LKQ Corporation Announces Results for Third Quarter 2021

• Third quarter 2021 revenue of $3.3 billion (up 8.2% year-over-year)

• Diluted EPS¹ of $0.96 (up 50.0%); adjusted diluted EPS^1,2 of $1.02 (up 36.0%)

• Third quarter operating cash flow of $429 million; free cash flow² of $384 million

• Net leverage decreased to 1.1x EBITDA

• Repurchased 4.3 million shares for $219 million in the quarter

• Full year 2021 financial outlook raised

• Announced inaugural quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share
  

CHICAGO, Oct. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LKQ Corporation (Nasdaq:LKQ) today reported third quarter 2021 results that reflect continued strength for the Company in a number of key metrics including total revenue, segment profitability and free cash flow.

"Our operating excellence initiatives continue to drive record results for LKQ; in the quarter, we recorded the highest third quarter EPS and Segment EBITDA² margin in the Company's history. We are particularly pleased with the results of our Europe segment, as its third quarter margin of 11.5% is the highest in over nine years. This performance validates our confidence in the 1 LKQ Europe program, the strategic initiatives that underpin it, and the capabilities of the team driving the implementation,” noted Dominick Zarcone, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Revenue for the third quarter of 2021 was $3.3 billion, an increase of 8.2% as compared to $3.0 billion in the third quarter of 2020, reflecting the annualization of the pandemic impact during the third quarter of 2020. For the third quarter of 2021, parts and services organic revenue increased 4.0%, while the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures increased revenue 0.5% and foreign exchange rates increased revenue 1.5%, for a total parts and services revenue increase of 6.1%. Other revenue grew 45.3% in the third quarter of 2021, driven by higher scrap steel and precious metals prices.

Net income¹ for the third quarter of 2021 was $284 million as compared to $193 million for the same period in 2020, an increase of 46.8%. Diluted earnings per share¹ for the third quarter was $0.96 as compared to $0.64 for the same period of 2020, an increase of 50.0%.

On an adjusted basis, net income^1,2 in the third quarter was $300 million compared to $228 million in the same period of 2020, a 31.6% increase. Adjusted diluted earnings per share^1,2 for the third quarter was $1.02 as compared to $0.75 for the same period of 2020, a 36.0% increase.

Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

Cash flow from operations totaled $429 million during the third quarter of 2021, and free cash flow² in the quarter was $384 million. Cash flow from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $1.4 billion, and free cash flow² for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $1.2 billion.

Net repayments on borrowings totaled $23 million during the quarter and, as of September 30, 2021, net debt² was $2.0 billion. Net leverage, as defined in our credit facility, decreased to 1.1x EBITDA.

Stock Repurchase and Dividend Programs

In the third quarter of 2021, we repurchased 4.3 million shares of common stock. Since initiating the stock repurchase plan in October 2018, 29.3 million shares have been repurchased for a total consideration of $1.05 billion through September 30, 2021.

On October 26, 2021, our Board of Directors declared the Company's first ever quarterly cash dividend. The quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share will be paid on December 2, 2021, to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 11, 2021.

2021 Outlook

Varun Laroyia, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer commented, “We are increasing our full year 2021 outlook - a clear testament to our teams' ability to drive operational excellence initiatives in the midst of an operating environment that includes challenging inflationary and supply chain pressures. The announcement of our inaugural quarterly dividend reflects our confidence in our strategy and strength of our business and underscores our commitment to deliver long-term value to stockholders while continuing to allow for the repurchase of shares.”

For 2021, management is anticipating the following revised outlook:

• Diluted EPS¹ attributable to LKQ stockholders in the range of $3.48 to $3.58

• Adjusted diluted EPS^1,2 attributable to LKQ stockholders in the range of $3.78 to $3.88

• Free cash flow² in the range of $1.15 billion to $1.30 billion

• Full year 2021 Segment EBITDA margin targets for Europe updated to a range of 9.8% to 10.3%

Our outlook for the full year 2021 is based on current conditions and recent trends, and it assumes current U.S. federal tax legislation remains unchanged, exchange rates for the Canadian dollar, euro, and pound sterling hold near recent levels, and the price of scrap and precious metals hold near recent levels. Our outlook is also based on management’s current expectations regarding the recovery from the coronavirus outbreak. Changes in these conditions may impact our ability to achieve the estimates. Adjusted figures exclude (to the extent applicable) the impact of restructuring and acquisition related expenses; amortization expense related to acquired intangibles; excess tax benefits and deficiencies from stock-based payments; losses on debt extinguishment; impairment charges; and gains and losses related to acquisitions or divestitures (including changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities).

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release contains and management’s presentation on the related conference call will refer to non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Included with this release are reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure with the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Conference Call Details

LKQ will host a conference call and webcast on October 28, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (7:00 a.m. Central Time) with members of senior management to discuss the Company's results. To access the investor conference call, please dial (833) 236-5754. International access to the call may be obtained by dialing (647) 689-4182. The investor conference call will require you to enter conference ID: 5183363#.

Webcast and Presentation Details

The audio webcast and accompanying slide presentation can be accessed at (www.lkqcorp.com) in the Investor Relations section.

A replay of the conference call will be available by telephone at (800) 585-8367 or (416) 621-4642 for international calls. The telephone replay will require you to enter conference ID: 5183363#. An online replay of the audio webcast will be available on the Company's website. Both formats of replay will be available through November 11, 2021. Please allow approximately two hours after the live presentation before attempting to access the replay.

