Katapult Holdings, Inc. (KPLT) is trading 23.20 percent higher at $7.65, up $1.45 on Friday, after announcing a definitive all-stock agreement to merge with The Aaron's Company, Inc. and CCF Holdings LLC. The combined entity will create an expanded omni-channel platform offering non-prime consumers access to durable goods and a broader suite of financial solutions. The stock opened at $9.19 and has moved between $7.01 and $9.23 so far today on the Nasdaq. The bid is at $7.61 and the ask at $8.63. Trading v ...

CarMax Announces Leadership Changes Share RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX) ("CarMax†or the "Company†) today announced leadership changes to strengthen its business. David McCreight, a member of the Board of Directors (the "Board†), and proven retail business leader and brand strategist, has been named Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Concurrently with Mr. McCreight's appointment, current Chair of the Board, Tom Folliard, an executive with a 30-year history with CarM ...

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]