$
10,681.3

 
100.0

(1) 
Classified based on credit grade assigned when customers were initially approved for financing.
(2) 
Percent of total ending managed receivables.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
As of February 28
(In millions)
2018
 
%  (1)
 
2017
 
%  (1)
Balance as of beginning of year
$
123.6

 
1.16
 
$
94.9

 
0.99
Charge-offs
(254.4
)
 
 
 
(230.7
)
 
 
Recoveries
121.8

 
 
 
108.8

 
 
Provision for loan losses
137.6

 
 
 
150.6

 
 
Balance as of end of year
$
128.6

 
1.11
 
$
123.6

 
1.16
 
(1) 
Percent of total ending managed receivables.

The allowance for loan losses represents an estimate of the amount of net losses inherent in our portfolio of managed receivables as of the applicable reporting date and anticipated to occur during the following 12 months.  The allowance is primarily based on the composition of the portfolio of managed receivables, historical loss trends and forecasted forward loss curves.  We also take into account recent trends in delinquencies and defaults, recovery rates and the economic environment.  The provision for loan losses is the periodic expense of maintaining an adequate allowance.
 
Past Due Receivables
 
As of February 28
(In millions)
2018
 
%  (1)
 
2017
 
%  (1)
Total ending managed receivables
$
11,618.9

 
100.0
 
$
10,681.3

 
100.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Delinquent loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31-60 days past due
$
246.6

 
2.1
 
$
211.0

 
2.0
61-90 days past due
116.9

 
1.0
 
93.5

 
0.9
Greater than 90 days past due
29.7

 
0.3
 
26.5

 
0.2
Total past due
$
393.2

 
3.4
 
$
331.0

 
3.1
 
(1) 
Percent of total ending managed receivables.
 

56



5.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
We use derivatives to manage certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions, particularly with regard to issuances of debt.  Primary exposures include LIBOR and other rates used as benchmarks in our securitizations and other debt financing.  We enter into derivative instruments to manage exposures related to the future known receipt or payment of uncertain cash amounts, the values of which are impacted by interest rates, and designate these derivative instruments as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.  Our derivative instruments are used to manage (i) differences in the amount of our known or expected cash receipts and our known or expected cash payments principally related to the funding of our auto loan receivables, and (ii) exposure to variable interest rates associated with our term loan.

For the derivatives associated with our non-recourse funding vehicles, the effective portion of changes in the fair value is initially recorded in AOCL.  For the majority of these derivatives, the amounts are subsequently reclassified into CAF income in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings, which occurs as interest expense is recognized on those future issuances of debt. During the next 12 months, we estimate that an additional $5.9 million will be reclassified from AOCL as an increase to CAF income.    
 
As of February 28, 2018 and 2017, we had interest rate swaps outstanding with a combined notional amount of $2.16 billion and $2.03 billion, respectively, that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk.

See Note 6 for discussion of fair values of financial instruments and Note 14 for the effect on comprehensive income.
 
6.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market or, if none exists, the most advantageous market, for the specific asset or liability at the measurement date (referred to as the “exit price”).  The fair value should be based on assumptions that market participants would use, including a consideration of nonperformance risk.

We assess the inputs used to measure fair value using the three-tier hierarchy.  The hierarchy indicates the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market.

Level 1
Inputs include unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we can access at the measurement date.

Level 2
Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices from identical or similar assets in inactive markets and observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves.

Level 3
Inputs that are significant to the measurement that are not observable in the market and include management's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).

Our fair value processes include controls that are designed to ensure that fair values are appropriate.  Such controls include model validation, review of key model inputs, analysis of period-over-period fluctuations and reviews by senior management.
 
Valuation Methodologies
Money Market Securities.  Money market securities are cash equivalents, which are included in cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash from collections on auto loan receivables and other assets. They consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are classified as Level 1.
 
Mutual Fund Investments.  Mutual fund investments consist of publicly traded mutual funds that primarily include diversified equity investments in large-, mid- and small-cap domestic and international companies or investment grade debt securities.  The investments, which are included in other assets, are held in a rabbi trust established to fund informally our executive deferred compensation plan and are classified as Level 1.
 
Derivative Instruments.  The fair values of our derivative instruments are included in either other current assets, other assets or accounts payable.  As described in Note 5, as part of our risk management strategy, we utilize derivative instruments to manage differences in the amount of our known or expected cash receipts and our known or expected cash payments principally related to the funding of our auto loan receivables as well as to manage exposure to variable interest rates on our term loan.  Our derivatives

57



are not exchange-traded and are over-the-counter customized derivative instruments.  All of our derivative exposures are with highly rated bank counterparties.
 
We measure derivative fair values assuming that the unit of account is an individual derivative instrument and that derivatives are sold or transferred on a stand-alone basis.  We estimate the fair value of our derivatives using quotes determined by the derivative counterparties and third-party valuation services.  Quotes from third-party valuation services and quotes received from bank counterparties project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based expectations for interest rates and the contractual terms of the derivative instruments.  The models do not require significant judgment and model inputs can typically be observed in a liquid market; however, because the models include inputs other than quoted prices in active markets, all derivatives are classified as Level 2.
 
Our derivative fair value measurements consider assumptions about counterparty and our own nonperformance risk.  We monitor counterparty and our own nonperformance risk and, in the event that we determine that a party is unlikely to perform under terms of the contract, we would adjust the derivative fair value to reflect the nonperformance risk.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
As of February 28, 2018
(In thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Money market securities
$
276,894

 
$

 
$
276,894

Mutual fund investments
19,429

 

 
19,429

Derivative instruments

 
12,127

 
12,127

Total assets at fair value
$
296,323

 
$
12,127

 
$
308,450

 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of total assets at fair value
96.1
%
 
3.9
%
 
100.0
%
Percent of total assets
1.7
%
 
0.1
%
 
1.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
$

 
$
(99
)
 
$
(99
)
Total liabilities at fair value
$

 
$
(99
)
 
$
(99
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of total liabilities
%
 
%
 
%
 
 
As of February 28, 2017
(In thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Money market securities
$
397,994

 
$

 
$
397,994

Mutual fund investments
16,519

 

 
16,519

Derivative instruments

 
2,997

 
2,997

Total assets at fair value
$
414,513

 
$
2,997

 
$
417,510

 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of total assets at fair value
99.3
%
 
0.7
%
 
100.0
%
Percent of total assets
2.5
%
 
%
 
2.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
$

 
$
(509
)
 
$
(509
)
Total liabilities at fair value
$

 
$
(509
)
 
$
(509
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of total liabilities
%
 
%
 
%
 
There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for the years ended February 28, 2018 and 2017. As of February 28, 2018 and 2017, we had no Level 3 assets.


58



Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other restricted cash deposits and accounts payable approximates fair value due to the short-term nature and/or variable rates associated with these financial instruments. Auto loan receivables are presented net of an allowance for estimated loan losses. We believe that the carrying value of our revolving credit facility and term loan approximates fair value due to the variable rates associated with these obligations. The fair value of our senior unsecured notes, which are not carried at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets, was determined using Level 2 inputs based on quoted market prices. The carrying value and fair value of the senior unsecured notes as of February 28, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are as follows:

(In thousands)
As of February 28, 2018
 
As of February 28, 2017
Carrying value
$
500,000

 
$
500,000

Fair value
$
492,163

 
$
499,518

 
7.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
As of February 28
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
Land
$
722,173

 
$
627,784

Land held for development
77,145

 
98,216

Buildings
2,081,785

 
1,934,730

Leasehold improvements
215,114

 
193,972

Furniture, fixtures and equipment
600,739

 
525,177

Construction in progress
134,354

 
179,891

Total property and equipment
3,831,310

 
3,559,770

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
1,164,249

 
1,041,377

Property and equipment, net
$
2,667,061

 
$
2,518,393

 
Land held for development represents land owned for potential store growth.  Depreciation expense was $158.6 million in fiscal 2018, $140.7 million in fiscal 2017 and $127.0 million in fiscal 2016.
 
