Cars.com (CARS)
Connects car shoppers with dealers and supplies websites, media, and appraisal tools.
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Runs a U.S. automotive marketplace and dealer-commerce platform that connects shoppers with dealerships, then sells dealers listings, websites, media, financing, and appraisal tools. Dealer revenue supplies most of the business inside one reportable segment; OEM and national customers mainly buy media.
Operates a U.S.-focused automotive marketplace anchored by the Cars.com site, where shoppers research vehicles and connect with dealerships. The same commercial platform is presented as Cars Commerce, spanning marketplace listings, dealer websites, media products, financing workflows, and trade-and-appraisal tools.
Dealer-facing products include Dealer Inspire digital experience tools, Cars Commerce media solutions, CreditIQ financing technology, AccuTrade appraisal capabilities, and DealerClub wholesale auction functionality. Revenue is reported through one operating segment, with dealer customers supplying most of the business and OEM or national advertisers adding a smaller media channel.
Execution depends on attracting shoppers, converting dealer demand into subscription and media products, and integrating acquired tools into a coherent workflow. Competition comes from auto marketplaces, automotive information sites, and dealer software or marketing-service providers.
Company facts
Target rangeAs of Sep 21, 2026
Latest analyst notes
| Date | Firm | Action | Prior | Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 2026 | B. Riley Securities | Downgrade | ||
| Feb 27, 2026 | JP Morgan | Downgrade | ||
| Jan 14, 2026 | UBS | Reiterate | Rating: —Target: $12 | Target: $13 |
| Oct 6, 2025 | UBS | Reiterate | Rating: —Target: — | Target: $12 |
| Jul 17, 2025 | JP Morgan | Upgrade |
EPSReportedEstimate
RevenueReportedEstimate
Balance sheet, Jun 30, 2026Cash & short-term investments $33.3M · Total debt $447.1M · Total assets $1.01B · Shareholders' equity $443.6M
- Revenue
- $179.9M
- Operating income
- $27.9M
- Net income
- $14.3M
No dividends on record.
| Institutions | ≈ 100.98% | 56.45M shares | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 206 holders · as of Jun 30, 2026 · largest filers plus last quarter's tail | |||
| Insiders | 5.90% | 3.30M shares | |
| 16 holders · as of Aug 24, 2026 | |||
| Strategic holders | 6.18% | 3.45M shares | |
| 1 holder · as of Mar 6, 2026 | |||
| Adds to | 113.06% | ||
55.90M company shares as of Aug 26, 2026 · institutions as of Jun 30, 2026 · holders as of their latest filing
This quarter's institutional total failed a plausibility check; shown: the largest filers plus last quarter's remainder.
These groups come from separate filings that can overlap, so they add to 113.06%; nothing is left for Other.
Top shareholders13F · 13D/G · Form 4
| Holder | Stake | Shares | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
FMR LLCInstitution | 15.00% | 8.38M | as of Jun 30, 2026 |
Greenvale Capital LLPInstitution | 9.26% | 5.18M | filed Feb 11, 2022 |
BlackRock, Inc.Institution | 7.46% | 4.17M | as of Jun 30, 2026 |
Pale Fire Capital SEInstitution | 7.17% | 4.01M | as of Jun 30, 2026 |
Pale Fire Capital SICAV a.s.Strategic | 6.18% | 3.45M | filed Mar 6, 2026 |
Insider tradesForm 4
| Date | Insider | Role | Shares | Avg price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 20, 2026 | Jr. Donald A. McGovern | director | −8,000 | $12.25 |
| Aug 17, 2026 | Angelique Strong Marks | officer: Chief Legal Officer | −57,980 | $11.94 |
| Jun 12, 2026 | Sonia Jain | officer: Chief Financial Officer | −34,021 | $9.49 |
| Jun 11, 2026 | Sonia Jain | officer: Chief Financial Officer | −52,579 | $9.56 |
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jenell Ross | director | +1,995 | $7.56 |
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Compare
| Company | Price | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cars.com | $11.26 | −1.66% | $640.1M | 20.0 | 4.6 | 0.9 | +0.7% |
| CarGurus | $32.59 | −1.76% | $3.20B | 18.0 | 11.6 | 3.3 | +7.2% |
| CarMax | $57.74 | −0.21% | $8.21B | 35.9 | 20.4 | 0.3 | +6.2% |
| Carvana | $66.68 | −0.74% | $73.71B | 31.1 | 34.3 | 2.9 | +52.4% |
| Alphabet Class A | $361.30 | +1.78% | $4.30T | 17.8 | 26.9 | 9.6 | +24.2% |
| ACV Auctions | $10.47 | −0.10% | $1.83B | — | 37.9 | 2.3 | +10.5% |
| Meta | $750.45 | +1.24% | $1.89T | 27.9 | 24.6 | 8.3 | +28.0% |
| OPENLANE | $35.14 | +1.05% | $3.68B | — | 22.2 | 1.8 | +15.1% |
| S&P Global | $402.71 | −0.44% | $119.24B | 24.6 | 21.3 | 7.4 | −2.1% |
| Median | 26.3 | 23.4 | 3.1 | +12.8% |