EX-99.1 2 cars-ex991_47.htm EX-99.1 cars-ex991_47.htm

EXHIBIT 99.1

 

Cars.com Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results

Rapid Progress in Advancing Strategy with Investments in Product Innovation, Marketing and New Talent

Amendment to Affiliate Agreement allowing Direct Sales into Select Markets

 

CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2017 – Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) (“Cars.com” or the “Company”), a leading online automotive marketplace, today released its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Q3 Financial Highlights

 

 

Revenue of $159.9 million, down 1% year-over-year

 

Net income of $21.0 million, or $0.29 per diluted share

 

Adjusted net income of $34.3 million, or $0.48 per diluted share

 

Adjusted EBITDA of $63.1 million, or 39.5% of revenue

 

Net cash provided by operating activities of $147.2 million for the first nine months of 2017 and free cash flow of $119.6 million

 

Expect full year revenue to be down approximately 1% with adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 38%

Q3 Key Metric Highlights

 

 

Average monthly unique visitors up 3% year-over-year

 

Traffic (Visits) of 101.7 million, down 1% year-over-year

 

Mobile traffic grew 8% year-over-year and accounted for 59% of total traffic compared to 54% in the third quarter of 2016

 

Dealer customer count of 21,307, declined slightly compared to second quarter 2017 dealer customers of 21,465

 

Average vehicle listings of 4.9 million, up 6% year-over-year

 

Q3 Operational Highlights

 

 

Completed search experience redesign with improved functionality, an enhanced home page search widget and dynamic guided navigation that makes it simpler and smoother for users to find the right car

 

Rolled out best match sorting, powered by a custom algorithm that delivers search recommendations customized for each specific user

 

Launched Salesperson Connect™, a differentiated feature that allows shoppers to connect directly with their salesperson of choice for a more personalized shopping and buying experience

 

Expanded price transparency tools including price badging that uses vehicle-specific market demand to indicate whether a car is a “Great Deal,” “Good Deal,” “Fair Price” or “Well-Equipped”

 

Launched a national advertising campaign with new creative promoting product features and building brand awareness, which aired during MLB post season and Premier Week on key networks such as NBC, CBS and ABC

 

Key leaders added who reinforce current team with depth and breadth in attribution, national sales and data science

 

 


 

 

 

Amendment to affiliate agreement allowing Cars.com direct sales force to begin selling into select territories, beginning November 2017

 

“In our first full quarter as a standalone public company, we have made significant progress on our strategic initiatives to meet our long-term growth goals. Specifically, I am pleased with our rapid pace of innovation, demonstrated by the enhancement of our pricing tools, the launch of algorithmic search and Salesperson Connect, all of which are aimed not only to elevate the consumer experience but also to increase connections to our partners to support growth in their businesses as well as ours,” said Alex Vetter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cars.com.

 

Vetter continued, “With nearly all of these new product developments rolling out in late September and early October, we are looking forward to seeing the full benefit and uplift as we look ahead.”

 

Q3 Financial Results

 

Revenue for the third quarter of 2017 was $159.9 million compared to $162.3 million in the prior year period. This decline was the result of a 3% decline in wholesale revenue and a 1% decline in retail revenue.

 

Total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2017 were $120.5 million compared to $110.1 million for the prior year period. This increase can be attributed to revenue mix, increased marketing spend and incremental public company costs.

 

Net income for the third quarter of 2017 was $21.0 million compared to $51.8 million in the third quarter of 2016. Adjusted net income for the third quarter of 2017 was $34.3 million compared to $70.6 million for the prior year period. These declines were driven by the increase in operating expenses described above and costs associated with the Company’s new capital structure.

 

Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2017 was $63.1 million, or 39.5% of revenue, a decline from $73.3 million for the prior year period. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

 

Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $147.2 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $140.4 million for the prior year period. Free cash flow was $119.6 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $133.0 million for the prior year period. Note that the Company incurred incremental capital expenditures in 2017 of $19.8 million related to the cost of its new corporate office space. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

 

Cash and cash equivalents was $27.4 million and debt outstanding was $624.4 million as of September 30, 2017. On October 31, 2017 $25 million was voluntarily repaid on the revolver.

“We are delighted to announce progress toward the early transition of select affiliate territories prior to the original contract expiration dates. We will continue to execute on our strategy to grow our business, allocating our capital to create value for our shareholders,” said Becky Sheehan, Chief Financial Officer of Cars.com. "In addition, the strong, consistent cash flow our business generates has allowed us to repay $75 million on our credit facility in just five months, and preserve $295 million of availability on our revolver. It is this strong cash flow and flexible balance sheet, that positions us to take advantage of opportunities in this highly fragmented market."

