BOSTON, Oct. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CarGurus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CARG), the No. 1 visited digital auto platform for shopping, buying, and selling new and used vehicles1, announced it will issue a press release reporting financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, after the close of the market on November 6, 2025. CarGurus will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss those financial results for investors and analysts at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 6, 2025. To access the con ...

Core Insights - The Q3 2025 analysis by CarGurus indicates a bifurcated market where budget-conscious buyers are leaning towards older used vehicles while affluent consumers are driving demand for new luxury models [1][2] Market Dynamics - Overall demand for new and used vehicles remains robust, with a notable shift in consumer behavior in response to market changes [2] - Year-over-year sales trends reveal a significant divide between value-focused buyers and higher-income shoppers, highlighting the importance of monitoring this balance in the future [2] Used Vehicle Market - In 2025, the majority of used retail sales growth is concentrated in vehicles priced under $30,000, which accounted for approximately 73% of the year-over-year increase in used sales [5] - The growth in this segment is primarily driven by vehicles aged seven years or older [5] - Coastal states, particularly California, Florida, Texas, and Virginia, have the highest availability of used vehicles priced under $20,000, with at least 30% of listings in this range as of September [5] New Vehicle Market - Luxury vehicle sales are being propelled by affluent buyers, with nearly half of new luxury growth occurring in the $70,000 to $90,000 price range, alongside strong demand for vehicles priced at $120,000 and above [5] - European brands are leading the growth in the upper-tier market, although tariff exposure remains a concern [5] - As of September, over 40% of luxury listings were 2026 models, with an average price approximately 6% higher than comparable 2025 models [5] Electric and Hybrid Vehicles - New electric vehicle (EV) sales surged by 53% quarter-over-quarter, while used EV sales increased by 16% ahead of federal tax credit expirations [5] - Hybrid vehicle sales are also experiencing significant growth, with new hybrid sales up about 50% year-over-year, particularly in the $30,000 to $40,000 price range [5] - The outlook for hybrids may improve due to fewer upcoming EV launches and expectations of muted EV demand [5]

Group 1 - As of September 25, 2025, two stocks in the communication services sector are showing signs of being overbought, which may concern momentum-focused investors [1][2] - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a key momentum indicator, with values above 70 indicating that a stock may be overbought [2] Group 2 - Baidu Inc (NASDAQ: BIDU) received Dubai's first autonomous driving trial permit and 50 test licenses, leading to a stock price increase of approximately 45% over the past month, with an RSI value of 75.9 [7] - Baidu's stock closed at $132.92, with a 52-week high of $141.60 and a momentum score of 83.05 [7] - CarGurus Inc (NASDAQ: CARG) reported a strong second-quarter performance with a 14% year-over-year revenue growth and announced a $150 million share repurchase program, resulting in an 11% stock price increase over the past month [7] - CarGurus' stock closed at $37.85, with a 52-week high of $41.33 and an RSI value of 72.4 [7]

Core Insights - Two stocks in the communication services sector are showing signs of being overbought, which may concern momentum-focused investors [1][2] Company Summaries - **Baidu Inc (NASDAQ: BIDU)**: - Received Dubai's first autonomous driving trial permit and 50 test licenses from the Roads and Transport Authority, aiming to enhance Dubai's public transportation with autonomous technologies [7] - Stock performance: Gained approximately 45% over the past month, with a 52-week high of $141.60 and an RSI value of 75.9 [7] - Recent price action: Shares closed at $132.92 after a 5.9% increase [7] - Momentum score: 83.05 with a value score of 87.61 [7] - **CarGurus Inc (NASDAQ: CARG)**: - Reported better-than-expected second-quarter results and announced a $150 million share repurchase program, with a 14% year-over-year revenue growth in its Marketplace business [7] - Stock performance: Gained around 11% over the past month, with a 52-week high of $41.33 and an RSI value of 72.4 [7] - Recent price action: Shares closed at $37.85 after a 1.4% increase [7]

Company Overview - CarGurus operates as a two-sided marketplace, connecting consumers looking to buy cars with dealers seeking to reach a larger audience of car shoppers [2] - The company employs a freemium model, allowing all inventory and dealers to join the platform, which enhances consumer access to a wider range of vehicles [2] Market Position - CarGurus has established itself as the largest marketplace in the automotive sector, benefiting from network effects that have expanded both its consumer audience and dealer base [3]

