COPART INC
For the period ended Jul 31, 2026. Filed Sep 29, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2026 · Filed Sep 29, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-07-31; filed 2025-09-26.
0001628280-25-042946
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2026-07-31; filed 2026-09-29.
0001193125-26-405731
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 162 previous paragraphs and 170 current paragraphs.
137 unchanged; 22 reworded; 11 added; 3 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (11)
Current report
military conflicts, including those in Eastern Europe and the Middle East;
Current report
We may incur substantial indebtedness and any failure to meet our debt obligations may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
We have entered into, and may continue to enter into, arrangements pursuant to which we may incur significant indebtedness, including the 2026 Credit Agreement, which provides for an unsecured revolving credit in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1,250 million maturing on January 23, 2031. If we incur indebtedness and cannot service it, we may have to take actions such as utilizing available capital, selling assets, or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic transactions, and investments, any of which may impede the implementation of our business strategy, prevent us from entering into transactions that would otherwise benefit our business, and may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
The 2026 Credit Agreement contains restrictive covenants, including a maximum consolidated total net leverage ratio and other customary covenants that limit our and our subsidiaries’ operating and financial flexibility, subject to certain exceptions. If we fail to comply, the lenders could terminate their commitments and accelerate any outstanding borrowings, and because the facility is guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries, they could be required to satisfy those obligations. If we incur indebtedness under the 2026 Credit Agreement, we will be subject to variable interest rate risk, because borrowings bear interest at a margin over a benchmark rate or a base rate. A substantial increase in interest rates could impair our ability to service our indebtedness. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and could require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. We also may not be able to refinance indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
Current report
In the United States, California has enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended (“CCPA”) and numerous similar recently enacted laws create new data privacy rights for individuals. Other evolving legislation relating to privacy and cybersecurity at the federal, state, and local levels also may, or may be argued to, apply to us. Additionally, certain of our commercial partners, including payment card companies, have imposed data security standards or other obligations relating to privacy, data protection, or data security upon us, and others may do so in the future. We also may be, or may be argued to be, subject to industry standards or other actual or asserted obligations relating to privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity. We strive to comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and contractual and other legal obligations relating to privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity. These legal, contractual, and other actual and asserted obligations are, however, evolving rapidly, may be interpreted and applied in new ways and/or in manners that are inconsistent, and may conflict with other obligations or our practices.
Current report
Our efforts to comply with the GDPR, the CCPA, the LGPD, and similar emerging and changing laws, regulations, policies, and contractual and other legal obligations relating to privacy data protection, and cybersecurity may require us to change our policies and practices and may cause us to incur substantial costs. Our actual or perceived noncompliance with any actual or asserted legal obligations relating to privacy, data protection, or cybersecurity could result in claims, demands, and litigation by private parties or governmental actors, investigations or other actions or proceedings by governmental entities or others, our loss of the ability to process payment card transactions, or us becoming subject to higher costs for such transactions, harm to our reputation and market position, and significant legal and financial exposure and could affect our ability to retain and attract customers. Any of the risks described above could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and financial position.
Current report
Our development and use of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies present operational, legal, competitive, and reputational risks that could adversely affect our business, consolidated results of operations, and financial position.
Current report
We increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and generative artificial intelligence technologies into our operations, products, and services, including in areas such as [vehicle image capture and condition assessment, total loss and valuation determinations, pricing and analytics, fraud detection, member and customer support, and internal productivity tools]. These technologies are complex, rapidly evolving, and involve significant uncertainty. Competitors or new market entrants may develop or deploy them more quickly or effectively than we do, eroding our competitive position, and if our investments do not perform as expected or we cannot integrate them in a timely, cost-effective, secure, or responsible manner, we may not realize the efficiencies, revenue, or other benefits we anticipate.
Current report
Artificial intelligence is also the subject of rapidly evolving and fragmented laws, regulations, and industry standards in the United States and internationally, addressing transparency, data usage, automated decision-making, consumer protection, and discrimination. These requirements are uncertain, may conflict across jurisdictions, and may require us to change our practices, restrict our ability to develop or deploy these technologies, or increase our compliance costs and liability. Our failure to meet our responsibilities—or similar failures by the third-party providers that incorporate these tools into the products and services they provide us—could subject us to reputational harm, regulatory investigations or enforcement actions, fines and civil penalties, or litigation.
Current report
Because the models, algorithms, and datasets these technologies rely on may be flawed, incomplete, or biased, their outputs may be inaccurate, unreliable, or otherwise harmful, including in unintended or discriminatory ways. Certain of our uses directly affect transaction outcomes for vehicle sellers and buyers, errors, defects, or malfunctions, or their misuse by our personnel, which could result in operational disruptions, flawed business decisions, degraded sale outcomes, disputes or litigation, and harm to our reputation and our relationships with insurance companies and other significant vehicle sellers. Our use of these technologies may also increase the risk that our confidential information or our customers' personal information is inadvertently disclosed, used to train third-party models, or otherwise made available to others, and intellectual property rights in the outputs may be uncertain or unenforceable, we may not own those outputs, and our use of these technologies and their training data may subject us to infringement or misappropriation claims. Any of the foregoing risks, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations, and financial position.
