CarGurus (CARG)
NASDAQCommunication ServicesAuto - DealershipsSnapshot 2026-09-04
$33.74-1.43%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NASDAQCommunication ServicesAuto - DealershipsSnapshot 2026-09-04
Intact: The reason to own it still holds.
CarGurus grows revenue about 12% a year, hitting $243.6M in Q1 2026. Profit margins improve with gross profit rising to $224.6M. The company benefits from AI-driven car shopping and dealer growth. Free cash flow yield is solid at 8%.
Operating income fell from $50.7M to $40.1M in Q1 2026, showing cost control issues. Guidance is soft with expected revenue decline in late 2026. Market headwinds and margin pressure could slow growth.
The price is about 15% below our fair value near $42, reflecting justified expectations for about 12% revenue growth. Our fair value is 13% above the Street median, indicating some optimism versus peers.
Breaks if: Gross profit falls below $197.9M in Q1 2026
Focus on improving gross profit through operational efficiencies and product innovation despite some margin pressure.
This is not a price target or investment advice.
A long-form read on the 1–3 year hold thesis. It updates when the weekly evidence changes.
CARG represents a durable compounder with a focus on consistent revenue and profit growth. The current thesis is stable, supported by recent positive financial results and management execution.
The market appears to have priced in a neutral valuation, with expectations slightly below the average. CARG is seen as aligned with its peers, but it carries a slight premium, indicating some investor confidence.
Fundamentals are likely to continue showing strong revenue growth, as management has prioritized this for several quarters. However, there is a moderate risk of volatility due to past performance and potential sector headwinds.
The thesis hinges on the performance of key sector players like GOOGL, META, and NFLX. If these companies continue to perform well, it could support CARG's growth; conversely, any negative guidance from them could impact CARG's momentum.
The most important moves since the prior daily snapshot.
Yes, our read has strengthened. The latest earnings beat supports a positive outlook. AI products significantly boost revenue growth, reinforcing the company's growth narrative. There are no new threats impacting the thesis.
as of 2026-09-04
Review the evidence to watch, what would become a concern, and what would make it less concerning.
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
Stated in 4 of last 4 quarters. Gross profit increased from $196.1 million in 2024-Q4 to $231.1 million in 2026-Q2, a 12% increase in the latest quarter. Gross margin remained stable at 92%, down slightly by 86 basis points year-over-year. Management shows steady progress enhancing gross profit with some margin pressure.
“Gross profit grew 12% YoY to $231.1 million with a 92% margin, down 86 bps.”
“Gross profit grew 14% YoY to $224.6 million with a 92% margin, down 102 bps.”
“Gross profit grew 14% YoY to $222.6 million with a 92% margin, down 94 bps.”
“Gross profit grew 14% YoY to $213.5 million with a 89% margin.”
Breaks if: Operating income falls below $40M in FY26
Drive operating income growth through revenue expansion and disciplined expense management despite impairments.
Stated in 4 of last 4 quarters. Operating income increased from $24.8 million in 2025-Q2 to $62.9 million in 2026-Q2, showing growth despite impairments recorded in some quarters. The trajectory shows progress but with some volatility due to impairments.
“Operating income was $62.9 million, up from $54.7 million in 2025-Q3.”
“Operating income was $40.1 million, down from prior year due to impairments.”
“Operating income was $78.6 million, impacted by impairments.”
“Operating income was $54.7 million, up from prior quarters.”
Breaks if: YoY revenue growth falls below 10% in FY26
Sustain and accelerate revenue growth through expanding dealer and consumer engagement with AI-powered products and international expansion.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. Revenue grew from $212.2 million in 2025-Q1 to $251.0 million in 2026-Q2, representing 13% to 15% year-over-year growth each quarter. Full-year 2025 revenue grew 14% to $907.0 million. Management is delivering consistent revenue growth aligned with stated priorities.
“We delivered strong second-quarter results, with 13% year-over-year revenue growth and continued momentum in our International business.”
“We sustained our momentum with revenue growing 15% year-over-year as we continued to invest in AI-led product innovation.”
“Full-year 2025 revenue from continuing operations grew 14% YoY for the second consecutive year.”
“Revenue grew 15% year-over-year in Q3 2025.”
Overall, CARG's prospects look stable for the next 1 to 3 years, contingent on sector performance and management execution. Not investment advice.