STOCK TITAN

CARS Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Results

Rhea-AI Impact
(Moderate)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary

Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) reported its Q4 and full-year 2020 financial results, highlighting a year-over-year revenue increase in Q4 of 1% to $153 million. Q4 GAAP net income surged to $7.2 million, contrasting a $4.1 million loss in Q4 2019. However, annual revenue fell by 10% to $547.5 million, largely due to COVID-19 impacts. Adjusted net income declined to $70.3 million for 2020. Operating expenses decreased, and the company maintained strong cash flow with total liquidity of $297.7 million. Cars.com aims to invest in growth and technology in 2021.

Positive
  • Q4 revenue increased by 1% year-over-year to $153 million.
  • Q4 GAAP net income improved to $7.2 million from a loss of $4.1 million in 2019.
  • Monthly Average Revenue Per Dealer (ARPD) rose 6% year-over-year to $2,264.
  • Total liquidity stood at $297.7 million as of December 31, 2020.
  • Free cash flow for 2020 was $121.9 million, up from $80.2 million in 2019.
Negative
  • Annual revenue decreased by 10% to $547.5 million.
  • GAAP net loss for 2020 was $817.1 million, significantly worse than the $445.3 million loss in 2019.
  • Average Monthly Unique Visitors declined by 5% year-over-year in Q4.

CHICAGO, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) ("CARS" or the "Company"), a leading digital marketplace and solutions provider for the automotive industry, today released its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020.

Q4 Financial and Key Metric Highlights

  • Revenue of $153.0 million, up $0.8 million, or 1% year-over-year
  • GAAP net income of $7.2 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net loss of $4.1 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the prior year
  • Adjusted Net Income of $6.0 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to Adjusted Net Income of $42.2 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, in the prior year
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $48.5 million, or 32% of revenue, up $9.2 million and 600 basis points as a percentage of revenue, year-over-year
  • Average Monthly Unique Visitors of 22.2 million, down 5% year-over-year
  • Traffic (visits) of 138.1 million, down 6% year-over-year
  • Monthly Average Revenue Per Dealer ("ARPD") was $2,264, up 6% from $2,136 in the prior year period and up 4% compared to the third quarter of 2020
  • Dealer Customers of 18,372 as of December 31, 2020, up 242 compared to 18,130 as of September 30, 2020, driven by both strong retention and growth in new Dealer Customers

2020 Full Year Financial and Key Metric Highlights

  • Revenue of $547.5 million, down $59.2 million, or 10% year-over-year
  • GAAP net loss of $817.1 million, or $12.15 per diluted share, primarily due to non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment pre-tax charge of $905.9 million triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and recorded in the first quarter
  • Adjusted Net Income of $70.3 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, compared to Adjusted Net Income of $104.2 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, in the prior year
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $155.9 million, or 28% of revenue, compared to $167.3 million, or 28% of revenue, in the prior year
  • Net cash provided by operating activities of $138.6 million, with Free Cash Flow of $121.9 million, compared to $101.5 million, and $80.2 million of Free Cash Flow, in the prior year
  • $67.7 million of cash and cash equivalents with total liquidity of $297.7 million, including availability under our revolving credit facility, as of December 31, 2020
  • Average Monthly Unique Visitors of 23.8 million, up 5% year-over-year
  • Traffic (visits) of 599.8 million, up 8% year-over-year

Operational Highlights

  • Growth in Dealer Customers in four out of the last five quarters
  • Growth in website customers continues, reaching approximately 4,400 at December 31, 2020
  • Expanded digital advertising program; Dealer Inspire selected as a preferred digital advertising provider for U.S.-based FordDirect dealers
  • Momentum with new FUEL product continues to build and contribute to ARPD growth
  • Voluntary debt payment of $30 million in January 2021

"We are entering 2021 in a position of operational and financial strength. Our solutions allow dealers to meet consumers where they want to buy cars, either online or in physical showrooms. While 2020 was a challenging year, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the importance of our digital solutions strategy and propelled our organic strength as a technology enabler for both buyers and sellers," said Alex Vetter, President and Chief Executive Officer of CARS. "Our audience, customers and average revenue per dealer are all trending positively as we continue to invest in our dealer network and expand our solutions and services."

