LKQ downgraded to Neutral as Q3 outlook withdrawn and new CEO announced

Roth/MKM cut its rating on LKQ Corp. to Neutral and lowered the price target to $18.00 from $35.00 after the company issued a preliminary third‑quarter outlook that fell short of expectations. The pre‑announcement showed revenue expected to decline about 5% to $3.32 billion and adjusted EPS projected at $0.47‑$0.53, prompting LKQ to withdraw its fiscal‑2026 guidance. At the same time the board announced a CEO transition, with the new chief executive slated to start on December 15.

The downgrade and guidance withdrawal signal near‑term earnings pressure, which may depress the stock price further; investors will also watch the impact of the new CEO on the turnaround of the Europe segment.

  • 1Roth/MKM downgraded LKQ to Neutral and cut the price target to $18.00 from $35.00.
  • 2Pre‑announcement revenue is expected to decline approximately 5% to $3.32 billion.
  • 3Adjusted earnings per share is projected at $0.47‑$0.53.
  • 4LKQ withdrew its fiscal‑2026 outlook, which previously called for adjusted EPS of $2.60‑$2.90 and free cash flow of $625‑$775 million.
  • 5The company announced a CEO transition with the new chief executive to start on December 15.
  • 6Impairments of $88 million goodwill and $23 million net‑asset charges total $111 million, contributing to a GAAP loss of $0.06‑$0.12 per share.

Sources