Current report
military conflicts, including those in Eastern Europe and the Middle East;
Removed paragraphs (3)
Previous report
• military conflicts, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and recent events in the Middle East;
Previous report
We continue to evaluate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and generative artificial intelligence for incorporation into our business to augment our products and services. Such technologies present unique business opportunities along with ever-changing legal and regulatory risks. Both state and federal regulations relating to these emerging technologies are quickly and constantly evolving and may require significant resources to modify and maintain business practices to comply with laws, the nature of which cannot be determined at this time. Our failure to accurately identify and address our responsibilities and liabilities in this new environment could negatively affect any solutions we develop incorporating such technology and could subject us to reputational harm, regulatory action, or litigation, which may harm our financial condition and operating results. These same risks apply to our third-party service providers who are implementing these tools into the products or services they provide to us. Any failures to manage and mitigate these risks by these third-party service providers may negatively affect the products and services we provide our clients.
Previous report
• military conflicts, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and recent events in the Middle East;
Reworded paragraphs (22)
Previous wording
Although no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues for fiscal 2025, 2024, or 2023, a limited number of vehicle sellers historically have collectively accounted for a substantial portion of our revenues. Vehicle sellers have terminated agreements with us in the past in particular markets, which has affected revenues in those markets. There can be no assurance that our existing agreements will not be canceled. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to enter into future agreements with vehicle sellers or that we will be able to retain our existing supply of salvage vehicles. A reduction in vehicles from a significant vehicle seller or any material changes in the terms of an arrangement with a significant vehicle seller could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position. In addition, a failure to increase our sources of vehicle supply could adversely affect our earnings and revenue growth rates.
Current wording
Although no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues for fiscal 2026, 2025, or 2024, a limited number of vehicle sellers historically have collectively accounted for a substantial portion of our revenues. Certain of our arrangements with vehicle sellers are non-exclusive and may be terminated or modified by the seller on limited notice or without cause, in each case subject to the terms of the applicable agreement. Vehicle sellers have terminated agreements with us in the past in particular markets, which has affected revenues in those markets. There can be no assurance that our existing agreements will not be canceled. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to enter into future agreements with vehicle sellers or that we will be able to retain our existing supply of salvage vehicles. A reduction in vehicles from a significant vehicle seller or any material changes in the terms of an arrangement with a significant vehicle seller could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position. In addition, a failure to increase our sources of vehicle supply could adversely affect our earnings and revenue growth rates.
Previous wording
• public health issues, such as COVID-19 and other pandemics;
Current wording
public health issues, such as epidemics, pandemics, and other public health emergencies;
Previous wording
Consumer concerns over the security of transactions conducted on the internet or the privacy of users may inhibit the growth of the internet and online commerce. To securely transmit confidential information such as customer credit card numbers, we rely on encryption and authentication technology. Unanticipated events or developments could result in a compromise or breach of the systems we use to protect customer transaction data. Furthermore, our servers may also be vulnerable to viruses transmitted via the internet and other points of access. While we proactively check for intrusions into our infrastructure, a new or undetected virus could cause a service disruption.
Current wording
Consumer concerns over the security of transactions conducted on the internet or the privacy of users may inhibit the growth of the internet and online commerce. To securely transmit confidential information such as customer credit card numbers, we rely on encryption and authentication technology. Security risks and threats continue to increase in our industry, and we and our service providers are subject to risks of compromises or breaches of the systems we use to protect customer transaction data. Furthermore, our servers may also be vulnerable to viruses transmitted via the internet and other points of access. While we proactively check for intrusions into our infrastructure, a new or undetected virus could cause a service disruption.
Previous wording
We seek to increase our sales and profitability through the acquisition of complementary businesses, additional facilities and the development of new facilities. Historically, the acquisition and development of new facilities has both enabled and resulted from market share gains in our core salvage vehicle remarketing business. In fiscal 2023, we opened one new operational facility in Brazil, one new operational facility in Germany, one new operational facility in Canada, and eight new operational facilities in the U.S. In fiscal 2024, we opened three new operational facilities in the U.K., one new operational facility in Spain, one new operational facility in Canada, and four new operational facility in the U.S. In fiscal 2025, we opened one new operational facility in the U.K., two new operational facilities in Spain, and three new operational facilities in the U.S. As for strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses, we acquired National Powersport Auctions in fiscal 2017, we acquired Hills Motors in fiscal 2022, a used, or “green” parts recycler in the U.K. that has four operating facilities and in fiscal 2024, we acquired Purple Wave, Inc. an online offsite heavy equipment auction company. Acquisitions are difficult to identify and complete for a number of reasons, including competition among prospective buyers, the availability of affordable financing in the capital markets, if necessary, and the need to satisfy applicable closing conditions and obtain antitrust and other regulatory approvals on acceptable terms. There can be no assurance that we will be able to:
Current wording
We seek to increase our sales and profitability through the acquisition of complementary businesses, additional facilities and the development of new facilities. Historically, the acquisition and development of new facilities has both enabled and resulted from market share gains in our core salvage vehicle remarketing business. In fiscal 2024, we opened three new operational facilities in the U.K., one new operational facility in Spain, one new operational facility in Canada, and four new operational facilities in the U.S. In fiscal 2025, we opened one new operational facility in the U.K., two new operational facilities in Spain, and three new operational facilities in the U.S. In fiscal 2026, we opened two new operational facilities in Brazil, and six new operational facilities in the U.S. As for strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses, we acquired National Powersport Auctions in fiscal 2017, we acquired Hills Motors in fiscal 2022, a used, or “green” parts recycler in the U.K. that has four operating facilities and in fiscal 2024, we acquired Purple Wave, Inc. an online offsite heavy equipment auction company. In September 2026, we entered into the Merger Agreement with ACV and Merger Sub to acquire all of ACV’s outstanding shares of common stock for $10.50 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest, subject to any required withholding of taxes, and we expect to complete such acquisition by the end of calendar year 2026. The consummation of such transaction is subject to the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of ACV common stock, the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, and other customary conditions. Acquisitions are difficult to identify and complete for a number of reasons, including competition among prospective buyers, the availability of affordable financing in the capital markets, if necessary, and the need to satisfy applicable closing conditions and obtain antitrust and other regulatory approvals on acceptable terms. There can be no assurance that we will be able to:
Previous wording
Acquisitions typically will increase our sales and profitability, although given the typical size of our acquisitions to date, most acquisitions will not individually have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial position. We may not always be able to introduce our processes and selling platform to acquired companies due to different operating models in international jurisdictions or other facts. As a result, the associated benefits of acquisitions may be delayed for years. During this period, the acquisitions may operate at a loss and certain acquisitions, while profitable, may operate at a margin percentage that is below our overall operating margin percentage and, accordingly, have an adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial position. Hence, the conversion periods vary from weeks to years and cannot be predicted.
