Guardian Wealth Increases Investment in LKQ Stock with $1.8 Million Acquisition, Recent SEC Filing Reveals
Guardian Wealth Management's Investment: Guardian Wealth Management, Inc. increased its stake in LKQ by acquiring 77,245 shares, raising the position value by approximately $1.83 million, bringing the total to 159,199 shares valued at $4.86 million.
Performance Overview: LKQ's stock has significantly underperformed, down 26% over the past year and 46% over the last three years, compared to the S&P 500's 82% growth during the same period.
Potential Strategic Changes: LKQ is exploring the sale of its Keystone Automotive division, which may help the company refocus on its core business of aftermarket and recycled auto parts.
Investor Caution Advised: Despite some recent positive developments, investors are advised to remain cautious with LKQ stock due to its historical underperformance and the need for the company to demonstrate significant growth.
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- Share Acquisition: Kiltearn Partners LLP purchased 264,600 shares of LKQ in Q4 2025, with an estimated transaction value of $7.98 million, indicating confidence in LKQ's future growth potential.
- Increased Ownership: This acquisition raised Kiltearn's stake in LKQ to 3.24%, making it the 12th largest holding in their portfolio, which highlights its significance despite not being in the top five.
- Financial Performance: LKQ's stock price has declined by 8.6% over the past year and is down approximately 43% from its peak in 2022, reflecting challenges faced by the company, particularly a 39.1% drop in net income over the past three years.
- Strategic Review: Following the divestiture of its self-service segment last year, LKQ raised its 2025 operating cash flow outlook by $25 million, demonstrating the company's commitment to maximizing shareholder value through strategic adjustments.
- Share Acquisition: Kiltearn Partners LLP purchased an additional 264,600 shares of LKQ in Q4 2025, with an estimated transaction value of $7.98 million, indicating confidence in the auto parts sector.
- Increased Stake: This acquisition raised Kiltearn's stake in LKQ to 3.24%, making it the 12th largest holding in their portfolio, which underscores its significance despite not being in the top five.
- Financial Performance: As of February 13, 2026, LKQ shares were priced at $34.10, down 8.6% year-over-year, with net income falling by 39.1% over the past three years, highlighting the challenges the company faces.
- Strategic Review: Following the divestiture of its self-service segment last year, LKQ anticipates a $25 million increase in 2025 operating cash flow, indicating a strategic review aimed at maximizing shareholder value.
- Stake Increase: Seizert Capital Partners increased its position in LKQ by 503,998 shares during Q4 2026, with an estimated transaction value of $15.20 million, indicating confidence in LKQ's future growth potential.
- Value Appreciation: The value of LKQ's stake in Seizert Capital rose by $14.65 million to $65.80 million at quarter-end, reflecting positive impacts from both share accumulation and price fluctuations.
- Market Performance: As of February 2, 2026, LKQ shares traded at $32.52, down 11.1% over the past year and underperforming the S&P 500 by 25 percentage points, raising concerns about its future growth prospects.
- Investment Outlook: Despite challenges from autonomous vehicles, LKQ is viewed as a value investment opportunity at 1.3 times book value and 12 times free cash flow, with ongoing share buybacks and a 3.63% dividend yield enhancing its investment appeal.

- Acquisition Potential Analysis: LKQ Corp. is exploring strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, with analysts suggesting a share value in the low-to-mid $50s, indicating significant long-term value potential.
- Financial Expectations Assessment: Based on 2025 financial expectations, the North American wholesale segment is valued at $5.7bn to $6.1bn, Europe at $3.0bn to $3.4bn, and Specialty at $500mn to $700mn, showcasing the potential value of the company's segments.
- Market Reaction: LKQ's shares rose by 0.4%, reflecting a positive market response to its strategic alternatives, despite facing near-term challenges in North American and European markets.
- Overall Valuation Outlook: Analysts believe LKQ's enterprise value could exceed $13bn, factoring in $4.2bn in debt and $289mn in cash, indicating significant upside potential from the current share price of $34.
- Strategic Review Initiated: LKQ Corp.'s board has commenced a review of strategic alternatives, which may include a potential sale of the company, aimed at maximizing shareholder returns and enhancing current valuation.
- Management Commitment: Chairman John Mendel stated that management will continually assess the company's performance and strategic positioning to identify value not reflected in the current valuation.
- Advisory Engagement: LKQ has engaged BofA Securities as its financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz as its legal counsel to support the strategic review process.
- Focus on Specialty Division: The company continues with its previously announced plan to explore the potential sale of its specialty segment, although no specific timetable for the completion of the review has been set.
- Board Evaluates Potential Sale: The board is currently assessing the possibility of selling the company.
- Market Conditions Considered: Factors such as market conditions and company performance are being taken into account during the evaluation process.