Q4 Results

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $153.0 million, up $0.8 million, or 1%, compared to the prior year period, due to growth in ARPD driven by increased solutions sales.

Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2020 were $137.1 million, compared to $147.5 million for the prior year period. This decrease was driven by the cessation of our affiliate revenue share expense in the second half of 2020.

GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $7.2 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net loss of $4.1 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019. The current period net income was driven by tax benefits generated through an increase in the Company's ability to carryback operating losses as a result of the CARES Act. Adjusted Net Income for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $6.0 million compared to $42.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $48.5 million, or 32% of revenue, compared to $39.3 million, or 26% of revenue, for the prior year period. Looking forward to 2021, we expect to increase our investment in the business, with a particular focus on marketing to support opportunistic consumer traffic acquisition and the CARS brand. Additionally, we expect to invest in resources to accelerate product innovation. These investments will result in lower sequential Adjusted EBITDA margins. We expect Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter to be up on a year over year basis with margins between 27% and 30%.

While we delivered record Traffic and lead growth in 2020, Average Monthly Unique Visitors in the fourth quarter declined 5% year-over-year and total traffic declined 6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. In the fourth quarter, we increased our brand investments to support longer term consumer growth. While we are always seeking to further optimize our marketing mix, our decision in the fourth quarter to make long-term marketing investments was based on our double-digit year over year lead growth. Organic traffic was 73% of total traffic and grew 1% year-over-year, a testament to the consistent, high-quality traffic that we deliver to our Dealer Customers.

Fourth quarter 2020 ARPD was $2,264, up 6% year over year and up 4% compared to the third quarter of 2020. The ARPD growth was driven by continued growth in solutions products.

Dealer Customers were 18,372 at the end of 2020, 242 higher than Dealer Customers of 18,130 at the end of the third quarter of 2020. This increase came from growth in both marketplace and solutions only Dealer Customers. Compared to December 31, 2019, Dealer Customers were down 462.

2020 Full Year Results

Revenue for 2020 was $547.5 million, compared to $606.7 million in 2019. This decrease was primarily due to invoice credits that we provided to marketplace customers as COVID-19 relief in the second quarter, second quarter Dealer Customers declines, and a decline in national advertising revenue, partially offset by growth in solutions products.

Total operating expenses for 2020 were $1.4 billion, or $528.9 million excluding the 2020 goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge, compared to $1.1 billion, or $591.3 million excluding the 2019 goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge, in the prior year. This decrease in expenses was due to the actions taken to align expenses with revenue in an uncertain COVID-19 environment. These actions included lower marketing spend and measures taken to reduce headcount related expenses, primarily during the second quarter of 2020. In addition, affiliate revenue share expenses ended in the second half of 2020.

GAAP net loss for 2020 was $817.1 million, or $12.15 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net loss of $445.3 million, or $6.65 per diluted share, in 2019. Adjusted Net Income for the year was $70.3 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, compared to $104.2 million, or $1.55 per diluted share in the prior year period.

Adjusted EBITDA for 2020 was $155.9 million, or 28% of revenue, compared to $167.3 million, or 28% of revenue, in the prior year period.

We delivered record Traffic and leads in 2020. Average Monthly Unique Visitors grew 5% and Traffic grew 8%. Traffic and lead growth were supported by our brand strength, heightened consumer demand and consumer gravitation toward online marketplaces, particularly in the second and third quarters, and a focus on driving high quality organic traffic. Organic traffic was 73% of total traffic and grew 10% year-over-year. Mobile traffic grew 12% year-over-year and accounted for 75% of total traffic, compared to 72% in the prior year.

Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2020 was $138.6 million, compared to $101.5 million in the prior year. Free Cash Flow in 2020 was $121.9 million, compared to $80.2 million in 2019.

