Cars.com (CARS) Stock Overview
An audience-driven technology company, provides solutions for the automotive industry in the United States. More details
| Snowflake Score | |
|---|---|
| Valuation | 2/6 |
| Future Growth | 3/6 |
| Past Performance | 2/6 |
| Financial Health | 3/6 |
| Dividends | 0/6 |
CARS Community Fair Values
Create NarrativeSee what 7 others think this stock is worth. Follow their fair value or set your own to get alerts.
Analyst Price Targets
Cars.com Inc. Competitors
Price History & Performance
| Historical stock prices | |
|---|---|
| Current Share Price | US$9.34 |
| 52 Week High | US$13.97 |
| 52 Week Low | US$7.40 |
| Beta | 1.61 |
| 1 Month Change | -16.31% |
| 3 Month Change | 15.02% |
| 1 Year Change | -8.34% |
| 3 Year Change | -49.78% |
| 5 Year Change | -33.43% |
| Change since IPO | -62.16% |
Recent News & Updates
Narrative Update • May 26
CARS: Cost Cuts And Buybacks Will Reshape Earnings Profile By 2027
Narrative Update on Cars.com The analyst price target for Cars.com is now aligned with a revised fair value estimate of $13.00, as analysts factor in updated expectations for slower revenue growth, lower profit margins, a higher discount rate, and a reduced future P/E multiple following recent guidance and sector commentary. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cars.com offers a mixed picture, with some analysts still constructive on the long term setup while others are more cautious after the latest Q4 results and guidance.
Narrative Update • May 11
CARS: 2026 Earnings Execution And Cost Cuts Will Drive Future Repricing
Analysts have trimmed the average Cars.com price target by about $1, reflecting lower revenue growth assumptions and reduced future P/E expectations. These factors are partly offset by slightly higher projected profit margins and a modestly lower discount rate.Seeking Alpha • May 11
Cars.com: Declining Traffic, Sinking Subscription Base
Summary Cars.com is a value trap despite a post-Q1 earnings rebound. The company faced flat revenue trends and weak dealer retention, which stands in stark contrast to larger rival CarGurus. Traffic is declining, while the company is facing flat dealer counts and flat average revenue (compared to mid-teens growth for CarGurus). Though cheap at a ~5x forward adjusted EBITDA multiple (vs. ~9x for CarGurus), the company has poor execution and few upside catalysts. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Apr 26
CARS: Future Dealer Tech Spending Will Face Longer Competitive And AI Pressures
Analysts have reduced their price targets on Cars.com into a lower $10 to $20 range, citing Q4 results with softer EBITDA, below-consensus 2026 guidance and limited visibility on growth and margins as competitive and AI related pressures build. Analyst Commentary Recent research notes highlight that bearish analysts are resetting expectations for Cars.com, centering their views on softer profitability, cautious multi year guidance and rising competitive and AI related pressures.Recent updates
Narrative Update • May 26
CARS: Cost Cuts And Buybacks Will Reshape Earnings Profile By 2027
Narrative Update on Cars.com The analyst price target for Cars.com is now aligned with a revised fair value estimate of $13.00, as analysts factor in updated expectations for slower revenue growth, lower profit margins, a higher discount rate, and a reduced future P/E multiple following recent guidance and sector commentary. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cars.com offers a mixed picture, with some analysts still constructive on the long term setup while others are more cautious after the latest Q4 results and guidance.Narrative Update • May 11
CARS: 2026 Earnings Execution And Cost Cuts Will Drive Future Repricing
Analysts have trimmed the average Cars.com price target by about $1, reflecting lower revenue growth assumptions and reduced future P/E expectations. These factors are partly offset by slightly higher projected profit margins and a modestly lower discount rate.Seeking Alpha • May 11
Cars.com: Declining Traffic, Sinking Subscription Base
Summary Cars.com is a value trap despite a post-Q1 earnings rebound. The company faced flat revenue trends and weak dealer retention, which stands in stark contrast to larger rival CarGurus. Traffic is declining, while the company is facing flat dealer counts and flat average revenue (compared to mid-teens growth for CarGurus). Though cheap at a ~5x forward adjusted EBITDA multiple (vs. ~9x for CarGurus), the company has poor execution and few upside catalysts. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Apr 26
