Cars.com Inc. (CARS) P/E Ratio History
Historical price-to-earnings valuation from 2017 to 2026
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CARS Valuation Context
How does the current P/E compare to historical and market benchmarks?
P/E Ratio Analysis
As of May 8, 2026, Cars.com Inc. (CARS) trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.6x, with a stock price of $12.34 and trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $0.45.
The current P/E is 64% 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 55th percentile of its historical range.
Compared to the Consumer Cyclical sector median P/E of 19.4x, CARS trades at a 98% premium to its sector peers. The sector includes 302 companies with P/E ratios ranging from 0.1x to 199.2x.
Relative to the broader market, CARS commands a significant premium over the S&P 500 median P/E of 25.1x. 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 P/E vs Peers
P/E ratio compared to closely matched public peers
| Company | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | PEG Ratio | EPS Growth (1Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4B | 24.6 | 1.37 | +675%Best | |
| $11B | 20.7 | 3.62 | +8% | |
| $6B | 12.4 | - | +6% | |
| $87B | 47.4 | - | +431% | |
| $7B | 12.0Lowest | 0.38Best | +1% | |
| $11B | 12.2 | 0.76 | -2% | |
| $49B | 24.5 | - | +10% |
Peers sorted by market capitalization. P/E below peers may indicate undervaluation or lower growth expectations. Consider PEG ratio for growth-adjusted comparison.
CARS Historical P/E Data (2017–2026)
Quarterly P/E ratios calculated from closing price and TTM EPS
| Quarter | Date | Price | TTM EPS | P/E Ratio | vs Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 Q1 | $8.12 | $0.43 | 18.9x | -78% | |
| FY2025 Q4 | Wed Dec 31 2025 00:00:00 GM | $12.20 | $0.32 | 38.3x | -55% |
| FY2025 Q3 | $12.22 | $0.46 | 26.6x | -68% | |
| FY2025 Q2 | Mon Jun 30 2025 00:00:00 GM | $11.85 | $0.62 | 19.1x | -77% |
| FY2025 Q1 | Mon Mar 31 2025 00:00:00 GM | $11.27 | $0.68 | 16.6x | -80% |
| FY2024 Q4 | $17.33 | $0.72 | 24.0x | -71% | |
| FY2024 Q3 | Mon Sep 30 2024 00:00:00 GM | $16.76 | $0.58 | 28.8x | -66% |
| FY2024 Q2 | Sun Jun 30 2024 00:00:00 GM | $19.70 | $0.37 | 53.6x | -36% |
| FY2024 Q1 | Sun Mar 31 2024 00:00:00 GM | $17.18 | $1.57 | 11.0x | -87% |
| FY2023 Q4 | Sun Dec 31 2023 00:00:00 GM | $18.97 | $1.73 | 11.0x | -87% |
| FY2023 Q3 | Sat Sep 30 2023 00:00:00 GM | $16.86 | $1.76 | 9.6x | -89% |
| FY2023 Q2 | Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GM | $19.82 | $1.65 | 12.0x | -86% |
Average P/E for displayed period: 84.2x
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Start ComparisonCARS — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying CARS stock.
Is CARS stock overvalued or undervalued?
CARS trades at 38.6x P/E, below its 5-year average of 107.4x. At the 55th percentile of historical range, the stock is priced at a discount to its own history.
How does CARS's valuation compare to peers?
Cars.com Inc. P/E of 38.6x compares to sector median of 19.4x. The premium reflects expected growth above peers.
What is CARS's PEG ratio?
CARS PEG ratio is N/A. Above 2.0 indicates premium valuation relative to growth rate. Historical P/E data spans 2017-2026.