Total liquidity was $297.7 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $67.7 million and $230 million of revolver capacity, as of December 31, 2020. The Company made $50.6 million in debt repayments during 2020, net of borrowings, bringing total debt outstanding to $597.5 million as of December 31, 2020. Net leverage at December 31, 2020 was 3.4x and secured leverage was 1.3x, compared to maximum allowable secured leverage of 3.5x, in accordance with the Company's recently amended credit agreement. In addition, the Company made a $30 million voluntary debt payment in January 2021.

During the fourth quarter the Company refinanced its debt facilities on favorable terms extending the maturity date from 2022 to 2025 for the credit facility and establishing a 2028 maturity date for the new senior unsecured notes. This new structure improves the Company's flexibility to invest in and grow the business.

"Our solutions driven model delivered in the second half of 2020 with strong top line trends, profitability and cash flow. We maintained cost discipline, made focused investments in marketing and continued to invest organically in our digital platform. Solid performance and a strengthened financial position give us ample flexibility to pay down debt, pursue opportunistic acquisitions and invest in marketing and technology innovations setting us up for growth in 2021," said Sonia Jain, Chief Financial Officer of CARS.

Q4 Earnings Call

As previously announced, management will hold a conference call and webcast today at 9:00 a.m. CST. This webcast may be accessed at investor.cars.com. A replay of the webcast will be available at this website following the conclusion of the call until March 11, 2021.

About CARS

CARS is a leading digital marketplace and solutions provider for the automotive industry that connects car shoppers with sellers. Launched in 1998 with the flagship marketplace Cars.com and headquartered in Chicago, the Company empowers shoppers with the data, resources and digital tools needed to make informed buying decisions and seamlessly connect with automotive retailers. In a rapidly changing market, CARS enables dealerships and OEMs with innovative technical solutions and data-driven intelligence to better reach and influence ready-to-buy shoppers, increase inventory turn and gain market share.

In addition to Cars.com, CARS brands include Dealer Inspire, a technology provider building solutions that future-proof dealerships with more efficient operations and connected digital experiences; FUEL, which gives dealers and OEMs the opportunity to harness the untapped power of digital video by leveraging Cars.com's pure audience of in-market car shoppers, and DealerRater, a leading car dealer review and reputation management platform.

The full suite of CARS properties include Cars.com™, Dealer Inspire®, DealerRater®, FUEL™, Auto.com™, PickupTrucks.com™ and NewCars.com®. For more information, visit www.Cars.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This earnings release discusses Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income per diluted share and Free Cash Flow. These financial measures are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). These financial measures are presented as supplemental measures of operating performance because we believe they provide meaningful information regarding our performance and provide a basis to compare operating results between periods. In addition, we use Adjusted EBITDA as a measure for determining incentive compensation targets. Adjusted EBITDA also is used as a performance measure under our credit agreement and includes adjustments such as the items defined below and other further adjustments, which are defined in the credit agreement. These non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by our lenders, securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. For a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures presented in this earnings release to their most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP, see "Non-GAAP Reconciliations" below.

Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are presented in the tables below.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before (1) interest expense, net, (2) income tax (benefit) expense, (3) depreciation, (4) amortization of intangible assets, (5) stock-based compensation expense, (6) unrealized mark-to-market adjustments related to derivative instruments, and (7) certain other items, such as transaction-related costs, costs associated with the stockholder activist campaign, severance, transformation and other exit costs and write-off and impairments of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Amortization of unfavorable contracts liability is not adjusted out of Adjusted EBITDA.

We define Adjusted Net Income as net income (loss) excluding the after-tax impact of (1) amortization of intangible assets, (2) stock-based compensation expense, (3) unrealized mark-to-market adjustments related to derivative instruments, and (4) certain other items, such as transaction-related costs, costs associated with the stockholder activist campaign, severance, transformation and other exit costs and write-off and impairments of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Amortization of unfavorable contracts liability is not adjusted out of Adjusted Net Income.