Current wording
Acquisitions typically will increase our sales and profitability, although given the typical size of our acquisitions to date, most of our acquisitions have not individually had a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial position. We may not always be able to introduce our processes and selling platform to acquired companies due to different operating models in international jurisdictions or other facts. As a result, the associated benefits of acquisitions may be delayed for years. During this period, the acquisitions may operate at a loss and certain acquisitions, while profitable, may operate at a margin percentage that is below our overall operating margin percentage and, accordingly, have an adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial position. Hence, the conversion periods vary from weeks to years and cannot be predicted.
Previous wording
In addition to using independent subhaulers, in the U.S., the U.K., and Germany, we utilize a fleet of company trucks to pick up and deliver vehicles to and from our storage facilities in those geographies. In connection therewith, we are subject to the risks associated with providing trucking services, including but not limited to inclement weather, disruptions in transportation infrastructure, accidents and related injury claims, availability and price of fuel, any of which could result in an increase in our operating expenses and reduction in our net income.
Current wording
In addition to using independent subhaulers, in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Spain, U.A.E., and Brazil, we utilize a fleet of company trucks to pick up and deliver vehicles to and from our storage facilities in those geographies. In connection therewith, we are subject to the risks associated with providing trucking services, including but not limited to inclement weather, disruptions in transportation infrastructure, accidents and related injury claims, availability and price of fuel, any of which could result in an increase in our operating expenses and reduction in our net income.
Previous wording
Although we have implemented policies, procedures, and training designed to ensure compliance with anti-bribery laws, trade controls and economic sanctions, and similar regulations, our employees or agents may take actions in violation of our policies. We may incur costs or other penalties in the event that any such violations occur, which could have an adverse effect on our business and reputation.
Current wording
We are required to comply with applicable export control and economic sanctions laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce and trade controls administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. We may be required to obtain authorization from the U.S. government to engage in the export of certain items, and obtaining licenses may be time consuming and may result in the delay or loss of sales opportunities. Although we have implemented policies, procedures, and training designed to ensure compliance with anti-bribery laws, trade controls and economic sanctions, and similar regulations, our employees, business partners, or agents may take actions in violation of our policies or of applicable anti-bribery, trade controls, and economic sanctions. We may incur costs or other penalties, including loss of import and export privileges and increased government scrutiny, in the event that any such violations occur, which could have an adverse effect on our business and reputation. Our efforts to comply with applicable export control, sanctions, and similar laws and regulations could be costly or time-consuming, and changes in policy could have a material adverse effect on our products or business operations.
Previous wording
In addition, some of our recent acquisitions have required us to integrate non-U.S. companies which had not previously been subject to U.S. law. In many countries outside of the U.S., particularly in those with developing economies, it may be common for persons to engage in business practices prohibited by laws and regulations applicable to us, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, Brazil Clean Companies Act, India’s Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 or similar local anti-bribery laws. These laws generally prohibit companies and their employees or agents from making improper payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Failure by us and our subsidiaries to comply with these laws could subject us to civil and criminal penalties that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operating results and financial position.
Current wording
In addition, some of our recent acquisitions have required us to integrate non-U.S. companies which had not previously been subject to U.S. law. In many countries outside of the U.S., particularly in those with developing economies, it may be common for persons to engage in business practices prohibited by laws and regulations applicable to us, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, Brazil Clean Companies Act, India’s Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 or similar local anti-bribery laws. These laws generally prohibit companies from authorizing, offering, or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We, our employees, agents, representatives, business partners and third-party intermediaries may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities and we may be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of these employees, agents, representatives, business partners or third-party intermediaries even if we do not explicitly authorize those activities. These laws also require that we keep accurate books and records and maintain internal controls and compliance procedures designed to prevent any such actions. While we have policies and procedures to address compliance with those laws, we cannot assure you that none of our employees, agents, representatives, business partners or third-party intermediaries will take actions in violation of our policies or applicable law, for which we may be ultimately held responsible. Any allegation of violations of or violation of the applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws could subject us to whistleblower complaints, settlements, prosecution, enforcement actions, fines, damages, adverse media coverage, investigations, and other civil and criminal penalties, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operating results and financial position. Responding to any investigation or action could result in a materially significant diversion of management’s attention and resources and significant defense costs and other professional fees.