 

 


Non-Financial Metrics

 

Cars.com continues to be focused on gaining greater share of consumer audience, evident by a 3% growth in the unique visitor count during the third quarter of 2017. Total traffic declined 1% year-over-year, which was due in part to the lingering effects of the website re-platform, traffic declines in the Company’s other properties, as well as the impact of the recent hurricanes on the auto industry.

 

Cars.com remains focused on mobile leadership and continues to grow in this area, reporting an 8% growth in mobile traffic year-over-year. Mobile traffic at the end of the third quarter of 2017 was 59% of total traffic compared to 54% in the year prior. Mobile app traffic was 24% of total traffic for the third quarter of 2017 compared to 22% in the same period of the year prior.

 

Dealer count declined slightly during the third quarter, with 21,307 total customers in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 21,465 at June 30, 2017. This was driven by declines in independent dealers, and declined more dramatically (as a percent of total) within affiliate markets versus the Cars.com direct markets.

 

2017 Outlook

 

We expect our 2017 annual revenue to be down approximately 1% with adjusted EBITDA margins of approximately 38%, reflecting our previously announced increased investment in product and technology and marketing.

 

Third Quarter Earnings Call

 

As previously announced, management will hold a conference call and webcast today at 7:30 a.m. CT. This webcast may be accessed at investor.cars.com. A replay of the webcast and the slideshow will be available at this website following the conclusion of the call until Wednesday, November 22, 2017.

 

About Cars.com

 

Cars.com™ is a leading online destination that helps car shoppers and owners navigate every turn of car ownership. A pioneer in automotive classifieds, the company has evolved into one of the largest digital automotive platforms, connecting consumers with local dealers across the country anytime, anywhere. Through trusted expert content, on-the-lot mobile app features, millions of new and used vehicle listings, a comprehensive set of research tools and the largest database of consumer reviews in the industry, Cars.com helps shoppers buy, sell and service their vehicles. Cars.com properties include DealerRater®, Auto.com™, PickupTrucks.com™ and NewCars.com®. The company was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. For more information, visit www.Cars.com.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

This earnings release discusses adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income and free cash flow. These are not financial measures as defined by GAAP. These financial measures are presented as supplemental measures of operating performance because we believe they provide meaningful information regarding our performance and provide a basis to compare operating results between periods. In addition, we use adjusted EBITDA as a compensation measure. These non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by our lenders, securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry.

 

Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, these non-GAAP financial measures should


not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are presented in the tables below.

 

We define adjusted EBITDA as net income before (1) interest expense, net, (2) provision for income taxes, (3) depreciation, (4) amortization of intangible assets, (5) stock-based compensation, (6) write-off and impairments of assets, plus (7) certain other one-time or non-cash charges including transaction related costs, restructuring costs and costs related to the headquarters move. Amortization of unfavorable contracts liability is not adjusted out of adjusted EBITDA.

 

We define adjusted net income as net income excluding the after-tax impact of (1) amortization of intangible assets, (2) stock-based compensation, (3) write-off and impairments of assets, and (4) certain other one-time or non-cash charges including transaction related costs, restructuring costs and costs related to the headquarters move. Amortization of unfavorable contracts liability is not adjusted out of adjusted net income.

 

We define free cash flow as net cash flow provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, including purchases of property and equipment and capitalization of internal-use software development costs.

 

Key Metrics Definitions

 

Traffic (Visits). Traffic (Visits) and our ability to generate traffic are key to our business. Tracking our traffic performance is a critical measure. Traffic to the Cars.com network of websites and mobile apps provides value to our advertisers in terms of audience, awareness, consideration and conversion. In addition to tracking traffic volume and sources, we monitor activity on our properties, allowing us to innovate and refine our consumer-facing offerings. Traffic is an internal metric representing the number of visits to Cars.com desktop and mobile properties (web browser and apps). Visits refer to the number of times visitors accessed Cars.com properties during the period, no matter how many visitors make up those visits. Traffic (Visits) numbers provide an indication of our consumer reach. Although our consumer reach does not directly result in revenue, we believe our ability to reach diverse demographic audiences is attractive to our dealers and national advertisers.

 

Dealer Customers. Our value to consumers tracks to our ability to showcase the inventory of our dealer and Original Equipment Manufacturer ("OEM") customers. The larger the advertiser base, the more inventory and options that are available for consumers to review. Dealer Customers represents the car dealerships using our products as of the end of each reporting period. Each dealership location is counted separately, whether it is a single-location proprietorship or part of a large consolidated dealer group. Multi-franchise dealerships at a single location are counted as one dealer.

