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OPENLANE, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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CARMEL, Ind., Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — OPENLANE, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), today reported its second quarter financial results for the period ended June 30, 2024.

“OPENLANE’s second quarter and year-to-date results clearly demonstrate the power of our differentiated platform and the strong scalability characteristics of our company,” said Peter Kelly, CEO of OPENLANE. “During the quarter, we grew marketplace and finance volumes, increased revenue and delivered strong adjusted EBITDA and operating cash flows. I am confident in OPENLANE’s strategy, we are investing in technology and people to further accelerate innovation and profitable growth.”

“OPENLANE’s continued focus on execution and profitable growth delivered solid financial results in the second quarter,” said Brad Lakhia, EVP and CFO of OPENLANE. “Consolidated revenue was $432 million, marketplace segment grew volumes by 7% and increased Gross Merchandise Value to nearly $7 billion. AFC was again a strong adjusted EBITDA contributor, and we improved our provision for loan losses versus the first quarter. Our year-to-date generation of $138 million of cash flow from operating activities clearly demonstrates the value — and potential — of our asset-light, digitally focused business.”

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Marketplace volumes increased 7% YoYTotal revenue of $432 million in Q2 2024, representing 4% YoY growthMarketplace revenue of $336 million in Q2 2024, representing 5% YoY growthGross Merchandise Value (GMV) of approximately $7 billion, representing 6% YoY growthIncome from continuing operations of $11 millionAdjusted EBITDA of $71 million (with Marketplace contributing 46%), including the $2 million year-to-date impact for the newly enacted Canadian Digital Services Tax$138 million of cash flow from operating activities on a year-to-date basis

2024 Guidance
As a result of Canada’s abrupt implementation of a retroactive Digital Services Tax (DST), which was enacted on June 28, 2024 retroactive to January 1, 2022, the company has updated its 2024 annual guidance. During the second quarter of 2024, the company recorded $12 million of Canadian DST, of which $10 million related to 2022 and 2023. Assuming no changes to this legislation, including the scope of application, the company estimates this will result in approximately $5 million in incremental cost of services in 2024. The company anticipates taking steps to mitigate this incremental annual cost and therefore does not anticipate a material impact on future periods earnings and cash flows.

Annual

Guidance

Income from continuing operations (in millions)

$65 – $80

Adjusted EBITDA (in millions)

$285 – $305

Income from continuing operations per share – diluted *

$0.14 – $0.24

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted

$0.77 – $0.87

* The company uses the two-class method of calculating income from continuing operations per diluted share. Under the two-class method, income from continuing operations is adjusted for dividends and undistributed earnings (losses) to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, and the weighted average diluted shares do not assume conversion of the preferred shares to common shares.

Earnings guidance does not contemplate future items such as business development activities, strategic developments (such as restructurings, spin-offs or dispositions of assets or investments), contingent purchase price adjustments, significant expenses related to litigation, tax adjustments and changes in applicable laws and regulations (including significant accounting and tax matters) and intangible impairments. The timing and amounts of these items are highly variable, difficult to predict, and of a potential size that could have a substantial impact on the company’s reported results for any given period. Prospective quantification of these items is generally not practicable. Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share excludes amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets, as well as one-time charges, net of taxes. See reconciliations of the company’s guidance included below.

Earnings Conference Call Information
OPENLANE will be hosting an earnings conference call and webcast on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The call will be hosted by OPENLANE Chief Executive Officer Peter Kelly and Chief Financial Officer Brad Lakhia. The conference call may be accessed by calling 1-833-634-2155 and asking to join the OPENLANE call. A live webcast will be available at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com. Supplemental financial information for OPENLANE’s second quarter 2024 results is available at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com.

The archive of the webcast will be available following the call at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com for a limited time.

About OPENLANE
OPENLANE, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), provides sellers and buyers across the global wholesale used vehicle industry with innovative, technology-driven remarketing solutions. The company’s unique end-to-end platform supports whole car, financing, logistics and other ancillary and related services. Our integrated marketplaces reduce risk, improve transparency and streamline transactions for customers around the globe. Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, the company has employees across the United States, Canada, Europe, Uruguay and the Philippines. For more information and the latest company news, visit corporate.openlane.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this release include, and the company may make related oral, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and which are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties. In particular, statements made that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Words such as “should,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “contemplate,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “assume,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “of the opinion,” “confident,” “is set,” “is on track,” “outlook,” “target,” “positioned,” “predict,” “initiative,” “goal,” “opportunity” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current assumptions, expectations and/or beliefs, are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainties and changes that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in the company’s other filings and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

OPENLANE, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income 
(In millions) (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Operating revenues

Auction fees

$      108.7

$      103.3

$      218.6

$      203.2

Service revenue

147.1

155.7

297.3

321.3

Purchased vehicle sales

80.2

60.4

138.4

115.9

Finance-related revenue

95.8

97.5

193.8

197.1

Total operating revenues

431.8

416.9

848.1

837.5

Operating expenses

Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

245.9

222.6

459.8

446.8

Selling, general and administrative

106.0

111.2

214.7

219.2

Depreciation and amortization

24.1

26.8

48.4

49.8

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

250.8

Total operating expenses

376.0

611.4

722.9

966.6

Operating profit (loss)