Previous wording
We are subject to federal, state and international laws, directives, and regulations relating to the collection, use, retention, disclosure, security, and transfer of personal data. These laws, directives, and regulations, and their interpretation and enforcement continue to evolve and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which went into effect in the European Union on May 25, 2018, applies to all of our activities conducted from an establishment in the European Union and may also apply to related products and services that we offer to European Union users. Similarly, the California Consumer Privacy Act, or AB375 as amended (“CCPA”), the Brazilian General Data Protection Law (“LGPD”), and similar recently enacted laws create new data privacy rights for individuals. Complying with the GDPR, the CCPA, the LGPD, and similar emerging and changing privacy and data protection requirements may cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices. Noncompliance with our legal obligations relating to privacy and data protection could result in penalties, legal proceedings by governmental entities or others, and significant legal and financial exposure and could affect our ability to retain and attract customers. Any of the risks described above could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and financial position.
Current wording
We are subject to federal, state and international laws, directives, and regulations relating to the collection, use, retention, disclosure, security, transfer, and other processing of personal data. These laws, directives, and regulations, and their interpretation and enforcement continue to evolve and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which went into effect in the European Union on May 25, 2018, applies to all of our activities conducted from an establishment in the European Union and may also apply to related products and services that we offer to European Union users. The United Kingdom has adopted legislation that substantially implements the GDPR. The GDPR provides for significant penalties in the case of non-compliance of up to €20 million or four percent of worldwide annual revenues, whichever is greater. The United Kingdom legislation implementing the GDPR provides for a similar penalty structure. Numerous other jurisdictions worldwide have enacted laws relating to the collection, use, retention, disclosure, security, transfer, and other processing of personal data, including Brazil, which has enacted the Brazilian General Data Protection Law (“LGPD”). The LGPD broadly regulates processing of personal information of individuals in Brazil and imposes compliance obligations and penalties comparable to those of the GDPR.
Previous wording
Participants in the vehicle sales industry are subject to, and may be required to expend funds to ensure compliance with a variety of laws, regulations, and ordinances. These include, without limitation, land use ordinances, business and occupational licensure requirements and procedures, vehicle titling, sales, and registration rules and procedures, and laws and regulations relating to the environment, anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, exporting, and reporting and notification requirements to agencies and law enforcement relating to vehicle transfers. Many of these laws and regulations are frequently complex and subject to interpretation, and failure to comply with present or future regulations or changes in interpretations of existing laws or regulations may result in government investigation or proceedings, which could lead to impairment or suspension of our operations and the imposition of penalties and other liabilities. At various times, we may be involved in disputes with local governmental officials regarding the development and/or operation of our business facilities. We may be subject to similar types of regulations by governmental agencies in new markets. In addition, new legal or regulatory requirements or changes in existing requirements may delay or increase the cost of opening new facilities, may limit our base of vehicle buyers, may decrease demand for our vehicles, and may adversely impact our ability to conduct business. As described under Note 15 — Commitments and Contingencies, the U.S. Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Branch is conducting an ongoing investigation into potential violations by the Company of certain money laundering laws related to its practices and procedures for preventing and detecting money-laundering activity by its auction platform members. The Company is cooperating with the DOJ’s investigation. The Company may receive additional regulatory or governmental inquiries related to the matters that are the subject of the DOJ’s investigation. Any such inquiries or investigations may be time-consuming, costly, divert management resources, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operation. These or other governmental investigations, inquiries, or lawsuits could lead to our incurring liability for damages or other costs, a criminal or civil proceeding, the imposition of fines and penalties, and/or other remedies, and reputational harm to our business, which can impact our ability to attract and retain customers and qualified personnel, as well as restrictions on or added costs for our business operations going forward.
Current wording
Participants in the vehicle sales industry are subject to, and may be required to expend funds to ensure compliance with a variety of laws, regulations, and ordinances. These include, without limitation, land use ordinances, business and occupational licensure requirements and procedures, vehicle titling, sales, and registration rules and procedures, and laws and regulations relating to the environment, anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, exporting, and reporting and notification requirements to agencies and law enforcement relating to vehicle transfers. Many of these laws and regulations are frequently complex and subject to interpretation, and failure to comply with present or future regulations or changes in interpretations of existing laws or regulations may result in government investigation or proceedings, which could lead to impairment or suspension of our operations and the imposition of penalties and other liabilities. At various times, we may be involved in disputes with local governmental officials regarding the development and/or operation of our business facilities. We may be subject to similar types of regulations by governmental agencies in new markets. In addition, new legal or regulatory requirements or changes in existing requirements may delay or increase the cost of opening new facilities, may limit our base of vehicle buyers, may decrease demand for our vehicles, and may adversely impact our ability to conduct business. As described under NOTE 15 — Commitments and Contingencies, the U.S. Department of Justice is conducting an ongoing investigation into potential violations by the Company of certain money laundering laws related to its practices and procedures for preventing and detecting money-laundering activity by its auction platform members. The Company is cooperating with the Department of Justice's (the "DOJ") investigation. The Company may receive additional regulatory or governmental inquiries related to the matters that are the subject of the DOJ’s investigation. Any such inquiries or investigations may be time-consuming, costly, divert management resources, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operation. These or other governmental investigations, inquiries, or lawsuits could lead to our incurring liability for damages or other costs, a criminal or civil proceeding, the imposition of fines and penalties, and/or other remedies, and reputational harm to our business, which can impact our ability to attract and retain customers and qualified personnel, as well as restrictions on or added costs for our business operations going forward.
