CarGurus (CARG)

Pretax margin

Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Earnings before tax but after interest (EBT) US$ in thousands 24,657 51,687 111,362 149,360 99,110
Revenue US$ in thousands 894,384 914,242 1,655,040 951,373 551,451
Pretax margin 2.76% 5.65% 6.73% 15.70% 17.97%

December 31, 2024 calculation

Pretax margin = EBT ÷ Revenue
= $24,657K ÷ $894,384K
= 2.76%

As an analyst, I have examined the pretax margin of CarGurus over the past five years. The pretax margin is a key profitability ratio that indicates the company's efficiency in generating profits before taxes relative to its total revenue.

From the data provided, we observe a gradual decline in CarGurus' pretax margin over the years. Starting at 17.97% on December 31, 2020, the margin decreased to 15.70% on December 31, 2021, showing an initial dip in profitability. This downward trend continued in subsequent years, with pretax margins of 6.73% on December 31, 2022, 5.65% on December 31, 2023, and 2.76% on December 31, 2024.

The declining pretax margin may signify challenges faced by CarGurus in controlling its operating expenses or pricing strategies, which have impacted its profitability. Investors and stakeholders may view this trend as a cause for concern, prompting further analysis into the company's cost structure, revenue streams, and overall financial health.

In conclusion, the decreasing pretax margin of CarGurus highlights a potential issue in its profitability sustainability, warranting closer scrutiny and strategic interventions to reverse this negative trend.