Summary of CarGurus Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: CarGurus Inc. (NasdaqGS:CARG) - **Industry**: Automotive Marketplace Key Points and Arguments Company Evolution - CarGurus started as a two-sided marketplace connecting consumers and dealers, utilizing a freemium model to attract inventory and dealers, leading to the largest consumer audience and dealer base in the U.S. [4][5] Macro Environment - The auto market is experiencing strong demand despite low consumer confidence and high borrowing costs. Tariffs have had a marginal effect on new and used car prices, with inventory levels returning to pre-COVID levels [7][8] Strategic Business Decisions - CarGurus decided to wind down the CarOffer transaction business due to post-COVID struggles in volume growth. The technology from CarOffer will be integrated into the broader platform to enhance dealer services [9][12][13] Financial Implications - The wind-down of CarOffer is expected to incur costs between $14 million and $19 million, primarily in the second half of the year. The company provided a marketplace revenue and EBITDA guide, which is more relevant for future operations [13][14] Marketplace Growth Strategy - CarGurus aims to increase its market share in the U.S. automotive marketplace, which is valued at approximately $4.5 billion. Currently, CarGurus holds less than 30% market share [16][17] - The company has about 26,000 paying dealers in the U.S., with a focus on increasing wallet share through upselling and add-on products [17][18] Dealer Engagement - Dealers who have been on the platform for five years spend 80% more on average than newer dealers, indicating a strong relationship and value derived from the platform [22] Consumer Engagement Innovations - CarGurus has introduced an AI-based virtual assistant to help consumers in the car buying journey, improving engagement and conversion rates. The platform now allows consumers to perform various tasks online, reducing time spent at dealerships [28][30] International Expansion - CarGurus is expanding in Canada and the UK, with growth rates of 20% to 30% in Canada. The company is gaining market share against established competitors [37][39] AI Integration - The company is leveraging AI for performance marketing and enhancing user experience, which is expected to improve lead quality and conversion rates [40][41] Growth vs. Margin Focus - CarGurus has achieved mid-30s margin expansion in its marketplace business and plans to continue focusing on growth rather than solely on margin improvement [49][50] Capital Allocation Strategy - The company is prioritizing investments in product innovation, returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases, and exploring M&A opportunities, particularly in dealer software and data analytics [52][54] Additional Important Insights - The company is seeing modest efficiencies from AI integration in various workflows, enhancing productivity and effectiveness across teams [51] - CarGurus is focusing on building deeper relationships with dealers by providing valuable analytics and insights, which is expected to drive higher engagement and spending [25][26]

Core Insights - CarGurus, Inc. is scheduled to participate in the 2025 Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on September 8, 2025, at 11:50 AM ET [1] - A webcast of the event will be available on the company's Investor Relations page, with an archive accessible for 180 days post-event [2] Company Overview - CarGurus is a leading online automotive platform for buying and selling vehicles, utilizing proprietary technology and data analytics to enhance the automotive shopping experience [3] - The platform operates not only in the U.S. but also in Canada and the U.K., and includes independent brands like Autolist and PistonHeads [4] - CarGurus is recognized as the most visited automotive shopping site in the U.S. [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the cyclical nature of stock performance and suggests that investors should focus on undervalued stocks that may benefit from a market reversal, particularly in the context of the S&P 500 nearing all-time highs [1][2]. Group 1: American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL) - American Airlines reported a net earnings per share (EPS) of 95 cents, exceeding market expectations of 79 cents by 20% [4]. - The stock is currently trading at $13.00, which is 72% of its 52-week high of $19.10, indicating potential for recovery as market sentiment shifts [3][4]. - The strengthening dollar is expected to enhance consumer purchasing power, potentially boosting discretionary spending on travel [3]. Group 2: First Solar Inc. (FSLR) - First Solar reported an EPS of $3.18, surpassing the expected $2.18, indicating strong earnings performance [6]. - The company is positioned to benefit from recent trade tariffs against China, which have created a supply gap in the solar market [7]. - Analysts forecast an EPS of $5.69 for Q4 2025, which is not yet reflected in the stock price, suggesting upside potential [7][8]. - The price-to-earnings-growth (PEG) ratio of 0.2x indicates that the stock is undervalued relative to its growth prospects, with a target price of $287 per share from Guggenheim analyst Joseph Osha [8]. Group 3: CarGurus Inc. (CARG) - CarGurus is currently priced at $34.11, with a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 7.8x, significantly higher than the auto sector average of 2.9x, indicating strong market confidence in its future [11][12]. - The company is benefiting from consumer shifts towards used vehicles due to tariffs affecting new car prices, positioning it favorably in the market [11]. - A notable decrease of 11.8% in short interest over the past month suggests a positive sentiment shift among investors [13].

Group 1 - The analyst assigned a hold rating to CarGurus, Inc. (NASDAQ: CARG) in November, indicating that the valuation at that time had already accounted for expected upside over the next two years [1] - The investment approach focuses on identifying undervalued companies with long-term growth potential, emphasizing a blend of value investing principles and long-term growth [1] - The strategy involves purchasing quality companies at a discount to their intrinsic value and holding them to allow for compounding of earnings and shareholder returns [1]

Market Overview - The stock market is hovering around all-time highs despite macroeconomic concerns, raising worries about the concentration in large-cap technology stocks and the potential for a downward re-rating of multiples [1]. Analyst Insights - Gary Alexander, with extensive experience in both Wall Street technology coverage and Silicon Valley, provides insights into current industry themes and has been a contributor to Seeking Alpha since 2017 [1].