Previous wording
Our internet-based auction-style model has allowed us to offer our products and services to international markets and has increased our international buyer base. As a result, foreign importers of vehicles now represent a significant part of our total buyer base. Our foreign buyers may be subject to a variety of foreign laws and regulations, including the imposition of import duties by foreign countries. Changes in laws, regulations, and treaties that restrict or impede or negatively affect the economics surrounding the importation of vehicles into foreign countries may reduce the demand for vehicles and impact our ability to maintain or increase our international buyer base. In addition, we and our vehicle buyers must work with foreign customs agencies and other non-U.S. governmental officials, who are responsible for the interpretation, application, and enforcement of these laws, regulations, and treaties. Any inability to obtain requisite approvals or agreements from such authorities could adversely impact the ability of our buyers to import vehicles into foreign countries. In addition, any disputes or disagreements with foreign agencies or officials over import duties, tariffs, or similar matters, including disagreements over the value assigned to imported vehicles, could adversely affect our costs and the ability and costs of our buyers to import vehicles into foreign countries. For example, in March 2008, a decree issued by the president of Mexico became effective that placed restrictions on the types of vehicles that can be imported into Mexico from the U.S. The adoption of similar laws or regulations in other jurisdictions that have the effect of reducing or curtailing our activities abroad, changes in the interpretation, application, and enforcement of laws, regulations, or treaties, any failure to comply with non-U.S. laws or regulatory interpretations, or any legal or regulatory interpretations or governmental actions that significantly increase our costs or the costs of our buyers could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position by reducing the demand for our products and services and our ability to compete in non-U.S. markets.
Current wording
Our internet-based auction-style model has allowed us to offer our products and services to international markets and has increased our international buyer base. As a result, foreign importers of vehicles now represent a significant part of our total buyer base. Our foreign buyers may be subject to a variety of foreign laws and regulations, including import controls and customs duties imposed by foreign countries. Changes in laws, regulations, and treaties that restrict or impede or negatively affect the economics surrounding the importation of vehicles into foreign countries may reduce the demand for vehicles and impact our ability to maintain or increase our international buyer base. For example, since 2025, there has been a material increase and considerable volatility in the applicable tariffs imposed, or threatened to be imposed, by the U.S. government on foreign origin products. In response, some foreign governments have imposed, or threatened to impose, retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-origin goods in their respective jurisdictions. In addition, we and our vehicle buyers must work with foreign customs agencies and other non-U.S. governmental officials, who are responsible for the interpretation, application, and enforcement of these laws, regulations, and treaties. Any inability to obtain requisite approvals or agreements from such authorities could adversely impact the ability of our buyers to import vehicles into foreign countries. In addition, any disputes or disagreements with foreign agencies or officials over import duties, tariffs, or similar matters, including disagreements over the value assigned to imported vehicles, could adversely affect our costs and the ability and costs of our buyers to import vehicles into foreign countries. For example, in March 2008, a decree issued by the president of Mexico became effective that placed restrictions on the types of vehicles that can be imported into Mexico from the U.S. The adoption of similar laws or regulations in other jurisdictions that have the effect of reducing or curtailing our activities abroad, changes in the interpretation, application, and enforcement of laws, regulations, or treaties, any failure to comply with non-U.S. laws or regulatory interpretations, or any legal or regulatory interpretations or governmental actions that significantly increase our costs or the costs of our buyers could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position by reducing the demand for our products and services and our ability to compete in non-U.S. markets.
Previous wording
Our operations are subject to international, federal, provincial, state and local laws and regulations regarding the protection of the environment in the countries in which we have storage facilities. In some cases, we may acquire land with existing environmental issues, including landfills as an example. In the salvage vehicle remarketing industry, large numbers of wrecked vehicles are stored at storage facilities, requiring us to actively monitor and manage potential environmental impacts. In the U.K., we provide vehicle de-pollution and crushing services for end-of-life vehicles. We could incur substantial expenditures for preventative, investigative, or remedial action and could be exposed to liability arising from our operations, contamination by previous users of certain of our acquired facilities or facilities which we may acquire in the future, or the disposal of our waste at off-site locations. In addition to conducting environmental diligence on new site acquisitions, we also take such appropriate actions as may be necessary to avoid liability for activities of prior owners, and we have from time to time acquired insurance with respect to acquired facilities with known environmental risks. There can be no assurances, however, that these efforts to mitigate environmental risk will prove sufficient if we were to face material liabilities. We have incurred expenses for environmental remediation in the past, and environmental laws and regulations could become more stringent over time. There can be no assurance that we or our operations will not be subject to significant costs in the future or that environmental enforcement agencies at the state and federal level will not pursue enforcement actions against us. In addition to acquiring insurance in connection with certain acquisitions, we have also obtained indemnification for pre-existing environmental liabilities from many of the persons and entities from whom we have acquired facilities, but there can be no assurance that such indemnifications will be available or sufficient. In addition, increased focus by the U.S. and other governmental authorities on climate change and other environmental matters may lead to enhanced regulation in these areas, which could also result in increased compliance costs and subject us to additional potential liabilities. The extent of these costs and risks is difficult to predict and will depend in large part on the extent of new regulations and the ways in which those regulations are enforced. Any such expenditures or liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
Current wording
