Welcome to our dedicated page for Cars.Com news (Ticker: CARS), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Cars.Com stock.
About Cars.com (CARS)
Cars.com Inc., operating under the brand name Cars Commerce, is a leading audience-driven technology company that empowers the automotive industry. By simplifying the complex processes of buying, selling, and marketing vehicles, Cars.com provides an integrated platform of innovative solutions that cater to both consumers and dealerships. Established as a digital marketplace, the company has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem that spans the pretail, retail, and post-sale phases of automotive commerce, delivering efficiency and profitability to its partners.
Core Business Model
Cars.com generates revenue primarily through subscription-based services, digital marketing solutions, and transaction-based fees. Its platform connects over 18 million in-market car shoppers with dealerships monthly, leveraging data-driven insights to align with modern car-buying behaviors. The company’s flagship marketplace, Cars.com, serves as a central hub for new and used vehicle listings, while its suite of complementary brands—such as Dealer Inspire, AccuTrade, DealerRater, and DealerClub—enhances its value proposition by offering tools for digital retailing, trade-in appraisals, reputation management, and dealer-to-dealer wholesale transactions.
Market Position and Competitive Landscape
Operating in a highly competitive market alongside platforms like AutoTrader and CarGurus, Cars.com differentiates itself through its integrated, multi-faceted approach to automotive commerce. Its proprietary AI-driven technologies and data analytics tools enable dealerships to optimize inventory management, improve consumer targeting, and enhance operational efficiency. The addition of DealerClub further strengthens its position by introducing a reputation-based digital wholesale auction platform, a first in the industry, which fosters trust and transparency in dealer-to-dealer transactions.
Innovative Solutions and Technology
The Cars Commerce platform is built around four core capabilities:
- Marketplace: A comprehensive online destination for vehicle listings, connecting buyers and sellers.
- Digital Experience: Dealer Inspire’s award-winning tools for website creation, digital marketing, and customer engagement.
- Trade & Appraisal: AccuTrade’s advanced technology for trade-in valuations and inventory acquisition.
- Media Network: In-market advertising solutions that help manufacturers and dealers reach targeted audiences.
These capabilities are supported by predictive AI technologies, data-driven insights, and a commitment to innovation, ensuring Cars.com remains a vital partner for dealerships navigating industry challenges such as rising inventory levels, fluctuating interest rates, and shifting consumer preferences.
Industry Significance and Growth Potential
Cars.com plays a pivotal role in the automotive ecosystem by bridging the gap between consumers and dealerships. Its platform not only facilitates vehicle transactions but also enhances dealership profitability through lead generation, improved inventory turnover, and increased consumer engagement. The company’s strategic acquisitions, such as DealerClub, and its focus on platform integration highlight its commitment to driving growth and delivering long-term value to stakeholders.
Conclusion
As a technology-driven leader in automotive commerce, Cars.com combines innovation, expertise, and a deep understanding of industry dynamics to empower its partners and simplify the car-buying journey. By continuously evolving its platform and expanding its capabilities, the company is well-positioned to navigate industry disruptions and capitalize on emerging opportunities, making it a key player in the automotive technology landscape.
Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) announced the successful closing of a $400 million offering of 6.375% senior unsecured notes due in 2028. The proceeds will be used to repay $235 million and $163 million of borrowings under its revolving facility and term loan, respectively. Additionally, CARS amended its credit facility, extending the maturity to May 31, 2025, and creating a $230 million undrawn revolving facility and a $200 million term loan. The notes are offered to qualified institutional buyers only and are not registered under U.S. securities laws.
Cars.com Inc (NYSE: CARS) will report its third-quarter financial results for the period ending September 30, 2020, on November 9, 2020. A conference call will be held at 9:00 a.m. CT to discuss these results. The call will be hosted by CEO Alex Vetter and CFO Sonia Jain, with a live webcast available at investor.cars.com. Cars.com provides a leading digital marketplace for automotive shoppers and sellers, enhancing connections with innovative solutions and data-driven tools.
Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) announced the pricing of its offering of $400 million in senior unsecured notes with a fixed interest rate of 6.375%, maturing on November 1, 2028. The offering is set to close on October 30, 2020, subject to customary conditions. The proceeds will be utilized to repay borrowings under its existing credit facility. These notes will not be registered under the Securities Act and are offered only to qualified institutional buyers. This financial move aims to enhance liquidity and strengthen the company's balance sheet.
Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) announced plans to offer $400 million in senior unsecured notes due 2028. The offering is contingent on market conditions and will be backed by guarantees from the company's subsidiaries. Proceeds will be utilized for repaying existing credit facility borrowings. The notes will only be sold to qualified institutional buyers and specific non-U.S. persons, thus they won't be registered under U.S. securities laws. Cars.com operates as a digital marketplace, enhancing connections between car shoppers and sellers.
Cars.com Inc. (CARS) reported strong preliminary results for Q3 2020, expecting revenue between $142 million and $144 million and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 33% to 34%. The company experienced growth in Adjusted EBITDA and nearly 100 new dealer customers while maintaining low cancellation rates. However, a net loss of $10 to $12 million is anticipated, largely due to a $31 million noncash tax adjustment. CARS ended the quarter with approximately $44 million in cash and $598 million in debt.
Cars.com (NYSE: CARS) analyzed the impact of the 2020 U.S. presidential election on the automotive market, noting that vehicle platforms last an average of 6.7 years, making immediate changes unlikely. The report covers three focus areas: the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement's long-term manufacturing effects, differences in electric vehicle (EV) policies between candidates, and the influence of low gas prices on vehicle demand. Biden's plans include restoring EV tax credits and expanding charging infrastructure, while Trump's administration has rolled back environmental regulations, impacting the potential growth of EVs.
Cars.com (CARS) reports a significant shift in consumer car buying behavior amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Research indicates that 61% of recent buyers prefer home delivery from local dealerships, reflecting a 35% increase in such services since March. Online vehicle transactions surged, with 57% of recent buyers completing most purchases digitally. The demand for virtual services has risen, leading to a 30% increase in engagement for dealerships offering these options. This trend highlights the evolving landscape of automotive sales as consumers prioritize contactless experiences.
Cars.com (NYSE: CARS) reports significant shifts in commuting patterns, revealing that as of August 2020, 66% of Americans are saving 30 minutes or more daily due to remote work. The study finds that 43% of Americans distrust public transport, leading to a 62% increase in personal vehicle use. Notably, 21% of commuters have purchased cars in the last six months, with 57% attributing this to the pandemic. Additionally, 35% anticipate commuting less even after returning to the office, indicating long-term changes in transportation behavior.