Cars.com Inc. (CARS) P/E Ratio History
UndervaluedTrading at 35.1x vs 5Y avg 107.4x · 50th percentile · Below historical baseline · Data 2017–2026
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P/E Ratio Analysis
As of July 8, 2026, Cars.com Inc. (CARS) trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.1x, with a stock price of $11.22 and trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $0.45.
The current P/E is 67% below its 5-year average of 107.4x. Over the past five years, CARS's P/E has ranged from a low of 9.6x to a high of 1105.8x, placing the current valuation at the 50th percentile of its historical range.
Compared to the Consumer Cyclical sector median P/E of 21.2x, CARS trades at a 65% premium to its sector peers. The sector includes 309 companies with P/E ratios ranging from 0.1x to 184.9x.
Relative to the broader market, CARS commands a significant premium over the S&P 500 median P/E of 25.9x. Investors should consider the company's growth prospects, competitive position, and earnings quality when evaluating whether the current valuation is justified.
For a comprehensive intrinsic value estimate using discounted cash flow analysis, see our CARS DCF Valuation Calculator →
Note: P/E ratio is just one valuation metric. It does not account for balance sheet strength, cash flow quality, or growth sustainability. Always conduct comprehensive due diligence before making investment decisions.
CARS Cross-Benchmark Valuation
How does the current P/E compare to sector peers and the broader market?
CARS P/E vs Peers
Digital Auto Retail and Marketplaces peers sorted by market cap
| Company | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | PEG Ratio | EPS Growth (1Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3B | 22.5 | 1.26 | +675%Best | |
| $11B | 20.6 | 3.62 | +8% | |
| $7B | 30.4 | - | -48% | |
| $73B | 39.9 | - | +431% | |
| $7B | 11.2Lowest | 0.35Best | +1% | |
| $12B | 13.1 | 0.82 | -2% | |
| $52B | 26.4 | - | +10% |
Lower P/E can signal a discount or weaker growth expectations; PEG adds growth context.
CARS Historical P/E Data (2017–2026)
Quarterly P/E ratios calculated from closing price and TTM EPS
| Quarter | Period End | Price | TTM EPS | P/E Ratio | vs Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 Q1 | - | $8.12 | $0.43 | 18.7x | -78% |
| FY2025 Q4 | Dec 31 2025 | $12.20 | $0.32 | 38.3x | -55% |
| FY2025 Q3 | - | $12.22 | $0.46 | 26.6x | -68% |
| FY2025 Q2 | Jun 30 2025 | $11.85 | $0.62 | 19.1x | -77% |
| FY2025 Q1 | Mar 31 2025 | $11.27 | $0.68 | 16.6x | -80% |
| FY2024 Q4 | - | $17.33 | $0.72 | 24.0x | -71% |
| FY2024 Q3 | Sep 30 2024 | $16.76 | $0.58 | 28.8x | -66% |
| FY2024 Q2 | Jun 30 2024 | $19.70 | $0.37 | 53.6x | -36% |
| FY2024 Q1 | Mar 31 2024 | $17.18 | $1.57 | 11.0x | -87% |
| FY2023 Q4 | Dec 31 2023 | $18.97 | $1.73 | 11.0x | -87% |
| FY2023 Q3 | Sep 30 2023 | $16.86 | $1.76 | 9.6x | -89% |
| FY2023 Q2 | Jun 30 2023 | $19.82 | $1.65 | 12.0x | -86% |
| FY2023 Q1 | Mar 31 2023 | $19.30 | $0.36 | 54.1x | -36% |
| FY2022 Q4 | Dec 31 2022 | $13.77 | $0.25 | 55.9x | -34% |
| FY2022 Q3 | Sep 30 2022 | $11.50 | $0.01 | 1105.8x | +1214% |
| FY2022 Q2 | - | $9.43 | $0.08 | 112.4x | +34% |
| FY2022 Q1 | - | $14.43 | $0.08 | 172.0x | +104% |
| FY2021 Q4 | Dec 31 2021 | $16.09 | $0.10 | 154.9x | +84% |
| FY2021 Q3 | - | $12.65 | $0.29 | 43.6x | -48% |
| FY2021 Q2 | Jun 30 2021 | $14.33 | $0.08 | 179.1x | +113% |
| FY2019 Q2 | Jun 30 2019 | $19.72 | $0.15 | 131.6x | +56% |
| FY2019 Q1 | Mar 31 2019 | $22.80 | $0.42 | 54.3x | -36% |
| FY2018 Q4 | Dec 31 2018 | $21.50 | $0.56 | 38.4x | -54% |
| FY2018 Q3 | Sep 30 2018 | $27.61 | $2.53 | 10.9x | -87% |
| FY2018 Q2 | Jun 30 2018 | $28.39 | $2.59 | 11.0x | -87% |
| FY2018 Q1 | Mar 31 2018 | $28.33 | $2.76 | 10.3x | -88% |
| FY2017 Q4 | Dec 31 2017 | $28.84 | $3.13 | 9.2x | -89% |
| FY2017 Q3 | Sep 30 2017 | $26.61 | $1.70 | 15.7x | -81% |
| FY2017 Q2 | Jun 30 2017 | $26.63 | $2.13 | 12.5x | -85% |
Average P/E for displayed period: 84.2x
Intrinsic Valuation
DCF models, multiple analysis, and analyst estimates.
Historical Returns
9+ years return with dividends reinvested.
DCA Calculator
See how regular investing compounds over time.
Peer Comparison
Compare growth, multiples, and margins vs sector.
CARS — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying CARS stock.
What is CARS's P/E ratio?
Cars.com Inc. (CARS) trailing twelve-month P/E ratio is 35.1x, based on TTM diluted EPS of $0.45. The 5-year average P/E is 107.4x and the historical range spans 9.6x to 1105.8x.
Is CARS stock overvalued or undervalued?
CARS trades at 35.1x P/E, below its 5-year average of 107.4x. At the 50th percentile of its historical range (9.6x–1105.8x), the stock is priced at a discount to its own history.
Is CARS stock expensive?
No, CARS is not expensive on a historical basis. The current P/E of 35.1x is below the 5-year average of 107.4x and sits at the 50th percentile of its valuation range.
What is CARS's historical P/E range?
Over the past 5 years, CARS's P/E ratio has ranged from 9.6x to 1105.8x, with a median of 38.3x and an average of 107.4x. The current P/E of 35.1x places the stock at the 50th percentile of this range. Full historical data spans 2017–2026.
How does CARS's P/E compare to the S&P 500?
CARS trades at 35.1x P/E versus the S&P 500 median of 25.9x. The 36% premium to the market typically reflects higher expected earnings growth or quality.
How does CARS's valuation compare to Consumer Cyclical peers?
Cars.com Inc. P/E of 35.1x compares to the Consumer Cyclical sector median of 21.2x. The premium reflects expected growth above peers or stronger fundamentals. See the peer comparison table on this page for ticker-by-ticker P/E and PEG.
What is CARS's PEG ratio?
CARS PEG ratio is N/A, based on a P/E of 35.1x and EPS growth of -55.6%. PEG normalises P/E by growth and helps compare stocks with different earnings trajectories.
What is CARS's earnings yield?
CARS earnings yield is 2.85%, the inverse of its 35.1x P/E ratio. Earnings yield represents the percentage of each dollar invested that the company earns. It can be compared directly to bond yields to assess relative attractiveness of stocks versus fixed income.