Transaction-related costs are certain expense items resulting from actual or potential transactions such as business combinations, mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, spin-offs, financing transactions, and other strategic transactions, including, without limitation, (1) transaction-related bonuses and (2) expenses for advisors and representatives such as investment bankers, consultants, attorneys and accounting firms. Transaction-related costs may also include, without limitation, transition and integration costs such as retention bonuses and acquisition-related milestone payments to acquired employees, in addition to consulting, compensation and other incremental costs associated with integration projects.

We define Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, including purchases of property and equipment and capitalization of internal-use software and website development costs.

Key Metric Definitions

Traffic (Visits). Traffic is fundamental to our business. Traffic to the CARS network of websites and mobile apps provides value to our advertisers in terms of audience, awareness, consideration and conversion. In addition to tracking traffic volume and sources, we monitor activity on our properties, allowing us to innovate and refine our consumer-facing offerings. Traffic is defined as the number of visits to CARS desktop and mobile properties (responsive sites and mobile apps), measured using Adobe Analytics. Traffic does not include traffic to Dealer Inspire websites. Traffic provides an indication of our consumer reach. Although our consumer reach does not directly result in revenue, we believe our ability to reach in-market car shoppers is attractive to our Dealer Customers and national advertisers.

Average Monthly Unique Visitors ("UVs"). Growth in unique visitors and consumer traffic to our network of websites and mobile apps increases the number of impressions, clicks, leads and other events we can monetize to generate revenue. We define UVs in a given month as the number of distinct visitors that engage with our platform during that month. Visitors are identified when a user first visits an individual CARS property on an individual device/browser combination or installs one of our mobile apps on an individual device. If a visitor accesses more than one of our web properties or apps or uses more than one device or browser, each of those unique property/browser/app/device combinations counts toward the number of UVs. UVs do not include Dealer Inspire UVs. We measure UVs using Adobe Analytics.

Dealer Customers. Dealer Customers represent dealerships using our products as of the end of each reporting period. Each physical or virtual dealership location is counted separately, whether it is a single-location proprietorship or part of a large consolidated dealer group. Multi-franchise dealerships at a single location are counted as one dealer.

Average Revenue Per Dealer ("ARPD"). We believe that our ability to grow ARPD is an indicator of the value proposition of our products. We define ARPD as Direct retail revenue during the period divided by the monthly average number of direct Dealer Customers during the same period.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our industry, our Dealer Customers and our results of operations, our business strategies, strategic alternatives, plans and objectives, market potential, outlook, trends, future financial performance, planned operational and product improvements, potential strategic transactions, liquidity, including draws from our revolving credit facility, expense management and other matters and involve known and unknown risks that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual financial results, performance, achievements, strategic actions or prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "project," "anticipate," "outlook," "intend," "strategy," "plan," "estimate," "target," "seek," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," "forecasts," "mission," "strive," "more," "goal" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, strategies, estimates, projections and assumptions, based on our experience in the industry as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments, current developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors we think are appropriate. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management based on their knowledge and understanding of the business and industry, are inherently uncertain. These statements are expressed in good faith and we believe these judgments are reasonable. However, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of strategic action, performance or results. Our actual results and strategic actions could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, forward-looking statements should not be relied on in making investment decisions. Comparisons of results between current and prior periods are not intended to express any future trends, or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data. Whether or not any such forward-looking statement is in fact achieved will depend on future events, some of which are beyond our control.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results and strategic actions to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For a detailed discussion of many of these and other risks and uncertainties, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available on our website at investor.cars.com or via EDGAR at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this press release in the context of these risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based only on information currently available to us and speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking or cautionary statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of events, unanticipated or otherwise, or changes in future operating results over time or otherwise.

The forward-looking statements in this report are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the federal securities laws.

