Copart, Inc. (CPRT): Q2 2025 Growth Amid Record Total-Loss Frequency#
Copart, Inc. continues to demonstrate resilience and growth in the vehicle remarketing industry, marked by an 8% global volume increase and a 14% revenue surge to nearly $1.2 billion in Q2 2025 compared to the previous year. This growth is underscored by a record total-loss vehicle frequency of 22.8% in Q2 2025, up 100 basis points year-over-year, driven by escalating repair costs and an uptick in natural disasters such as hurricanes Milton and Helene. These factors have expanded the supply of salvage vehicles, directly benefiting Copart's auction volumes and revenue streams.
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Strategic Importance of Total-Loss Vehicle Trends#
The rising total-loss frequency is a critical growth driver for Copart, given its business model's reliance on remarketing salvage and insurance vehicles. The increasing prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs), which incur repair costs approximately 23% higher than traditional vehicles, further amplifies the total-loss rate. This dynamic enhances Copart's inventory quality and quantity, reinforcing its market dominance and revenue potential. The company's sophisticated digital auction platform capitalizes on this trend by efficiently processing increased vehicle volumes worldwide.
Financial Performance Highlights#
Revenue and Profitability Metrics#
Copart's fiscal 2024 revenue reached $4.24 billion, reflecting a +9.49% growth from $3.87 billion in 2023. The company sustained healthy profitability with a gross profit of $1.91 billion and a net income of $1.36 billion, representing net margins of 32.17% and operating margins of 37.1%. These margins, while slightly compressed compared to prior years (operating margin down from 39.28% in 2022), illustrate operational efficiency amid rising costs.
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Earnings Per Share and Valuation Metrics#
Copart's earnings per share (EPS) stood at $1.51 for the trailing twelve months, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio around 32.68x reflecting investor expectations of sustained earnings growth. Forward P/E estimates show a gradual decline to 24.94x by 2027, signaling anticipated earnings acceleration. The company's return on equity (ROE) remains robust at 18.2%, and return on invested capital (ROIC) at 14.67%, underscoring effective capital utilization.
| Fiscal Year | Revenue (Billion USD) | Net Income (Billion USD) | Gross Margin | Operating Margin | Net Margin | EPS (USD) | P/E Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4.24 | 1.36 | 45.02% | 37.1% | 32.17% | 1.51 | 32.68 |
| 2023 | 3.87 | 1.24 | 44.89% | 38.42% | 31.99% | 1.38 | 34.11* |
| 2022 | 3.5 | 1.09 | 45.88% | 39.28% | 31.14% | 1.26 | 38.37* |
*Forward P/E estimates for 2023 and 2024
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Strength#
Copart's balance sheet remains solid with total assets of $8.43 billion and stockholders' equity of $7.52 billion as of July 2024. The company maintains a negligible debt load with a debt-to-equity ratio near 0.01x and a net cash position of approximately $1.4 billion. This financial flexibility supports ongoing investments and operational stability.
Operating cash flow reached $1.47 billion in fiscal 2024, supporting a free cash flow of $961.57 million after capital expenditures of $510.99 million. This robust free cash flow profile indicates strong internal funding capability for growth initiatives without reliance on external financing.
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | FY 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets (Billion USD) | 8.43 | 6.74 | 5.31 | 4.56 |
| Total Equity (Billion USD) | 7.52 | 5.99 | 4.63 | 3.53 |
| Debt to Equity Ratio | 0.01x | 0.02x | 0.03x | 0.15x |
| Net Debt (Billion USD) | -1.4 | -0.84 | -1.26 | -0.53 |
| Operating Cash Flow (Billion USD) | 1.47 | 1.36 | 1.18 | 0.99 |
| Free Cash Flow (Million USD) | 961.57 | 847.57 | 839.24 | 527.89 |
Competitive Landscape and Industry Context#
Copart holds a commanding position in the vehicle auction market, particularly in the salvage segment where it and competitor IAA control roughly 80% of U.S. market share. The company's advanced online auction platform facilitates real-time global bidding, creating significant network effects and operational efficiencies.
The industry is currently shaped by several macro trends: rising total-loss vehicle frequency due to increased natural disasters, and higher repair costs notably for electric vehicles (EVs). EV repair costs are on average 23% higher than those for traditional vehicles, according to Smart Financial, contributing to a surge in total-loss declarations. This trend enhances Copart's inventory pipeline and revenue potential.
What Drives Copart’s Revenue Growth?#
Copart's revenue growth is primarily fueled by increased salvage vehicle supply driven by two main factors: the rise in natural disasters and the escalating cost to repair modern vehicles, especially EVs. The company's digital platform efficiently handles this volume growth, enabling rapid vehicle disposition and value recovery for insurers and sellers worldwide.
Strategic Investments and Capital Allocation#
Copart’s capital expenditure of approximately $511 million in fiscal 2024 reflects investments in expanding its physical infrastructure and enhancing its technology platform. The company’s low debt levels and strong cash flow allow for disciplined capital allocation, balancing growth investments with shareholder returns via share repurchases, albeit modest at $6.56 million in FY 2024.
Market Reaction and Analyst Sentiment#
Recent earnings surprises have been modest but positive, with Q1 and Q2 2025 earnings slightly exceeding estimates. The stock price, trading near $49.34 with a +0.53% intraday gain, reflects investor confidence in Copart’s growth trajectory. Analyst forward P/E ratios suggest expectations of earnings growth, aligning with the company’s strategic initiatives and industry tailwinds.
Key Takeaways for Investors#
- Record total-loss frequency at 22.8% in Q2 2025 is a powerful growth driver, expanding Copart’s auction inventory.
- Robust revenue growth (+9.49% in FY 2024) and expanding net income (+10.12%) highlight operational strength.
- Strong balance sheet with net cash position and low debt ensures financial flexibility for growth and capital returns.
- Rising EV repair costs and natural disasters underpin long-term industry tailwinds supporting market share expansion.
- Forward P/E compression from 38.37x (2023) to 24.94x (2027) indicates expected earnings acceleration.
What This Means For Investors#
Copart’s recent operational results and strategic positioning underscore its ability to capitalize on evolving industry dynamics, particularly the surge in total-loss vehicle supply fueled by EV repair costs and natural disasters. The company’s strong financial health provides a solid foundation for continued investments and shareholder value creation. Investors should monitor upcoming earnings announcements and sector trends to gauge ongoing execution and market responses.
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