8.
CANCELLATION RESERVES
We recognize revenue for EPP products, on a net basis, at the time of sale. We also record a reserve for estimated contract cancellations.  Cancellations of these services may result from early termination by the customer, or default or prepayment on the finance contract.  The reserve for cancellations is evaluated for each product, and is based on forecasted forward cancellation curves utilizing historical experience, recent trends and credit mix of the customer base. 
Cancellation Reserves
 
As of February 28
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Balance as of beginning of year
$
108.2

 
$
110.2

Cancellations
(65.7
)
 
(66.1
)
Provision for future cancellations
62.7

 
64.1

Balance as of end of year
$
105.2

 
$
108.2


The current portion of estimated cancellation reserves is recognized as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities with the remaining amount recognized in other liabilities. As of February 28, 2018 and 2017, the current portion of cancellation reserves was $56.0 million and $56.4 million, respectively.


59



9.
INCOME TAXES
Tax Reform. The 2017 Tax Act was enacted on December 22, 2017. The provision with the most significant impact to CarMax was the reduction of the federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21%. Due to the complexities involved in the accounting for the 2017 Tax Act, the SEC issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on the application of US GAAP for income taxes in the period of enactment. SAB 118 requires companies to include in their financial statements a reasonable estimate of the impact of the 2017 Tax Act, to the extent such an estimate has been determined. As a result, our financial results reflect the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act for which the accounting is complete, as well as provisional amounts for those impacts for which the accounting is incomplete but a reasonable estimate could be determined. We have not identified any items for which the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act could not be reasonably estimated.

The provision for income taxes and effective tax rate for fiscal 2018 included a provisional $32.7 million increase in tax expense related to the revaluation of our net deferred tax asset at the lower federal statutory tax rate. This increase was partially offset by a $20.8 million benefit from the reduction in the federal statutory tax rate in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.

We have obtained, prepared and analyzed the information needed to complete the accounting for the effects of the 2017 Tax Act. Additional analysis is necessary for certain aspects of the changes in tax law including accelerated depreciation deductions, and the deductibility of executive compensation and certain entertainment expenses. The amounts recorded were based on the company's initial evaluation of the impacts of the 2017 Tax Act, and these amounts are subject to change as the company continues to refine and update the underlying data, calculations and assumptions used during the measurement period of up to one year under SAB 118.

Income Tax Provision
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Current:
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
$
276,597

 
$
332,466

 
$
324,096

State
41,892

 
44,645

 
45,183

Total
318,489

 
377,111

 
369,279

Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
81,486

 
4,098

 
16,398

State
(479
)
 
(1,774
)
 
839

Total
81,007

 
2,324

 
17,237

Income tax provision
$
399,496

 
$
379,435

 
$
386,516

 
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Federal statutory income tax rate
32.7
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit
3.1

 
2.7

 
3.2

2017 Tax Act
3.1

 

 

Share-based compensation
(1.3
)
 

 

Nondeductible and other items
0.2

 
0.1

 
0.2

Credits
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Effective income tax rate
37.6
 %
 
37.7
 %
 
38.3
 %

The 2017 Tax Act above includes the following impacts:

Revaluation of deferred taxes that existed on December 22, 2017, the enactment date of the 2017 Tax Act.
Deferred taxes that were created after December 22, 2017. These items were recognized in the current period at the federal statutory tax rate of 32.7% but will reverse at the newly enacted 21% federal rate.

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Temporary Differences Resulting in Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
 
As of February 28
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
Deferred tax assets:
 

 
 

Accrued expenses
$
37,362

 
$
59,639

Partnership basis
63,670

 
106,176

Share-based compensation
45,744

 
69,621

Derivatives

 
408

Capital loss carry forward
682

 
1,249

Total deferred tax assets
147,458

 
237,093

Less:  valuation allowance
(682
)
 
(1,249
)
Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance
146,776

 
235,844

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Prepaid expenses
16,157

 
21,148

Property and equipment
43,663

 
52,266

Inventory
18,625

 
11,468

Derivatives
5,075

 

Total deferred tax liabilities
83,520

 
84,882

Net deferred tax asset
$
63,256

 
$
150,962

 
Except for amounts for which a valuation allowance has been provided, we believe it is more likely than not that the availability of loss carrybacks and the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets.  The valuation allowance as of February 28, 2018, relates to capital loss carryforwards that are not more likely than not to be utilized prior to their expiration.
 
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Balance at beginning of year
$
29,955

 
$
26,771

 
$
24,951

Increases for tax positions of prior years

 
2,651

 
125

Decreases for tax positions of prior years
(607
)
 
(216
)
 
(853
)
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year
3,342

 
4,380

 
5,256

Settlements
(304
)
 
(16
)
 
(830
)
Lapse of statute
(3,701
)
 
(3,615
)
 
(1,878
)
Balance at end of year
$
28,685

 
$
29,955

 
$
26,771

 
As of February 28, 2018, we had $28.7 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, $9.6 million of which, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.  It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefit with respect to certain of our uncertain tax positions will increase or decrease during the next 12 months; however, we do not expect the change to have a significant effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.  As of February 28, 2017, we had $30.0 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, $9.4 million of which, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.  As of February 29, 2016, we had $26.8 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, $10.3 million of which, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.
 
Our continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in SG&A expenses.  Our accrual for interest and penalties was $2.8 million, $2.7 million and $2.0 million as of February 28, 2018, February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016, respectively.
 
CarMax is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple states and local jurisdictions.  With a few insignificant exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to fiscal 2015


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10.
BENEFIT PLANS
(A)
Retirement Benefit Plans
We have two frozen noncontributory defined benefit plans: our pension plan (the “pension plan”) and our unfunded, nonqualified plan (the “restoration plan”), which restores retirement benefits for certain associates who are affected by Internal Revenue Code limitations on benefits provided under the pension plan. No additional benefits have accrued under these plans since they were frozen; however, we have a continuing obligation to fund the pension plan and will continue to recognize net periodic pension expense for both plans for benefits earned prior to being frozen. We use a fiscal year end measurement date for both the pension plan and the restoration plan.

Benefit Plan Information
 
As of February 28
 
Pension Plan
 
Restoration Plan
 
Total
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Plan assets
$
156,827

 
$
139,502

 
$

 
$

 
$
156,827

 
$
139,502

Projected benefit obligation
230,861

 
218,284

 
11,041

 
10,822

 
241,902

 
229,106

Funded status recognized
$
(74,034
)
 
$
(78,782
)
 
$
(11,041
)
 
$
(10,822
)
 
$
(85,075
)
 
$
(89,604
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liability
$

 
$

 
$
(485
)
 
$
(467
)
 
$
(485
)
 
$
(467
)
Noncurrent liability
(74,034
)
 
(78,782
)
 
(10,556
)
 
(10,355
)
 
(84,590
)
 
(89,137
)
Net amount recognized
$
(74,034
)
 
$
(78,782
)
 
$
(11,041
)
 
$
(10,822
)
 
$
(85,075
)
 
$
(89,604
)

 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
Pension Plan
 
Restoration Plan
 
Total
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Total net pension expense
$
207

 
$
330

 
$
847

 
$
468

 
$
481

 
$
456

 
$
675

 
$
811

 
$
1,303

Total net actuarial loss (gain) (1)
$
2,880

 
$
17

 
$
(1,786
)
 
$
376

 
$
228

 
$
(428
)
 
$
3,256

 
$
245

 
$
(2,214
)
 
(1)
Changes recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.
 
The projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) will change primarily due to interest cost and total net actuarial (gain) loss, and plan assets will change primarily as a result of the actual return on plan assets. Benefit payments, which reduce the PBO and plan assets, were not material in fiscal 2018 or 2017; employer contributions, which increase plan assets, were $6.0 million in fiscal 2018 and were not significant for fiscal 2017. The net actuarial (gain) loss in a fiscal year is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss and may later be recognized as a component of future pension expense. In fiscal 2019, we anticipate that $1.9 million in estimated actuarial losses of the pension plan will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss.  We do not anticipate that any appreciable estimated actuarial losses will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the restoration plan. 
Benefit Obligations.  Accumulated and projected benefit obligations (“ABO” and “PBO”) represent the obligations of the benefit plans for past service as of the measurement date. ABO is the present value of benefits earned to date with benefits computed based on current service and compensation levels. PBO is ABO increased to reflect expected future service and increased compensation levels. As a result of the freeze of plan benefits under our pension and restoration plans, the ABO and PBO balances are equal to one another at all subsequent dates.

Funding Policy.  For the pension plan, we contribute amounts sufficient to meet minimum funding requirements as set forth in the employee benefit and tax laws, plus any additional amounts as we may determine to be appropriate. We expect to make contributions of $13.8 million to the pension plan in fiscal 2019. We expect the pension plan to make benefit payments of approximately $4.2 million for each of the next three fiscal years, and $5.2 million for each of the subsequent two fiscal years. For the non-funded restoration plan, we contribute an amount equal to the benefit payments, which we expect to be approximately $0.6 million for each of the next five fiscal years.

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Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations
 
As of February 28
 
Pension Plan
 
Restoration Plan
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Discount rate (1)
4.10
%
 
4.25
%
 
4.10
%
 
4.25
%
 
(1) 
For the restoration plan, the discount rate presented is applied to the pre-2004 annuity amounts and to post-2004 lump sum amounts for fiscal 2018.  A rate of 4.50% is assumed for the post-2004 lump sum amounts paid from the plan for fiscal 2017.

Assumptions Used to Determine Net Pension Expense
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
Pension Plan
 
Restoration Plan
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Discount rate (1)
4.25
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.00
%
 
4.25
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.00
%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
7.75
%
 
7.75
%
 
7.75
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
(1) 
For the restoration plan, the discount rate presented is applied to the pre-2004 annuity amounts and to post-2004 lump sum amounts for fiscal 2018.  A rate of 4.50% is assumed for post-2004 lump sum amounts paid from the plan for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016

Assumptions.  Underlying both the calculation of the PBO and the net pension expense are actuarial calculations of each plan’s liability. These calculations use participant-specific information such as salary, age and years of service, as well as certain assumptions, the most significant being the discount rate, rate of return on plan assets and mortality rate. We evaluate these assumptions at least once a year and make changes as necessary.
The discount rate used for retirement benefit plan accounting reflects the yields available on high-quality, fixed income debt instruments. For our plans, we review high quality corporate bond indices in addition to a hypothetical portfolio of corporate bonds with maturities that approximate the expected timing of the anticipated benefit payments.
To determine the expected long-term return on plan assets, we consider the current and anticipated asset allocations, as well as historical and estimated returns on various categories of plan assets. We apply the estimated rate of return to a market-related value of assets, which reduces the underlying variability in the asset values. The use of expected long-term rates of return on pension plan assets could result in recognized asset returns that are greater or less than the actual returns of those pension plan assets in any given year. Over time, however, the expected long-term returns are anticipated to approximate the actual long-term returns, and therefore, result in a pattern of income and expense recognition that more closely matches the pattern of the services provided by the employees. Differences between actual and expected returns, which are a component of unrecognized actuarial gains/losses, are recognized over the average life expectancy of all plan participants.
Fair Value of Plan Assets and Fair Value Hierarchy
 
As of February 28
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
Mutual funds (Level 1):
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
100,422

 
$
89,739

Equity securities – international
19,467

 
17,139

Fixed income securities
36,693

 
31,700

Collective funds (Level 2):
 
 
 
Short-term investments
322

 
986

Investment payables, net
(77
)
 
(62
)
Total
$
156,827

 
$
139,502


Plan Assets.  Our pension plan assets are held in trust and a fiduciary committee sets the investment policies and strategies.  Long-term strategic investment objectives include achieving reasonable returns while prudently balancing risk and return, and controlling costs.  We target allocating approximately 75% of plan assets to equity and equity-related instruments and approximately 25% to

63



fixed income securities.  Equity securities are currently composed of mutual funds that include highly diversified investments in large-, mid- and small-cap companies located in the United States and internationally. The fixed income securities are composed of mutual funds that include investments in debt securities, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities and other debt obligations primarily in the United States. We do not expect any plan assets to be returned to us during fiscal 2019.
 
The fair values of the plan’s assets are provided by the plan’s trustee and the investment managers. Within the fair value hierarchy (see Note 6), the mutual funds are classified as Level 1 as quoted active market prices for identical assets are used to measure fair value. The collective funds are public investment vehicles valued using a NAV. The collective funds may be liquidated with minimal restrictions and are classified as Level 2.
 
(B)
Retirement Savings 401(k) Plan
We sponsor a 401(k) plan for all associates meeting certain eligibility criteria.  The plan contains a company matching contribution as well as an additional discretionary company-funded contribution to those associates meeting certain age and service requirements.  The total cost for company contributions was $39.7 million in fiscal 2018, $32.8 million in fiscal 2017 and $29.8 million in fiscal 2016.
(C)
Retirement Restoration Plan
We sponsor a non-qualified retirement plan for certain senior executives who are affected by Internal Revenue Code limitations on benefits provided under the Retirement Savings 401(k) Plan.  Under this plan, these associates may continue to defer portions of their compensation for retirement savings.  We match the associates’ contributions at the same rate provided under the 401(k) plan, and also may provide an annual discretionary company-funded contribution under the same terms of the 401(k) plan.  This plan is unfunded with lump sum payments to be made upon the associate’s retirement.  The total cost for this plan was not significant in fiscal 2018, fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016.
(D)
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
We sponsor an unfunded nonqualified deferred compensation plan to permit certain eligible associates to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation to a future date.  This plan also includes a restorative company contribution designed to compensate the plan participants for any loss of company contributions under the Retirement Savings 401(k) Plan and the Retirement Restoration Plan due to a reduction in their eligible compensation resulting from deferrals into the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.  The total cost for this plan was not significant in fiscal 2018, fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016.

11.
DEBT
 
As of February 28
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
Revolving credit facility
$
197,627

 
$
155,062

Term loan
300,000

 
300,000

3.86% Senior notes due 2023
100,000

 
100,000

4.17% Senior notes due 2026
200,000

 
200,000

4.27% Senior notes due 2028
200,000

 
200,000

Finance and capital lease obligations
500,363

 
496,136

Non-recourse notes payable
11,644,615

 
10,742,425

Total debt
13,142,605

 
12,193,623

Less: current portion
(365,554
)
 
(343,266
)
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs
(24,239
)
 
(23,919
)
Long-term debt, net
$
12,752,812

 
$
11,826,438

 
Revolving Credit Facility.  We have a $1.20 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (the “credit facility”) with various financial institutions that expires in August 2020. Borrowings under the credit facility are available for working capital and general corporate purposes.  Borrowings accrue interest at variable rates based on LIBOR, the federal funds rate, or the prime rate, depending on the type of borrowing, and we pay a commitment fee on the unused portions of the available funds.  Borrowings under the credit facility are either due “on demand” or at maturity depending on the type of borrowing.  Borrowings with “on demand” repayment terms are presented as short-term debt while amounts due at maturity are presented as long-term debt as no repayments are expected to be made within the next 12 months.  As of February 28, 2018, the unused capacity of $1.00 billion was fully available to us.
 

