1 No-Brainer S&P 500 Stock Down 20% to Buy on the Dip

Core Viewpoint - The article advocates for the investment strategy of "buying the dip" in established companies like Copart, which has a strong historical performance and is currently experiencing a temporary decline in stock price [1][3]. Company Overview - Copart operates the leading online auction platform for totaled vehicles and has been a significant performer since its IPO in 1994, achieving a 341-bagger return [2]. - The company processes over 3 million vehicle sales annually and holds a market share of approximately 45%, leading a duopoly with RB Global [4]. Business Model - Copart's primary transactions involve insurance companies selling totaled vehicles through its platform to various buyers, with 81% of its business coming from insurance sales in 2024 [5]. - The company provides a comprehensive range of services including towing, storage, inspections, and logistics, making it a one-stop shop for salvage vehicle transactions [6]. Competitive Advantage - Copart benefits from a wide moat due to the NIMBY sentiment, which makes it difficult for new competitors to establish salvage yards in most locations [7]. - The increasing complexity and cost of vehicle repairs are expected to favor Copart, as more vehicles are declared totaled over time [8]. Financial Performance - Copart has maintained higher average free cash flow margins and cash return on invested capital compared to its primary peer, IAA, which was recently acquired by RB Global [10]. - The company is debt-free and holds $4.4 billion in cash, representing about 9% of its market capitalization of $49 billion [13]. Valuation and Growth Potential - Following a recent sell-off, Copart trades at 28 times cash from operations, its lowest valuation in over two years, despite a 10% sales growth over the past year [15][17]. - The current dip in stock price presents a buying opportunity, as Copart continues to outperform its peers in revenue growth [17]. Summary of Investment Thesis - Copart is positioned as a leader in a duopoly with a wide moat, benefiting from geographic presence and increasing vehicle complexity, while maintaining better profitability and a stronger balance sheet than its primary competitor [18].