Cars.com Inc. (CARS) Price Target Analysis
Wall Street analyst price targets, ratings consensus & upside potential · Updated May 1, 2026
Current Price
$12.34
Price Target
$13.00
Target Range
$13.00 — $13.00
Analyst Rating
Buy
Forward P/E5.8x
Trailing P/E38.6x
Forward PEG—
Implied Growth+550.7%
Median Target$13.00
Analyst Spread0.0%
Price Forecast (1 Year)
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
Bear Case
$13
+5.3%
Consensus
$13
+5.3%
Bull Case
$13
+5.3%
CARS Price Target Analysis
Updated May 8, 2026As of May 8, 2026, Cars.com Inc. (CARS) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $13.00, based on estimates from 16 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $12.34, this represents a potential upside of +5.3%. The company has a market capitalization of $704M.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $13.00 to a high of $13.00, representing a 0% spread in expectations. The median target of $13.00 aligns closely with the consensus average. The tight target dispersion indicates high conviction among analysts.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 11 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,5 rating it Hold, and 0 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The positive sentiment balance indicates moderate optimism about the stock prospects.
From a valuation perspective, CARS trades at a trailing P/E of 38.6x and forward P/E of 5.8x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +550.7% over the next year.
Investment Context: Price targets represent analyst expectations for the next 12 months and should be considered alongside your own research. Targets are based on analysts' assumptions about earnings growth, margins, and market conditions which may change. For sector-specific context, view other Consumer Cyclical stocks.
Analyst Sentiment Comparison
Industry Peer AnalysisAvg Peer Upside+11.1%
Avg Forward P/E20.0x
Peers with Coverage8 / 10
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 TCToken Cat Limited | $21M | $9.55 | — | — | Hold | — | 18 |
 CARGCarGurus, Inc. | $3.8B | $38.16 | $37.42 | -1.9% | Buy | 15.1x | 23 |
 SCIService Corporation International | $10.9B | $78.49 | $93.00 | +18.5% | Buy | 18.8x | 9 |
 KMXCarMax, Inc. | $5.7B | $39.91 | $37.78 | -5.3% | Hold | 14.8x | 35 |
 CVNACarvana Co. | $86.8B | $400.22 | $484.00 | +20.9% | Hold | 51.4x | 44 |
 VRMVroom, Inc. | $65M | $12.45 | — | — | — | — | — |
 OPENOpendoor Technologies Inc. | $4.1B | $5.32 | $6.50 | +22.2% | Hold | — | 26 |
 ANAutoNation, Inc. | $7.0B | $205.29 | $248.00 | +20.8% | Buy | 9.7x | 34 |
 PAGPenske Automotive Group, Inc. | $11.3B | $171.70 | $190.00 | +10.7% | Buy | 13.0x | 26 |
 EBAYeBay Inc. | $48.6B | $106.42 | $109.67 | +3.1% | Hold | 17.4x | 68 |
Upside Potential Comparison
OPENCVNAANSCIPAGEBAYCARGKMXSee CARS's True Return
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Start ComparisonCARS — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying CARS stock.
What is the CARS stock price target for 2026?
The consensus price target for CARS is $13, close to the current price of $12.34 (5.3% implied move). Based on 16 analyst estimates, the stock appears fairly valued near current levels.
Is CARS a buy, sell, or hold?
CARS has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 16 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 11 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $13 implies 5.3% upside from current levels.
Is CARS stock overvalued or undervalued?
With a forward P/E of 5.8389x, CARS trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $13 implies 5.3% appreciation, suggesting the market may be pricing in risks.
How high can CARS stock go?
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $13 for CARS, while the most conservative target is $13. The consensus of $13 represents the median expectation. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
How many analysts cover CARS stock?
CARS is well covered by analysts, with 16 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 11 have Buy ratings, 5 recommend Hold, and 0 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
What is the CARS stock forecast?
The 12-month CARS stock forecast based on 16 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $13, with estimates ranging from $13 (bear case) to $13 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy".
What is CARS's forward P/E ratio?
CARS trades at a forward P/E ratio of 5.8x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 38.6x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Should I buy CARS stock?
CARS appears fairly valued according to analysts, with a "Buy" rating and minimal upside to the $13 target. Consider your investment thesis and risk tolerance. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Why do CARS price targets vary so much?
CARS analyst price targets range from $13 to $13, a 0% tight range reflecting strong analyst consensus. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $13 consensus represents the middle ground.