Cars.com Inc. CARS

10.90 0.29 2.73% as of 25 Sep
Market cap
$568.0M
P/E
18.8×
Growth Flags show if company had growth for consecutive years,
Insider Buys alert about insiders buying in the last 12 month

Insider Decisions

Total buys 0.02
Total sells 2.10
in millions of $
Nov 25 Feb 26 May 26 Aug 26
Buy — — — — — 1 — — — — — —
Sell — — 2 — — — — — 1 — 2 —
Insider Ownership 16.49%

Capital & Financial Ratios

Market Cap 567.98
Revenue 725.63
Net Income 34.30
Free Cash Flow 136.87
Net Debt 413.84
Current Ratio 2.00
Debt/Equity 1.01
P/E ratio 18.79
P/S ratio 0.84
P/B ratio 1.37
Past 5Y EPS Growth 25.84%
This Y EPS Growth 22.80%
Next Y EPS Growth 23.31%
Next 5Y EPS Growth 16.52%
in millions of $

Dividends

Payout Ratio 0.00
Annual Dividend Rate —
Annual Dividend Yield —
total individual payouts
2023 Powerpack
2022 Powerpack
2021 Powerpack
2020 Powerpack
2019 Powerpack
2017 Powerpack
predictions in italic, special payouts not included in total or ratios

Assets vs Liabilities

2023 2024 2025 Q'26
Cash 39 51 56 33
Receivables 125 134 132 143
Inventory — — — —
Other 1 16 8 6
178 214 212 195
2023 2024 2025 Q'26
Payables 22 33 28 33
ST’ Debt 23 — — —
Other 69 — — —
146 117 113 98
in millions of $

Compound Annual Growth

10y 5y 3y
Sales 1.95% 5.73% 3.42%
Cash Flow (2.23%) 1.81% 5.67%
Earnings (18.64%) 0.00% 5.23%
Book Value (14.65%) 6.79% 7.12%

Revenue

Mar Jun Sep Dec Year
’26 180 180 — — —
’25 179 179 182 184 723
’24 180 179 180 180 719
’23 167 168 174 180 689
’22 158 163 165 168 654
’21 153 156 157 158 624
’20 148 102 144 153 548
in millions of $ · fiscal quarters ending in the months shown

Operating Cash Flow

Mar Jun Sep Dec Year
’26 40 16 — — —
’25 29 26 59 37 152
’24 33 35 54 30 153
’23 28 28 35 45 137
’22 30 12 49 37 129
’21 50 29 37 22 138
’20 29 29 39 42 139
in millions of $ · fiscal quarters ending in the months shown

Free Cash Flow

Mar Jun Sep Dec Year
’26 34 10 — — —
’25 33 9 62 31 135
’24 27 29 47 24 128
’23 23 23 30 40 116
’22 26 7 43 32 109
’21 44 22 32 20 119
’20 23 26 35 38 122
in millions of $ · fiscal quarters ending in the months shown

EPS

Mar Jun Sep Dec Year
’26 0.08 0.25 — — —
’25 (0.03) 0.11 0.12 0.12 0.32
’24 0.01 0.17 0.28 0.26 0.72
’23 0.17 1.37 0.07 0.12 1.74
’22 0.06 0.08 (0.04) 0.15 0.25
’21 0.08 0.08 0.03 (0.04) 0.15
’20 (11.76) (0.37) (0.18) 0.58 (12.15)
fiscal quarters ending in the months shown

Target Price Range

Analyst price targets

Recommendation Rating

2.4
1Buy 2 3Hold 4 5Sell
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
— 19.90 20.14 8.23 3.25 10.73 8.75 13.58 15.05 9.56