CARS Investor Relations Contact:
ir@cars.com   

CARS Media Contact:
Marita Thomas
mthomas@cars.com 
312.601.5692

 

Cars.com Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(In thousands, except per share data)












(Unaudited)







Three Months Ended December 31,


Year Ended December 31,



2020


2019


2020


2019

Revenue:









  Direct 


$               130,460


$               127,933


$               463,018


$               477,095

  National advertising 


20,009


21,022


73,176


80,774

  Other 


2,539


3,227


11,309


14,442

    Retail 


153,008


152,182


547,503


572,311

    Wholesale 



5



34,371

       Total revenue


153,008


152,187


547,503


606,682

Operating expenses:









  Cost of revenue and operations


27,160


24,562


101,536


99,549

  Product and technology


18,305


14,734


60,664


62,859

  Marketing and sales


50,714


52,560


183,448


217,432

  General and administrative


15,185


14,507


59,051


73,772

  Affiliate revenue share



11,002


10,970


20,790

  Depreciation and amortization


25,747


30,116


113,276


116,877

  Goodwill and intangible asset impairment




905,885


461,463

       Total operating expenses


137,111


147,481


1,434,830


1,052,742

         Operating income (loss)


15,897


4,706


(887,327)


(446,060)

Nonoperating expense:









  Interest expense, net


(11,627)


(7,785)


(37,856)


(30,774)

  Other (expense) income, net


(4,239)


25


(11,226)


1,555

     Total nonoperating expense, net


(15,866)


(7,760)


(49,082)


(29,219)

       Income (loss) before income taxes


31


(3,054)


(936,409)


(475,279)

       Income tax (benefit) expense


(7,188)


1,056


(119,289)


(29,955)

          Net income (loss)


$                   7,219


$                 (4,110)


$             (817,120)


$             (445,324)

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:









Basic


67,477


66,850


67,241


66,995

Diluted


70,312


66,850


67,241


66,995

Earnings (loss) per share:









Basic


$                     0.11


$                   (0.06)


$                 (12.15)


$                   (6.65)

Diluted


0.10


(0.06)


(12.15)


(6.65)

 

Cars.com Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)








December 31,



2020


2019

Assets:





Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents


$                       67,719


$                       13,549

Accounts receivable, net


93,649


101,762

Prepaid expenses


6,491


6,526

Other current assets


10,222


603

Total current assets


178,081


122,440

Property and equipment, net


41,323


43,696

Goodwill



505,885

Intangible assets, net 


835,166


1,329,499

Investments and other assets


21,142


26,471

Total assets


$                  1,075,712


$                  2,027,991

Liabilities and stockholders' equity:





Current liabilities:





Accounts payable


$                       16,512


$                       12,431

Accrued compensation


18,319


16,738

Current portion of long-term debt


7,756


31,391

Other accrued liabilities


47,781


38,246

Total current liabilities


90,368


98,806

Noncurrent liabilities:





Long-term debt


576,143


611,277

Deferred tax liability


30,800


132,996

Other noncurrent liabilities


38,225


43,844

Total noncurrent liabilities


645,168


788,117

Total liabilities


735,536


886,923

Commitments and contingencies





Stockholders' equity:





Preferred Stock at par, $0.01 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; no shares
   issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019,
   respectively



Common Stock at par, $0.01 par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 67,387 and
   66,764 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and
   December 31, 2019, respectively


674


668

Additional paid-in capital


1,530,493


1,515,109

Accumulated deficit


(1,184,187)


(367,067)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(6,804)


(7,642)

Total stockholders' equity


340,176


1,141,068

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity


$                  1,075,712


$                  2,027,991

 

Cars.com Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)








Year Ended December 31,



2020


2019

Cash flows from operating activities:





Net loss


$             (817,120)


$             (445,324)

Adjustments to reconcile Net loss to Net cash provided by operating activities:





Depreciation


18,943


18,266

Amortization of intangible assets


94,333


98,611

Amortization of unfavorable contracts liability



(18,885)

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment


905,885


461,463

Impairment of non-marketable security


9,447


Amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss on interest rate swap


8,623


Stock-based compensation 


15,155


7,588

Deferred income taxes


(103,582)


(44,920)

Provision for doubtful accounts


4,380


4,897

Amortization of debt issuance costs


5,108


1,573

Other


181


496

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:





