Core Viewpoint - Katapult Holdings, Inc. (KPLT) is experiencing a significant stock price increase of 23.20 percent to $7.65 following the announcement of a definitive all-stock merger agreement with The Aaron's Company, Inc. and CCF Holdings LLC, aimed at creating an expanded omni-channel platform for non-prime consumers [1] Group 1 - The stock opened at $9.19 and has fluctuated between $7.01 and $9.23 on the Nasdaq [2] - The current bid is at $7.61 and the ask at $8.63, indicating active trading [2] - Trading volume has surged to 18,486,638, significantly higher than the average of 102,893 [2] Group 2 - Katapult's 52-week stock range is $5.08 to $24.34, with shares currently well above recent lows following the merger announcement [2]

Leadership Changes - CarMax has announced leadership changes to strengthen its business, appointing David McCreight as Interim President and CEO, while Tom Folliard becomes Interim Executive Chair of the Board [1][5] - Bill Nash, the current CEO, is stepping down from his position and the Board [1] Search for Permanent CEO - The search for a permanent CEO is underway, supported by Russell Reynolds Associates and overseen by the Compensation and Personnel Committee [2] Financial Outlook - CarMax provided a preliminary financial outlook for the third fiscal quarter ending November 30, 2025, indicating a decrease in comparable store used unit sales by 8%-12% [6] - Net earnings per diluted share are expected to be between $0.18 and $0.36, which includes $0.09 of non-recurring expenses related to the leadership change and workforce reductions [6] - The company anticipates an increase in marketing spend year-over-year to support a new brand positioning launch [7] Company Background - CarMax is the largest retailer of used autos in the U.S., having sold approximately 790,000 used vehicles and 540,000 wholesale vehicles during the fiscal year ending February 28, 2025 [13] - The company originated over $8 billion in auto loans during fiscal 2025, contributing to a nearly $18 billion portfolio [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated net sales for fiscal 2024 decreased by 3% to $1.52 billion, with a notable impact from a 53rd week in 2023 contributing approximately $16 million to sales [16][17] - Adjusted EPS for the fourth quarter was $6.68, at the top end of guidance [20] - Adjusted gross margin contracted by 80 basis points to 63.2%, primarily due to a higher proportion of sales during promotional events [17][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in full-price brick-and-mortar locations decreased by 2%, while e-commerce sales fell by 4% [16][17] - Food and beverage and outlet locations saw a 13% sales increase, driven by new locations [17] - The wholesale channel experienced a 10% decline, with a $31 million decrease attributed to struggles in the specialty store business [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable store sales (comps) increased by 2% in December but fell by 3% in January and further declined by 9% in February [6][16] - The company anticipates a cautious consumer environment, with expectations of hesitance in spending between major shopping events [7][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on maximizing long-term shareholder value, owning a portfolio of lifestyle brands, evoking happiness in consumers, and generating cash for reinvestment [8][10] - Plans for fiscal 2025 include enhancing the omni-channel platform, opening approximately 20 new stores, and completing a new distribution center [14][15][29] - The company aims to protect brand integrity and avoid short-term fixes that could harm long-term prospects [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term opportunities despite current headwinds, emphasizing the importance of controlling controllables [7][10] - The outlook for fiscal 2025 includes projected net sales between $1.49 billion and $1.53 billion, with expectations of a decline in comps [22][23] - Management noted that the first half of fiscal 2025 may see strong sales due to upcoming holidays, but overall consumer spending is expected to remain cautious [6][7] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a $100 million share repurchase program and increased its quarterly dividend by 3% [15][29] - Inventory at the end of fiscal 2024 was up 5%, primarily due to early shipments from Asia ahead of new tariffs [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on first quarter guidance and headwinds - Management noted Lilly is performing well, while other brands are experiencing some challenges, particularly with the Easter shift affecting March comps [32][33] Question: Observations on wholesale partners' order books - Management acknowledged concerns about major retailers pulling back orders but highlighted strong performance on retail floors [36][37] Question: Details on Johnny Was brand performance and plans - Management indicated a focus on improving retail performance and rebuilding the wholesale business, with an emphasis on classic collection products [38][39] Question: Customer response to new product assortments - Management confirmed that newness in product assortments is driving business, particularly in major brands like Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer [43][46] Question: Tariff impacts and mitigation strategies - Management discussed the anticipated tariff impact of $9 million to $10 million and ongoing efforts to mitigate these costs through various strategies [68][70]