Online vehicle auction company Copart (NASDAQ: CPRT) fell short of the markets revenue expectations in Q3 CY2025, with sales flat year on year at $1.16 billion. Its GAAP profit of $0.41 per share was 3.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy CPRT? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

StockStory’s Take

Copart’s third-quarter results were met with a negative market reaction, as the company’s revenue fell below Wall Street expectations while earnings per share slightly surpassed forecasts. Management attributed the flat year-on-year sales primarily to ongoing declines in insurance unit volumes, which were driven by fewer insurance claims and changing consumer behavior around auto insurance coverage. CEO Jeff Liaw highlighted that, despite these pressures, Copart achieved higher average selling prices and continued to see gains in auction returns for its insurance partners.

Looking ahead, Copart’s leadership points to a mix of industry and company-specific factors as shaping its forward outlook. The company expects total loss frequency—the rate at which damaged vehicles are considered uneconomical to repair—to continue its gradual long-term rise, supporting auction volumes over time. However, the near-term environment remains uncertain due to volatility in insurance coverage rates and external pressures like tariffs and parts inflation. Management emphasized ongoing investment in storage, technology, and expanding its non-insurance business as key to navigating these trends.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management cited insurance unit volume declines, resilient auction returns, and continued investments in operational efficiency as primary themes shaping the quarter’s results and outlook.

• Insurance unit volume decline: Copart’s insurance segment saw a notable decrease in assigned vehicles, which management linked to reduced claims frequency and a rise in consumers opting for less comprehensive insurance coverage. CEO Jeff Liaw explained, “Insurance coverage itself has changed…literally 4% of policies no longer having coverage of any kind.”
• Auction returns remain strong: Despite lower volumes, Copart delivered all-time high average selling prices for insurance vehicles, with global insurance average selling prices up 6.8%. Management pointed to increased pure sale auctions and robust international demand as underlying drivers.
• International buyer engagement: The value of vehicles purchased by international buyers was 38% higher than those bought domestically, reflecting a sustained trend of overseas customers seeking higher-value, repairable vehicles. CFO Leah Stearns noted this trend has persisted, especially for borderline total losses.
• Operational efficiency improvements: Copart reduced its cycle times by 9% year-over-year, driven by better title procurement and a higher proportion of non-insurance units, which typically process faster. This contributed to a 17% reduction in U.S. inventory levels.
• Non-insurance segment growth: Dealer unit sales within Copart’s non-insurance business rose 5.3%, and the company continues to invest in platforms like Purple Wave to diversify revenue beyond its core insurance partners.

Drivers of Future Performance

Management expects continued uncertainty in insurance claim trends and consumer coverage rates to be the primary factors shaping the business outlook.

• Total loss frequency trend: Management believes that the long-term increase in total loss frequency will eventually translate to higher auction volumes, though near-term fluctuations may persist due to shifting insurance purchasing patterns and vehicle repair economics.
• Non-insurance business expansion: Copart is prioritizing growth in its commercial and dealer consignment channels, leveraging its Blue Car Advisory Board and technology investments to attract sellers beyond traditional insurance carriers. Leadership views this as a buffer against insurance volume softness.
• External cost pressures: Factors such as tariffs, parts inflation, and vehicle complexity are expected to continue influencing both repair costs and salvage economics, introducing some unpredictability to the rate at which vehicles are totaled and enter Copart’s marketplace.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the coming quarters, our team will be tracking (1) trends in insurance coverage rates and claims frequency, (2) Copart’s ability to grow its non-insurance and international businesses despite industry headwinds, and (3) the impact of cost inflation and tariffs on vehicle repair economics. Additionally, we will monitor the effectiveness of Copart’s operational efficiency initiatives and capital allocation decisions as key indicators of management’s execution.

Copart currently trades at $39.78, down from $41.10 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

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