About LKQ Corporation

LKQ Corporation (www.lkqcorp.com) is a leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles. LKQ has operations in North America, Europe and Taiwan. LKQ offers its customers a broad range of OEM recycled and aftermarket parts, replacement systems, components, equipment, and services to repair and accessorize automobiles, trucks, and recreational and performance vehicles.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements and information in this press release and on the related conference call, including our outlook for 2021, as well as remarks by the Chief Executive Officer and other members of management, that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of such Act.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our outlook, guidance, expectations, beliefs, hopes, intentions and strategies. These statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors including those identified below. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to us at the time the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from the events or results predicted or implied by our forward-looking statements include the factors set forth below, and other factors discussed in our filings with the SEC, including those disclosed under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These reports are available on our investor relations website at lkqcorp.com and on the SEC website at sec.gov.

These factors include the following (not necessarily in order of importance):

• effects on our business from the disruption to economic activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including a substantial decrease in the demand for our products and services, interruptions to supply chains, and the inability of customers to pay for products and services;

• employment-related issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, including employment law claims resulting from the layoffs and furloughs of employees to reduce costs during the period of decreased demand, increased healthcare costs, workforce shortages, and health and safety issues at the workplace;

• changes in economic, political and social conditions in the U.S. and other countries in which we are located or do business, including the U.K. withdrawal from the European Union (also known as Brexit), and the impact of these changes on our businesses, the demand for our products and our ability to obtain financing for operations;

• increasing competition in the automotive parts industry, including parts sold on online marketplaces and the potential competitive advantage to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") with "connected car" technology, as well as the various efforts by OEMs to restrict or prohibit the sale of aftermarket or recycled parts;

• changes to our business relationships with insurance companies or changes by insurance companies to their business practices relating to the use of our products as well as changes in the level of acceptance and promotion of alternative automotive parts by insurance companies and vehicle repairers;

• restrictions or prohibitions on selling or importing aftermarket products through enforcement by OEMs or governmental agencies of intellectual property rights or import laws;

• variations in the number of vehicles manufactured and sold, vehicle accident rates, miles driven, and the age profile of vehicles in accidents, the increase of accident avoidance systems being installed in vehicles, the potential loss of sales of certain mechanical parts due to the rise of electric vehicle sales, or changes in the demand for our products and the supply of our inventory due to severity of weather and seasonality of weather patterns;

• fluctuations in the prices of fuel, scrap metal and other commodities;

• changes in our relationships with our suppliers, disruption to our supply of inventory, or the misconduct, performance failures or negligence of our third party vendors or service providers could increase our expenses, impede our ability to serve our customers, or expose us to liability; as well as price increases, interruptions or disruptions to the supply of vehicle parts from aftermarket suppliers and vehicles from salvage auctions;

• if our goodwill or other intangible assets become impaired, or there are declines in the values of our assets, including as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, we may incur significant charges to our pre-tax income;

• product liability claims by the end users of our products or claims by other parties who we have promised to indemnify for product liability matters and costs associated with recalls of the products we sell;

• our ability to identify acquisition candidates at reasonable prices and our ability to successfully divest underperforming businesses and our ability to integrate, realize expected synergies, and successfully operate acquired companies and any companies acquired in the future, and the risks associated with these companies;

• our ability to satisfy our debt obligations and to operate within the limitations imposed by financing arrangements, including the possibility of not satisfying one or more of the financial covenants in our credit facility or the terms of the indentures governing our senior notes;

• our senior notes are subject to risks that could affect the value of the notes, require holders of the notes to return payments received from us or the guarantors, or affect our ability to repurchase the notes upon a change of control or pursuant to an asset sale offer;

• our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms to finance our growth;

• changes in laws or regulations affecting our business;

• our operations are subject to environmental regulations and we may incur costs relating to environmental matters;

• our bylaws provide that the courts in the State of Delaware are the exclusive forums for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders;

• changes to applicable U.S. and foreign tax laws, changes to interpretations of tax laws, and changes in our mix of earnings among the jurisdictions in which we operate;

• the implementation of a border tax or tariff on imports and the negative impact on our business due to the amount of inventory we import;

• governmental agencies may refuse to grant or renew our operating licenses and permits for our salvage, self service and refurbishing businesses;

• loss of key management personnel may affect our ability to successfully manage our business and achieve our objectives;

• the risks associated with operating in foreign jurisdictions, including foreign laws and economic and political instabilities and currency fluctuations in the U.S. dollar, pound sterling and euro versus other currencies;

• additional unionization efforts, new collective bargaining agreements, and work stoppages;

• our ability to develop and implement the operational and financial systems needed to manage our operations; and interruptions, outages or breaches of our operational systems, security systems, or infrastructure as a result of attacks on, or malfunctions of, our systems;

• costs of complying with laws relating to the security of personal information;

• business interruptions affecting our distribution centers, computer systems and the availability of inventory;

• problems with our fleet of trucks and other vehicles could affect our business;

• potential losses of our right to operate at key locations if we are not able to negotiate lease renewals or due to environmental issues; and

• disruptions to the management and operations of our business and the uncertainties caused by activist investors.

