Cars.com Q3 profit beats on cost controls, subscription growth
CARS•CARS•CARS•CARS•Cars.com reported Q3 revenue of $181.9 million, slightly below analyst expectations, while adjusted EPS of $0.58 beat the $0.25 consensus. The company reaffirmed 2026 revenue guidance of flat to up 2% and expects an adjusted EBITDA margin of 29% to 30%.
Cars.com reported Q3 revenue of $181.9 million, compared with analyst expectations of $182.9 million. Adjusted EPS was $0.58, above the $0.25 consensus; net income was $16.3 million and adjusted EBITDA was $55.8 million.
The company said revenue growth was driven by a higher customer count and increased adoption of Premium+ subscriptions. Its self-service Marketplace Starter package contributed to listings growth, while cost controls and efficiency improvements reduced operating expenses to $153 million. Cars.com repurchased 1.4 million shares for $16 million during the quarter.
Cars.com reaffirmed its 2026 revenue guidance of flat to up 2% year over year and expects an adjusted EBITDA margin of 29% to 30%. It said Dealer and OEM media products face pressure from current market conditions.
