Key Highlights

  • CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR) will release FY26 full-year results on 10 August 2026, with an investor briefing scheduled for 9:30am AEST.
  • The company reported adjusted revenue of A$626 million and adjusted NPAT of approximately A$197 million for the first half of FY26.
  • FY26 guidance remains at 12-14% proforma revenue growth and 10-13% proforma EBITDA growth in constant currency terms.
  • International businesses including webmotors, Encar and Trader Interactive remain important contributors to group performance.

CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR) has confirmed that its full-year results for the financial year ended 30 June 2026 will be released on 10 August 2026. The announcement represents the company’s next major scheduled market event following its February half-year update, where management reaffirmed expectations for double-digit revenue growth.

The upcoming results will provide investors and market analysts with an update on whether the company achieved its previously stated FY26 objectives. At the half-year stage, CAR Group guided towards proforma revenue growth of 12-14%, proforma EBITDA growth of 10-13%, and adjusted net profit after tax growth of 9-13%, all measured on a constant currency basis.

Recent company announcements have largely involved administrative matters, including substantial holder notices, director interest changes, dividend reinvestment plan share issues and securities quotation applications. The key operational update remains the confirmed results date rather than a new trading announcement.

From Australian Classifieds Platform to Global Digital Marketplace

CAR Group, previously known as carsales.com Limited, began operations in Melbourne in 1997 as an online alternative to printed vehicle classifieds. The company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2009 and changed its name in 2023 to reflect its broader international operations.

Today, CAR Group operates across four major geographic markets: Australia, North America, Latin America and Asia.

The Australian business includes the carsales marketplace and related data services. North America operates through Trader Interactive, focusing on recreational vehicles, powersports, trucks and equipment markets. Latin America is represented by webmotors in Brazil, while Asia includes Encar in South Korea.

At the half-year result, CAR Group disclosed approximately 2.4 million vehicles listed online, around 50,000 subscribed dealers and a monthly unique audience of about 52 million users. These marketplace assets form the foundation of its revenue model, which combines dealer subscriptions, private listings, advertising and data-related services.

Half-Year Results Show Revenue Expansion Across Key Markets

For the six months ended 31 December 2025, CAR Group reported adjusted revenue of A$626 million, representing an 8% increase in reported Australian dollar terms. Adjusted net profit after tax reached approximately A$197 million, up around 11.5%, while statutory net profit after tax increased 16% to A$143 million.

On a proforma constant currency basis, which removes the effects of foreign exchange movements and acquisition timing differences, revenue increased 13% and EBITDA increased 12%.

The company declared an interim dividend of 42.5 cents per share, 30% franked, representing a 10% increase compared with the prior corresponding period. The dividend was paid on 13 April 2026.

The half-year performance highlighted the contribution of both domestic operations and offshore businesses. While Australia remains the company’s largest established market, international platforms have become increasingly important drivers of overall growth.

Revenue Model Depends on Dealer Engagement and Marketplace Yield

CAR Group’s business model is based on connecting vehicle buyers and sellers through digital marketplaces. Unlike traditional vehicle retailers, the company does not own inventory. Revenue is generated primarily through dealer subscriptions, listing fees, premium advertising products and data services.

Dealer revenue is particularly important because dealerships use the platform continuously to display vehicle inventory, generate customer leads and promote listings. Revenue growth can therefore come from increasing dealer participation, improving pricing structures and expanding adoption of premium products.

Private seller revenue comes from individual vehicle owners who pay listing fees, while media revenue allows brands and manufacturers to advertise to CAR Group’s audience.

During the December half, the Australian segment recorded dealer revenue of approximately A$128 million, up 10%. The company attributed the increase to higher lead volumes, improved yield and greater adoption of depth products, which provide additional listing visibility and promotional features.

Private revenue increased 5% to approximately A$54 million, supported by premium listing adoption and growth in Instant Offer transactions, which increased 29%. Media revenue rose 10% to approximately A$42 million, while data, research and services revenue reached about A$27 million, up 6%.

Australia segment EBITDA was approximately A$162 million, representing an 8% increase.

Offshore Marketplaces Remain Central to CAR Group’s Growth Story

Beyond Australia, CAR Group’s international operations continue to influence the company’s overall financial performance. The North American, Latin American and Asian businesses each operate in different vehicle markets, creating geographic diversification across the group.

