Openlane (OPLN)
Market Price (3/18/2026): $27.2 | Market Cap: $2.9 BilSector: Industrials | Industry: Diversified Support Services
Openlane (OPLN)
Market Price (3/18/2026): $27.2Market Cap: $2.9 BilSector: IndustrialsIndustry: Diversified Support Services
Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.
| Attractive yieldTotal YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 6.1%, FCF Yield is 12% | Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -41%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -85% | Key risksOPLN key risks include [1] intense competition from major auction houses like Manheim and ADESA and [2] regulatory pressures on its AI-driven valuation models and from environmental policies impacting the resale market for internal combustion vehicles. |
| Attractive cash flow generationCFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 20%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 17% | ||
| Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 35% | ||
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include E-commerce & Digital Retail, and E-commerce & DTC Adoption. Themes include Online Marketplaces, and Supply Chain Digitization. |
| Attractive yieldTotal YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 6.1%, FCF Yield is 12% |
| Attractive cash flow generationCFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 20%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 17% |
| Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 35% |
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include E-commerce & Digital Retail, and E-commerce & DTC Adoption. Themes include Online Marketplaces, and Supply Chain Digitization. |
| Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -41%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -85% |
| Key risksOPLN key risks include [1] intense competition from major auction houses like Manheim and ADESA and [2] regulatory pressures on its AI-driven valuation models and from environmental policies impacting the resale market for internal combustion vehicles. |
Qualitative Assessment
AI Analysis | Feedback
1. Openlane's Q4 2025 Earnings Per Share (EPS) Miss and Significant Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders. Openlane reported Q4 2025 adjusted EPS of $0.25 on February 18, 2026, which missed analysts' consensus estimates by 10.71% (against an expectation of $0.28), or by 15.74% (against an expectation of $0.30). Furthermore, the company reported a substantial loss of $103.1 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, attributable to common stockholders for the full year 2025. This loss was primarily driven by $280.8 million in Series A preferred dividends and deemed dividends.
2. Mixed Analyst Sentiment and Price Target Adjustments. Following the company's financial results and in the weeks prior, analyst sentiment became mixed. On January 16, 2026, JPMorgan Chase & Co. maintained a "Neutral" rating for Openlane and lowered its price target from $29.00 to $28.00. Zacks Research also downgraded Openlane from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" on January 20, 2026, and subsequently to a "Strong Sell". While some firms, such as Stephens & Co. and Barclays, raised their price targets in January 2026 to $37.00 and $34.00 respectively, the conflicting outlooks contributed to market uncertainty.
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Stock Movement Drivers
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
11/30/2025 to 3/17/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| OPLN | ||
| Market (SPY) | -1.8% | 38.3% |
| Sector (XLI) | 8.3% | 37.8% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
8/31/2025 to 3/17/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| OPLN | ||
| Market (SPY) | 4.3% | 38.3% |
| Sector (XLI) | 10.0% | 37.8% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
2/28/2025 to 3/17/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| OPLN | ||
| Market (SPY) | 13.9% | 38.3% |
| Sector (XLI) | 23.4% | 37.8% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
2/28/2023 to 3/17/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| OPLN | ||
| Market (SPY) | 75.6% | 38.3% |
| Sector (XLI) | 72.1% | 37.8% |
Price Returns Compared
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||
| OPLN Return | - | - | - | - | -3% | -8% | -11% |
| Peers Return | 16% | -47% | 246% | 73% | -4% | -17% | 195% |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | -2% | 78% |
Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||
| OPLN Win Rate | - | - | - | - | 0% | 33% | |
| Peers Win Rate | 53% | 35% | 60% | 57% | 42% | 20% | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 33% | |
Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||
| OPLN Max Drawdown | - | - | - | - | -3% | -12% | |
| Peers Max Drawdown | -17% | -54% | -4% | -13% | -40% | -20% | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -3% | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: CPRT, ACVA, CVNA, AN, KMX.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 3/17/2026 (YTD)
How Low Can It Go
OPLN has limited trading history. Below is the Industrials sector ETF (XLI) in its place.