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The weighted average interest rate on outstanding short-term and long-term debt was 2.49% in fiscal 2018, 1.74% in fiscal 2017 and 1.46% in fiscal 2016.
 
Term Loan.  We have a $300 million unsecured term loan that expires in August 2020.  The term loan accrues interest at variable rates (2.57% as of February 28, 2018) based on the LIBOR rate, the federal funds rate, or the prime rate and interest is payable monthly.  As of February 28, 2018, $300 million remained outstanding and was classified as long-term debt as no repayments are scheduled to be made within the next 12 months.  Borrowings under the term loan are available for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Senior Notes.  We have senior unsecured notes with outstanding principal totaling $500 million as of February 28, 2018, which are due in 2023, 2026 and 2028. These notes were classified as long-term debt as no repayments are scheduled to be made within the next 12 months. Borrowings under these notes are available for working capital and general corporate purposes. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually.
 
Finance and Capital Lease Obligations.  Finance and capital lease obligations relate primarily to stores subject to sale-leaseback transactions that did not qualify for sale accounting and, therefore, are accounted for as financings.  The leases were structured at varying interest rates and generally have initial lease terms ranging from 15 to 20 years with payments made monthly.  Payments on the leases are recognized as interest expense and a reduction of the obligations.  We have not entered into any new sale-leaseback transactions since fiscal 2009.   In the event the leases are modified or extended beyond their original lease term, the related obligation is increased based on the present value of the revised future minimum lease payments, with a corresponding increase to the assets subject to these transactions. Upon modification, the amortization of the obligation is reset, resulting in more of the lease payments being applied to interest expense in the initial years following the modification. See Note 15 for information on future minimum lease obligations.
 
Non-Recourse Notes Payable.  The non-recourse notes payable relate to auto loan receivables funded through non-recourse funding vehicles.  The timing of principal payments on the non-recourse notes payable is based on the timing of principal collections and defaults on the related auto loan receivables.  The current portion of non-recourse notes payable represents principal payments that are due to be distributed in the following period.
 
As of February 28, 2018, $9.81 billion of non-recourse notes payable was outstanding related to asset-backed term funding transactions.  These notes payable accrue interest predominantly at fixed rates and have scheduled maturities through July 2024, but may mature earlier, depending upon the repayment rate of the underlying auto loan receivables.

As of February 28, 2018, $1.83 billion of non-recourse notes payable was outstanding related to our warehouse facilities.  As of February 28, 2018, the combined warehouse facility limit was $3.14 billion, and the unused warehouse capacity totaled $1.31 billion.  Of the combined warehouse facility limit, $1.30 billion will expire in August 2018, $140.0 million will expire in September 2018 and $1.70 billion will expire in February 2019.  The return requirements of warehouse facility investors could fluctuate significantly depending on market conditions.  At renewal, the cost, structure and capacity of the facilities could change.  These changes could have a significant impact on our funding costs.
 
See Notes 2(F) and 4 for additional information on the related auto loan receivables.
 
Capitalized Interest.  We capitalize interest in connection with the construction of certain facilities. For fiscal 2018, fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, we capitalized interest of $6.9 million, $11.2 million, and $9.2 million, respectively.
 
Financial Covenants.  The credit facility, term loan and senior note agreements contain representations and warranties, conditions and covenants.  We must also meet financial covenants in conjunction with certain of the sale-leaseback transactions.  The agreements governing our non-recourse funding vehicles contain representations and warranties, financial covenants and performance triggers.  As of February 28, 2018, we were in compliance with all financial covenants and our non-recourse funding vehicles were in compliance with the related performance triggers.
 
12.
STOCK AND STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS
(A)
Preferred Stock 
Under the terms of our Articles of Incorporation, the board of directors may determine the rights, preferences and terms of our authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock.  We have authorized 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $20 par value.  No shares of preferred stock are currently outstanding.


65



(B)
 Share Repurchase Program
As of February 28, 2018, a total of $2.75 billion of board authorizations for repurchases of our common stock were outstanding, with no expiration date.  At that date, $1.02 billion remained available for repurchase.   

 Common Stock Repurchases
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Number of shares repurchased (in thousands)
8,897.2

 
10,262.5

 
16,300.1

Average cost per share
$
64.46

 
$
54.34

 
$
59.59

Available for repurchase, as of end of year (in millions)
$
1,016.8

 
$
1,590.4

 
$
1,398.0

 
(C)
Stock Incentive Plans
We maintain long-term incentive plans for management, certain employees and the nonemployee members of our board of directors.  The plans allow for the granting of equity-based compensation awards, including nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, stock- and cash-settled restricted stock units, stock grants or a combination of awards.  To date, we have not awarded any incentive stock options.
 
As of February 28, 2018, a total of 55,200,000 shares of our common stock had been authorized to be issued under the long-term incentive plans.  The number of unissued common shares reserved for future grants under the long-term incentive plans was 7,068,824 as of that date.
 
The majority of associates who receive share-based compensation awards primarily receive cash-settled restricted stock units.  Senior management and other key associates receive awards of nonqualified stock options, stock-settled restricted stock units and/or restricted stock awards.  Nonemployee directors receive awards of nonqualified stock options, stock grants and/or restricted stock awards.  Excluding stock grants, all share-based compensation awards, including any associated dividend rights, are subject to forfeiture.

Nonqualified Stock Options.  Nonqualified stock options are awards that allow the recipient to purchase shares of our common stock at a fixed price.  Stock options are granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date.  The stock options generally vest annually in equal amounts over 4 years.  These options expire 7 years after the date of the grant.
 
Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units.  Also referred to as restricted stock units, or RSUs, these are restricted stock unit awards that entitle the holder to a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share of our common stock for each unit granted.  Conversion generally occurs at the end of a three-year vesting period.  However, the cash payment per RSU will not be greater than 200% or less than 75% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the grant date.  The initial grant date fair values are based on the volume-weighted average prices of our common stock on the grant dates. RSUs are liability awards and do not have voting rights.
 
Stock-Settled Market Stock Units.  Also referred to as market stock units, or MSUs, these are restricted stock unit awards with market conditions granted to eligible key associates that are converted into between zero and two shares of common stock for each unit granted.  Conversion generally occurs at the end of a three-year vesting period.  The conversion ratio is calculated by dividing the average closing price of our stock during the final 40 trading days of the three-year vesting period by our stock price on the grant date, with the resulting quotient capped at two.  This quotient is then multiplied by the number of MSUs granted to yield the number of shares awarded.  The grant date fair values are determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation and are based on the expected market price of our common stock on the vesting date and the expected number of converted common shares.  MSUs do not have voting rights.

Other Share-Based Incentives

Stock-Settled Performance Stock Units.  Also referred to as performance stock units, or PSUs, these are restricted stock unit awards with performance conditions granted to eligible key associates that are converted into between zero and two shares of common stock for each unit granted. Conversion generally occurs at the end of a three-year vesting period. The conversion ratio is based on the company reaching certain target levels set by the board of directors for cumulative three-year earnings before interest and taxes at the end of the three-year period, with the resulting quotient subject to meeting a minimum 25% threshold and capped at 200%. This quotient is then multiplied by the number of PSUs granted to yield the number of shares awarded. The grant date fair

66



values are based on the volume-weighted average prices of our common stock on the grant dates. PSUs do not have voting rights. As of February 28, 2018, 223,126 units were outstanding at a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $60.10.
 
