LKQ

LKQ

Global distributor of aftermarket vehicle parts

Overview

LKQ is a global distributor that supplies vehicle parts and accessories for cars and trucks. It sells aftermarket, recycled and salvaged parts, as well as specialty equipment, to repair shops and retail customers who repair, maintain, or customize vehicles. Its parts come from a wide range of suppliers and are distributed through a large network to repair shops, collision centers, and individuals. The way the products work is straightforward: customers order parts, LKQ sources them (including recycled or salvaged options when available), and ships them to the customer for installation or use. LKQ differentiates itself through its broad, global catalog and mix of new, aftermarket, and recycled parts, offering a one-stop source for repairing and upgrading vehicles. The company’s goal is to be a leading, reliable supplier that helps customers quickly find and obtain the parts they need to fix, service, or customize vehicles.

About LKQ

Simplify's Rating
Why LKQ is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Automotive & Transportation

Industrial & Manufacturing

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Arizona

Founded

1998

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • June 2026 ERA Reman launch targets 55% UK workshop reman adoption, unlocking significant growth in high-quality sustainable parts.
  • Completed April 2026 ERP migration supports over $50 million in annual cost savings amid margin compression.
  • Potential Keystone Automotive Industries sale in January 2026 could generate approximately $1 billion in proceeds.

What critics are saying

  • FinishMaster acquisition misrepresentations trigger a federal securities class action with $150M–$300M settlement risk by early 2027.
  • FinishMaster integration failure causes $200M revenue miss and ongoing customer erosion to AutoZone in the paint segment.
  • Activist Ananym Capital forces distressed Keystone sale, potentially depressing enterprise value by 15–25% within nine months.

What makes LKQ unique

  • LKQ offers 100,000+ SKUs including 1,400 new ERA Reman parts with OE-level quality and a three-year warranty.
  • It is Europe's number one Emotive brand distributor and the sole UK distributor for ERA Reman rotating electric components.
  • The company operates 250+ branches globally, enabling rapid parts sourcing for collision and mechanical repair shops.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Fertility Treatment Support

401(k) Company Match

Company Paid Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Stock Price

Company News

AutoScene
Jun 17th, 2026
LKQ Euro Car Parts introduces cost-effective oe-quality remanufactured range.

LKQ Euro Car Parts introduces cost-effective oe-quality remanufactured range. * June 17, 2026 LKQ Euro Car Parts has launched the ERA Reman range of alternators and starter motors in the UK, giving independent workshops and fleets a new OE-level remanufactured option to better enable sustainable, affordable mobility for their customers. Built on more than 30 years' remanufacturing expertise, ERA Reman products are produced in state-of-the-art facilities in Europe. Each unit is remanufactured to OE specification, using OE parts where applicable - and in some cases improving OE - before undergoing rigorous testing to ensure dependable performance for workshops. Every ERA Reman unit therefore comes with a three-year warranty and a core return policy, helping to keep valuable cores in the remanufacturing loop. The range offers OE-level performance at a reasonable price point, giving workshops a high-quality and attractive alternative to new components. Sustainability has been considered at all levels. ERA Reman uses recyclable brown box packaging, reduced printing ink and minimal plastic, while still ensuring the eco package provides secure shipping. The launch comes at a time when data shows that 55% of UK workshops already fit remanufactured or used parts, but for most, these represent less than a quarter of total installations, according to LKQ's 2025 UK Voice of the Customer research. This highlights significant scope for growth in high-quality reman solutions. The range adds 1,400 SKUs to LKQ Euro Car Parts' more than 100,000-part catalogue, providing broad coverage and helping technicians source the right part quickly through its 250+ branch network. ERA Reman sits under the Emotive house of brands, for which LKQ is the number one distributor in Europe and the sole UK distributor. The launch forms part of LKQ's broader investment in remanufactured and recycled parts, including its recent joint venture with UK salvage specialist LKQ SYNETIQ to strengthen the supply of sustainable components across repair networks. Matt Robinson, B2B Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: "Technicians need rotating electric components they can trust - because if a newly-fitted alternator or starter motor fails, it can be costly in terms of both profit and reputation. "We're also seeing growing awareness in the sector for the role that remanufacturing plays in future proofing repairs. More garages are actively choosing remanufacturing solutions that offer reliable performance, while also helping to reduce waste and dependence on new materials. They understand that doing the job properly today can also support the long-term sustainability of the industry. We're proud to be meeting this demand, all the while offering a range that's competitive in terms of price and quality." June 17, 2026