CARS: Future Dealer Tech Spending Will Face Longer Competitive And AI Pressures
Analysts have reduced their price targets on Cars.com into a lower $10 to $20 range, citing Q4 results with softer EBITDA, below-consensus 2026 guidance and limited visibility on growth and margins as competitive and AI related pressures build. Analyst Commentary Recent research notes highlight that bearish analysts are resetting expectations for Cars.com, centering their views on softer profitability, cautious multi year guidance and rising competitive and AI related pressures.Narrative Update • Apr 12
CARS: Future Dealer Tech Investments Will Face Slower Near Term Progress
Analysts have trimmed the blended price target range for Cars.com to around $10 to $20 as they react to Q4 results, lower 2026 EBITDA estimates, and comments pointing to limited visibility on a growth inflection and margins. Analyst Commentary Recent research shows a clear reset in expectations around Cars.com, with multiple bearish analysts cutting price targets and tempering growth assumptions after the Q4 print and 2026 guidance.Narrative Update • Mar 28
CARS: Softer Margins And 2026 Outlook Will Set Up Future Repricing
The analyst price target for Cars.com has been reduced by $7.50, to $17.50, as analysts factor in softer margin expectations, higher perceived risk, and lower 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance, alongside weaker ad spending and increased competitive pressure. Analyst Commentary Street research has turned more cautious on Cars.com in the near term, with several firms trimming price targets and, in one case, reducing the rating to Neutral.Narrative Update • Mar 14
CARS: Future Dealer Tech Investments Will Support Long Term Margin Expansion
Analysts have trimmed their price expectations for Cars.com, with the consolidated target moving lower into a roughly $10 to $20 range. They cited softer EBITDA guidance, reduced 2026 estimates and limited visibility on a growth inflection.Narrative Update • Feb 28
CARS: Future Dealer Tech Investments Will Reshape Long Term Margin Potential
Narrative Update on Cars.com The updated analyst price target for Cars.com shifts to $10 from $11 as analysts factor in softer revenue growth assumptions, a higher discount rate, and recent Street research citing mixed Q4 results, lower EBITDA, and reduced visibility on future growth and margins. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research reflects a more cautious stance on Cars.com, with several bearish analysts trimming price targets and, in some cases, shifting to more neutral ratings as they reassess the risk and reward trade off.Analysis Article • Dec 15
Investors Appear Satisfied With Cars.com Inc.'s (NYSE:CARS) Prospects
When close to half the companies in the United States have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") below 19x, you may...Analysis Article • Oct 12
Does Cars.com (NYSE:CARS) Have A Healthy Balance Sheet?
Warren Buffett famously said, 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' So it seems the smart money knows that...Analysis Article • Sep 24
Is It Time To Consider Buying Cars.com Inc. (NYSE:CARS)?
While Cars.com Inc. ( NYSE:CARS ) might not have the largest market cap around , it saw a significant share price rise...Analysis Article • Jun 21
Is Cars.com (NYSE:CARS) A Risky Investment?
Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility...Analysis Article • May 29
Cars.com Inc.'s (NYSE:CARS) CEO Will Probably Find It Hard To See A Huge Raise This Year
Key Insights Cars.com to hold its Annual General Meeting on 4th of June CEO T. Vetter's total compensation includes...Analysis Article • May 16
Earnings Troubles May Signal Larger Issues for Cars.com (NYSE:CARS) Shareholders
Last week's earnings announcement from Cars.com Inc. ( NYSE:CARS ) was disappointing to investors, with a sluggish...Analysis Article • Feb 28
Investors Give Cars.com Inc. (NYSE:CARS) Shares A 35% Hiding
The Cars.com Inc. ( NYSE:CARS ) share price has fared very poorly over the last month, falling by a substantial 35...Analysis Article • Dec 23
Does Cars.com (NYSE:CARS) Have A Healthy Balance Sheet?
Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility...Analysis Article • Nov 23
Why Investors Shouldn't Be Surprised By Cars.com Inc.'s (NYSE:CARS) 26% Share Price Surge
Cars.com Inc. ( NYSE:CARS ) shareholders would be excited to see that the share price has had a great month, posting a...Seeking Alpha • Nov 19
Cars.com Contends With Uneven Dealer Demand (Downgrade)
Summary Cars.com recently reported Q3 2024 results, matching revenue estimates but missing earnings projections. Financial trends show slight revenue growth, improved operating income, and strong free cash flow, but gross margins have declined due to higher product and technology expenses. My near-term hold outlook hinges on dealer demand recovery, with potential upside if growth rates improve. But significant recovery may not occur until 2025. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Nov 14
Earnings Troubles May Signal Larger Issues for Cars.com (NYSE:CARS) Shareholders
Despite Cars.com Inc.'s ( NYSE:CARS ) most recent earnings report having soft headline numbers, its stock has had a...Analysis Article • Sep 18
Is Cars.com (NYSE:CARS) A Risky Investment?
David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the...
New Narrative • Sep 15
Accu-Trade And OEM Synergies Spark Revenue Surge And Margin Expansion
Expanded market presence and enhanced service offerings through dealer base growth and ARPD maintenance suggest potential for revenue increase.Seeking Alpha • Aug 28
Cars.com Is Not In The Growth Race
Summary Cars.com is a popular online platform for buying and selling vehicles. Although the company reported strong financial results for Q2 2024, there is no reason to assume CARS will see continuous long-term growth. Cars.com has a solid balance sheet and a good management, but it has had a rough time trying to find revenue growth. As a consequence of this lack of revenue and earnings growth, I believe the stock will also have a hard time providing shareholders with capital appreciation. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jun 20
Improved Earnings Required Before Cars.com Inc. (NYSE:CARS) Shares Find Their Feet
When close to half the companies in the United States have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") above 17x, you may...Analysis Article • May 10
Is Now The Time To Put Cars.com (NYSE:CARS) On Your Watchlist?
It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story...Shareholder Returns
| CARS | US Interactive Media and Services | US Market | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7D | -8.3% | -3.6% | -0.1% |
| 1Y | -8.3% | 58.6% | 26.3% |
Return vs Industry: CARS underperformed the US Interactive Media and Services industry which returned 56.1% over the past year.
Return vs Market: CARS underperformed the US Market which returned 26.2% over the past year.
Price Volatility
| CARS volatility | |
|---|---|
| CARS Average Weekly Movement | 6.8% |
| Interactive Media and Services Industry Average Movement | 8.6% |
| Market Average Movement | 7.2% |
| 10% most volatile stocks in US Market | 16.6% |
| 10% least volatile stocks in US Market | 3.1% |
Stable Share Price: CARS has not had significant price volatility in the past 3 months compared to the US market.
Volatility Over Time: CARS's weekly volatility (7%) has been stable over the past year.
About the Company
| Founded | Employees | CEO | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 1,700 | Tobi Hartmann | www.cars.com |
Cars.com Inc., an audience-driven technology company, provides solutions for the automotive industry in the United States. The company offers marketplace through Cars.com that allows OEMs and dealers to merchandise their inventory, as well as provides reputation management technology and digital financing tools. It also operates dealer websites to transform automotive retail processes; and trade and appraisal product, including AccuTrade, which uses demand data and diagnostic scans to determine the right trade-in offer for every VIN in minutes.
Cars.com Inc. Fundamentals Summary
| CARS fundamental statistics | |
|---|---|
| Market cap | US$513.19m |
| Earnings (TTM) | US$27.04m |
| Revenue (TTM) | US$724.44m |
19.3x
P/E Ratio0.7x
P/S RatioIs CARS overvalued?
See Fair Value and valuation analysisEarnings & Revenue
| CARS income statement (TTM) | |
|---|---|
| Revenue | US$724.44m |
| Cost of Revenue | US$241.79m |
| Gross Profit | US$482.64m |
| Other Expenses | US$455.60m |
| Earnings | US$27.04m |
Last Reported Earnings
Mar 31, 2026
Next Earnings Date
n/a
| Earnings per share (EPS) | 0.48 |
| Gross Margin | 66.62% |
| Net Profit Margin | 3.73% |
| Debt/Equity Ratio | 98.1% |
How did CARS perform over the long term?
See historical performance and comparisonCompany Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/06/04 19:06 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/06/04 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
|
|
| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
| |
| Key Developments | 10 years |
|
* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Cars.com Inc. is covered by 14 analysts. 7 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Gary Prestopino | Barrington Research Associates, Inc. |
| Daniel Kurnos | Benchmark Company |
| Sameet Sinha | B. Riley Securities, Inc. |