Restricted Stock Awards.  Restricted stock awards (RSAs) are awards of our common stock that are subject to specified restrictions that generally lapse after a one- to three-year period from date of grant.  The grant date fair values are based on the volume-weighted average prices of our common stock on the grant dates. Participants holding restricted stock are entitled to vote on matters submitted to holders of our common stock for a vote. As of February 28, 2018, 48,241 units were outstanding at a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $58.05.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  We sponsor an employee stock purchase plan for all associates meeting certain eligibility criteria. We have authorized up to 8,000,000 shares of common stock with a total of 2,988,202 shares remaining available under the plan as of February 28, 2018. Associate contributions are limited to 10% of eligible compensation, up to a maximum $7,500 per year. For each $1.00 contributed to the plan by associates, we match $0.15. Shares are acquired through open-market purchases. We purchased 177,433 shares at an average price per share of $65.11 during fiscal 2018, 198,053 shares at an average price per share of $55.46 during fiscal 2017 and 176,595 shares at an average price per share of $59.93 during fiscal 2016.
 
(D)
Share-Based Compensation

Composition of Share-Based Compensation Expense
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cost of sales
$
2,552

 
$
4,446

 
$
1,243

CarMax Auto Finance income
3,167

 
3,200

 
1,458

Selling, general and administrative expenses
57,701

 
85,393

 
49,725

Share-based compensation expense, before income taxes
$
63,420

 
$
93,039

 
$
52,426

  
Composition of Share-Based Compensation Expense – By Grant Type
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Nonqualified stock options
$
26,461

 
$
37,547

 
$
25,399

Cash-settled restricted stock units (RSUs)
23,539

 
38,239

 
11,913

Stock-settled market stock units (MSUs)
10,032

 
12,035

 
10,589

Other share-based incentives:
 
 
 
 
 
   Stock-settled performance stock units (PSUs)
648

 
2,074

 
1,919

   Restricted stock (RSAs)
1,199

 
1,701

 
1,257

   Employee stock purchase plan
1,541

 
1,443

 
1,349

Total other share-based incentives
3,388

 
5,218

 
4,525

Share-based compensation expense, before income taxes
$
63,420

 
$
93,039

 
$
52,426



67



Unrecognized Share-­Based Compensation Expense – By Grant Type
 
As of February 28, 2018
 
 
 
Weighted Average
 
Unrecognized
 
Remaining
 
Compensation
 
Recognition Life
(Costs in millions)
Costs
 
(Years)
Nonqualified stock options
$
35.7

 
2.2
Stock-settled market stock units
10.3

 
1.2
Other share-based incentives:
 
 
 
   Stock-settled performance stock units
2.4

 
1.1
   Restricted stock
0.6

 
0.3
Total other share-based incentives
3.0

 
1.0
Total
$
49.0

 
1.9
 
We recognize compensation expense for stock options,  MSUs, PSUs and RSAs on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award.  The PSU expense is adjusted for any change in management’s assessment of the performance target level that is probable of being achieved. The variable expense associated with RSUs is recognized over their vesting period (net of estimated forfeitures) and is calculated based on the volume-weighted average price of our common stock on the last trading day of each reporting period. 

The total costs for matching contributions for our employee stock purchase plan are included in share-based compensation expense.  There were no capitalized share-based compensation costs as of or for the years ended February 28, 2018, February 28, 2017 or February 29, 2016.
 
Stock Option Activity
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
Remaining
 
Aggregate
 
Number of
 
Exercise
 
Contractual
 
Intrinsic
(Shares and intrinsic value in thousands)
Shares
 
Price
 
Life (Years)
 
Value
Outstanding as of February 28, 2017
7,753

 
$
50.00

 
 
 
 

Options granted
1,955

 
58.56

 
 
 
 

Options exercised
(1,866
)
 
39.40

 
 
 
 

Options forfeited or expired
(80
)
 
61.00

 
 
 
 

Outstanding as of February 28, 2018
7,762

 
$
54.59

 
4.4
 
$
72,973

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable as of February 28, 2018
3,139

 
$
50.98

 
3.3
 
$
42,530


Stock Option Information
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Options granted
1,955,117

 
2,345,528

 
1,408,427

Weighted average grant date fair value per share
$
16.15

 
$
14.25

 
$
20.53

Cash received from options exercised (in millions)
$
73.5

 
$
59.9

 
$
47.0

Intrinsic value of options exercised (in millions)
$
57.1

 
$
52.6

 
$
70.4

Realized tax benefits (in millions)
$
21.8

 
$
21.2

 
$
28.2

 
For stock options, the fair value of each award is estimated as of the date of grant using a binomial valuation model.  In computing the value of the option, the binomial model considers characteristics of fair-value option pricing that are not available for consideration under a closed-form valuation model (for example, the Black-Scholes model), such as the contractual term of the option, the probability that the option will be exercised prior to the end of its contractual life and the probability of termination or

68



retirement of the option holder.  For this reason, we believe that the binomial model provides a fair value that is more representative of actual experience and future expected experience than the value calculated using a closed-form model.  Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by the recipients of share-based awards.

Assumptions Used to Estimate Option Values
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Dividend yield
 

 
0.0
%
 
 

 
0.0
%
 
 

 
0.0
%
Expected volatility factor (1)  
27.3
%
-
34.2
%
 
29.3
%
-
34.8
%
 
25.8
%
-
31.8
%
Weighted average expected volatility
 

 
29.7
%
 
 

 
30.7
%
 
 

 
30.6
%
Risk-free interest rate (2)     
0.7
%
-
2.3
%
 
0.1
%
-
2.4
%
 
%
-
2.1
%
Expected term (in years) (3)  
 

 
4.6

 
 

 
4.6

 
 

 
4.7

 
(1) 
Measured using historical daily price changes of our stock for a period corresponding to the term of the options and the implied volatility derived from the market prices of traded options on our stock.
(2) 
Based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of grant.
(3) 
Represents the estimated number of years that options will be outstanding prior to exercise.

Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Unit Activity
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
Average
 
Number of
 
Grant Date
(Units in thousands)
Units
 
Fair Value
Outstanding as of February 28, 2017
1,406

 
$
55.05

Stock units granted
628

 
$
58.39

Stock units vested and converted
(469
)
 
$
45.30

Stock units cancelled
(105
)
 
$
58.61

Outstanding as of February 28, 2018
1,460

 
$
59.36


 Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Unit Information
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Stock units granted
628,095

 
632,261

 
418,281

Initial weighted average grant date fair value per share
$
58.39

 
$
51.63

 
$
73.76

Payments (before payroll tax withholdings) upon
 
 
 
 
 
vesting (in millions)
$
26.6

 
$
23.5

 
$
33.6

Realized tax benefits (in millions)
$
10.2

 
$
9.5

 
$
13.5

 
Expected Cash Settlement Range Upon Restricted Stock Unit Vesting
 
As of February 28, 2018
(In thousands)
Minimum (1)
 
Maximum (1)
Fiscal 2019
$
18,326

 
$
48,869

Fiscal 2020
19,687

 
52,498

Fiscal 2021
22,424

 
59,798

Total expected cash settlements
$
60,437

 
$
161,165

 
(1) 
Net of estimated forfeitures.



