Core Viewpoint - Katapult Holdings, Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to merge with The Aaron's Company, Inc. and CCF Holdings LLC in an all-stock transaction, aiming to create a premier omni-channel platform for non-prime consumers, enhancing growth potential and financial solutions [1][2][3]. Strategic and Financial Rationale - The merger will create a trusted platform for non-prime consumers to access durable goods and innovative financial solutions tailored to their needs [3]. - The combined company will establish a scaled omni-channel business with approximately 3,000 retail touchpoints and leading digital capabilities [3]. - The financial profile of the combined entity is projected to include over $4 billion in pro forma LTM revenue and approximately $450 million in pro forma LTM Adjusted EBITDA, supporting long-term double-digit Adjusted EBITDA margin potential [3]. - The merger is expected to unlock significant synergies, including enhanced underwriting capabilities and operating efficiencies [3]. Leadership and Governance - The combined company will continue to operate under the Katapult brand, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with Cory Miller as CEO and Russell Falkenstein as CFO [7]. - The board of directors will consist of nine members, including Kyle Hanson as Executive Chair, with a majority being independent [8]. Transaction Details - Upon closing, current Katapult stockholders will own 6% of the combined company, with Aaron's and CCF Holdings stakeholders owning the remainder [5]. - The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending stockholder and regulatory approvals [5].

Financial Performance - Gross originations grew by 25.3% year-over-year in Q3 2025[128] - Revenue increased by 22.8% year-over-year in Q3 2025[128] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $4.4 million in Q3 2025[23] - Fixed cash operating expenses decreased by 21.4% year-over-year in Q3 2025[128] Marketplace Activity - 61% of Q3 2025 gross originations started in the app marketplace[23] - KPay gross originations grew 66% year-over-year in Q3 2025, representing approximately $26 million and 41% of total gross originations[23] - Total app originations since launch in Q1 2023 reached $339.7 million[37] - Total KPay originations since launch in Q1 2023 reached $196.1 million[38] Customer Base - Repeat customers accounted for 55.3% of Q3 2025 gross originations[16] - Total application volume grew by over 80% year-over-year in Q3 2025[19] Market Opportunity - The company estimates a total US addressable market of $50-60 billion[15]

Core Viewpoint - Katapult Holdings, Inc. is set to release its third quarter 2025 financial results on November 12, 2025, before market opening, followed by a conference call at 8:00 AM ET to discuss these results [1]. Company Overview - Katapult is a technology-driven lease-to-own platform that collaborates with omni-channel retailers and e-commerce platforms to facilitate the purchase of durable goods for underserved U.S. non-prime consumers [3]. - The company offers a simple, fast, and transparent process through point-of-sale integrations and its mobile app, Katapult Pay™, enabling consumers who lack access to traditional financing to shop from a growing network of merchant partners [3]. - Katapult emphasizes a business model based on fairness and dignity, aiming to humanize the purchasing experience for underserved consumers [3]. Investor Relations - A live audio webcast of the upcoming conference call will be available on the Katapult Investor Relations website, with a replay accessible after the call [2]. - For further inquiries, Jennifer Cohn Kull serves as the VP of Investor Relations [5].

Core Insights - DriveItAway Holdings, Inc. has appointed Mitch Fadel, former CEO of Upbound Group and Rent-A-Center, to its Board of Advisors, enhancing its leadership in the lease-to-own sector [1] - Fadel's experience in the subprime alternative credit market positions DriveItAway to transform automotive retail and improve access to vehicle ownership for underserved markets [1] - The company recently announced a national partnership with Free2move, integrating flexible lease-to-own technology with OEM-backed vehicle supply, which is expected to facilitate rapid expansion [1] Company Overview - DriveItAway Holdings, Inc. is a national dealer-focused mobility platform that enables car dealers to sell vehicles through an eCommerce model with an exclusive "lease-to-own" app-based subscription [3] - The company offers a comprehensive program that includes proprietary mobile technology, driver app, insurance coverages, and training to help dealerships capitalize on online sales opportunities [3] Leadership Achievements - Mitch Fadel has a proven track record of accelerating growth and creating new retail divisions during his tenure at Upbound Group and Rent-A-Center, including completing over $2 billion in acquisitions [6] - His leadership at EZ Pawn resulted in a 25% profit increase and a tripling of the stock price within a year, showcasing his capability in driving shareholder value [6]