Our operations are subject to international, federal, provincial, state and local laws and regulations regarding the protection of the environment in the countries in which we have storage facilities. In some cases, we may acquire land with existing environmental issues, including landfills as an example. In the salvage vehicle remarketing industry, large numbers of wrecked vehicles are stored at storage facilities, requiring us to actively monitor and manage potential environmental impacts. In the U.K., we provide vehicle de-pollution and crushing services for end-of-life vehicles. We could incur substantial expenditures for preventative, investigative, or remedial action and could be exposed to liability arising from our operations, contamination by previous users of certain of our acquired facilities or facilities which we may acquire in the future, or the disposal of our waste at off-site locations. In addition to conducting environmental diligence on new site acquisitions, we also take such appropriate actions as may be necessary to avoid liability for activities of prior owners, and we have from time to time acquired insurance with respect to acquired facilities with known environmental risks. There can be no assurances, however, that these efforts to mitigate environmental risk will prove sufficient if we were to face material liabilities. We have incurred expenses for environmental remediation in the past, and environmental laws and regulations could become more stringent over time. There can be no assurance that we or our operations will not be subject to significant costs in the future or that environmental enforcement agencies at the state and federal level will not pursue enforcement actions against us. In addition to acquiring insurance in connection with certain acquisitions, we have also obtained indemnification for pre-existing environmental liabilities from many of the persons and entities from whom we have acquired facilities, but there can be no assurance that such indemnifications will be available or sufficient. In addition, increased focus by the U.S. and other governmental authorities on climate change and other environmental matters may lead to enhanced regulation in these areas, which could also result in increased compliance costs and subject us to additional potential liabilities. For example, we are or may become subject to new and evolving climate-related disclosure requirements, including state-level mandates such as California's greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risk reporting laws, even as the scope of federal climate-related disclosure requirements remains uncertain, and these developing and potentially inconsistent requirements across the jurisdictions in which we operate could increase our compliance costs and expose us to enforcement, litigation, or reputational risk. The extent of these costs and risks is difficult to predict and will depend in large part on the extent of new regulations a…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Previous wording
We are subject to taxation at the federal, state, provincial, and local levels in the U.S., the U.K., and various other countries and jurisdictions in which we operate, including income taxes, sales taxes, value-added (“VAT”) taxes, and similar taxes and assessments. The laws and regulations related to tax matters are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. Although we believe our tax positions are reasonable, we are subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service, in the United States, HM Revenue and Customs in the United Kingdom, state tax authorities in the states in which we operate, and other similar tax authorities in international jurisdictions. We have been subject to audits and challenges from applicable federal, state, or foreign tax authorities in the past, and may be subject to similar audits and challenges in the future. While we believe we comply with all applicable tax laws, rules, and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions, tax authorities may elect to audit us and determine that we owe additional taxes, which could result in a significant increase in our liabilities for taxes, interest, and penalties in excess of our accrued liabilities.
Current wording
We are subject to taxation at the federal, state, provincial, and local levels in the United States, the United Kingdom, and various other countries and jurisdictions in which we operate, including income taxes, sales taxes, value-added (“VAT”) taxes, and similar taxes and assessments. The laws and regulations related to tax matters are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. Although we believe our tax positions are reasonable, we are subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service, in the United States, HM Revenue and Customs in the United Kingdom, state tax authorities in the states in which we operate, and other similar tax authorities in international jurisdictions. We have been subject to audits and challenges from applicable federal, state, or foreign tax authorities in the past, and may be subject to similar audits and challenges in the future. While we believe we comply with all applicable tax laws, rules, and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions, tax authorities may elect to audit us and determine that we owe additional taxes, which could result in a significant increase in our liabilities for taxes, interest, and penalties in excess of our accrued liabilities.
Previous wording
New tax legislative initiatives may be proposed from time to time, such as proposals for comprehensive tax reform in the United States, which may impact our effective tax rate and which could adversely affect our tax positions or tax liabilities. Our future effective tax rate could be adversely affected by, among other things, changes in the composition of earnings in jurisdictions with differing tax rates, changes in statutory rates and other legislative changes, changes in interpretations of existing tax laws, or changes in determinations regarding the jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax. From time to time, U.S. federal, state and local, and foreign governments make substantive changes to tax rules and their application, which could result in materially higher taxes than would be incurred under existing tax law and which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
Current wording
New tax legislative initiatives may be proposed from time to time, such as proposals for comprehensive tax reform in the United States, which may impact our effective tax rate and which could adversely affect our tax positions or tax liabilities. Further, many countries, as well as organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”), have enacted or proposed changes to existing international tax laws. These and other developments, together with changes in the composition of earnings in jurisdictions with differing tax rates, changes in statutory rates and other legislative changes, changes in substantive tax law or interpretations of existing tax laws, or changes in determinations regarding the jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax, could adversely affect our effective tax rate and result in materially higher taxes than would be incurred under existing tax law, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
Previous wording
Disruptions to our information technology systems, including failure to prevent outages, maintain security, and prevent unauthorized access to our information technology systems and other confidential information, could disrupt our business and materially and adversely affect our reputation, consolidated results of operations, and financial condition.
Current wording
Disruptions to information technology systems used in our business, including failure to prevent outages, maintain security, and prevent unauthorized access to our information technology systems and confidential information, could disrupt our business and materially and adversely affect our reputation, consolidated results of operations, and financial condition.
Previous wording
Information availability and security risks for online commerce companies have significantly increased in recent years because of, in addition to other factors, the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, and other external parties. These threats may derive from fraud or malice on the part of third parties or current or former employees. In addition, human error or accidental technological failure could make us vulnerable to information technology system disruptions and/or cyber-attacks, including the introduction of malicious computer viruses or code into our system, phishing attacks, ransomware attacks, or other cyber security incidents. For example, in March 2023, one of our immaterial subsidiaries suffered a ransomware attack. Although the impacted subsidiary successfully maintained its operations during this event and the attack did not affect the rest of our business, future cyber-attacks could result in material adverse impacts to our business and our consolidated results of operations.