69



Stock-Settled Market Stock Unit Activity
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
Average
 
Number of
 
Grant Date
(Units in thousands)
Units
 
Fair Value
Outstanding as of February 28, 2017
504

 
$
65.74

Stock units granted
164

 
$
74.09

Stock units vested and converted
(232
)
 
$
56.13

Stock units cancelled
(17
)
 
$
72.67

Outstanding as of February 28, 2018
419

 
$
74.04


Stock-Settled Market Stock Unit Information
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Stock units granted
163,618

 
174,211

 
109,956

Weighted average grant date fair value per share
$
74.09

 
$
64.30

 
$
89.73

Realized tax benefits (in millions)
$
7.0

 
$
5.3

 
$
17.0


13.
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
Basic and Dilutive Net Earnings Per Share Reconciliations
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In thousands except per share data)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net earnings
$
664,112

 
$
626,970

 
$
623,428

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
182,660

 
190,343

 
203,275

Dilutive potential common shares:
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
1,390

 
1,379

 
1,676

Stock-settled restricted stock units
420

 
493

 
589

Weighted average common shares and dilutive
 
 
 
 
 
potential common shares
184,470

 
192,215

 
205,540

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net earnings per share
$
3.64

 
$
3.29

 
$
3.07

Diluted net earnings per share
$
3.60

 
$
3.26

 
$
3.03

 
Certain options to purchase shares of common stock were outstanding and not included in the calculation of diluted net earnings per share because their inclusion would have been antidilutive.  On a weighted average basis, for fiscal 2018, fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, options to purchase 2,993,200 shares, 2,874,788 shares and 1,243,383 shares of common stock, respectively, were not included.


70



14.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss By Component
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
Net
 
Net
 
Accumulated
 
Unrecognized
 
Unrecognized
 
Other
 
Actuarial
 
Hedge Gains
 
Comprehensive
(In thousands, net of income taxes)
Losses
 
(Losses)
 
Loss
Balance as of February 28, 2015
$
(59,220
)
 
$
(6,171
)
 
$
(65,391
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
1,462

 
(12,578
)
 
(11,116
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
 
 
 
 
 
comprehensive loss
1,288

 
5,023

 
6,311

Other comprehensive income (loss)
2,750

 
(7,555
)
 
(4,805
)
Balance as of February 29, 2016
(56,470
)
 
(13,726
)
 
(70,196
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
(19
)
 
5,991

 
5,972

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
 
 
 
 
 
comprehensive loss
968

 
6,701

 
7,669

Other comprehensive income
949

 
12,692

 
13,641

Balance as of February 28, 2017
(55,521
)
 
(1,034
)
 
(56,555
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
(2,546
)
 
12,381

 
9,835

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
 
 
 
 
 
comprehensive loss
1,175

 
1,813

 
2,988

Other comprehensive (loss) income
(1,371
)
 
14,194

 
12,823

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
 
 
 
 
 
   comprehensive loss to retained earnings (1)
(11,605
)
 
1,025

 
(10,580
)
Balance as of February 28, 2018
$
(68,497
)
 
$
14,185

 
$
(54,312
)
 (1) 
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02. See Note 2 for further discussion.

71



Changes In and Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Retirement Benefit Plans (Note 10):
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial (loss) gain arising during the year
$
(3,256
)
 
$
(246
)
 
$
2,214

Tax benefit (expense)
710

 
227

 
(752
)
Actuarial (loss) gain arising during the year, net of tax
(2,546
)
 
(19
)
 
1,462

Actuarial loss amortization reclassifications recognized in net pension expense:
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
749

 
637

 
835

CarMax Auto Finance income
46

 
37

 
49

Selling, general and administrative expenses
1,020

 
872

 
1,173

Total amortization reclassifications recognized in net pension expense
1,815

 
1,546

 
2,057

Tax expense
(640
)
 
(578
)
 
(769
)
Amortization reclassifications recognized in net
 
 
 
 
 
pension expense, net of tax
1,175

 
968

 
1,288

Net change in retirement benefit plan unrecognized
 
 
 
 
 
actuarial losses, net of tax
(1,371
)
 
949

 
2,750

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges (Note 5):
 
 
 
 
 
Effective portion of changes in fair value
17,953

 
9,878

 
(20,715
)
Tax (expense) benefit 
(5,572
)
 
(3,887
)
 
8,137

Effective portion of changes in fair value, net of tax
12,381

 
5,991

 
(12,578
)
Reclassifications to CarMax Auto Finance income
3,009

 
11,038

 
8,277

Tax expense
(1,196
)
 
(4,337
)
 
(3,254
)
Reclassification of hedge losses, net of tax
1,813

 
6,701

 
5,023

Net change in cash flow hedge unrecognized gains, net of tax
14,194

 
12,692

 
(7,555
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
$
12,823

 
$
13,641

 
$
(4,805
)
  
Changes in the funded status of our retirement plans and the effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  The cumulative balances are net of deferred taxes of $16.6 million as of February 28, 2018 and $33.8 million as of February 28, 2017.

15.
LEASE COMMITMENTS
Our leases primarily consist of land or land and building leases related to CarMax store locations.  Our lease obligations are based upon contractual minimum rates.  Most leases provide that we pay taxes, maintenance, insurance and operating expenses applicable to the premises.  The initial term for most real property leases is typically 5 to 20 years, with renewal options of 5 to 20 years, and may include rent escalation clauses.  For finance and capital leases, a portion of the periodic lease payments is recognized as interest expense and the remainder reduces the obligations.  For operating leases, rent is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including scheduled rent increases and rent holidays.  Rent expense for all operating leases was $52.4 million in fiscal 2018, $49.4 million in fiscal 2017 and $46.9 million in fiscal 2016.  See Note 11 for additional information on finance and capital lease obligations.

72



Future Minimum Lease Obligations
 
As of February 28, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
 
Capital
 
Finance
 
Lease
(In thousands)
Leases (1)
 
Leases (1)
 
Commitments (1)
Fiscal 2019
$
2,789

 
$
49,263

 
$
51,817

Fiscal 2020
2,838

 
49,200

 
50,716

Fiscal 2021
2,926

 
44,070

 
47,415

Fiscal 2022
3,005

 
43,341

 
44,113

Fiscal 2023
8,315

 
42,877

 
42,271

Fiscal 2024 and thereafter
5,059

 
826,487

 
611,859

Total minimum lease payments
24,932

 
$
1,055,238

 
$
848,191

Less amounts representing interest
(5,272
)
 
 
 
 

Present value of net minimum lease payments 
$
19,660

 
 
 
 


(1) 
Excludes taxes, insurance and other costs payable directly by us.  These costs vary from year to year and are incurred in the ordinary course of business.

16.
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
Years Ended February 28 or 29
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cash paid for interest
$
69,431

 
$
55,139

 
$
34,319

Cash paid for income taxes
$
353,977

 
$
371,227

 
$
319,978

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in accrued capital expenditures
$
1,220

 
$
(6,280
)
 
$
16,222

Increase in finance and capital lease obligations
$
12,051

 
$
90,517

 
$
103,233


17.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(A)
Litigation
CarMax entities are defendants in four proceedings asserting wage and hour claims with respect to CarMax sales consultants in California. The asserted claims include failure to pay minimum wage, provide meal periods and rest breaks, pay statutory/contractual wages, reimburse for work-related expenses and provide accurate itemized wage statements; unfair competition; and Private Attorney General Act claims. On September 4, 2015, Craig Weiss et al., v. CarMax Auto Superstores California, LLC, and CarMax Auto Superstores West Coast, Inc., a putative class action, was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Placer. The Weiss lawsuit seeks civil penalties, fines, cost of suit, and the recovery of attorneys’ fees. On June 29, 2016, Ryan Gomez et al. v. CarMax Auto Superstores California, LLC, and CarMax Auto Superstores West Coast, Inc., a putative class action, was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, Los Angeles. The Gomez lawsuit seeks declaratory relief, unspecified damages, restitution, statutory penalties, interest, cost and attorneys’ fees. On September 7, 2016, James Rowland v. CarMax Auto Superstores California, LLC, and CarMax Auto Superstores West Coast, Inc., a putative class action, was filed in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, Sacramento Division. The Rowland lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, restitution, statutory penalties, interest, cost and attorneys’ fees.  On October 31, 2017, Joshua Sabanovich v. CarMax Superstores California, LLC et. al., a putative class action, was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus. The Sabanovich lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, restitution, statutory penalties, interest, cost and attorneys’ fees.  We are unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome in these matters.