Accounts receivable


3,733


2,262

Prepaid expenses


35


2,738

Other current assets


(9,592)


9,835

Other assets


43


(16,201)

Accounts payable


3,993


874

Accrued compensation


1,581


(83)

Other accrued liabilities


7,614


(1,378)

Other noncurrent liabilities


(10,144)


19,672

Net cash provided by operating activities


138,616


101,484

Cash flows from investing activities:





     Purchase of property and equipment


(16,712)


(21,257)

     Other



(599)

Net cash used in investing activities


(16,712)


(21,856)

Cash flows from financing activities:





     Proceeds from revolving loan borrowings and issuance of long-term debt


565,000


10,000

     Payments of debt issuance costs and other fees


(17,344)


(2,940)

     Payments of long-term debt


(615,625)


(58,125)

     Stock-based compensation plans, net


235


(286)

     Repurchases of common stock



(40,000)

     Other



(191)

Net cash used in financing activities


(67,734)


(91,542)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


54,170


(11,914)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period


13,549


25,463

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period


$                 67,719


$                 13,549

Supplemental cash flow information:





Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds


$                      805


$                   1,740

Cash paid for interest and swap


26,433


29,654

 

Cars.com Inc.

Non-GAAP Reconciliations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)












Three Months Ended December 31,


Year Ended December 31,



2020


2019


2020


2019

Reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA

















Net income (loss)


$                   7,219


$                 (4,110)


$             (817,120)


$             (445,324)

Interest expense, net


11,627


7,785


37,856


30,774

Income tax (benefit) expense


(7,188)


1,056


(119,289)


(29,955)

Depreciation and amortization


25,747


30,116


113,276


116,877

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment




905,885


461,463

Stock-based compensation


4,974


2,332


15,450


7,736

Write-off of long-lived assets and other


2,602


177


9,700


706

Severance, transformation and other exit costs


1,462


963


7,919


10,588

Transaction-related costs


2,029


959


2,205


5,582

Costs associated with the stockholder activist campaign





8,825

Adjusted EBITDA*


$                 48,472


$                 39,278


$               155,882


$               167,272



















Reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted net income
















Net income (loss)


$                   7,219


$                 (4,110)


$             (817,120)


$             (445,324)

Amortization of intangible assets


21,889


25,277


94,333


98,611

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment, net of tax




677,051


431,225

Stock-based compensation


4,974


2,332


15,450


7,736

Write-off of long-lived assets and other


2,602


177


9,700


706

Severance, transformation and other exit costs


1,462


963


7,919


10,588

Transaction-related costs


2,029


959


2,205


5,582

Costs associated with the stockholder activist campaign





8,825

Valuation allowance


(6,389)



121,659


Tax impact of adjustments


(27,754)


16,570


(40,871)


(13,757)

Adjusted net income*


$                   6,032


$                 42,168


$                 70,326


$               104,192

Adjusted net income per share, diluted


$                     0.09


$                     0.63


$                     1.02


$                     1.55

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted**


70,312


67,153


69,049


67,335



















Reconciliation of Net cash provided by operating activities to Free cash flow
















Net cash provided by operating activities


$                 41,750


$                 20,934


$               138,616


$               101,484

Purchase of property and equipment


(4,109)


(5,848)


(16,712)


(21,257)

Free cash flow


$                 37,641


$                 15,086


$               121,904


$                 80,227



















* There was no unfavorable contract liability amortization during 2020 as it was fully amortized as of September 30, 2019. Additionally for 2019, amortization of unfavorable contracts liability is not adjusted out of Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted net income.

** Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted, includes shares excluded from GAAP loss per share due to the net loss position for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the three months and year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Cars.com Inc.

