ROGERS, Ark., Aug. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- America’s Car-Mart, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRMT) today announced it will release fiscal 2026 first quarter financial results on Thursday, September 4, 2025, before the market opens. A webcast and conference call will be held that same day at 9:00 a.m. ET to review the Company’s results. Participants may access the conference call via webcast using this link: Webcast Link Here. To participate via telephone, please register in advance using this Registration Link. Upon r ...

Group 1 - America's Car-Mart, Inc. has regained compliance with Nasdaq's periodic filing requirement after filing its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025 [1] - The compliance notice was received from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq on August 13, 2025, confirming that the matter is now closed [1] Group 2 - America's Car-Mart operates automotive dealerships in 12 states and is one of the largest publicly held automotive retailers in the U.S. focused on the "Integrated Auto Sales and Finance" segment of the used car market [2] - The company emphasizes superior customer service and building strong personal relationships with its customers [2] - Dealerships are primarily located in smaller cities throughout the South-Central United States, selling quality used vehicles and providing financing for nearly all customers [2]

Core Points - America's Car-Mart, Inc. has filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025, with the SEC [1] - The Form 10-K includes disclosures about contract modifications for customers facing financial difficulties, providing shareholders with deeper insights into the business model [2] - With this filing, Car-Mart is now current with its SEC financial reporting obligations and expects to regain compliance with Nasdaq listing standards [3] Company Overview - America's Car-Mart operates automotive dealerships in 12 states and is one of the largest publicly held automotive retailers in the U.S., focusing on the "Integrated Auto Sales and Finance" segment of the used car market [4] - The company emphasizes superior customer service and building strong personal relationships with customers, primarily operating in smaller cities throughout the South-Central U.S. [4] - Car-Mart sells quality used vehicles and provides financing for substantially all of its customers [4]

Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 (Mark One) x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025 OR o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 0-14939 AMERICA'S CAR-MART, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Texas 63-0851141 (State or other jurisdictio ...

Core Points - America's Car-Mart, Inc. has received a notice from Nasdaq regarding non-compliance due to the delayed filing of its Annual Report for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025 [1][2] - The delay is attributed to the need for additional disclosures related to loan modifications for borrowers facing financial difficulties, as per accounting standards [2] - The company must submit a plan to regain compliance within 60 days, by September 29, 2025, and may receive an extension of up to 180 days to comply [3] Company Overview - America's Car-Mart operates automotive dealerships in 12 states and is one of the largest publicly held automotive retailers in the U.S., focusing on the "Integrated Auto Sales and Finance" segment of the used car market [5] - The company emphasizes superior customer service and strong personal relationships with customers, primarily operating in smaller cities throughout the South-Central United States [5]

Core Insights - True value in investments is derived from growth rather than short-term gains, emphasizing the importance of a long-term perspective [1] - Great businesses provide significant societal value and demonstrate durability, which is a key factor in their valuation [1] - Companies that offer products and services significantly superior to competitors are positioned for substantial growth [1] Group 1: Business Characteristics - Selection, convenience, and value are critical attributes sought in businesses [1] - Durability acts as a multiplier for value, with a preference for non-cyclical businesses [1] - The ability to innovate and maintain competitive advantages is essential for long-term success [1] Group 2: Revenue and Structure - Multiple revenue streams and anti-fragile business structures are preferred for resilience [1] - A business's ability to recover from adversity is a strong indicator of its durability [1] - Uniqueness is identified as the primary driver of value [1] Group 3: Management and Culture - Trust and network effects are vital for assessing a company's durability [1] - Management alignment with business interests and a focus on continuous learning are crucial for success [1] - Companies that empower employees and attract talent are more likely to thrive [1] Group 4: Investment Strategy - The best investment opportunities arise when negative news is already priced in, revealing true value [1] - Companies that can buy back shares during downturns are seen as having durable business models [1] - Price movements are influenced by expectations, with a focus on undervalued companies amidst negative sentiment [1]

