Q3 2025 Cars.com Inc Earnings Call Transcript

Nov 6, 2025 / 02:00 PM GMT

Release Date Price: €9.8 (+10.11%)

Transcript 10-Q8-K

Key Points

Positve

Cars.com Inc (CARS) achieved record revenue of $182 million in Q3 2025, driven by strong performance in websites, trade and appraisal solutions, and marketplace.
The company reported an adjusted EBITDA margin of 30%, up over 160 basis points year over year, indicating strong operational efficiency.
Cars.com Inc (CARS) added over 270 dealers year over year, reaching a customer base of 19,526 dealers, the largest since late 2022.
The introduction of new premium and premium plus packages has helped dealers drive up to 14% more leads per listing, with adoption expected to accelerate.
AI-powered innovations, such as the Carson search assistant, have enhanced consumer engagement, with AI users saving three times more vehicles compared to average shoppers.

Negative

OEM and national revenue declined by 5% year over year in Q3, primarily due to reduced spending by two OEM partners.
Despite overall dealer revenue growth, there was variability in OEM and national revenue, which could impact future revenue stability.
The company faces challenges in the competitive landscape, with some peers experiencing tough results and changes in market dynamics.
There is a risk that AI models and other platforms could potentially bypass Cars.com Inc (CARS) by accessing data directly, impacting traffic and engagement.
The company noted that OEM ad spending may fluctuate through the end of the year, adding uncertainty to revenue projections.

Refinitiv StreetEvents Event Transcript
E D I T E D V E R S I O N

CARS.N - Cars.com Inc
Q3 2025 Cars.com Inc Earnings Call
Nov 06, 2025 / 02:00PM GMT

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Presentation
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Unidentified_1 [1]
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Good morning ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the cars 3rd quarter 2025 earnings conference call.

At this time, all lines are in listen-only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. If at any time during this call you require immediate assistance, please press 0 for the operator. This call is being recorded on Thursday, November 6th, 2025. I would now like to turn the conference over to Katherine Chen. Please go ahead.

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Unidentified_2 [2]
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Good morning everyone, and thank you for joining us for the Cars.com Inc. 3rd

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