On April 25, 2017, the Company met with representatives from multiple California municipality district attorney offices as part of an informal inquiry by those offices into the handling, storage and disposal of certain types of hazardous waste at our store locations in those municipalities. We are unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome in these matters.


73



We are involved in various other legal proceedings in the normal course of business. Based upon our evaluation of information currently available, we believe that the ultimate resolution of any such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect, either individually or in the aggregate, on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

(B)
Other Matters
In accordance with the terms of real estate lease agreements, we generally agree to indemnify the lessor from certain liabilities arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental liabilities and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease.  Additionally, in accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of properties, we generally agree to indemnify the buyer from certain liabilities and costs arising subsequent to the date of the sale, including environmental liabilities and liabilities resulting from the breach of representations or warranties made in accordance with the agreements.  We do not have any known material environmental commitments, contingencies or other indemnification issues arising from these arrangements.
As part of our customer service strategy, we guarantee the used vehicles we retail with at least a 30-day limited warranty.  A vehicle in need of repair within this period will be repaired free of charge.  As a result, each vehicle sold has an implied liability associated with it.  Accordingly, based on historical trends, we record a provision for estimated future repairs during the guarantee period for each vehicle sold.  The liability for this guarantee was $6.1 million as of February 28, 2018 and $6.3 million as of February 28, 2017, and is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.
 
At various times we may have certain purchase obligations that are enforceable and legally binding primarily related to real estate purchases, advertising and third-party outsourcing services. As of February 28, 2018, we have material purchase obligations of $175.0 million, of which $78.8 million are expected to be fulfilled in fiscal 2019.

18.
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
1st Quarter
 
2nd Quarter
 
3rd Quarter
 
4th Quarter
 
Fiscal Year
(In thousands, except per share data)
2018
 
2018
 
2018
 
2018 (1)
 
2018
Net sales and operating revenues
$
4,542,334

 
$
4,386,640

 
$
4,107,017

 
$
4,084,218

 
$
17,120,209

Gross profit
$
648,938

 
$
604,005

 
$
539,188

 
$
536,728

 
$
2,328,859

CarMax Auto Finance income
$
109,363

 
$
107,936

 
$
102,810

 
$
101,073

 
$
421,182

Selling, general and administrative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
expenses
$
403,503

 
$
405,062

 
$
399,672

 
$
408,814

 
$
1,617,051

Net earnings
$
211,702

 
$
181,424

 
$
148,840

 
$
122,146

 
$
664,112

Net earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.14

 
$
0.99

 
$
0.82

 
$
0.68

 
$
3.64

Diluted
$
1.13

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.81

 
$
0.67

 
$
3.60

 
1st Quarter
 
2nd Quarter
 
3rd Quarter
 
4th Quarter
 
Fiscal Year
(In thousands, except per share data)
2017
 
2017 (2)
 
2017
 
2017
 
2017
Net sales and operating revenues 
$
4,126,386

 
$
3,997,248

 
$
3,701,524

 
$
4,049,960

 
$
15,875,118

Gross profit
$
572,637

 
$
545,362

 
$
503,135

 
$
562,160

 
$
2,183,294

CarMax Auto Finance income
$
100,758

 
$
95,969

 
$
89,359

 
$
82,898

 
$
368,984

Selling, general and administrative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
expenses
$
380,230

 
$
366,126

 
$
356,735

 
$
385,413

 
$
1,488,504

Net earnings
$
175,360

 
$
162,362

 
$
136,645

 
$
152,603

 
$
626,970

Net earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.91

 
$
0.85

 
$
0.72

 
$
0.82

 
$
3.29

Diluted
$
0.90

 
$
0.84

 
$
0.72

 
$
0.81

 
$
3.26

(1) 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, net earnings were reduced by $11.9 million in connection with the 2017 Tax Act. See Note 9. Net earnings were also reduced by $8.0 million, before tax, due to a one-time discretionary bonus paid to eligible associates.
(2) 
During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we increased SG&A expenses by $10.9 million, before tax, due to the modification of certain awards granted to our recently retired chief executive officer.



74



Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (“disclosure controls”) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls are also designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer (“CEO”) and the chief financial officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls.  This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the CEO and CFO.  Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls were effective as of the end of the period.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended February 28, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting is included in Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference. 
Item 9B.  Other Information.
On April 24, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the CarMax, Inc. Annual Performance-Based Bonus Plan (the “Bonus Plan”). The Bonus Plan is an incentive bonus plan under which our executive officers are eligible to receive bonus payments when certain performance objectives are satisfied. This summary is qualified by the terms of the Bonus Plan, which is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

PART III
With the exception of the information incorporated by reference from our 2018 Proxy Statement in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our 2018 Proxy Statement is not to be deemed filed as a part of this Form 10-K.

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information concerning our executive officers required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section titled “Executive Officers of the Company” included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The information concerning our directors required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section titled “Proposal One: Election of Directors” in our 2018 Proxy Statement.
The information concerning the audit committee of our board of directors and the audit committee financial expert required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the information included in the sub-section titled “Corporate Governance – Board Committees” in our 2018 Proxy Statement.
The information concerning compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sub-section titled “CarMax Share Ownership – Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our 2018 Proxy Statement.
The information concerning our code of ethics (“Code of Business Conduct”) for senior management required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sub-section titled “Corporate Governance – Overview” in our 2018 Proxy Statement.

75



Item 11.  Executive Compensation.
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sections titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation and Personnel Committee Report” and “Compensation Tables” in our 2018 Proxy Statement.  Additional information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section titled “Director Compensation” in our 2018 Proxy Statement.
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section titled “CarMax Share Ownership” in our 2018 Proxy Statement.
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sub-section titled “Corporate Governance – Related Person Transactions” in our 2018 Proxy Statement.
The information required by this Item concerning director independence is incorporated by reference to the sub‑section titled “Corporate Governance – Independence” in our 2018 Proxy Statement.
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section titled “Auditor Fees and Pre-Approval Policy” in our 2018 Proxy Statement.
PART IV
 
Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1.
Financial Statements.  All financial statements as set forth under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
 
2.
Financial Statement Schedules.  Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, are not required or the information required to be set forth therein is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

3.
Exhibits:  
 
CarMax, Inc. Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, effective June 24, 2013, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 28, 2013 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference.
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Bylaws, as amended and restated September 1, 2016, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 1, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference.
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Severance Agreement for Executive Officer, dated September 1, 2016, between CarMax, Inc. and William D. Nash, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 1, 2016 (File No. 1-31420) is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Severance Agreement for Executive Officer, dated January 6, 2015, between CarMax, Inc. and Thomas J. Folliard, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to CarMax’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed January 8, 2015 (File No. 1-31420) is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Amendment to Severance Agreement for Executive Officer, dated August 31, 2016, between CarMax, Inc. and Thomas J. Folliard, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 1, 2016 (File No. 1-31420) is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Severance Agreement for Executive Officer, dated January 3, 2017, between CarMax, Inc. and Thomas W. Reedy, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to CarMax’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed January 6, 2017 (File No. 1-31420) is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 

