Cars.com Inc. reported mixed third quarter 2026 results, with revenue of $181.9 million slightly missing analyst estimates while adjusted earnings of $0.58 significantly outperformed the $0.46 expectation. The company demonstrated strong operating leverage through active cost management and a strategic shift toward higher-tier marketplace subscriptions.
Key Highlights
- Monthly ARPD rose 3% year-over-year to $2,532, reaching its second-highest quarterly record on stronger marketplace performance and cross-selling.
- Marketplace revenue grew 5% year-over-year as Premium+ package adoption climbed to 12% of the total dealer customer base.
- Adjusted EBITDA grew to $55.8 million with a 30.7% margin, outperforming the company's guidance range by 120 basis points.
- Share repurchases remained aggressive, with $16 million deployed during the quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to $74 million.