Online vehicle auction company Copart reported first-quarter revenue below Wall Street estimates on Thursday, hurt by weak demand and falling vehicle values for used cars. ...

Core Insights - Copart, Inc. is a global leader in online vehicle auctions, operating in over 200 locations across 11 countries, serving various customers including insurance companies and dealerships [1] - The company is set to release its quarterly earnings on November 20, 2025, with analysts expecting an EPS of $0.40 and revenue of approximately $1.18 billion [2] - Copart's market capitalization is currently at $40 billion, with a revenue of $4.6 billion over the past year, and a net income of $1.6 billion [2] Financial Metrics - The company has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 25.82, indicating how the market values its earnings [3] - Copart's price-to-sales ratio is 8.63, reflecting the market's valuation of its revenue [3] - The enterprise value to sales ratio is 8.06, and the enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is 20.80, highlighting its cash flow efficiency [3] Financial Strength - Copart maintains a strong financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.011, indicating low debt levels compared to its equity [4] - The company's current ratio of 8.42 demonstrates robust liquidity, ensuring it can cover short-term liabilities [4] - The earnings yield of 3.87% offers investors a perspective on the return on investment [4] Earnings Release and Investor Communication - Following the earnings release, Copart will hold a conference call at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results [5] - Investors can access the live webcast through the company's investor relations page [5] - The stock's reaction will depend on how the results align with market expectations [5] Summary of Expected Earnings - Analysts anticipate an EPS of $0.40 and revenue of $1.18 billion [6] - Copart showcases a strong financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.011 and a current ratio of 8.42 [6] - The company has a P/E ratio of 25.82 and a price-to-sales ratio of 8.63, indicating market valuation of its earnings and revenue [6]

Core Viewpoint - Copart's shares declined by 12% following the release of earnings that showed an 8% growth in sales and earnings per share, which fell short of analysts' expectations [1][2] Company Performance - Copart's earnings report indicated a sales growth of 8%, but this was below market expectations, leading to a significant drop in stock price [1] - The company was trading at 43 times earnings prior to the report, reflecting high expectations for continued double-digit sales growth [2] Market Position - Copart is recognized as the leading online vehicle auction platform, facilitating transactions for various types of vehicles, including end-of-life cars and totaled vehicles [3] - Since its IPO in 1994, Copart has achieved a remarkable 398-bagger status, with an annualized total return of 21% [3] Economic Factors - Management highlighted that macroeconomic uncertainties, including tariffs, could influence the business positively by making repairs less attractive compared to total loss scenarios [5] - Increased costs for replacement parts due to tariffs may lead insurers to classify vehicles as "totaled," thereby increasing demand for Copart's auction services [6] Investment Considerations - Despite the recent stock decline, Copart continues to trade at a premium, currently at 36 times earnings, which reflects its strong market position and historical success [6]