 

Average Vehicle Listings. Our value to consumers tracks to our ability to showcase the inventory of our dealer and OEM customers. The more vehicle listings that are available for consumers to review, the more traffic we attract and the higher the consumer engagement. Average Vehicle Listings represents the daily average of vehicles listed for sale on Cars.com properties. The daily average is calculated on a monthly basis and averaged for the reporting period.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including those statements under “Financial Objectives.” All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our business strategies, plans and objectives, market potential, future financial performance, planned operational and product improvements, liquidity and other matters. These


statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “project,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “seek,” “will,” “may,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “forecasts,” “mission,” “strive,” “more,” “goal” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, estimates, projections and assumptions, based on our experience in the industry as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we think are appropriate. These statements are expressed in good faith and we believe these judgments are reasonable. However, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. Our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, forward-looking statements should not be relied on in making investment decisions.

 

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Such risks, uncertainties, and other important factors include, among others, risks related to our business, our separation from our parent company and our common stock.  For a detailed discussion of many of these risks and uncertainties, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Registration Statement on Form 10, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2017 (the “Registration Statement”). All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking or cautionary statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of events, unanticipated or otherwise, or changes in future operating results over time or otherwise. Comparisons of results between current and prior periods are not intended to express any future trends, or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.  

 

The forward-looking statements in this press release are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the federal securities laws.

 

[Source: Cars.com Inc]

 

# # #


 

Cars.com Inc.

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Unaudited and in thousands (except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct revenue

 

$      82,504

 

$      84,651

 

$    249,412

 

$    248,579

National advertising revenue

 

  32,002

 

  31,214

 

  85,379

 

  83,221

Other revenue

 

  4,319

 

  3,963

 

  11,989

 

  11,213

Total retail revenue

 

       118,825

 

       119,828

 

       346,780

 

       343,013

Wholesale

 

  41,074

 

  42,467

 

  122,917

 

  128,421

Total revenues

 

  159,899

 

  162,295

 

  469,697

 

  471,434

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product support, technology and operations

 

  36,598

 

  32,469

 

  106,479

 

  98,381

Marketing and sales

 

  50,733

 

  48,670

 

  160,246

 

  160,275

General and administrative

 

  11,606

 

  7,738

 

  42,305

 

  23,277

Affiliate revenue share

 

  2,121

 

  2,162

 

  6,837

 

  6,264

Amortization of intangible assets

 

  19,467

 

  19,088

 

  58,402

 

  55,416

Total operating expenses

 

  120,525

 

  110,127

 

  374,269

 

  343,613

Operating income

 

  39,374

 

  52,168

 

  95,428

 

  127,821

Nonoperating (expense) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest (expense) income, net

 

  (5,431)

 

  41

 

  (7,160)

 

  53

Other income, net

 

  64

 

  88

 

  199

 

  142

Total nonoperating (expense) income, net

 

  (5,367)

 

  129

 

  (6,961)

 

  195

Income before income taxes

 

  34,007

 

  52,297

 

  88,467

 

  128,016

Provision for income taxes

 

  13,019

 

  452

 

  15,782

 

  452

Net income

 

$      20,988

 

$      51,845

 

$      72,685

 

$    127,564

Earnings per share, basic

 

$          0.29

 

$           0.72

 

$          1.01

 

$          1.78

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic

 

  71,699

 

  71,588

 

  71,693

 

  71,588

Earnings per share, diluted

 

$          0.29

 

$           0.72

 

$          1.01

 

$          1.78

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted

 

  71,767

 

  71,588

 

  71,763

 

  71,588

 

 

 

 


 

Cars.com Inc.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

In thousands (except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$        27,428

 

$        8,896

Accounts receivables, less allowance of $3,437 and $3,527, respectively

 

  93,077

 

  98,303

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

  18,298

 

  12,342

Total current assets

 

  138,803

 

  119,541

Property and equipment

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

  61,783

 

  37,190

Less accumulated depreciation

 

  (20,908)

 

  (16,729)

Net property and equipment

 

  40,875

 

  20,461

Intangible and other assets

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

  788,107

 

  788,107

Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $224,053 and $165,651, respectively

 

  1,548,967

 

  1,607,369

Investments and other assets

 

  11,172

 

  11,788

Total assets

 

$  2,527,924

 

$ 2,547,266

Liabilities and equity

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$          6,787

 

$        7,844

Current portion of long-term debt

 

  21,162

 

  —

Accrued liabilities

 

  69,137

 

  64,140

Total current liabilities

 

  97,086

 

  71,984

Noncurrent liabilities

 

 

 

 

Deferred incentive plans

 

  1,677

 

  3,913

Unfavorable contracts liability

 

  25,185

 

  44,085

Long-term debt

 

  597,468

 

  —

Deferred tax liability

 

  282,504

 