Contact:
Joseph P. Boutross - Vice President, Investor Relations
LKQ Corporation
(312) 621-2793
jpboutross@lkqcorp.com

LKQ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Income, with Supplementary Data
(In thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2021								2020
						% of Revenue (1)								% of Revenue (1)			$ Change					% Change
Revenue	$	3,296,611				100.0	%		$	3,047,684				100.0	%		$	248,927				8.2	%
Cost of goods sold	1,953,219					59.2	%		1,848,309					60.6	%		104,910					5.7	%
Restructuring expenses - cost of goods sold	—					0.0	%		833					0.0	%		(833		)			n/m
Gross margin	1,343,392					40.8	%		1,198,542					39.3	%		144,850					12.1	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	897,896					27.2	%		813,893					26.7	%		84,003					10.3	%
Restructuring and acquisition related expenses	2,525					0.1	%		20,495					0.7	%		(17,970		)			(87.7	%)
Impairment of net assets held for sale and (gain) loss on disposal of businesses	822					0.0	%		(503		)			(0.0	%)		1,325					n/m
Depreciation and amortization	63,995					1.9	%		68,655					2.3	%		(4,660		)			(6.8	%)
Operating income	378,154					11.5	%		296,002					9.7	%		82,152					27.8	%
Other expense (income):
Interest expense, net of interest income	15,427					0.5	%		25,182					0.8	%		(9,755		)			(38.7	%)
Other (income) expense, net	(2,888		)			(0.1	%)		2,492					0.1	%		(5,380		)			n/m
Total other expense, net	12,539					0.4	%		27,674					0.9	%		(15,135		)			(54.7	%)
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	365,615					11.1	%		268,328					8.8	%		97,287					36.3	%
Provision for income taxes	89,340					2.7	%		78,510					2.6	%		10,830					13.8	%
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	7,731					0.2	%		4,113					0.1	%		3,618					88.0	%
Income from continuing operations	284,006					8.6	%		193,931					6.4	%		90,075					46.4	%
Net loss from discontinued operations	—					0.0	%		—					0.0	%		—					n/m
Net income	284,006					8.6	%		193,931					6.4	%		90,075					46.4	%
Less: net (loss) income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	(49		)			(0.0	%)		448					0.0	%		(497		)			n/m
Less: net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	—					0.0	%		—					0.0	%		—					n/m
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	$	284,055				8.6	%		$	193,483				6.3	%		$	90,572				46.8	%
Basic earnings per share: (2)
Income from continuing operations	$	0.97							$	0.64							$	0.33				51.6	%
Net loss from discontinued operations	—								—								—					n/m
Net income	0.97								0.64								0.33					51.6	%
Less: net (loss) income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	(0.00		)						0.00								(0.00		)			n/m
Less: net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	—								—								—					n/m
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	$	0.97							$	0.64							$	0.33				51.6	%
Diluted earnings per share: (2)
Income from continuing operations	$	0.96							$	0.64							$	0.32				50.0	%
Net loss from discontinued operations	—								—								—					n/m
Net income	0.96								0.64								0.32					50.0	%
Less: net (loss) income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	(0.00		)						0.00								(0.00		)			n/m
Less: net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	—								—								—					n/m
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	$	0.96							$	0.64							$	0.32				50.0	%
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	294,026								304,271								(10,245		)			(3.4	%)
Diluted	294,885								304,566								(9,681		)			(3.2	%)
(1) The sum of the individual percentage of revenue components may not equal the total due to rounding.
(2) The sum of the individual earnings per share amounts may not equal the total due to rounding.

LKQ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Income, with Supplementary Data
(In thousands, except per share data)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021								2020
						% of Revenue (1)								% of Revenue (1)			$ Change					% Change
Revenue	$	9,902,511				100.0	%		$	8,674,942				100.0	%		$	1,227,569				14.2	%
Cost of goods sold	5,849,859					59.1	%		5,244,946					60.5	%		604,913					11.5	%
Restructuring expenses - cost of goods sold	(163		)			(0.0	%)		6,574					0.1	%		(6,737		)			n/m
Gross margin	4,052,815					40.9	%		3,423,422					39.5	%		629,393					18.4	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,648,128					26.7	%		2,451,073					28.3	%		197,055					8.0	%
Restructuring and acquisition related expenses	15,479					0.2	%		52,415					0.6	%		(36,936		)			(70.5	%)
Impairment of net assets held for sale and loss on disposal of businesses	240					0.0	%		1,733					0.0	%		(1,493		)			(86.2	%)
Depreciation and amortization	194,692					2.0	%		199,897					2.3	%		(5,205		)			(2.6	%)
Operating income	1,194,276					12.1	%		718,304					8.3	%		475,972					66.3	%
Other expense (income):
Interest expense, net of interest income	55,778					0.6	%		76,729					0.9	%		(20,951		)			(27.3	%)
Loss on debt extinguishment	23,564					0.2	%		12,751					0.1	%		10,813					84.8	%
Other (income) expense, net	(13,412		)			(0.1	%)		(9,304		)			(0.1	%)		(4,108		)			44.2	%
Total other expense, net	65,930					0.7	%		80,176					0.9	%		(14,246		)			(17.8	%)
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	1,128,346					11.4	%		638,128					7.4	%		490,218					76.8	%
Provision for income taxes	290,028					2.9	%		180,790					2.1	%		109,238					60.4	%
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	17,028					0.2	%		1,980					0.0	%		15,048					n/m
Income from continuing operations	855,346					8.6	%		459,318					5.3	%		396,028					86.2	%
Net loss from discontinued operations	—					0.0	%		(638		)			(0.0	%)		638					n/m
Net income	855,346					8.6	%		458,680					5.3	%		396,666					86.5	%
Less: net income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	754					0.0	%		1,166					0.0	%		(412		)			(35.3	%)
Less: net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	—					0.0	%		103					0.0	%		(103		)			n/m
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	$	854,592				8.6	%		$	457,411				5.3	%		$	397,181				86.8	%
Basic earnings per share: (2)
Income from continuing operations	$	2.86							$	1.51							$	1.35				89.4	%
Net loss from discontinued operations	—								(0.00		)						0.00					n/m
Net income	2.86								1.50								1.36					90.7	%
Less: net income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	0.00								0.00								(0.00		)			n/m
Less: net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	—								0.00								(0.00		)			n/m
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	$	2.86							$	1.50							$	1.36				90.7	%
Diluted earnings per share: (2)
Income from continuing operations	$	2.85							$	1.51							$	1.34				88.7	%
Net loss from discontinued operations	—								(0.00		)						0.00					n/m
Net income	2.85								1.50								1.35					90.0	%
Less: net income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	0.00								0.00								(0.00		)			n/m
Less: net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	—								0.00								(0.00		)			n/m
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	$	2.85							$	1.50							$	1.35				90.0	%
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	299,184								304,837								(5,653		)			(1.9	%)
Diluted	300,006								305,171								(5,165		)			(1.7	%)
(1) The sum of the individual percentage of revenue components may not equal the total due to rounding.
(2) The sum of the individual earnings per share amounts may not equal the total due to rounding.