Supplemental Information

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



















Expense category for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020:
















As Reported


Adjustments (1)


Stock-Based Compensation


As Adjusted

Cost of revenue and operations


$                 27,160


$                        —


$                    (242)


$                 26,918

Product and technology


18,305



(993)


17,312

Marketing and sales


50,714



(1,233)


49,481

General and administrative


15,185


(1,810)


(2,506)


10,869

Affiliate revenue share





Depreciation and amortization


25,747




25,747

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment




Total operating expenses


$               137,111


$                 (1,810)


$                 (4,974)


$               130,327










Total nonoperating expense, net


$               (15,866)


$                   4,283


$                        —


$               (11,583)










(1) Includes write-off of long-lived assets and other, transaction-related costs, severance, transformation and other exit costs.










Expense category for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2019:
















As Reported


Adjustments (1)


Stock-Based Compensation


As Adjusted

Cost of revenue and operations


$                 24,562


$                        —


$                      (23)


$                 24,539

Product and technology


14,734



(487)


14,247

Marketing and sales


52,560



(391)


52,169

General and administrative


14,507


(2,099)


(1,431)


10,977

Affiliate revenue share


11,002




11,002

Depreciation and amortization


30,116




30,116

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment




Total operating expenses


$               147,481


$                 (2,099)


$                 (2,332)


$               143,050










Total nonoperating expense, net


$                 (7,760)


$                        —


$                        —


$                 (7,760)










(1) Includes severance, transformation and other exit costs, transaction-related costs, write-off of long-lived assets and other.










Expense category for the Year Ended December 31, 2020:


















As Reported


Adjustments (1)


Stock-Based Compensation


As Adjusted

Cost of revenue and operations


$               101,536


$                        —


$                    (608)


$               100,928

Product and technology


60,664



(3,423)


57,241

Marketing and sales


183,448



(3,722)


179,726

General and administrative


59,051


(8,576)


(7,697)


42,778

Affiliate revenue share


10,970




10,970

Depreciation and amortization


113,276




113,276

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment

905,885


(905,885)



Total operating expenses


$            1,434,830


$             (914,461)


$               (15,450)


$               504,919










Total nonoperating expense, net


$               (49,082)


$                 11,248


$                        —


$               (37,834)










(1) Includes write-off and impairments of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets and other, severance, transformation and other exit costs, and transaction-related costs.










Expense category for the Year Ended December 31, 2019:


















As Reported


Adjustments (1)


Stock-Based Compensation


As Adjusted

Cost of revenue and operations


$                 99,549


$                        —


$                      (91)


$                 99,458

Product and technology


62,859



(1,145)


61,714

Marketing and sales


217,432



(1,561)


215,871

General and administrative


73,772


(27,101)


(4,939)


41,732

Affiliate revenue share


20,790




20,790

Depreciation and amortization


116,877




116,877

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment

461,463


(461,463)



Total operating expenses


$            1,052,742


$             (488,564)


$                 (7,736)


$               556,442










Total nonoperating expense, net


$               (29,219)


$                 (1,400)


$                        —


$               (30,619)










(1 )Includes write-off and impairments of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets and other, severance, transformation and other exit costs, costs associated with the stockholder activist campaign and transaction-related costs.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cars-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2020-results-301235487.html

SOURCE Cars.com Inc.

FAQ

What were Cars.com's Q4 2020 financial results?

Cars.com reported Q4 2020 revenue of $153 million, a 1% increase year-over-year, with GAAP net income of $7.2 million.

How did Cars.com perform in 2020 compared to 2019?

In 2020, Cars.com had revenue of $547.5 million, down 10% from 2019, with a GAAP net loss of $817.1 million.

What factors impacted Cars.com's revenue in 2020?

Revenue decline in 2020 was primarily due to invoice credits provided as COVID-19 relief and a decrease in dealer customers.

What is the future outlook for Cars.com?

Cars.com plans to invest in growth and technology for 2021, focusing on marketing and product innovation.

What was the adjusted EBITDA for Cars.com in Q4 2020?

Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2020 was $48.5 million, representing 32% of revenue.

Cars.com Inc.

NYSE:CARS

CARS Rankings

CARS Latest News

CARS Stock Data

1.22B
64.74M
8.75%
92.02%
2.77%
Auto & Truck Dealerships
Services-computer Processing & Data Preparation
Link
United States of America
CHICAGO