Core Viewpoint - America's Car-Mart reported positive fiscal Q4 profits, but the stock price fell significantly, indicating investor skepticism despite better-than-expected earnings [1][5]. Financial Performance - Fiscal Q4 profits were $1.26 per share on $370.2 million in sales, surpassing analyst expectations of $0.86 per share [1][3]. - Quarterly sales increased by only 1.5% year over year, while the volume of cars sold grew by 2.6%, suggesting a decrease in average car prices [3]. - Gross profit margins improved to 36.4%, up nearly one full percentage point [3]. - For the full fiscal year 2025, sales declined by 0.2% to $1.4 billion, with a 1.7% decrease in cars sold [4]. - Gross margins for the full year improved by two full percentage points to 36.7% [4]. - Earnings for fiscal 2025 were $2.33 per share, a significant improvement from a loss of $4.92 per share in fiscal 2024 [4]. Market Sentiment - Despite the positive financial results, the stock price fell by 11.3%, indicating a disconnect between performance and investor sentiment [1][5]. - Analysts forecast even stronger earnings for fiscal 2026, raising questions about the current stock sell-off [5]. - The CEO highlighted fiscal 2025 as a transformative year for the business, laying the groundwork for future growth [5][6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $17.9 million for the fiscal year 2025, a significant improvement of over $49 million from a net loss of $31.4 million in the prior year [12] - Gross margin for Q4 was 36.4%, up from 35.5% year-over-year, while the full fiscal year gross margin finished at 36.7%, a 200 basis point improvement [25][26] - Net charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables improved to 6.9% in Q4 from 7.3% in the prior year quarter, reflecting overall improvements in loss frequency and severity [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company sold 57,022 units for the full year, down just 1.7% year-over-year, with a 2.6% increase in unit sales volume in Q4 [23] - Interest income increased by 4.2% in Q4, contributing to incremental revenue growth despite a decrease in vehicle sales price [23] - The average time to repossession improved by 14% compared to the same period in the prior year, indicating better customer retention [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average selling price of vehicles decreased by $316 to $17,240 in Q4, yet the company managed to drive a 1.5% increase in revenue compared to the prior year's quarter [23] - The company experienced a $300 increase in procurement costs per unit due to market conditions, but this was deemed manageable [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing its collections infrastructure and has relaunched the "Pay Your Way" platform to provide more flexible payment options for customers [13][16] - A new seven by seven scorecard for underwriting has been implemented to improve risk segmentation and pricing accuracy, which is expected to enhance credit performance [17][20] - The company aims to diversify its underwriting and expand its asset procurement strategy to navigate tighter supply environments [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategy and team, noting that the used car market remains dynamic and that they are well-positioned to navigate challenges [34] - The leadership team highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with customers and adapting to their needs in a changing economic environment [36] - Management acknowledged the potential for growth among higher-rated customers while continuing to support their core subprime consumer base [72] Other Important Information - The company successfully closed a term securitization, issuing $216 million in asset-backed notes with a weighted average coupon of 6.27%, reflecting growing investor confidence [9] - SG&A expenses increased by 8.6% due to investments in technology and talent, but the company achieved a 6.1% increase in SG&A per customer, indicating improved cost efficiency [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of macroeconomic factors on business - Management noted that the speculative nature of the wholesale environment began affecting pricing towards the end of the quarter, but overall sales growth was sustainable [40][41] Question: Updates on operational upgrades and their impact on margins - Management reported a gross profit increase of 98 basis points for the quarter and emphasized ongoing optimization efforts to enhance margins [46] Question: Condition of low-end consumers - Management indicated that while there are persistent economic pressures, there have been no significant changes in the condition of low-end consumers, and demand remains strong [70][71] Question: Underwriting changes and market positioning - Management acknowledged the potential to move upmarket while still focusing on core subprime customers, indicating a strategic approach to capture a broader customer base [72][75] Question: Capital markets success and its implications - The new CFO highlighted the company's successful securitization efforts and the potential for lower interest rates as the market becomes more comfortable with the company's improving economics [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $17.9 million for the fiscal year 2025, a significant improvement of over $49 million from a net loss of $31.4 million in the previous year [11] - Gross margin for Q4 increased to 36.4%, up from 35.5% in the prior year, with a full-year gross margin of 36.7%, reflecting a 200 basis point improvement [24][25] - Net charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables improved to 6.9% in Q4 from 7.3% in the prior year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company sold 57,022 units for the full year, a decrease of 1.7% year-over-year, but Q4 saw a 2.6% increase in unit sales volume [21] - Interest income increased by 4.2% in Q4, contributing to incremental revenue growth despite a decrease in vehicle sales price [21] - The average time to repossession improved by 14% compared to the same period in the prior year, indicating better customer retention [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average selling price of vehicles decreased by $316 to $17,240 in Q4, yet the company managed to drive a 1.5% increase in revenue compared to the prior year [21] - The company experienced a tighter supply environment, with procurement costs increasing by approximately $300 per unit due to tariffs [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing its collections infrastructure and has relaunched the "Pay Your Way" platform to provide more flexible payment options for customers [12][13] - A new seven by seven underwriting scorecard has been implemented to improve risk assessment and pricing strategies, which is expected to enhance credit performance [15][19] - The company aims to leverage its balance sheet and integrated sales and financing model to capture additional market share and drive future growth [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the dynamic used car market and emphasized the importance of diversifying underwriting to expand the asset base [34][35] - The leadership team acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by a tighter supply environment but remains optimistic about the company's strategic initiatives and growth opportunities [36] Other Important Information - The company successfully closed a term securitization, issuing $216 million in asset-backed notes with a weighted average coupon of 6.27%, reflecting improved investor confidence [9] - SG&A expenses increased by 8.6% due to investments in technology and talent, but the company achieved a 6.1% increase in SG&A per customer, indicating improved cost efficiency [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of macroeconomic factors on business - Management noted that the speculative nature of the wholesale environment began affecting pricing towards the end of the quarter, but overall sales growth is seen as sustainable rather than a pull forward from tax season [40][41] Question: Updates on operational upgrades and partnerships - Management highlighted that gross profit margins have improved, and they are optimistic about the ongoing partnership with Cox Automotive to enhance operational efficiency [46][47] Question: Effects of risk-based pricing on P&L - The rollout of risk-based pricing is expected to improve returns on lower-ranked customers while also driving volume growth among higher-quality customers [53][54] Question: Condition of low-end consumers - Management indicated that while there are signs of strain on consumers, there are no significant cracks in the foundation yet, and the company remains a competitive option for financing [70][73] Question: Future direction of underwriting changes - Management is exploring opportunities to move upmarket while ensuring that core customers continue to have access to financing options [75][78] Question: Capital markets success and its impact - The company is focused on maturing its capital structure and has successfully securitized over $2 billion in receivables, which is expected to lower interest rates and fuel growth [82][84]

Group 1: Earnings Performance - America's Car-Mart reported quarterly earnings of $1.26 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.87 per share, and significantly up from $0.06 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 44.83% [1] - The company posted revenues of $370.17 million for the quarter ended April 2025, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.69%, but up from $364.67 million year-over-year [2] Group 2: Stock Performance and Outlook - America's Car-Mart shares have increased approximately 12.7% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2.4% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.69 on revenues of $375.49 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.55 on revenues of $1.51 billion [7] Group 3: Industry Context - The Automotive - Retail and Whole Sales industry, to which America's Car-Mart belongs, is currently ranked in the top 38% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8]