LKQ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

	September 30, 2021					December 31, 2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	402,703				$	312,154
Receivables, net	1,185,004					1,073,389
Inventories	2,423,853					2,414,612
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	247,838					233,877
Total current assets	4,259,398					4,034,032
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,192,357					1,248,703
Operating lease assets, net	1,341,064					1,353,124
Intangible assets:
Goodwill	4,525,474					4,591,569
Other intangibles, net	755,426					814,219
Equity method investments	178,410					155,224
Other noncurrent assets	208,731					163,662
Total assets	$	12,460,860				$	12,360,533
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1,262,976				$	932,406
Accrued expenses:
Accrued payroll-related liabilities	255,899					208,718
Refund liability	108,292					102,148
Other accrued expenses	332,046					334,890
Other current liabilities	123,105					130,021
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	203,126					221,811
Current portion of long-term obligations	36,815					58,497
Total current liabilities	2,322,259					1,988,491
Long-term operating lease liabilities, excluding current portion	1,188,984					1,197,963
Long-term obligations, excluding current portion	2,348,448					2,812,641
Deferred income taxes	280,850					291,421
Other noncurrent liabilities	378,385					374,640
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	24,077					24,077
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 321,553,252 shares issued and 292,243,742 shares outstanding at September 30, 2021; 320,867,602 shares issued and 303,553,000 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020	3,215					3,208
Additional paid-in capital	1,465,346					1,444,584
Retained earnings	5,630,632					4,776,040
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(148,575		)			(99,009		)
Treasury stock, at cost; 29,309,510 shares at September 30, 2021 and 17,314,602 shares at December 31, 2020	(1,048,809		)			(469,105		)
Total Company stockholders’ equity	5,901,809					5,655,718
Noncontrolling interest	16,048					15,582
Total stockholders’ equity	5,917,857					5,671,300
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	12,460,860				$	12,360,533

LKQ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2021					2020
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	855,346				$	458,680
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	212,690					220,636
Stock-based compensation expense	24,989					22,851
Loss on debt extinguishment	23,564					12,751
Other	(45,836		)			(10,320		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:
Receivables, net	(133,767		)			(28,622		)
Inventories	(52,854		)			535,348
Prepaid income taxes/income taxes payable	(28,680		)			(22,510		)
Accounts payable	378,170					(105,719		)
Other operating assets and liabilities	128,406					51,546
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,362,028					1,134,641
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(132,705		)			(109,949		)
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment	16,177					12,937
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(66,771		)			(7,107		)
Other investing activities, net	(17,543		)			(2,314		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(200,842		)			(106,433		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Early-redemption premium	(16,014		)			(9,498		)
Repayment of Euro Notes (2026)	(883,275		)			—
Repayment of U.S. Notes (2023)	—					(600,000		)
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	4,097,517					599,485
Repayments under revolving credit facilities	(3,242,394		)			(949,381		)
Repayments under term loans	(323,750		)			(13,125		)
Borrowings under receivables securitization facility	—					111,300
Repayments under receivables securitization facility	—					(111,300		)
Repayments of other debt, net	(18,109		)			(74,822		)
Settlement of derivative instruments, net	(88,743		)			—
Purchase of treasury stock	(574,585		)			(88,006		)
Other financing activities, net	(16,458		)			(15,436		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,065,811		)			(1,150,783		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(4,826		)			9,100
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	90,549					(113,475		)
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations, beginning of period (1)	312,154					528,387
Add: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, beginning of period	—					6,470
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing and discontinued operations, beginning of period	312,154					534,857
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	402,703				$	421,382
(1) The balance as of January 1, 2020 included restricted cash of $5 million.

