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CarGurus, Inc.: Q2 FY2026 earnings call

What management said about Q2 FY2026, from the documents filed with the SEC on 6 August 2026: press release. Guidance figures: 3 new. The quarter’s numbers.

Key takeaways

  • Q2 revenue grew 13% to $251 million: Q2 2026 revenue reached $251.0 million, representing 13 percent year-over-year growth and exceeding the midpoint of guidance provided in first quarter. Source
  • Total paying dealers increased 5% to 34,629: U.S. paying dealers reached 26,151, up 3 percent, while international paying dealers grew 11 percent to 8,478, showing dealer network expansion. Source
  • Introduced consumer-facing Guru AI product: Company launched Guru this quarter as a consumer-facing AI layer designed to advance strategy of becoming a trusted AI-led expert guide across car-shopping journey. Source
  • Expanded AI-powered dealer intelligence tools: Management expanded use of data and predictive intelligence in dealer workflows through AI-powered products addressing inventory, pricing, marketing and conversion decisions. Source
  • Repurchased $202 million shares year-to-date: Q2 share repurchases totaled $29.2 million; full year-to-date repurchases reached over $202 million, representing more than 30 percent of shares outstanding. Source

Guidance

AreaPeriodFigureAgainst last quarter
Third Quarter 2026 Revenue SourceQ3 2026$253.5 million to $258.5 millionNew
Third Quarter 2026 Adjusted EBITDA SourceQ3 2026$82.0 million to $90.0 millionNew
Third Quarter 2026 EPS SourceQ3 2026$0.63 to $0.69 per diluted shareNew

What changed from last quarter

  • Guidance raised: Full year 2026 adjusted EBITDA margin guidance improved to (0.5)% to (1.5)% decline from prior (1.5)% to (2.5)%, reflecting better profitability trajectory. Source
  • New: CarGurus introduced Guru, a consumer-facing AI product to serve as an AI-led expert guide across the full car-shopping journey. Source
  • New guidance: Company provided detailed third quarter 2026 guidance across revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and EPS metrics. Source

Revenue and Growth Results

  • Q2 revenue grew 13% to $251 million: Q2 2026 revenue reached $251.0 million, representing 13 percent year-over-year growth and exceeding the midpoint of guidance provided in first quarter. Source
  • International revenue growth accelerating: International revenue increased 28 percent to $24.7 million from $19.3 million, with management emphasizing continued momentum in international business. Source

Paying Dealers and Subscription Revenue

  • Total paying dealers increased 5% to 34,629: U.S. paying dealers reached 26,151, up 3 percent, while international paying dealers grew 11 percent to 8,478, showing dealer network expansion. Source

AI Products and Strategic Positioning

  • Introduced consumer-facing Guru AI product: Company launched Guru this quarter as a consumer-facing AI layer designed to advance strategy of becoming a trusted AI-led expert guide across car-shopping journey. Source
  • Expanded AI-powered dealer intelligence tools: Management expanded use of data and predictive intelligence in dealer workflows through AI-powered products addressing inventory, pricing, marketing and conversion decisions. Source
  • AI initiatives driving engagement and value: Combined dealer and consumer AI initiatives are driving deeper engagement, which management believes strengthens competitive position and creates long-term value for customers. Source

Profitability and Operating Margins

  • GAAP net income flat year-over-year: Q2 GAAP net income from continuing operations of $49.2 million was flat compared to $48.9 million in Q2 2025, despite revenue growth. Source

Cash Flow and Capital Returns

  • Operating cash flow strong at $94.6 million: Q2 cash flow from operations was $94.6 million; six-month operating cash flow reached $164.4 million, demonstrating consistent cash generation. Source
  • Free cash flow of $87.7 million in Q2: Q2 non-GAAP free cash flow of $87.7 million reflected strong cash generation after capital expenditures for property, equipment and website development. Source
  • Repurchased $202 million shares year-to-date: Q2 share repurchases totaled $29.2 million; full year-to-date repurchases reached over $202 million, representing more than 30 percent of shares outstanding. Source

Operating Expense and Investment

  • Operating expenses grew 15% year-over-year: Q2 operating expenses from continuing operations reached $168.1 million, up 15 percent, with sales and marketing up 18 percent and technology development up 13 percent. Source
  • Continued investment in AI and product innovation: Product, technology and development expenses of $38.1 million in Q2 reflect ongoing investment in AI-powered solutions for dealers and consumers. Source

Coming up, per management

  • Third quarter 2026 results anticipated: CarGurus will report Q3 2026 financial results with revenue expected between $253.5 million and $258.5 million. Source
  • Continued expansion of AI-led product strategy: Management plans to continue investing in AI-powered products and solutions for both dealers and consumers as part of strategy to become AI-led expert guide. Source

Earlier plans management reported on

  • On track: Management maintained full year revenue growth guidance at 10-13 percent, consistent with first quarter guidance, on track with first half results. Source
  • Ahead: Full year adjusted EBITDA margin guidance was improved from (1.5)% to (2.5)% to (0.5)% to (1.5)%, indicating better profitability trajectory than prior expectation. Source

Summarised with AI from the documents the company filed with the SEC. Every point carries a quote that is checked word for word against the filing; a point whose quote is not found is left out. Source opens the filing at that line.