Current wording
Information availability and security risks for online commerce companies have significantly increased in recent years because of, in addition to other factors, the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, and other external parties. These threats may derive from fraud or malice on the part of third parties or current or former employees. In addition, human error or negligence or accidental technological failure could make us vulnerable to information technology system disruptions and/or cyber-attacks, including the introduction of malicious computer viruses or code into systems, phishing attacks, ransomware attacks, or other cyber security breaches or incidents suffered by ourselves or those processing data or performing services for us. For example, in March 2023, one of our immaterial subsidiaries suffered a ransomware attack. Although the impacted subsidiary successfully maintained its operations during this event and the attack did not affect the rest of our business, future cyber-attacks could result in material adverse impacts to our business and our consolidated results of operations.
Previous wording
Information technology system disruptions, cyber-attacks, ransomware attacks, or other cyber security incidents could materially and adversely affect our reputation, operating results, or financial condition by, among other things, making our auction platform inoperable for a period of time, damaging our reputation with buyers, sellers, and insurance companies as a result of the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information (including account data information), or resulting in governmental investigations, litigation, liability, fines, or penalties against us. If such attacks are not detected immediately, their effect could be compounded. While we maintain insurance coverage that may, subject to policy terms and conditions, cover certain aspects of these cyber risks, an insurer may deny or exclude from coverage certain types of claims or our insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses and would not remedy damage to our reputation.
Current wording
Information technology system disruptions, cyber-attacks, ransomware attacks, or other security breaches or incidents could materially and adversely affect our reputation, operating results, or financial condition by, among other things, making our auction platform inoperable or with reduced functionality for a period of time, data loss, corruption, or unavailability, unauthorized access to or use of the systems or networks used in our business and operations, and unauthorized, accidental, or unlawful access to, or disclosure, modification, misuse, loss, unavailability, destruction, or other unauthorized processing of our or our customers’ information. Any of these, or the belief or perception they have occurred, may damage our reputation with buyers, sellers, and insurance companies as a result of the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information (including account data information), result in harm to our market position and our ability to retain customers and attract new customers, result in claims, demands, and litigation by private parties or governmental actors, governmental investigations, and other actions and proceedings, fines or penalties, severe reputational damage adversely affecting customer or investor confidence and causing damage to our brand, indemnity obligations, disruption to our operations, damages for contract breach, and other liabilities. We and our service providers may face difficulties or delays in detecting and responding to any actual or perceived incident, and if any cyber-attacks or breaches or incidents are not detected immediately, their effects could be compounded. While we maintain insurance coverage that may, subject to policy terms and conditions, cover certain aspects of these cyber risks, an insurer may deny or exclude from coverage certain types of claims or our insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses and would not remedy damage to our reputation.
Previous wording
We regularly evaluate and implement new technologies and processes to manage risks relating to cyber-attacks and system and network disruptions, including but not limited to usage errors by our employees, power outages, and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. We have also enhanced our security protocols based on the investigation we conducted and in response to our prior attacks and service interruptions. Nevertheless, we cannot provide assurances that our efforts to address cyber security incidents and mitigate against the risk of future cyber security incidents or system disruptions will be successful. The techniques used by criminals to obtain unauthorized access to sensitive data change frequently and are often not recognized immediately. We may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures and believe that cyber-attacks and threats against us have occurred in the past and are likely to continue in the future. If our systems are compromised, become inoperable for extended periods of time, or cease to function properly, we may have to make a significant investment to fix or replace them, and our ability to provide many of our electronic and online solutions to our customers may be impaired. In the event of another, more serious ransomware attack, we could suffer significant financial and reputational harm, regardless of whether we choose to pay the ransom amount. In addition, as cyber-threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. Any of the risks described above could materially and adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and financial position.
Current wording
We work to evaluate and implement new technologies and processes to manage risks relating to cyber-attacks and system and network disruptions, including but not limited to usage errors by our employees, power outages, and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. We have also enhanced our security protocols in response to our prior attacks and service interruptions. We have incurred and expect to incur ongoing expenditures in our efforts to prevent information security breaches and other security incidents. Nevertheless, we cannot provide assurances that our efforts to address cyber-attacks, security breaches and incidents, and system disruptions, and mitigate against the risks of their occurrence in the future, will be successful. The techniques used by criminals to obtain unauthorized access to sensitive data change frequently and are often not recognized immediately. For example, as AI technologies, including generative AI models, develop rapidly, threat actors are using these technologies to create new sophisticated attack methods that are increasingly automated, targeted, coordinated, sophisticated, and more difficult to defend against and mitigate the impacts of. We may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures and believe that cyber-attacks and threats against us have occurred in the past and are likely to continue in the future. If our systems are compromised, become inoperable for extended periods of time, or cease to function properly, we may have to make a significant investment to fix or replace them, and our ability to provide many of our electronic and online solutions to our customers may be impaired. In the event of another, more serious ransomware attack, we could suffer significant financial and reputational harm, regardless of whether we choose to pay the ransom amount. In addition, as cyber-threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. Any of the risks described above could materially and adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and financial position.
Previous wording
Our intellectual property rights include patents relating to our auction technologies, as well as trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. In addition, we may enter into agreements with third parties regarding the license or other use of our intellectual property. Effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our products and services are distributed, deployed, or made available. We seek to maintain certain intellectual property rights as trade secrets. The secrecy could be compromised by third parties, or intentionally or accidentally by our employees, which would cause us to lose the competitive advantage resulting from those trade secrets. Any significant impairment of our intellectual property rights, or any inability to protect our intellectual property rights, could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position.
