CARS - NYSE
Cars.com Inc.
$9.18
-4.2%Cars.com Inc. operates as a digital marketplace and provides solutions for the automotive industry. Its platform connects car shoppers with sellers. The company, through its marketplace, dealer websites, and other digital products, showcases dealer inventory, elevate and amplify dealers' and automotive manufacturers' (OEMs) brands, connect sellers with ready-to-buy audience, and empower shoppers with the resources and information needed to make car buying decisions. It also offers marketplace products, such as marketplace subscription advertising and social selling services; digital solutions, including Website platform hosting, AI chat tool, digital retailing, and review and reputation management; and advertising comprising display advertising, instant loan screening and approvals, digital advertising, and in-market audio services. As of December 31, 2021, the company served 19,179 dealer customers in 50 states, which included franchise and independent dealers, with digital and brick-and-mortar stores; and primary automakers selling vehicles in the United States. Its customers are local car dealers, OEMs, and other national advertisers. Cars.com Inc. was founded in 1998 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.
At a Glance
Live SnapshotCars.com Inc. Street Expectations Map
Wall Street analysts project that CARS stock may rise significantly over the coming 12 months. The consensus 1-year price target stands at 13.00, with estimates ranging from a low of 13.00 to a high of 13.00.
The consensus 1-year price target stands at 13.00, with estimates ranging from a low of 13.00 to a high of 13.00.
Analyst Consensus Analysis
Upside Potential
Substantial upside potential. Analysts see significant value gap, suggesting the stock may be materially undervalued at current levels.
Analyst Agreement
High analyst agreement. Narrow target range indicates strong consensus on valuation, suggesting clear investment thesis and predictable outlook.
Analyst Conviction
Strong buy conviction: High upside with tight consensus suggests compelling investment opportunity backed by analyst confidence.
Market Sentiment Insight
Rare opportunity: Exceptional upside potential with strong analyst consensus creates a compelling setup. The combination of significant price target premium and tight agreement suggests high-conviction undervaluation that may attract institutional capital.
Cars.com Inc. Forward Estimates of Revenue
Forward Growth Analysis
Flat growth suggests market maturity or near-term challenges offsetting expansion efforts.
Moderate coverage—sufficient for guidance but may lack depth of large-cap analysis.
Narrow estimate range signals strong analyst consensus and predictable business outlook.
Generally favorable outlook with reasonable growth prospects and analyst support.
Cars.com Inc. Forward Estimates of Net Income
Forward Growth Analysis
Strong growth expectations signal robust business momentum and market opportunity expansion.
Moderate coverage—sufficient for guidance but may lack depth of large-cap analysis.
Narrow estimate range signals strong analyst consensus and predictable business outlook.
Positive analyst consensus with strong growth expectations and forecast confidence.
Key Insight
Compelling growth story with analyst consensus: Strong projected growth combined with narrow estimate spread suggests high-conviction opportunity.
Cars.com Inc. Forward Estimates of EPS
Forward Growth Analysis
Strong growth expectations signal robust business momentum and market opportunity expansion.
Limited coverage may indicate reduced institutional interest or information availability.
Narrow estimate range signals strong analyst consensus and predictable business outlook.
Positive analyst consensus with strong growth expectations and forecast confidence.
Key Insight
Compelling growth story with analyst consensus: Strong projected growth combined with narrow estimate spread suggests high-conviction opportunity.
Cars.com Inc. Forward Estimates of EBIT
Forward Growth Analysis
Significant contraction projected—major business challenges or industry disruption likely.
Moderate coverage—sufficient for guidance but may lack depth of large-cap analysis.
Narrow estimate range signals strong analyst consensus and predictable business outlook.
Mixed signals—some positive indicators offset by concerns about growth or uncertainty.
Cars.com Inc. Forward Estimates of EBITDA
Forward Growth Analysis
Significant contraction projected—major business challenges or industry disruption likely.
Moderate coverage—sufficient for guidance but may lack depth of large-cap analysis.
Narrow estimate range signals strong analyst consensus and predictable business outlook.
Mixed signals—some positive indicators offset by concerns about growth or uncertainty.
Cars.com Inc. Forward Estimates of SG&A Expense
Forward Growth Analysis
Flat growth suggests market maturity or near-term challenges offsetting expansion efforts.
Moderate coverage—sufficient for guidance but may lack depth of large-cap analysis.
Narrow estimate range signals strong analyst consensus and predictable business outlook.
Generally favorable outlook with reasonable growth prospects and analyst support.
Cars.com Inc. Insider Positioning
During the last 12 months, insiders have purchased $15K and sold $1.02M worth of CARS shares, resulting in $1.00M of net selling activity.
3 Months
2.0K
15.08K
0
0.00
+15K
+$15K
3-6 Months
0
0.00
11.4K
153.33K
-153K
-$153K
6-9 Months
0
0.00
56.6K
689.47K
-689K
-$689K
9-12 Months
0
0.00
15.0K
176.55K
-177K
-$177K
Top Buyers
Ross Jenell
Director
$15K
Top Sellers
Jain Sonia
Officer: Chief Financial Officer
$514K
Crawford Matthew B.
Officer: Chief Product Innovation Off.
$506K
Insider Activity Analysis
Net Insider Sentiment
Strong bearish signal with $1.00M net selling. Heavy insider selling may indicate concerns about valuation or near-term prospects.
Buy/Sell Ratio
Very poor ratio. Heavy selling with minimal buying suggests insiders may be concerned about valuation or outlook.
Recent Trend (3 Months)
Very strong recent buying momentum. Recent insider purchases significantly outpace sales, suggesting near-term optimism.
Insider Participation
2 insider sellers vs. 1 buyers. More insiders selling than buying suggests cautious or negative sentiment.
Related Guides
Continue your CARS research with focused valuation guides.
Research Paths
Snapshot
Start with context, operating signals, and key market metrics.
Value Model
Stress test fair value across bear, base, and bull assumptions.
Statements
Validate revenue quality, margins, and balance sheet durability.
Earnings Call
Read management commentary and compare it with reported outcomes.
Dividends
Check payout sustainability and long-term distribution behavior.
Analyst Expectations
Review consensus spread and where estimate risk is concentrated.