LKQ Europe
Apr 2nd, 2026
LKQ Europe acquires ACtronics to expand electronic vehicle component repair and remanufacturing

LKQ Europe has acquired ACtronics, a leading European specialist in repairing and remanufacturing automotive electronic components. Founded in 2005 and based in Almelo, Netherlands, ACtronics repairs complex vehicle electronics including ABS/ESP units, instrument clusters, transmission and engine control units, and EV specialist components. The acquisition strengthens LKQ Europe's existing circular economy operations, which include vehicle salvage, EV battery repair and remanufactured powertrain components. ACtronics operates exclusively in the B2B aftermarket, serving workshops, dealers and distributors across Europe. LKQ Europe employs around 25,000 people and operates over 900 branches across 18 European countries. The company aims to provide cost-effective, sustainable alternatives to new replacement parts as vehicles become increasingly complex and component costs rise.

Yahoo Finance
Mar 20th, 2026
Petrus Trust bets $16M on LKQ as auto parts distributor's earnings fall 50% amid 31% stock decline

Petrus Trust Company initiated a $15.70 million position in LKQ, purchasing 520,000 shares in the fourth quarter, according to a 17 February SEC filing. The automotive parts distributor now represents 1.59% of the fund's reportable assets. LKQ shares have fallen 31% over the past year to $28.11, significantly underperforming the S&P 500's 16% gain. The company's fourth-quarter results showed revenue rising modestly to $3.3 billion from $3.2 billion year-on-year, but net income dropped to $75 million and diluted earnings per share fell 50% to $0.29. Despite earnings pressure, LKQ generated $1.1 billion in operating cash flow and $847 million in free cash flow for the full year. Management is implementing cost-cutting measures expected to deliver over $50 million in annual savings.

Yahoo Finance
Mar 8th, 2026
Barrington raises LKQ price target 12% to $45-50, keeps Outperform rating

Barrington has raised its price target for LKQ Corporation to $45-$50 from $40-$45, maintaining an Outperform rating on the stock. The analyst updated its sum-of-the-parts valuation following the company's fourth-quarter 2025 results. LKQ reported challenging Q4 results on 19 February, facing soft demand in North America and Europe. Diluted earnings per share fell 50% year-on-year to $0.29, whilst adjusted diluted EPS declined 24% to $0.59, missing analyst expectations of $0.65. Segment EBITDA dropped 18% to $321 million. The earnings decline stemmed from rising costs due to higher tariffs in North America and increased expenses in Europe, forcing price increases that reduced sales volumes in both regions. Gross margins contracted as LKQ chose not to fully pass costs on to consumers.

Yahoo Finance
Mar 6th, 2026
Kettle Hill dumps 777K LKQ shares worth $23.4M amid activist pressure

Kettle Hill Capital Management sold 777,476 shares of LKQ during the fourth quarter, worth approximately $23.45 million, according to a 17 February SEC filing. The transaction reduced LKQ to 2.6% of Kettle Hill's assets under management, down from 8% in the prior quarter. As of 17 February, LKQ shares traded at $32.51, down 16.8% over the past year and trailing the S&P 500 by 28.8 percentage points. The automotive parts distributor has been under pressure from activist investor Ananym Capital since October to sell business units. LKQ has engaged Bank of America to help sell its Keystone Automotive Industries division, potentially worth $1 billion. Reuters reported in January that the company's board is exploring strategic options, including a potential sale.

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