Summary of Katapult (KPLT) FY Conference Call - September 05, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Katapult Holdings - **Industry**: E-commerce-based financial technology, specifically in the lease-to-own (LTO) space - **CEO**: Orlando Zayas Core Product and Market Position - **LTO Product**: Allows non-prime consumers to acquire durable goods from hundreds of retailers across the U.S. [2][3] - **Market Size**: Estimated total U.S. market for LTO is $60 billion, with Katapult and competitors capturing less than 1% [3] - **Differentiation**: Katapult's LTO product is technologically advanced and user-friendly, leading to high Net Promoter Scores (NPS) and repeat purchase rates [3] Consumer Demographics and Needs - **Target Audience**: Non-prime consumers, including those without traditional credit scores or those unable to qualify for traditional financing [4][6] - **Financial Vulnerability**: 37% of U.S. adults cannot cover a $400 emergency expense; over 40% lack sufficient savings for three months of living expenses [7][14] Product Features and Benefits - **Transparency**: No interest, penalties, or late fees, allowing consumers to understand the full cost of ownership upfront [5] - **Flexibility**: Customers can return products at any time during the lease, with lease terms up to 18 months [5] - **Affordability**: LTO is more affordable than other options, saving consumers an average of $300 compared to common payment alternatives [15] Marketplace Development - **App Launch**: The Katapult app was launched two years ago, transitioning from reliance on merchants for traffic to creating a self-sustaining marketplace [8][10] - **K-Pay Feature**: Introduced to allow seamless checkout using a proprietary virtual credit card, enhancing consumer experience and engagement [9][10] - **Growth Metrics**: In 2024, approximately $127 million of gross originations began in the app, with K-Pay enabling nearly $77 million of those [10] Financial Performance - **Recent Growth**: 11 consecutive quarters of year-over-year gross originations growth; Q2 2025 saw a 30.4% increase in gross originations and over 22% revenue growth [11][16] - **Future Outlook**: For Q3, expected gross originations growth of 25% to 30%, revenue growth of 20% to 25%, and adjusted EBITDA of $3 million to $3.5 million [16][17] Strategic Partnerships and Merchant Benefits - **Merchant Engagement**: Katapult provides merchants access to a new pool of engaged shoppers, with benefits including high repeat rates and lower abandoned cart rates [11][12] - **Risk Mitigation**: Merchants face no risk from customer defaults or returns and do not incur transaction-related interchange costs [12] Conclusion - **Mission Focus**: Katapult remains committed to providing fair and transparent LTO options for consumers while serving as a growth partner for merchants [17]

Core Insights - Katapult Holdings, Inc. reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, with gross originations of $64.2 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 15.4% [5][40] - The company achieved a total revenue of $71.9 million, up 10.6% from the previous year [5][39] - CEO Orlando Zayas expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory, highlighting a 57% increase in KPay originations and strong engagement within the Katapult app marketplace [3][5] Financial Performance - Gross originations for Q1 2025 were $64.2 million, a 15.4% increase compared to Q1 2024 [5][40] - Total revenue reached $71.9 million, marking a 10.6% increase year-over-year [5][39] - Operating expenses rose by 17.3%, leading to a net loss of $5.7 million for Q1 2025, compared to a net loss of $0.6 million in Q1 2024 [5][12] Customer Engagement and Market Position - Approximately 59% of gross originations in Q1 2025 originated from the Katapult app marketplace, which is the largest customer referral source [5] - The repeat customer rate was 57.4%, indicating strong customer loyalty [5] - KPay gross originations grew by approximately 57% year-over-year, with 35% of total gross originations transacted using KPay [5] Business Outlook - Katapult expects gross originations to grow at least 20% for the full year 2025, reiterating its guidance despite challenges in the home furnishings category [8][7] - The company plans to introduce new merchants to the Katapult App Marketplace throughout 2025, aiming to capture a larger share of the underserved non-prime consumer market [7][8] - The outlook assumes no significant changes in the macroeconomic environment and does not account for potential impacts from prime creditors [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - Katapult Holdings, Inc. is set to release its first quarter 2025 financial results on May 15, 2025, before market opening, followed by a conference call at 8:00 AM ET to discuss these results [1]. Company Overview - Katapult is a technology-driven lease-to-own platform that collaborates with omni-channel retailers and e-commerce platforms to facilitate the purchase of durable goods for underserved U.S. non-prime consumers [3]. - The company offers a simple, fast, and transparent process through point-of-sale integrations and its mobile app, Katapult Pay™, enabling consumers who lack access to traditional financing to shop from a growing network of merchant partners [3]. - Katapult emphasizes a business model based on fairness and dignity, aiming to humanize the purchasing experience for underserved consumers [3]. Investor Relations - A live audio webcast of the upcoming conference call will be available on the Katapult Investor Relations website, with a replay accessible after the call [2]. - For further inquiries, Jennifer Kull serves as the VP of Investor Relations and can be contacted via email [5].