LKQ Corporation: A Deep Value Stock With A Durable Core Business

LKQ Corporation trades at historically low valuations, reflecting excessive market pessimism despite its durable salvage network and free cash flow potential. Shares are down over 40% from highs, now below 10x forward earnings and offering a double-digit free cash flow yield, with a $1.5 billion buyback authorization representing ~23% of market cap. Operational headwinds persist: margin compression, weak European performance, and negative recent free cash flow, but management guides $700–$850M FCF for the year.