Current wording
Our intellectual property rights include patents relating to our auction technologies, as well as trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. In addition, we may enter into agreements with third parties regarding the license or other use of our intellectual property. Effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our products and services are distributed, deployed, or made available. We seek to maintain certain intellectual property rights as trade secrets. The secrecy could be compromised by third parties, or intentionally or accidentally by our employees, which would cause us to lose the competitive advantage resulting from those trade secrets. Any significant impairment of our intellectual property rights, or any inability to protect our intellectual property rights, could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position. In addition, as we increasingly develop, deploy and incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning into our products, services, and internal tools, the intellectual property rights in the code, models, content, or other outputs generated with the assistance of these technologies may be uncertain, difficult to protect, or unavailable, and we may not own or be able to prevent others from using such outputs. Intellectual property laws governing the protectability and ownership of works and inventions created with the assistance of artificial intelligence are evolving and may not afford us adequate protection, which could increase our reliance on trade secret protection and diminish the value of, or our ability to protect, our proprietary technologies.
Previous wording
Litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights are common among companies who rely heavily on intellectual property rights. Our reliance on intellectual property rights has increased significantly in recent years as we have implemented our auction-style sales technologies across our business and ceased conducting live auctions. Recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent potentially restricts patentability of software inventions by affirming that patent claims merely requiring application of an abstract idea on standard computers utilizing generic computer functions are patent ineligible, which may impact our ability to enforce our issued patent and obtain new patents. As we face increasing competition, the possibility of intellectual property rights claims against us increases. Litigation and any other intellectual property claims, whether with or without merit, can be time-consuming, expensive to litigate and settle, and can divert management resources and attention from our core business. An adverse determination in current or future litigation could prevent us from offering our products and services in the manner currently conducted. We may also have to pay damages or seek a license for the technology, which may not be available on reasonable terms and which may significantly increase our operating expenses, if it is available for us to license at all. We could also be required to develop alternative non-infringing technology, which could require significant effort and expense.
Current wording
Litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights are common among companies who rely heavily on intellectual property rights. Our reliance on intellectual property rights has increased significantly in recent years as we have implemented our auction-style sales technologies across our business and ceased conducting live auctions. Recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent potentially restricts patentability of software inventions by affirming that patent claims merely requiring application of an abstract idea on standard computers utilizing generic computer functions are patent ineligible, which may impact our ability to enforce our issued patent and obtain new patents. As we face increasing competition, the possibility of intellectual property rights claims against us increases. Our development and use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and generative artificial intelligence technologies, including tools and models provided by third parties and the data used to train them, may raise novel and unsettled questions regarding the ownership and permitted use of the data, models, and outputs involved. The law governing these technologies is developing rapidly, and adverse developments could expose us to additional litigation, licensing obligations, or restrictions on our use of these technologies. Litigation and any other intellectual property claims, whether with or without merit, can be time-consuming, expensive to litigate and settle, and can divert management resources and attention from our core business. An adverse determination in current or future litigation could prevent us from offering our products and services in the manner currently conducted. We may also have to pay damages or seek a license for the technology, which may not be available on reasonable terms and which may significantly increase our operating expenses, if it is available for us to license at all. We could also be required to develop alternative non-infringing technology, which could require significant effort and expense.
Previous wording
• public health issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other pandemics;
Current wording
public health issues, such as epidemics, pandemics, and other public health emergencies;
Previous wording
Macroeconomic factors that affect oil prices and the automobile and commodity markets can have adverse effects on our revenues, revenue growth rates, and operating results. Significant increases in the cost of fuel or heightened level of inflation could lead to a reduction in miles driven per car and a reduction in accident rates. A material reduction in accident rates, whether due to, among other things, a reduction in miles driven per car, vehicle-related technological advances such as accident avoidance systems and, to the extent widely adopted, the advent of autonomous vehicles, could have a material impact on revenue growth. Similarly, a reduction in total loss frequency rates, due to among other things, sharp increases in used car prices that make it less economical for insurance company sellers to declare a vehicle involved in an accident a total loss, could also have a material impact on revenue growth. In addition, under our PIP contracts, the cost of transporting the vehicle to one of our facilities is included in the PIP fee. We may incur increased fees, which we may not be able to pass on to our vehicle sellers. A material increase in transportation rates could have a material impact on our operating results. Volatility in fuel, commodity, and used car prices could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and revenue growth rates in future periods.
Current wording
Macroeconomic factors that affect oil prices and the automobile and commodity markets can have adverse effects on our revenues, revenue growth rates, and operating results. Significant increases in the cost of fuel or heightened level of inflation could lead to a reduction in miles driven per car and a reduction in accident rates. A material reduction in accident rates, whether due to, among other things, a reduction in miles driven per car, vehicle-related technological advances such as accident avoidance systems and, to the extent widely adopted, the advent of autonomous vehicles, could have a material impact on revenue growth. Similarly, a reduction in total loss frequency rates, due to among other things, sharp increases in used car prices that make it less economical for insurance company sellers to declare a vehicle involved in an accident a total loss, could also have a material impact on revenue growth. In addition, under our consignment program and PIP contracts, the cost of transporting the vehicle to one of our facilities is included in the consignment and PIP fee. We may incur increased fees, which we may not be able to pass on to our vehicle sellers. A material increase in transportation rates could have a material impact on our operating results. Volatility in fuel, commodity, and used car prices could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and revenue growth rates in future periods.