The following unaudited tables compare certain third party revenue categories:

	Three Months Ended
	September 30,
	2021				2020				$ Change				% Change
	(In thousands)
Included in Unaudited Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Income of LKQ Corporation
North America	$	1,076,599			$	1,007,001			$	69,598			6.9	%
Europe	1,519,682				1,479,174				40,508				2.7	%
Specialty	465,027				399,554				65,473				16.4	%
Parts and services	3,061,308				2,885,729				175,579				6.1	%
Other	235,303				161,955				73,348				45.3	%
Total	$	3,296,611			$	3,047,684			$	248,927			8.2	%

Revenue changes by category for the three months ended September 30, 2021 vs. 2020:

	Revenue Change Attributable to:
	Organic (1)			Acquisition and Divestiture			Foreign Exchange			Total Change (2)
North America	5.9	%		0.6	%		0.4	%		6.9	%
Europe	0.1	%		(0.0	%)		2.6	%		2.7	%
Specialty	13.7	%		2.1	%		0.6	%		16.4	%
Parts and services	4.0	%		0.5	%		1.5	%		6.1	%
Other	45.1	%		0.1	%		0.1	%		45.3	%
Total	6.2	%		0.5	%		1.5	%		8.2	%

The following unaudited tables compare certain third party revenue categories:

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2021				2020				$ Change				% Change
	(In thousands)
Included in Unaudited Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Income of LKQ Corporation
North America	$	3,172,207			$	3,007,169			$	165,038			5.5	%
Europe	4,544,749				4,043,473				501,276				12.4	%
Specialty	1,454,389				1,150,962				303,427				26.4	%
Parts and services	9,171,345				8,201,604				969,741				11.8	%
Other	731,166				473,338				257,828				54.5	%
Total	$	9,902,511			$	8,674,942			$	1,227,569			14.2	%

Revenue changes by category for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 vs. 2020:

	Revenue Change Attributable to:
	Organic (1)			Acquisition and Divestiture			Foreign Exchange			Total Change (2)
North America	4.7	%		0.3	%		0.5	%		5.5	%
Europe	6.3	%		(0.7	%)		6.8	%		12.4	%
Specialty	24.6	%		1.0	%		0.7	%		26.4	%
Parts and services	8.3	%		(0.1	%)		3.6	%		11.8	%
Other	54.1	%		0.0	%		0.3	%		54.5	%
Total	10.8	%		(0.1	%)		3.5	%		14.2	%

⁽¹⁾ We define organic revenue growth as total revenue growth from continuing operations excluding the effects of acquisitions and divestitures (i.e., revenue generated from the date of acquisition to the first anniversary of that acquisition, net of reduced revenue due to the disposal of businesses) and foreign currency movements (i.e., impact of translating revenue at prior period exchange rates). Organic revenue growth includes incremental sales from both existing and new (i.e., opened within the last twelve months) locations and is derived from expanding business with existing customers, securing new customers and offering additional products and services. We believe that organic revenue growth is a key performance indicator as this statistic measures our ability to serve and grow our customer base successfully.

⁽²⁾ The sum of the individual revenue change components may not equal the total percentage change due to rounding.

The following unaudited table reconciles revenue growth for parts & services to constant currency revenue growth for the same measure:

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2021						September 30, 2021
	Consolidated			Europe			Consolidated			Europe
Parts & Services
Revenue growth as reported	6.1	%		2.7	%		11.8	%		12.4	%
Less: Currency impact	1.5	%		2.6	%		3.6	%		6.8	%
Revenue growth at constant currency	4.6	%		0.1	%		8.2	%		5.6	%

We have presented the growth of our revenue on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency revenue information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our growth, consistent with how we evaluate our performance, as this statistic removes the translation impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which are outside of our control and do not reflect our operational performance. Constant currency revenue results are calculated by translating prior year revenue in local currency using the current year's currency conversion rate. This non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Our use of this term may vary from the use of similarly-named measures by other issuers due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation and differences due to items subject to interpretation. In addition, not all companies that report revenue growth on a constant currency basis calculate such measure in the same manner as we do and, accordingly, our calculations are not necessarily comparable to similarly-named measures of other companies and may not be appropriate measures for performance relative to other companies.

The following unaudited table compares revenue and Segment EBITDA by reportable segment:

	Three Months Ended														Nine Months Ended
	September 30,														September 30,
	2021							2020							2021							2020
(In thousands)					% of Revenue							% of Revenue							% of Revenue							% of Revenue
Revenue
North America	$	1,306,965						$	1,164,241						$	3,884,352						$	3,465,831
Europe	1,525,274							1,484,099							4,565,388							4,058,878
Specialty	465,842							400,429							1,457,060							1,153,885
Eliminations	(1,470		)					(1,085		)					(4,289		)					(3,652		)
Total revenue	$	3,296,611						$	3,047,684						$	9,902,511						$	8,674,942
Segment EBITDA
North America	$	225,582			17.3	%		$	204,957			17.6	%		$	750,935			19.3	%		$	565,949			16.3	%
Europe	175,093				11.5	%		136,165				9.2	%		484,157				10.6	%		303,814				7.5	%
Specialty	51,644				11.1	%		48,340				12.1	%		192,525				13.2	%		132,805				11.5	%
Total Segment EBITDA	$	452,319			13.7	%		$	389,462			12.8	%		$	1,427,617			14.4	%		$	1,002,568			11.6	%

