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TrueCar Inc (TRUE)


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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/15/2025: TRUE (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
1 Year Target Price $2.35
1 Year Target Price $2.35
1 | Strong Buy |
1 | Buy |
3 | Hold |
1 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -23.32% | Avg. Invested days 27 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 217.68M USD | Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 2.35 |
Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 2.35 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 6 | Beta 2 | 52 Weeks Range 1.05 - 4.62 | Updated Date 10/17/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 1.05 - 4.62 | Updated Date 10/17/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) -0.33 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin -15.95% | Operating Margin (TTM) -18.25% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) -13.13% | Return on Equity (TTM) -23.53% |
Valuation
Trailing PE - | Forward PE 14.45 | Enterprise Value 76186268 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.18 |
Enterprise Value 76186268 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.18 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.41 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA -4.15 | Shares Outstanding 88848869 | Shares Floating 79881239 |
Shares Outstanding 88848869 | Shares Floating 79881239 | ||
Percent Insiders 9.15 | Percent Institutions 74.71 |
Upturn AI SWOT
TrueCar Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
TrueCar Inc. was founded in 2005 by Scott Painter. Initially named Zag, it aimed to provide price transparency to car buyers. The company went public in 2014 and has since focused on connecting consumers with certified dealerships through its online platform.
Core Business Areas
- Marketplace: TrueCar's primary business segment involves connecting consumers with certified dealerships to purchase new and used vehicles. They earn revenue through transaction fees from dealerships for vehicles sold through the platform.
- Data & Analytics: TrueCar provides data and analytics services to automotive industry clients, including dealerships, manufacturers, and lenders. These services offer insights into consumer behavior, pricing trends, and market dynamics.
Leadership and Structure
Mike Darrow is the President and CEO. The company has a traditional corporate structure with various departments reporting to the executive team.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- TrueCar Marketplace: The core product, connecting car buyers with certified dealerships and providing transparent pricing. The market share is difficult to pinpoint precisely. Competitors: Edmunds, Cars.com, CarGurus, Autotrader.
- Data Solutions: Provides automotive data and analytics services to dealerships, manufacturers, and lenders. Revenue contribution varies annually. Competitors: J.D. Power, Cox Automotive (Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader).
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The automotive industry is undergoing significant transformation with increasing online car shopping, electric vehicle adoption, and evolving consumer preferences. Digital platforms are playing a larger role in the car buying process.
Positioning
TrueCar aims to be a trusted third-party platform that provides price transparency and streamlines the car buying experience. Their competitive advantage lies in their extensive network of certified dealerships and data-driven insights.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for online automotive marketplaces and data solutions is substantial, estimated to be worth billions of dollars. TrueCar is positioned to capture a significant share of this market by expanding its platform and services. TAM estimates vary depending on the source and included segments.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Brand recognition
- Extensive network of certified dealerships
- Data-driven insights and analytics
- Established online platform
Weaknesses
- Dependence on dealership partnerships
- Profitability challenges
- Intense competition
- Sensitivity to economic downturns
Opportunities
- Expansion into new markets
- Partnerships with electric vehicle manufacturers
- Development of innovative online car buying tools
- Leveraging data analytics for personalized customer experiences
Threats
- Increasing competition from established players
- Economic downturns impacting car sales
- Changes in consumer preferences
- Disruptive technologies impacting the automotive industry
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- CARG
- CARS
- KMX
- AN
Competitive Landscape
TrueCar's advantage is it is a data-driven approach to pricing, but it faces challenges from competitors with established brand recognition and larger market share. Success will depend on differentiating its platform and expanding its reach.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: TrueCar's historical growth has been marked by periods of rapid expansion followed by challenges in achieving sustained profitability.
Future Projections: Future growth projections are subject to market conditions and company performance. Analysts' estimates vary.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include partnerships with car manufacturers and efforts to enhance the online car buying experience.
Summary
TrueCar is a data-driven platform aiming to provide price transparency in the car buying process. Its strengths lie in its dealer network and data analytics. However, profitability remains a challenge amidst intense competition. Future growth depends on expanding into new markets and leveraging data for personalized customer experiences.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- SEC Filings
- Company Website
- Industry Reports
- Analyst Estimates
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Market conditions can change rapidly, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About TrueCar Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Santa Monica, CA, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 2014-05-16 | President, CEO & Director Mr. Jantoon E. Reigersman | ||
Sector Communication Services | Industry Internet Content & Information | Full time employees 348 | Website https://www.truecar.com |
Full time employees 348 | Website https://www.truecar.com |
TrueCar, Inc. operates as an internet-based information, technology, and communication services company in the United States. The company operates its platform on the TrueCar website and mobile applications. Its platform enables users to obtain market-based pricing data on new and used cars, and to connect with its network of TrueCar certified dealers. It also provides TrueCar Access, which offers trade and payments solutions; and Sell Your Car and Trade solutions gives consumers information on the value of their trade-in vehicles and enables them to obtain a guaranteed trade-in price before setting foot in the dealership. The company was formerly known as Zag.com Inc. TrueCar, Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California.

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