Analyst estimates 2026–2028

Powerpack
Low Price
— 30.30 32.94 28.50 13.47 19.09 17.18 22.84 21.24 19.00
High Price
1,275 1,100 1,400 1,500 1,500 1,600 1,700 1,700 1,800 1,700
Employees
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Revenue/Emp
633 626 662 607 548 624 654 689 719 723
Revenue
79.49% 77.69% 75.95% 73.23% 70.37% 69.29% 68.81% 67.46% 66.32% 66.72%
Gross Margin
177 122 57 (475) (936) 9 23 18 62 34
EBT
27.95% 19.51% 8.60% (78.34%) (171.03%) 1.52% 3.45% 2.63% 8.60% 4.74%
EBT Margin
176 224 39 (445) (789) 11 17 118 48 20
Net Income
58 64 80 561 1,033 111 96 104 109 94
Depreciation
8.84 8.74 9.42 9.06 8.14 9.07 9.59 10.33 10.90 11.59
Revenue/Sh
2.46 3.13 0.55 (6.65) (12.15) 0.16 0.25 1.77 0.73 0.32
Earnings/Sh
2.78 2.59 2.33 1.51 2.06 2.01 1.88 2.05 2.31 2.43
Cash Flow/Sh
(0.13) (0.46) (0.20) (0.32) (0.25) (0.28) (0.29) (0.31) (0.37) (0.26)
Capex/Sh
2.65 2.14 2.12 1.20 1.81 1.73 1.59 1.74 1.94 2.17
Free CF/Sh
33.77 23.43 23.14 17.03 5.06 5.79 5.64 7.37 7.75 7.57
Book Value/Sh
72 72 70 67 67 69 68 67 66 62
Shares
8.68 9.25 38.39 0.00 0.00 96.17 55.36 10.32 23.74 38.13
PE Ratio
2.79 3.32 2.28 1.35 1.39 1.77 1.44 1.78 1.59 1.05
PS Ratio
0.73 1.24 0.93 0.72 2.23 2.78 2.46 2.49 2.24 1.61
PB Ratio
2.78 4.21 3.29 2.39 2.33 2.46 2.12 2.42 2.19 1.63
EV/Sales
8.66 17.21 14.59 18.05 10.47 12.90 12.73 14.42 12.26 8.72
EV/FCF
199 186 164 101 139 138 129 137 153 152
Op' Cash Flow
(10) (33) (14) (21) (17) (19) (20) (21) (24) (16)
Capex
190 153 149 80 122 119 109 116 128 135
FCF
48 52 43 24 88 53 43 33 97 98
Working Cap'
— 578 692 643 584 466 472 483 455 452
Total Debt
(9) 558 667 629 516 427 441 444 405 395
Net Debt
2,417 1,679 1,627 1,141 340 398 384 492 511 473
Sh' Equity
7.03% 8.87% 1.52% (19.24%) (50.85%) 1.04% 1.69% 10.78% 4.22% 1.84%
ROA
4.58% 3.75% 2.29% (15.75%) (64.76%) 3.66% 5.00% 3.61% 3.65% 4.34%
ROIC
8.61% 10.96% 2.35% (32.18%) (106.55%) 2.92% 4.40% 27.02% 9.60% 4.08%
ROE
predictions in italic, sparklines do not include predictions

All 10 years →

Fiscal years to Dec 2025 · latest quarter Jun 2026

Cars.com Inc. peers in Internet Content & Information

Company Market cap P/E Compare
MAX MediaAlpha, Inc. $591.8M 5.3× Compare
NRDS NerdWallet, Inc. $524.2M 9.3× Compare
MOMO Hello Group Inc. Sponsored ADR $518.3M 5.0× Compare
EVER EverQuote, Inc. $636.4M 5.8× Compare
Company Market cap P/E Compare
GRPN Groupon, Inc. $855.5M 0.0× Compare
BMBL Bumble Inc. $353.7M 0.0× Compare
TBLA Taboola.com Ltd. $932.0M 8.4× Compare
PERI Perion Network Ltd $341.4M 0.0× Compare

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Cars.com Inc. (CARS) key facts

  • Cars.com Inc. (CARS) is an Internet Content & Information company in the Communication Services sector, listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
  • Cars.com Inc.’s revenue for fiscal 2025 (year ended December 2025) was $723.2 million, up 0.57% from fiscal 2024.
  • Net income was $20.1 million, or $0.32 per share (basic), a net margin of 2.77%.
  • As of September 25, 2026, CARS traded at $10.90, a market capitalization of $568.0 million.
  • At that price the stock trades at 18.8× trailing-twelve-month earnings and 0.8× sales.
  • Return on equity was 4.08% and debt-to-equity 1.01.

Source: company filings (standardised) and stockrow calculations.

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) Latest News

News by impact score

Fine-tune

25 Sep

3

Cox Automotive boosted its 2026 U.S. new-vehicle sales forecast to 16.1 million from 15.8 million, citing a strong summer selling pace; the figure is about 1.2% below 2025. Cars.com Inc. (CARS) shares rose roughly 2.6% in the afternoon on this read-through, though Cox did not mention Cars.com. The uptick suggests more shoppers in the market for dealer advertising, but the revision does not change Cars.com's fundamentals. After an initial pop, the stock traded around $10.83, about 2% above the prior close. The piece notes Cars.com’s volatility and frames today’s move as meaningful but not transformative, and it also references broader AI-disruption fears affecting consumer platforms, distinct from Cars.com specifically. Higher forecast could lift Cars.com's dealer-ad demand, but it's a read-through and unlikely to alter fundamentals.

9 Sep

3

Cars.com (CARS) doubled its profit despite revenue showing almost no growth. Doubled profit signals improved margins that may lift near-term stock sentiment without altering long-term revenue trajectory.

15 Aug

3

Cars.com Q2 earnings call featured five analyst questions addressing company performance, strategy and market conditions. Earnings call questions offer direct insights into Cars.com operational metrics and outlook that influence investor views.

13 Aug

3 transcript

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) held its Q2 2026 earnings call, covering financial results, operational updates, and forward guidance. Earnings call provides financial metrics and outlook that can moderately shift near-term stock sentiment and valuation.

10 Aug

3

Cars.com reported flat Q2 results, with marketplace growth and product innovation providing the main support. Marketplace growth and product innovation offer moderate support to future positioning amid otherwise flat results.

8 Aug

3

Cars.com Inc. posted record quarterly results while acknowledging a decline in platform visitors. Record earnings coexist with falling visitor numbers that may limit sustained growth.