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CarMax, Inc. Severance Agreement for Executive Officer, dated January 3, 2017, between CarMax, Inc. and William C. Wood, Jr., filed as Exhibit 10.3 to CarMax’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed January 6, 2017 (File No. 1-31420) is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Severance Agreement for Executive Officer, dated January 3, 2017, between CarMax, Inc. and Edwin J. Hill, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to CarMax’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed January 6, 2017 (File No. 1-31420) is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Severance Agreement for Executive Officer, dated January 6, 2015, between CarMax, Inc. and Eric M. Margolin, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to CarMax’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed January 8, 2015 (File No. 1-31420) is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Benefit Restoration Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 30, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 30, 2011 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Retirement Restoration Plan, as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2017, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to CarMax’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed July 7, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 30, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 30, 2011 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated June 24, 2008, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed July 10, 2008 (File No. 1‑31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated June 28, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed July 1, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Annual Performance-Based Bonus Plan, as amended and restated June 25, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 29, 2012 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated June 23, 2009, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed July 9, 2009 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference.
 
 
 
 
Credit Agreement dated August 24, 2015, among CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc., CarMax, Inc., certain subsidiaries of CarMax named therein, Bank of America, N.A., as a lender and as administrative agent, and the other lending institutions named therein, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 26, 2015 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference.
 
 
 
 
Amended Notice of Stock Option Grant between CarMax, Inc. and Thomas J. Folliard, dated August 31, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 1, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Amended Notice of Stock Option Grant between CarMax, Inc. and Thomas J. Folliard, dated August 31, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 1, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Amended Notice of Market Stock Unit Grant between CarMax, Inc. and Thomas J. Folliard, dated August 31, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 1, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Amended Notice of Stock Option Grant between CarMax, Inc. and Thomas J. Folliard, dated August 31, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 1, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Amended Notice of Performance Stock Unit Grant between CarMax, Inc. and Thomas J. Folliard, dated August 31, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 1, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Restricted Stock Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain executive officers effective March 24, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 25, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 

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Form of Notice of Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Unit Grant between CarMax Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective March 24, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 25, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Stock Option Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective March 24, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 25, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Performance Stock Unit Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective March 24, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 25, 2016 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Stock Option Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective January 26, 2015, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 13, 2015 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Market Stock Unit Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective January 26, 2015, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 13, 2015 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Performance Stock Unit Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective January 26, 2015, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 13, 2015 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Restricted Stock Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain non-employee directors of the CarMax, Inc. board of directors, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed October 8, 2014 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Stock Option Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective January 27, 2014, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 31, 2014 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Market Stock Unit Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective January 27, 2014, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 31, 2014 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Stock Option Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective December 21, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 23, 2011 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Market Stock Unit Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective December 21, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 23, 2011 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Grant between CarMax Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective December 21, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 23, 2011 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Stock Option Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective October 18, 2010, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 22, 2010 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Market Stock Unit Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective October 18, 2010, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 22, 2010 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Stock Option Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, effective January 1, 2009, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to CarMax’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed January 8, 2009 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Directors Stock Option Grant Agreement between CarMax, Inc. and certain non-employee directors of the CarMax, Inc. board of directors, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to CarMax’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed July 10, 2008 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Stock Option Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, filed as Exhibit 10.18 to CarMax’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed April 25, 2008 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Stock Option Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain named and other executive officers, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 20, 2006 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 

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Form of Directors Stock Option Grant Agreement between CarMax, Inc. and certain non-employee directors of the CarMax, Inc. board of directors, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to CarMax’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 28, 2006 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Incentive Award Agreement between CarMax, Inc. and certain named executive officers, filed as Exhibit 10.16 to CarMax’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed May 13, 2005 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Incentive Award Agreement between CarMax, Inc. and certain executive officers, filed as Exhibit 10.17 to CarMax’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed May 13, 2005 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Incentive Award Agreement between CarMax, Inc. and certain non-employee directors of the CarMax, Inc. board of directors, filed as Exhibit 10.18 to CarMax’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed May 13, 2005 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Amendment to Incentive Award Agreement between CarMax, Inc. and certain non-employee directors of the CarMax, Inc. board of directors, filed as Exhibit 10.19 to CarMax’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed May 13, 2005 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Stock Grant Notice Letter from CarMax, Inc. to certain non-employee directors of the CarMax, Inc. board of directors, filed as Exhibit 10.20 to CarMax’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed May 13, 2005 (File No. 1-31420), is incorporated by this reference. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Annual Performance-Based Bonus Plan, dated April 24, 2018, filed herewith. *
 
 
 
 
Form of Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Grant between CarMax, Inc. and certain non-employee directors of the CarMax, Inc. board of directors, filed herewith. *
 
 
 
 
CarMax, Inc. Subsidiaries, filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
Consent of KPMG LLP, filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
Powers of Attorney, filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), filed herewith
 
 
 
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, filed herewith.
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
* Indicates management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement of the company required to be filed as an exhibit.

Certain instruments defining rights of holders of long-term debt of the company are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K. Upon request, the company agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission copies of such instruments.

Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary.
None.


79



Signatures
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
CarMax, Inc. 
By:
/s/   WILLIAM D. NASH         
 
By:
/s/    THOMAS W. REEDY         
 
William D. Nash
 
 
Thomas W. Reedy
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
April 24, 2018
 
 
April 24, 2018
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
/s/    WILLIAM D. NASH       
 
/s/    JEFFREY E. GARTEN *    
William D. Nash
 
Jeffrey E. Garten
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
Director
April 24, 2018
 
April 24, 2018
 
 
 
/s/    THOMAS W. REEDY         
 
/s/    SHIRA  GOODMAN *    
Thomas W. Reedy
 
Shira Goodman
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Director
April 24, 2018
 
April 24, 2018
 
 
 
/s/    JILL A. LIVESAY     
 
/s/    W. ROBERT  GRAFTON *     
Jill A. Livesay
 
W. Robert Grafton
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
Director
April 24, 2018
 
April 24, 2018
 
 
 
/s/    PETER J. BENSEN *    
 
/s/    EDGAR H. GRUBB *      
Peter J. Bensen
 
Edgar H. Grubb
Director
 
Director
April 24, 2018
 
April 24, 2018
 
 
 
/s/    RONALD E. BLAYLOCK *    
 
/s/    ROBERT J. HOMBACH *    
Ronald E. Blaylock
 
Robert J. Hombach
Director
 
Director
April 24, 2018
 
April 24, 2018
 
 
 
/s/    SONA CHAWLA     
 
/s/    MARCELLA SHINDER *       
Sona Chawla
 
Marcella Shinder
Director
 
Director
April 24, 2018
 
April 24, 2018
 
 
 
/s/    ALAN B. COLBERG *      
 
/s/    MITCHELL D. STEENROD *    
Alan B. Colberg
 
Mitchell D. Steenrod
Director
 
Director
April 24, 2018
 
April 24, 2018
 
 
 
/s/    THOMAS J. FOLLIARD *     
 
/s/    WILLIAM R. TIEFEL *       
Thomas J. Folliard
 
William R. Tiefel
Director
 
Director
April 24, 2018
 
April 24, 2018
*By:
/s/    THOMAS W. REEDY         
 
Thomas W. Reedy
 
Attorney-In-Fact
The original powers of attorney authorizing William D. Nash and Thomas W. Reedy, or either of them, to sign this annual report on behalf of certain directors and officers of the company are included as Exhibit 24.1.  

80