  8,325

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

  17,532

 

  1,674

Total noncurrent liabilities

 

  924,366

 

  57,997

Total liabilities

 

  1,021,452

 

  129,981

Commitments and contingent liabilities

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

TEGNA's investment, net

 

  —

 

  2,417,285

Common Stock at par, $0.01 par value; authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 71,625,405 shares at September 30, 2017, and no shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016

 

  716

 

  —

Additional paid-in capital

 

  1,480,932

 

  —

Retained earnings

 

  24,824

 

  —

Total stockholders' equity

 

  1,506,472

 

  2,417,285

Total liabilities and equity

 

$  2,527,924

 

$ 2,547,266

 

 


Cars.com Inc.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited and in thousands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2017

 

2016

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$      72,685

 

$  127,564

Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flows:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

  66,343

 

  61,549

Amortization of unfavorable contract liability

 

  (18,900)

 

  (18,900)

Write-off and loss on assets

 

  1,446

 

  111

Gain on trading securities related to deferred compensation

 

  (199)

 

  (143)

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable

 

  2,561

 

  2,177

Deferred income taxes

 

  8,388

 

  (34)

Share-based compensation

 

  1,493

 

  —

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

  463

 

  —

Increase (decrease) in operating assets and liabilities

 

  12,916

 

(31,888)

Net cash flow provided by operating activities

 

  147,196

 

  140,436

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

  (27,631)

 

  (7,387)

Payment for acquisition, net of cash acquired

 

  —

 

  (114,945)

Purchase of investments

 

  —

 

  (2,216)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

  —

 

  15

Net cash used in investing activities

 

  (27,631)

 

  (124,533)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

  675,000

#

  —

Payments of debt issuance costs and other fees

 

  (6,208)

#

  —

Payments of long-term debt

 

  (50,625)

 

  —

Cash distribution to TEGNA related to spin-off

 

  (650,000)

 

  —

Transactions with TEGNA, net

 

  (69,200)

 

  (11,283)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

  (101,033)

 

  (11,283)

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

  18,532

 

  4,620

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

  8,896

 

  100

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$      27,428

 

$       4,720

Supplemental non-cash information:

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment in accrued liabilities and accounts payables

 

$        3,050

 

$            50

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds

 

$        5,726

 

$             —

Cash paid for interest

 

$        6,826

 

$             —

 


 

Cars.com Inc.

Non-GAAP Reconciliations

Unaudited and in thousands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$    20,988

 

$    51,845

 

$    72,685

 

$  127,564

Interest expense (income), net

 

          5,431

 

              (41)

 

          7,160

 

              (53)

Provision for income taxes

 

        13,019

 

             452

 

       15,782

 

             452

Depreciation

 

          2,426

 

          2,002

 

          7,941

 

          6,133

Amortization of intangible assets

 

        19,467

 

        19,088

 

       58,402

 

       55,416

Stock-based compensation

 

          1,012

 

                 -  

 

          1,493

 

                -  

Transaction related costs and other

 

             317

 

                 -  

 

          4,981

 

                -  

Restructuring costs

 

             280

 

                 -  

 

          1,951

 

                -  

Costs related to the headquarters move

 

             130

 

                 -  

 

          3,558

 

                -  

Write-off and loss on assets

 

               63

 

                 -  

 

          1,446

 

                -  

Adjusted EBITDA*

 

$    63,133

 

$    73,346

 

$  175,399

 

$  189,512

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$    20,988

 

$    51,845

 

$    72,685

 

$  127,564

Amortization of intangible assets

 

        19,467

 

        19,088

 

       58,402

 

       55,416

Stock-based compensation

 

          1,012

 

                 -  

 

          1,493

 

                -  

Transaction related costs and other

 

             317

 

                 -  

 

          4,981

 

                -  

Restructuring costs

 

             280

 

                 -  

 

          1,951

 

                -  

Costs related to the headquarters move

 

             130

 

                 -  

 

          3,558

 

                -  

Write-off and loss on assets

 

               63

 

                 -  

 

          1,446

 

                -  

Tax impact of adjustments

 

        (7,981)

 

            (348)

 

      (13,060)

 

           (348)

Adjusted net income*

 

$    34,276

 

$    70,585

 

$  131,456

 

$  182,632

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash flow provided by operating activities

 

$    50,464

 

$    68,128

 

$  147,196

 

$  140,436

Purchase of property and equipment

 

        (8,721)

 

        (2,592)

 

      (27,631)

 

        (7,387)

Free cash flow

 

$    41,743

 

$    65,536

 

$  119,565

 

$  133,049

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Amortization of unfavorable contract liability is not adjusted out of adjusted EBITDA or adjusted net income.