| Event | XLI | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Inflation Shock | ||
| % Loss | -22.6% | -25.4% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 29.2% | 34.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | 273 days | 464 days |
| 2020 Covid Pandemic | ||
| % Loss | -42.8% | -33.9% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 74.8% | 51.3% |
| Time to Breakeven | 232 days | 148 days |
| 2018 Correction | ||
| % Loss | -24.6% | -19.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 32.6% | 24.7% |
| Time to Breakeven | 312 days | 120 days |
| 2008 Global Financial Crisis | ||
| % Loss | -63.3% | -56.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 172.8% | 131.3% |
| Time to Breakeven | 1,463 days | 1,480 days |
Compare to CPRT, ACVA, CVNA, AN, KMX
In The Past
SPDR Select Sector Fund's stock fell -22.6% during the 2022 Inflation Shock from a high on 1/4/2022. A -22.6% loss requires a 29.2% gain to breakeven.
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Asset Allocation
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About Openlane (OPLN)
AI Analysis | Feedback
- Digital Used Vehicle Marketplaces: Online platforms that connect sellers and buyers for used vehicles through various auction and remarketing formats across multiple regions.
- Vehicle Logistics: Services encompassing inbound and outbound transportation of vehicles for sellers and buyers.
- Vehicle Reconditioning and Inspection: Services including reconditioning, inspection, and certification to prepare used vehicles for sale on their platforms.
- Vehicle Transaction Support Services: Ancillary administrative, titling, and collateral recovery services that facilitate vehicle sales and management.
- Floorplan Financing: Short-term, inventory-secured loans provided to independent used vehicle dealers to finance their vehicle inventory.
AI Analysis | Feedback
Openlane (OPLN) primarily sells its services to other companies. Its major customers fall into the following categories:
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Vehicle rental companies
- Financial institutions
- Commercial fleets and fleet management companies
- Franchised and independent used vehicle dealers
AI Analysis | Feedback
nullAI Analysis | Feedback
Here is the management team for Openlane (symbol: OPLN):Peter Kelly, CEO
Peter Kelly was appointed CEO of OPENLANE in April 2021. He previously served as President of the company from January 2019 to March 2021, President of Digital Services from December 2014 to January 2019, and Chief Technology Officer from June 2013 to January 2019. Before these roles, he was President and CEO of the OPENLANE subsidiary from February 2011 to June 2013, and President and CFO of OPENLANE from February 2010 to February 2011. Kelly co-founded OPENLANE in 1999 and held various executive positions there until 2010. The acquisition of the OPENLANE platform by what was then KAR Auction Services (now OPENLANE, Inc.) in 2011 was a pivotal moment, transforming the company into a technology-driven auction enterprise.
Brad Herring, EVP & Chief Financial Officer
Brad Herring was named EVP and Chief Financial Officer of OPENLANE, effective May 27, 2025. In this role, he oversees all financial, reporting, and investor relations functions, including the company's capital investment strategy. Herring brings over 30 years of experience in financial operations, investor relations, financial planning and analysis, public company reporting, and business development. He most recently served as CFO for digitally-focused companies Enfusion and Shift4 Payments. His prior experience also includes CFO positions at Elavon and Fiserv's Digital Banking Group, as well as financial leadership roles at Equifax, Delta Air Lines, and ING North America.
James Coyle, EVP & President, Marketplace
James Coyle leads OPENLANE's marketplaces across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, focusing on growth and business success. He is responsible for expanding the company's digital presence and delivering a diverse suite of products and services. Coyle joined OPENLANE in 2021 as Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer and assumed his current role in August 2023. Before joining OPENLANE, he was the CEO of RealSelf, a digital marketplace, and the Chief Customer Officer at Varsity Tutors, where he significantly grew the business and contributed to its successful IPO. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Amazon and Microsoft.
Chuck Coleman, EVP, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary
Chuck Coleman is responsible for managing legal and business planning, corporate governance, securities, litigation, and mergers and acquisitions for OPENLANE.
Will Mitchell, President, AFC
Will Mitchell leads AFC (Automotive Finance Corporation), which provides floorplan and inventory financing solutions to independent used vehicle dealers across North America, supporting their business growth.