Trader Interactive, CAR Group’s North American business, generated revenue of approximately A$167 million during the first half of FY26, equivalent to US$110 million. Revenue increased 13% in constant currency terms, while segment EBITDA reached around A$99 million, representing an 11% increase.

The business focuses on recreational vehicles, powersports, trucks and equipment rather than traditional passenger vehicles. Growth during the period was supported by increased adoption of depth products, media performance and contributions from Boatmart and smaller acquisitions. However, the company noted that conditions in the marine market remained challenging.

The Latin American business, webmotors in Brazil, delivered the highest reported growth rate among CAR Group’s major segments. Revenue reached approximately A$126 million, increasing 30% in Australian dollar terms and 23% on a constant currency basis. EBITDA increased 34% in Australian dollar terms and 29% in constant currency terms.

The performance reflected audience growth, expansion beyond traditional regional markets, new premium product offerings and the introduction of a dealer loyalty program. The Brazilian automotive marketplace remains a key area of focus as CAR Group continues to expand its digital presence in the region.

Encar in South Korea also contributed to group growth. The Asian segment generated revenue of approximately A$75 million, with constant currency revenue increasing 17%. EBITDA increased 13%.

A key feature of Encar’s marketplace strategy is its Guarantee service, which provides inspection and warranty-related features for vehicle buyers. During the half, Guarantee was included in 60% of all new listings, while the company launched Guarantee 2.0 and reported a 55% increase in home delivery transactions.

FY26 Guidance Places Focus on August Results Release

The 10 August FY26 results announcement will provide the first complete view of whether CAR Group achieved its full-year targets. At the February half-year release, management maintained its guidance for proforma revenue growth of 12-14% and proforma EBITDA growth of 10-13%, both measured in constant currency terms.

The company also maintained expectations for adjusted NPAT growth of 9-13%, net finance costs of A$60-64 million and an effective tax rate of 20-21%.

Constant currency reporting remains important when assessing CAR Group’s performance because the company generates revenue across multiple international markets. Movements in exchange rates can influence reported Australian dollar results, meaning operational performance and reported financial outcomes may differ.

The full-year update will provide additional detail on several key areas. Investors will be watching whether Australian dealer revenue growth continued through the second half, whether international businesses maintained their contribution and whether marketplace monetisation initiatives continued to increase revenue per customer.

The results will also provide further information on the company’s balance sheet position following ongoing investment in offshore expansion.

Balance Sheet Position and Capital Management Remain Important Factors

As of 31 December 2025, CAR Group reported net debt of approximately A$1.19 billion and leverage of around 1.8 times. The company also reported EBITDA to cash conversion of approximately 95%.

The debt position reflects the company’s acquisition activity and international expansion strategy. While the company continues to generate operating cash flow, future financial updates will remain important for understanding capital allocation priorities, debt management and investment requirements.

CAR Group’s dividend policy is another area monitored by investors. The interim dividend increase demonstrated continued shareholder distributions, while future dividend decisions will depend on earnings performance, cash generation and broader capital management priorities.

Share Performance Focus Ahead of the FY26 Update

CAR Group’s share performance in the period leading into the FY26 results announcement will likely remain closely linked to expectations around earnings delivery and guidance confirmation. The company’s latest market update has not introduced a new earnings revision or operational change, meaning investor attention is centred on whether the final results align with previously communicated expectations.

The company’s investment narrative is based on the expansion of digital vehicle marketplaces, increased monetisation of listings, international growth and the ability to convert audience engagement into recurring revenue streams.

The August results will offer investors a clearer picture of how these factors translated into full-year financial outcomes. Particular attention is expected around revenue growth across the company’s four operating regions, margin performance and management commentary regarding conditions across automotive markets.

Conclusion

CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR) enters its FY26 results announcement with previously reaffirmed growth targets, a diversified international marketplace portfolio and a first-half result that showed continued revenue expansion. The company’s A$626 million adjusted revenue in the first half, alongside growth from webmotors, Encar and Trader Interactive, highlights the contribution of multiple operating regions to group performance.

The 10 August results release will be an important reporting milestone, providing investors with confirmation of full-year financial performance and additional insight into the outlook for the company’s digital marketplace businesses. The update will determine whether CAR Group maintained the pace required to meet its FY26 guidance and how management views the operating environment across its global markets.