LKQ Corporation (LKQ)

In the past six months, LKQ Corp. reported its first-quarter 2025 financial results on April 24, 2025, and is scheduled to release its second-quarter 2025 financial results on July 24, 2025. On June 24, 2025, LKQ Corporation announced a strategic European Joint Venture with SYNETIQ, an IAA Company. On May 28, 2025, LKQ published its 2023 Global Sustainability Report. The stock price on June 20, 2025, was $37.13, representing an 11.53% decline from June 24, 2024, but has shown a 1.89% increase over the last six months. Insiders have engaged in stock transactions, with Dominick P. Zarcone selling 55,000 shares and Justin L. Jude purchasing 2,708 shares. The company has continued its share repurchase and dividend programs, repurchasing approximately $125 million of its common stock and distributing $79 million in cash dividends in the third quarter of 2024, and repurchasing $80 million worth of shares in the fourth quarter of 2024.

LKQ Corporation's business experiences demand seasonality, which is influenced by factors such as the severity of weather patterns. Changes in demand for its products and the supply of its inventory can be affected by weather. The seasonal nature of the business also impacts trade working capital, particularly in the first quarter. The number of vehicles involved in accidents or requiring repairs, which can fluctuate seasonally, directly affects LKQ's business.

LKQ Corporation is a leading global provider of alternative and specialty parts for the repair and accessorization of automobiles and other vehicles. The company operates within the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically in the Auto Parts and Automotive Aftermarket industries. LKQ's major products include a broad range of replacement systems, components, equipment, and parts, encompassing aftermarket, recycled, refurbished, and remanufactured products. The company also distributes specialty vehicle products and accessories for recreational vehicles, trucks, and performance vehicles, as well as automotive glass products and paint-related products. LKQ operates through three main reportable segments: North America, Europe, and Specialty. The North America segment includes wholesale operations, self-service retail operations, and heavy truck operations, and has recently entered the vehicle diagnostic services business.

LKQ Corporation has a significant global presence, with operations in North America, Europe, and Taiwan. The company maintains approximately 1,700 facilities worldwide, including over 350 locations across the United States. In Europe, LKQ has nearly 1,500 operating locations in over 20 countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Northern France, Italy, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Poland, and Spain. Its North American operations reach most major markets in the U.S. and Canada.

LKQ Corporation has maintained a strong brand reputation, recognized for quality and reliability in the automotive parts industry. The company was ranked as one of America's Most Responsible Companies of 2024 by Newsweek and received certification as a Great Place to Work for 2024. LKQ's commitment to sustainability has positively impacted its brand image, highlighting its role in the circular economy. The company also offers lifetime warranties on its recycled and aftermarket collision products, further reinforcing its commitment to quality. No specific negative events significantly impacting LKQ's brand reputation were found in the past year.

LKQ Corporation's ownership is primarily institutional, with 1,350 institutional owners and shareholders holding a total of 308,114,298 shares. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., Morgan Stanley, Nordea Investment Management Ab, State Street Corp., and Massachusetts Financial Services Co. Institutional investors collectively own approximately 84.09% of the company's stock. Jacob H. Welch is the largest individual shareholder, holding 39,103,721 shares, which represents 15.15% of the company. Insiders, including executives, own approximately 0.75% of the stock.