We have presented Segment EBITDA solely as a supplemental disclosure that offers investors, securities analysts and other interested parties useful information to evaluate our segment profit and loss and underlying trends in our ongoing operations. We calculate Segment EBITDA as EBITDA excluding restructuring and acquisition related expenses (which includes restructuring expenses recorded in Cost of goods sold); change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities; other gains and losses related to acquisitions, equity method investments or divestitures; equity in losses and earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries; equity investment mark to market adjustments; and impairment charges. EBITDA, which is the basis for Segment EBITDA, is calculated as net income attributable to LKQ stockholders excluding discontinued operations and discontinued noncontrolling interest, depreciation, amortization, interest (which includes gains and losses on debt extinguishment) and income tax expense. Our chief operating decision maker, who is our Chief Executive Officer, uses Segment EBITDA as the key measure of our segment profit or loss. We use Segment EBITDA to compare profitability among our segments and evaluate business strategies. This financial measure is included in the metrics used to determine incentive compensation for our senior management. We also consider Segment EBITDA to be a useful financial measure in evaluating our operating performance, as it provides investors, securities analysts and other interested parties with supplemental information regarding the underlying trends in our ongoing operations. Segment EBITDA includes revenue and expenses that are controllable by the segment. Corporate general and administrative expenses are allocated to the segments based on usage, with shared expenses apportioned based on the segment's percentage of consolidated revenue. Refer to the table on the following page for a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Segment EBITDA.

The following unaudited table reconciles Net Income to EBITDA and Segment EBITDA:

	Three Months Ended										Nine Months Ended
	September 30,										September 30,
	2021					2020					2021					2020
(In thousands)
Net income	$	284,006				$	193,931				$	855,346				$	458,680
Less: net (loss) income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	(49		)			448					754					1,166
Less: net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	—					—					—					103
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	284,055					193,483					854,592					457,411
Subtract:
Net loss from discontinued operations	—					—					—					(638		)
Net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	—					—					—					(103		)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to LKQ stockholders	284,055					193,483					854,592					458,152
Add:
Depreciation and amortization	63,995					68,655					194,692					199,897
Depreciation and amortization - cost of goods sold	5,947					7,067					17,211					16,162
Depreciation and amortization - restructuring expenses (1)	408					605					787					4,577
Interest expense, net of interest income	15,427					25,182					55,778					76,729
Loss on debt extinguishment	—					—					23,564					12,751
Provision for income taxes	89,340					78,510					290,028					180,790
EBITDA	459,172					373,502					1,436,652					949,058
Subtract:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	7,731					4,113					17,028					1,980
Equity investment mark to market adjustments	2,445					—					8,245					—
Add:
Restructuring and acquisition related expenses (1)	2,117					19,890					14,692					47,838
Restructuring expenses - cost of goods sold	—					833					(163		)			6,494
Impairment of net assets held for sale and (gain) loss on disposal of businesses	822					(503		)			240					1,733
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities	384					(147		)			1,469					(575		)
Segment EBITDA	$	452,319				$	389,462				$	1,427,617				$	1,002,568
Net income from continuing operations attributable to LKQ stockholders as a percentage of revenue	8.6			%		6.3			%		8.6			%		5.3			%
EBITDA as a percentage of revenue	13.9			%		12.3			%		14.5			%		10.9			%
Segment EBITDA as a percentage of revenue	13.7			%		12.8			%		14.4			%		11.6			%
(1) The sum of these two captions represents the total amount that is reported in Restructuring and acquisition related expenses in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

We have presented EBITDA solely as a supplemental disclosure that offers investors, securities analysts and other interested parties useful information to evaluate our operating performance and the value of our business. We calculate EBITDA as net income attributable to LKQ stockholders excluding discontinued operations and discontinued noncontrolling interest, depreciation, amortization, interest (which includes gains and losses on debt extinguishment) and income tax expense. We believe EBITDA provides insight into our profitability trends and allows management and investors to analyze our operating results with the impact of continuing noncontrolling interest and without the impact of discontinued noncontrolling interest, discontinued operations, depreciation, amortization, interest (which includes gains and losses on debt extinguishment) and income tax expense. We believe EBITDA is used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in evaluating the operating performance and the value of other companies, many of which present EBITDA when reporting their results.

We have presented Segment EBITDA solely as a supplemental disclosure that offers investors, securities analysts and other interested parties useful information to evaluate our segment profit and loss and underlying trends in our ongoing operations. We calculate Segment EBITDA as EBITDA excluding restructuring and acquisition related expenses (which includes restructuring expenses recorded in Cost of goods sold); change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities; other gains and losses related to acquisitions, equity method investments or divestitures; equity in losses and earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries; equity investment mark to market adjustments; and impairment charges. Our chief operating decision maker, who is our Chief Executive Officer, uses Segment EBITDA as the key measure of our segment profit or loss. We use Segment EBITDA to compare profitability among our segments and evaluate business strategies. This financial measure is included in the metrics used to determine incentive compensation for our senior management. Segment EBITDA includes revenue and expenses that are controllable by the segment. Corporate general and administrative expenses are allocated to the segments based on usage, with shared expenses apportioned based on the segment's percentage of consolidated revenue.