AI Analysis | Feedback
The key risks to Openlane's business are:1. Sensitivity to Used-Vehicle Market Cycles and Macroeconomic Conditions
Openlane's business is highly susceptible to fluctuations in the used-vehicle market, including changes in vehicle supply (especially off-lease flows) and pricing cycles. These dynamics directly impact the company's fee per unit in its marketplace segment and significantly influence the performance of its Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC) loan portfolio. Macroeconomic headwinds such as inflation, rising interest rates, and a squeeze on consumer spending can dampen demand for used vehicles, affecting both the volume of transactions in its marketplaces and the affordability of financing for dealers and end-buyers. A substantial decline in used vehicle sales, potentially caused by decreased consumer auto loan originations or other economic factors, could materially and negatively affect AFC's financial results.
2. Intense Competition and Evolving Industry Landscape
The company operates in a highly competitive environment, facing significant rivals such as Manheim, other digital platforms, and channels owned by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or dealerships. This intense competition could lead to pricing pressures, reduced profit margins, or a loss of market share. Furthermore, Openlane must continuously adapt to evolving industry trends, including any potential shifts back towards physical auctions or the growing practice of simultaneously listing and selling vehicles on multiple online platforms, which could impact its digital-first strategy.
3. Credit Risk in the Finance Segment and Financial Leverage
Openlane's Finance segment, primarily through AFC, provides floorplan financing to independent used vehicle dealers. This exposes the company to inherent credit risk, as the performance of this loan portfolio is directly tied to the overall health of the used-vehicle market and the financial stability of these independent dealers. While the company actively manages these risks, a downturn could lead to increased loan losses. Additionally, Openlane carries a notable level of financial leverage, with its debt-to-EBITDA ratio being a point of analyst scrutiny, which could limit its financial flexibility and increase dilution risk, particularly given its reliance on large securitization lines for funding.
AI Analysis | Feedback
The increasing trend among vehicle manufacturers (OEMs), particularly with the rise of electric vehicles, to adopt direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales models for new vehicles. This shift implies that OEMs may also manage the remarketing of their own used vehicles (e.g., trade-ins, off-lease vehicles) directly to consumers or through proprietary channels, thereby reducing the volume of inventory available to third-party wholesale marketplaces like Openlane.
AI Analysis | Feedback
Here are the addressable market sizes for Openlane's main products and services:Marketplace Segment (Digital Marketplace for Used Vehicles)
- North America: The North American used vehicles market recorded revenues of $1.29 trillion in 2024. While a specific market size for digital wholesale marketplaces in North America is not readily available, the broader online car buying market in North America is significant, with the U.S. dominating this segment. Digital retailing and online-to-door used car platforms are key market drivers in North America.
- Europe: The Europe used cars market was valued at USD 725.3 billion in 2024. Within this, online transactions are growing, with some estimates indicating that online sales are scaling fastest at a 16.35% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2031, despite offline routes still accounting for a significant share of the European used-car market in 2025.
Finance Segment (Floorplan Financing)
- North America: The floorplan finance market in North America accounted for approximately USD 26.4 billion in 2024.
- Europe: The floorplan finance market in Europe was valued at USD 15.3 billion in 2024.
AI Analysis | Feedback
Openlane (OPLN) is positioned for future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years, driven by several key factors:
- Continued U.S. Dealer Market Expansion and Dealer-to-Dealer Volume Growth: Openlane anticipates sustained market share gains within the U.S. dealer segment. Management points to previous investments in sales staff and marketing efforts as maturing and contributing to increased wallet share and account growth among both franchise and independent dealers. The company has reported strong year-on-year growth in active U.S. dealer buyers and sellers, with U.S. dealer-to-dealer volumes accelerating.
- Recovery and Growth in Commercial Vehicle Volumes, Driven by Off-Lease Supply: Openlane expects a positive shift and resumption of growth in commercial vehicle volumes. This anticipated recovery is supported by an increasing supply of off-lease vehicles entering the market and the establishment of new OEM partnerships. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing volume of lease originations.