7 Aug

3

Cars.com Inc. presented Q2 financial results and operational updates during its earnings call, noting revenue growth and adjusted guidance for the year ahead. Quarterly earnings updates typically deliver moderate short-term effects on stock sentiment and operational outlook without fundamentally shifting long-term strategy.

6 Aug

3 transcript

Cars.com Inc. released Q2 2026 earnings call summary covering financial results, operational updates and outlook. Q2 earnings call delivers routine financial and strategic updates with moderate but non-transformative market effects.

3

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) beat Q2 earnings estimates. Q2 earnings beat can lift near-term stock price and sentiment for Cars.com Inc.

3

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) reported its second quarter 2026 financial results. Quarterly results update provides performance metrics that may shift short-term investor sentiment without indicating major strategic shifts.

29 Jul

3

Cars.com (CARS) stock surges higher today on positive developments affecting the company. Stock surge reflects noticeable short-term market reaction with moderate longer-term implications possible.

1 Jun

4 transcript

Cars.com (CARS) released its Q1 2026 earnings call transcript covering quarterly financial results, performance metrics, and management commentary on operations and outlook. Q1 2026 earnings details and forward guidance directly shape investor assessment of Cars.com financial trajectory and valuation.

9 May

4

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) released Q1 earnings call highlights covering financial results, revenue growth, profitability metrics, operational updates, and forward-looking guidance. Q1 earnings call highlights detail financial performance and strategic outlook, significantly influencing investor sentiment and stock trajectory.

7 May

4

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) reported Q1 earnings, with key metrics providing insights into financial performance and operational health. Q1 earnings reports typically drive significant short-term stock volatility and influence investor sentiment on Cars.com's trajectory.

4

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) reported first quarter 2026 results. Quarterly earnings reports like Q1 2026 directly drive Cars.com's financial performance, stock price volatility, and investor sentiment.

3

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) reported Q1 earnings below analyst estimates. Missing Q1 earnings indicates weaker financial performance with moderate impact on stock price and investor sentiment.

29 Apr

3

Carvana beats Q1 earnings and revenue estimates. Carvana's earnings beat signals stronger competitive pressure in online car sales impacting Cars.com's market positioning.

27 Apr

4

Cars.com launches the industry's first AI video solution that automatically generates dynamic videos for every vehicle listing, turning them into high-intent sales engines by showcasing key features, driving dealer engagement, and boosting buyer conversions. Pioneering AI video tool for all vehicle listings drives significant sales intent and competitive differentiation in the automotive marketplace.

9 Apr

4

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) provided updates on business initiatives, raised its share repurchase target to $200 million, and reaffirmed full-year guidance of $8.15 to $8.45 adjusted EBITDA per share. Raising the share repurchase target signals strong cash flow confidence and supports stock value, while reaffirming guidance maintains positive investor outlook.

3 Apr

3

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) selected as the sole cash-producing stock boasting impressive fundamentals, while two others dismissed. Positive endorsement of CARS' cash flow and fundamentals likely drives moderate investor sentiment boost.

11 Mar

4

CarGurus is emerging as the dominant auto marketplace through rapid growth, innovative dealer tools, vast inventory, and strong consumer engagement, outpacing rivals like Cars.com in key metrics and market share. CarGurus' rise as the leading auto marketplace introduces significant competitive pressure on Cars.com's market position and performance.

28 Feb

4

B. Riley lowered its price target for Cars.com Inc. (CARS) to $13 from $22. B. Riley's price target cut from $22 to $13 reflects a sharply bearish outlook, likely to significantly impact investor sentiment and CARS stock performance.

27 Feb

4

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) Q4 earnings call highlights key financial results, revenue growth, profitability metrics, and forward guidance for the automotive marketplace. Q4 earnings highlights disclose financial performance and strategic outlook directly influencing investor sentiment and stock trajectory.

26 Feb

4

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) Q4 2025 earnings call highlights growth navigation amid automotive market challenges. Q4 2025 earnings highlights detail strategic growth efforts and challenges poised to significantly shape future performance and investor outlook.

4

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) reported Q4 earnings, with key metrics highlighting performance insights. Q4 earnings reports directly affect financial assessments, guidance, and investor sentiment on future performance.

4

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) missed Q4 earnings estimates, reporting weaker-than-expected results. Missing Q4 earnings directly undermines financial performance and investor confidence, likely causing significant short-term stock pressure and trajectory shifts.

4

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) released its Q4 earnings snapshot. Q4 earnings snapshots directly reveal financial performance metrics that significantly influence stock price and investor outlook.

4

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) reported fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial results. Quarterly and annual earnings disclosures drive substantial shifts in investor sentiment and stock valuation.

25 Feb

3

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) Q4 earnings report upcoming, featuring key metrics, expectations, and insights ahead of release. Q4 earnings preview may moderately affect financial performance and investor sentiment without transformative details.

12 Feb

3

Cars.com Inc. (CARS) is set to announce its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025. The announcement is anticipated to provide insights into the company's performance and strategic direction. The upcoming financial results may influence investor sentiment and provide insights into the company's operational performance.

stockrow.com/CARS · Data as of Jun 30, 2026 · For information only; not investment advice. · © 2026 stockrow.com