EBITDA and Segment EBITDA should not be construed as alternatives to operating income, net income or net cash provided by operating activities, as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In addition, not all companies that report EBITDA or Segment EBITDA information calculate EBITDA or Segment EBITDA in the same manner as we do and, accordingly, our calculations are not necessarily comparable to similarly-named measures of other companies and may not be appropriate measures for performance relative to other companies.

The following unaudited table reconciles Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share to Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders, respectively:

	Three Months Ended										Nine Months Ended
	September 30,										September 30,
	2021					2020					2021					2020
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income	$	284,006				$	193,931				$	855,346				$	458,680
Less: net (loss) income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	(49		)			448					754					1,166
Less: net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	—					—					—					103
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	284,055					193,483					854,592					457,411
Subtract:
Net loss from discontinued operations	—					—					—					(638		)
Net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	—					—					—					(103		)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to LKQ stockholders	284,055					193,483					854,592					458,152
Adjustments - continuing operations attributable to LKQ stockholders:
Amortization of acquired intangibles	19,067					24,916					59,153					73,238
Restructuring and acquisition related expenses	2,525					20,495					15,479					52,415
Restructuring expenses - cost of goods sold	—					833					(163		)			6,574
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities	384					(147		)			1,469					(575		)
Loss on debt extinguishment	—					—					23,564					12,751
Impairment of net assets held for sale and (gain) loss on disposal of businesses	822					(503		)			240					1,733
Excess tax (benefit) expense from stock-based payments	(1,272		)			428					(2,132		)			(273		)
Tax effect of adjustments	(5,236		)			(11,360		)			(25,739		)			(38,320		)
Adjusted net income from continuing operations attributable to LKQ stockholders	$	300,345				$	228,145				$	926,463				$	565,695
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	294,885					304,566					300,006					305,171
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to LKQ stockholders
Reported	$	0.96				$	0.64				$	2.85				$	1.50
Adjusted	$	1.02				$	0.75				$	3.09				$	1.85

We have presented Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders as we believe these measures are useful for evaluating the core operating performance of our continuing business across reporting periods and in analyzing our historical operating results. We define Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders as Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share adjusted to eliminate the impact of continuing and discontinued noncontrolling interest, discontinued operations, restructuring and acquisition related expenses, amortization expense related to all acquired intangible assets, gains and losses on debt extinguishment, the change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities, other gains and losses related to acquisitions, equity method investments or divestitures, impairment charges, excess tax benefits and deficiencies from stock-based payments and any tax effect of these adjustments. The tax effect of these adjustments is calculated using the effective tax rate for the applicable period or for certain discrete items the specific tax expense or benefit for the adjustment. Given the variability and volatility of the amount and frequency of costs related to acquisitions, management believes that these costs are not normal operating expenses and should be adjusted in our calculation of Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders. Our adjustment of the amortization of all acquisition-related intangible assets does not exclude the amortization of other assets, which represents expense that is directly attributable to ongoing operations. Management believes that the adjustment relating to amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets supplements the GAAP information with a measure that can be used to assess the comparability of operating performance. The acquired intangible assets were recorded as part of purchase accounting and contribute to revenue generation. Amortization of intangible assets that relate to past acquisitions will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. Any future acquisitions may result in the amortization of additional intangible assets. These financial measures are used by management in its decision making and overall evaluation of our operating performance and are included in the metrics used to determine incentive compensation for our senior management. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders should not be construed as alternatives to Net Income or Diluted Earnings per Share as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In addition, not all companies that report measures similar to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders calculate such measures in the same manner as we do and, accordingly, our calculations are not necessarily comparable to similarly-named measures of other companies and may not be appropriate measures for performance relative to other companies.

The following unaudited table reconciles Forecasted Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders to Forecasted Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders, respectively:

	Forecasted
	Fiscal Year 2021
	Minimum Outlook					Maximum Outlook
(In millions, except per share data)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to LKQ stockholders	$	1,038				$	1,068
Adjustments:
Amortization of acquired intangibles	77					77
Restructuring expenses	19					19
Loss on debt extinguishment	24					24
Other adjustments	(1		)			(1		)
Tax effect of adjustments	(31		)			(31		)
Adjusted net income from continuing operations attributable to LKQ stockholders	$	1,126				$	1,156
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	298					298
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to LKQ stockholders:
U.S. GAAP	$	3.48				$	3.58
Non-GAAP (Adjusted)	$	3.78				$	3.88

We have presented forecasted Adjusted Net Income and forecasted Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders in our financial outlook. Refer to the discussion of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders for details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures. In the calculation of forecasted Adjusted Net Income and forecasted Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to LKQ Stockholders, we included estimates of income from continuing operations attributable to LKQ stockholders, amortization of acquired intangibles for the full fiscal year 2021, restructuring expenses under previously announced plans, the loss on debt extinguishment related to the April 1, 2021 redemption of the Euro Notes 2026 and the related tax effect; we included for all other components the amounts incurred through September 30, 2021.