- Strategic Investments in Technology, Innovation, and AI for Digital Marketplace Enhancement: Openlane is making significant strategic investments in innovation and technology, including the leveraging of artificial intelligence (AI). These investments are aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer-facing tools, and expanding its digital capabilities. These technological advancements are expected to further differentiate Openlane's offerings and strengthen its ability to deliver continued growth and improved financial performance.
- Increased Digital Adoption and Migration to Online Marketplaces: The broader industry trend of migration towards digital channels for wholesale used vehicles is a significant tailwind for Openlane. The company's focus on its asset-light, digital marketplace model allows it to capitalize on this shift, driving increased participation and digital channel migration among its commercial customers. This continued digital adoption is expected to be a primary growth engine.
AI Analysis | Feedback
Share Repurchases
- In 2022, KAR (now Openlane) repurchased and retired 12.6 million shares of common stock, aggregating approximately $182 million.
- In May 2022, the board of directors authorized an increase of $200 million to the company's share repurchase program, extending it through December 31, 2023, with approximately $309 million remaining available for repurchases.
- In October 2025, Openlane completed the repurchase of 53% of its Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, originally issued in June 2020, for approximately $559 million.
- In May 2025, Openlane's Board of Directors authorized a new $250 million share repurchase program, replacing a previous authorization, which extends through the end of 2026.
Share Issuance
- In October 2021, KAR (now Openlane) issued 1,953,124 shares of common stock for $30 million in connection with the CARWAVE acquisition.
Inbound Investments
- Strategic investments were made in the company since 2020, including the issuance of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock in June 2020, by funds advised by Apax Partners and Periphas Capital.
Outbound Investments
- In May 2022, KAR (now Openlane) sold its ADESA U.S. physical auction business to Carvana for $2.2 billion in cash, a move to pivot to an asset-light, digital-first model.
- In December 2023, Openlane announced plans to acquire Manheim Canada from Cox Automotive for $95 million.
- In 2021 and 2022, the company realized gains of $17.0 million and $32 million, respectively, from the sale of strategic investments in early-stage automotive companies.
Capital Expenditures
- Capital expenditures aggregated to $61 million in 2022.
- Openlane expected capital expenditures of approximately $65 million in 2023, with a continued focus on its digital strategy.
- Capital expenditures in the last 12 months were -$55.40 million.
Trade Ideas
Select ideas related to OPLN.
| Date | Ticker | Company | Category | Trade Strategy | 6M Fwd Rtn | 12M Fwd Rtn | 12M Max DD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02272026 | EFX | Equifax | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 02202026 | LZ | LegalZoom.com | Dip Buy | DB | CFO/Rev | Low D/EDip Buy with High Cash Flow MarginsBuying dips for companies with significant cash flows from operations and reasonable debt / market cap | 7.2% | 7.2% | -5.0% |
| 02132026 | ADP | Automatic Data Processing | Dip Buy | DB | P/E OPMDip Buy with Low PE and High MarginBuying dips for companies with tame PE and meaningfully high operating margin | 1.1% | 1.1% | -3.0% |
| 02132026 | TREX | Trex | Dip Buy | DB | P/E OPMDip Buy with Low PE and High MarginBuying dips for companies with tame PE and meaningfully high operating margin | -3.2% | -3.2% | -5.9% |
| 02132026 | PCTY | Paylocity | Dip Buy | DB | CFO/Rev | Low D/EDip Buy with High Cash Flow MarginsBuying dips for companies with significant cash flows from operations and reasonable debt / market cap | -0.6% | -0.6% | -4.8% |
Research & Analysis
Invest in Strategies
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Peer Comparisons
| Peers to compare with: |
Financials
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Price | 38.19 |
| Mkt Cap | 6.4 |
| Rev LTM | 12,468 |
| Op Inc LTM | 757 |
| FCF LTM | 613 |
| FCF 3Y Avg | 393 |
| CFO LTM | 714 |
| CFO 3Y Avg | 651 |
Growth & Margins
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Rev Chg LTM | 5.7% |
| Rev Chg 3Y Avg | 8.1% |
| Rev Chg Q | 2.5% |
| QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM | 0.6% |
| Op Mgn LTM | 7.0% |
| Op Mgn 3Y Avg | 5.2% |
| QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM | -0.3% |
| CFO/Rev LTM | 9.9% |
| CFO/Rev 3Y Avg | 6.0% |
| FCF/Rev LTM | 6.0% |
| FCF/Rev 3Y Avg | 3.9% |
Valuation
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Cap | 6.4 |
| P/S | 1.3 |
| P/EBIT | 4.5 |
| P/E | 14.9 |
| P/CFO | 14.6 |
| Total Yield | 5.4% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.0% |
| FCF Yield 3Y Avg | 2.5% |
| D/E | 0.2 |
| Net D/E | 0.1 |
Returns
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| 1M Rtn | -8.4% |
| 3M Rtn | -12.1% |
| 6M Rtn | -21.5% |
| 12M Rtn | -23.7% |
| 3Y Rtn | -6.6% |
| 1M Excs Rtn | -6.6% |
| 3M Excs Rtn | -10.4% |
| 6M Excs Rtn | -23.9% |
| 12M Excs Rtn | -42.2% |
| 3Y Excs Rtn | -79.5% |
Segment Financials
Revenue by Segment| $ Mil | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketplace | 1,357 | 1,252 | 1,144 | 1,161 | 1,920 |
| Finance | 431 | 444 | 376 | 289 | 268 |
| Total | 1,788 | 1,696 | 1,519 | 1,451 | 2,188 |
| $ Mil | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance | 132 | 138 | 258 | 189 | 139 |
| Marketplace | 50 | -274 | -85 | -62 | -3 |
| Goodwill and other intangibles impairment | 30 | ||||
| Total | 182 | -136 | 174 | 127 | 166 |
| $ Mil | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance | 2,678 | 2,661 | 2,822 | 2,909 | 2,283 |
| Marketplace | 1,945 | 2,066 | 2,298 | 2,562 | 4,515 |
| Current assets of discontinued operations | 213 | ||||
| Non-current assets of discontinued operations | 1,767 | ||||
| Total | 4,622 | 4,726 | 5,120 | 7,451 | 6,798 |
Earnings Returns History
Expand for More| Forward Returns | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Date | 1D Returns | 5D Returns | 21D Returns |
| 2/18/2026 | 0.3% | -9.9% | |
| SUMMARY STATS | |||
| # Positive | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| # Negative | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Median Positive | 0.3% | ||
| Median Negative | -9.9% | ||
| Max Positive | 0.3% | ||
| Max Negative | -9.9% | ||
SEC Filings
Expand for More| Report Date | Filing Date | Filing |
|---|---|---|
| 12/31/2025 | 02/18/2026 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2025 | 11/05/2025 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2025 | 08/06/2025 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2025 | 05/08/2025 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2024 | 02/20/2025 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2024 | 11/07/2024 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2024 | 08/08/2024 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2024 | 05/02/2024 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2023 | 02/21/2024 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2023 | 11/02/2023 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2023 | 08/03/2023 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2023 | 05/03/2023 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2022 | 03/09/2023 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2022 | 08/03/2022 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2022 | 05/04/2022 | 10-Q |
Insider Activity
Expand for More| # | Owner | Title | Holding | Action | Filing Date | Price | Shares | Transacted Value | Value of Held Shares | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coleman, Charles S | EVP, CLO & Secretary | Direct | Sell | 12032025 | 26.00 | 88,062 | 2,289,289 | 1,390,140 | Form |
| 2 | Coyle, James P | EVP & President, Marketplace | Direct | Sell | 8082025 | 27.94 | 194,575 | 5,435,920 | 1,029,508 | Form |
| 3 | Coleman, Charles S | EVP, CLO & Secretary | Direct | Sell | 8082025 | 27.97 | 59,289 | 1,658,313 | 1,495,681 | Form |
| 4 | Coyle, James P | EVP & President, Marketplace | Direct | Sell | 5122025 | 21.72 | 7,000 | 152,040 | 793,016 | Form |
External Quote Links
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