The following unaudited table reconciles Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow:

	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	September 30,								September 30,
	2021				2020				2021				2020
(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	428,938			$	221,589			$	1,362,028			$	1,134,641
Less: purchases of property, plant and equipment	44,851				32,648				132,705				109,949
Free cash flow	$	384,087			$	188,941			$	1,229,323			$	1,024,692

We have presented free cash flow solely as a supplemental disclosure that offers investors, securities analysts and other interested parties useful information to evaluate our liquidity. We calculate free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, less purchases of property, plant and equipment. We believe free cash flow provides insight into our liquidity and provides useful information to management and investors concerning our cash flow available to meet future debt service obligations and working capital requirements, make strategic acquisitions and repurchase stock. We believe free cash flow is used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in evaluating the liquidity of other companies, many of which present free cash flow when reporting their results. This financial measure is included in the metrics used to determine incentive compensation for our senior management. Free cash flow should not be construed as an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities, as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In addition, not all companies that report free cash flow information calculate free cash flow in the same manner as we do and, accordingly, our calculation is not necessarily comparable to similarly-named measures of other companies and may not be an appropriate measure for liquidity relative to other companies.

The following unaudited table reconciles Forecasted Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Forecasted Free Cash Flow:

	Forecasted
	Fiscal Year 2021
	Minimum Outlook				Maximum Outlook
(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	1,380,000			$	1,550,000
Less: purchases of property, plant and equipment	230,000				250,000
Free cash flow	$	1,150,000			$	1,300,000

We have presented forecasted free cash flow in our financial outlook. Refer to the paragraph above for details on the calculation of free cash flow.

The following unaudited tables reconcile Gross Margin to Adjusted Gross Margin:

Consolidated Adjusted Gross Margin	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	September 30,								September 30,
	2021				2020				2021					2020
(In thousands)
Gross margin	$	1,343,392			$	1,198,542			$	4,052,815				$	3,423,422
Add: Restructuring expenses - cost of goods sold	—					833			(163		)				6,574
Adjusted gross margin	$	1,343,392			$	1,199,375			$	4,052,652				$	3,429,996
Gross margin %	40.8		%		39.3		%		40.9			%		39.5		%
Adjusted gross margin %	40.8		%		39.4		%		40.9			%		39.5		%

North America Adjusted Gross Margin	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	September 30,								September 30,
	2021				2020				2021					2020
(In thousands)
Gross margin	$	608,079			$	534,357			$	1,858,753				$	1,599,704
Add: Restructuring expenses - cost of goods sold	—				918				(163		)			4,036
Adjusted gross margin	$	608,079			$	535,275			$	1,858,590				$	1,603,740
Gross margin %	46.5		%		45.9		%		47.9			%		46.2		%
Adjusted gross margin %	46.5		%		46.0		%		47.8			%		46.3		%

Europe Adjusted Gross Margin	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30,									September 30,
	2021				2020					2021				2020
(In thousands)
Gross margin	$	603,885			$	549,975				$	1,771,211			$	1,502,445
Add: Restructuring expenses - cost of goods sold	—				(85		)			—				2,538
Adjusted gross margin	$	603,885			$	549,890				$	1,771,211			$	1,504,983
Gross margin %	39.6		%		37.1			%		38.8		%		37.0		%
Adjusted gross margin %	39.6		%		37.1			%		38.8		%		37.1		%

We have presented adjusted gross margin solely as a supplemental disclosure that offers investors, securities analysts and other interested parties useful information to evaluate the operating performance of our continuing business across reporting periods and in analyzing our historical operating results. We calculate adjusted gross margin as gross margin plus restructuring expenses recorded in cost of goods sold. We believe adjusted gross margin provides insight into our operating performance and provides useful information to management and investors concerning our gross margins. We believe adjusted gross margin is used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in evaluating the operating performance of other companies, many of which present adjusted gross margin when reporting their results. Adjusted gross margin should not be construed as an alternative to gross margin, as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In addition, not all companies that report adjusted gross margin information calculate adjusted gross margin in the same manner as we do and, accordingly, our calculation is not necessarily comparable to similarly-named measures of other companies and may not be an appropriate measure for performance relative to other companies.

The following unaudited table reconciles Total Debt to Net Debt:

	September 30, 2021				December 31, 2020
(In thousands)
Current portion of long-term obligations	$	36,815			$	58,497
Long-term obligations, excluding current portion	2,348,448				2,812,641
Total debt, net of debt issuance costs	2,385,263				2,871,138
Add: Debt issuance costs	13,239				25,538
Total debt	2,398,502				2,896,676
Less: Cash and cash equivalents	402,703				312,154
Net debt	$	1,995,799			$	2,584,522

We have presented net debt solely as a supplemental disclosure that offers investors, securities analysts and other interested parties useful information to evaluate our liquidity and financial position. We calculate net debt as total debt less cash and cash equivalents. We believe net debt provides insight into our liquidity and provides useful information to management and investors concerning our financial position. We believe net debt is used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in evaluating the liquidity and financial position of other companies, many of which present net debt when reporting their results. Net debt should not be construed as an alternative to total debt, as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In addition, not all companies that report net debt information calculate net debt in the same manner as we do and, accordingly, our calculation is not necessarily comparable to similarly-named measures of other companies and may not be an appropriate measure for performance relative to other companies.

¹ References in this release to Net income and Diluted earnings per share, and the corresponding adjusted figures, reflect amounts from continuing operations attributable to LKQ stockholders.
² Non-GAAP measure. See the table accompanying this release that reconciles the actual or forecasted U.S. GAAP measure to the actual or forecasted adjusted measure, which is non-GAAP.