55.8

(194.5)

125.2

(129.1)

Interest expense

37.4

38.8

77.1

77.1

Other (income) expense, net

0.2

(21.3)

0.7

(14.2)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

1.1

1.1

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

18.2

(213.1)

47.4

(193.1)

Income taxes

7.5

(19.3)

18.2

(12.0)

Income (loss) from continuing operations

10.7

(193.8)

29.2

(181.1)

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

Net income (loss)

$        10.7

$    (193.8)

$        29.2

$    (181.1)

Net income (loss) per share – basic

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$           —

$      (1.87)

$        0.05

$      (1.86)

Income from discontinued operations

Net income (loss) per share – basic

$           —

$      (1.87)

$        0.05

$      (1.86)

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$           —

$      (1.87)

$        0.05

$      (1.86)

Income from discontinued operations

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

$           —

$      (1.87)

$        0.05

$      (1.86)

 

OPENLANE, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions) (Unaudited)

June 30, 
2024

December 31, 
2023

Cash and cash equivalents

$                 60.9

$                 93.5

Restricted cash

67.7

65.4

Trade receivables, net of allowances

292.1

291.8

Finance receivables, net of allowances

2,220.1

2,282.0

Other current assets

133.3

109.2

Total current assets

2,774.1

2,841.9

Goodwill

1,264.0

1,271.2

Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization

126.8

136.1

Operating lease right-of-use assets

71.5

75.9

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

160.2

169.8

Intangible and other assets

221.2

231.4

Total assets

$             4,617.8

$             4,726.3

Current liabilities, excluding obligations collateralized by

     finance receivables and current maturities of debt

$                730.5

$                692.3

Obligations collateralized by finance receivables

1,573.6

1,631.9

Current maturities of debt

272.0

154.6

Total current liabilities

2,576.1

2,478.8

Long-term debt

202.4

Operating lease liabilities

65.5

70.4

Other non-current liabilities

35.5

35.2

Temporary equity

612.5

612.5

Stockholders’ equity

1,328.2

1,327.0

Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity

$             4,617.8

$             4,726.3

 

OPENLANE, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions) (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2024

2023

Operating activities

Net income (loss)

$         29.2

$     (181.1)

Net income from discontinued operations

     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

     Depreciation and amortization

48.4

49.8

     Provision for credit losses

29.1

28.4

     Deferred income taxes

0.4

(29.1)

     Amortization of debt issuance costs

4.7

4.4

     Stock-based compensation

10.1

8.9

     Contingent consideration adjustment

1.3

     Net change in unrealized (gain) loss on investment securities

(0.1)

     Investment and note receivable impairment

11.0

     Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

     Loss on extinguishment of debt

1.1

     Other non-cash, net

0.1

0.8

     Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

     Trade receivables and other assets

(23.7)

(76.2)

     Accounts payable and accrued expenses

39.4

75.2

     Payments of contingent consideration in excess of acquisition-date fair value

(2.6)

Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations

137.7

142.6

Net cash used by operating activities – discontinued operations

(0.1)

(0.1)

Investing activities

     Net decrease (increase) in finance receivables held for investment

33.1

(24.4)

     Purchases of property, equipment and computer software

(25.9)

(26.9)

     Investments in securities

(1.6)

(0.6)

 Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

0.3

0.3

Net cash provided by (used by) investing activities – continuing operations

5.9

(51.6)

Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations

7.0

Financing activities

     Net decrease in book overdrafts

(1.6)

(2.2)

     Net (repayments of) borrowings from lines of credit

(81.2)

39.2

     Net (decrease) increase in obligations collateralized by finance receivables

(56.1)

33.1

     Payments for debt issuance costs/amendments

(2.2)

(5.3)

     Payment for early extinguishment of debt

(140.1)

     Payments on finance leases

(0.6)

(1.1)

     Payments of contingent consideration and deferred acquisition costs

(12.4)

     Issuance of common stock under stock plans

0.8

1.6

     Tax withholding payments for vested RSUs

(3.4)

(2.5)

     Dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock

(22.2)

(22.2)

Net cash used by financing activities – continuing operations

(166.5)

(111.9)

Net cash provided by financing activities – discontinued operations

Net change in cash balances of discontinued operations

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

(7.3)

8.8

Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(30.3)

(5.2)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

158.9

277.7

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$       128.6

$       272.5

Cash paid for interest

$         74.6

$         72.8

Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds – continuing operations

$         29.4

$         21.4

Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds – discontinued operations

$             —

$             —

OPENLANE, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share as presented herein are supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). They are not measurements of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as substitutes for net income (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that these measures provide investors additional meaningful methods to evaluate certain aspects of the company’s results period over period and for the other reasons set forth below.

EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus interest expense net of interest income, income tax provision (benefit), depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted for the items of income and expense and expected incremental revenue and cost savings as described in our senior secured credit agreement covenant calculations. Management believes that the inclusion of supplementary adjustments to EBITDA applied in presenting Adjusted EBITDA is appropriate to provide additional information to investors about one of the principal measures of performance used by our creditors. In addition, management uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance.

Depreciation expense for property and equipment and amortization expense of capitalized internally developed software costs relate to ongoing capital expenditures; however, amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets, such as customer relationships, software, tradenames and noncompete agreements are not representative of ongoing capital expenditures, but have a continuing effect on our reported results. Non-GAAP financial measures of operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share, in the opinion of the company, provide comparability of the company’s performance to other companies that may not have incurred these types of non-cash expenses or that report a similar measure. In addition, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share may include adjustments for certain other charges.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the results as reported under GAAP. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

The following tables reconcile EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to income (loss) from continuing operations for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

(In millions), (Unaudited)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$      10.7

$   (193.8)

$      29.2

$   (181.1)

Add back:

Income taxes

7.5

(19.3)

18.2

(12.0)

Interest expense, net of interest income

37.1

37.5

76.4

74.9

Depreciation and amortization

24.1

26.8

48.4

49.8

EBITDA

79.4

(148.8)

172.2

(68.4)

Non-cash stock-based compensation

3.7

5.5

10.7

9.3

Loss on extinguishment of debt

1.1

1.1

Acquisition related costs

0.2

0.3

0.5

0.6

Securitization interest

(29.2)

(29.6)

(59.1)

(57.4)

Severance

6.0

1.0

7.7

1.5

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

0.5

0.3

2.5

0.4

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

250.8

Contingent consideration adjustment

1.3

1.3

Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities

(0.2)

(0.1)

Professional fees related to business improvement efforts

0.7

2.1

1.5

2.8

Impact for newly enacted Canadian DST related to prior years

10.0

10.0

Other

0.1

0.2

0.8

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

(8.0)

232.6

(26.0)

211.1

Adjusted EBITDA

$      71.4

$      83.8

$     146.2

$     142.7

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2024

(Dollars in millions), (Unaudited)

Marketplace

Finance

Consolidated

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$          (16.1)

$           26.8

$           10.7

Add back:

Income taxes

(1.2)

8.7

7.5

Interest expense, net of interest income

5.2

31.9

37.1

Depreciation and amortization

21.1

3.0

24.1

Intercompany interest

3.4

(3.4)

EBITDA

12.4

67.0

79.4

Non-cash stock-based compensation

3.6

0.1

3.7

Acquisition related costs

0.2

0.2

Securitization interest

(29.2)

(29.2)

Severance

5.4

0.6

6.0

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

0.5

0.5

Professional fees related to business improvement efforts

0.6

0.1

0.7

Impact for newly enacted Canadian DST related to prior years

10.0

10.0

Other

0.1

0.1

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

20.3

(28.3)

(8.0)

Adjusted EBITDA

$           32.7

$           38.7

$           71.4

Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

(Dollars in millions), (Unaudited)

Marketplace

Finance

Consolidated

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$        (219.4)

$           25.6

$        (193.8)

Add back:

Income taxes

(36.0)

16.7

(19.3)

Interest expense, net of interest income

5.4

32.1

37.5

Depreciation and amortization

24.5

2.3

26.8

Intercompany interest

8.1

(8.1)

EBITDA

(217.4)

68.6

(148.8)

Non-cash stock-based compensation

4.3

1.2

5.5

Loss on extinguishment of debt

1.1

1.1

Acquisition related costs

0.3

0.3

Securitization interest

(29.6)

(29.6)

Severance

0.9

0.1

1.0

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

0.5

(0.2)

0.3

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

250.8

Contingent consideration adjustment

1.3

1.3

Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities

(0.2)

(0.2)

Professional fees related to business improvement efforts

1.7

0.4

2.1

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

260.9

(28.3)

232.6

Adjusted EBITDA

$           43.5

$           40.3

$           83.8

The following table reconciles operating adjusted net income and operating adjusted net income per diluted share to net income (loss) from continuing operations for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

(In millions, except per share amounts), (Unaudited)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net income (loss) from continuing operations (1)

$      10.7

$   (193.8)

$      29.2

$   (181.1)

   Acquired amortization expense

9.1

9.8

18.4

17.2

   Impact for newly enacted Canadian DST related to prior years

10.0

10.0

   Loss on extinguishment of debt

1.1

1.1

   Contingent consideration adjustment

1.3

1.3

   Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

250.8

   Income taxes (2)

(2.1)

(32.4)

(2.5)

(34.2)

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations

$      27.7

$      36.8

$      55.1

$      55.1

Operating adjusted net income from discontinued operations

$          —

$          —

$          —

$          —

Operating adjusted net income

$      27.7

$      36.8

$      55.1

$      55.1

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per
share – diluted

$      0.19

$      0.25

$      0.38

$      0.38

Operating adjusted net income from discontinued operations per
share – diluted

Operating adjusted net income per share – diluted

$      0.19

$      0.25

$      0.38

$      0.38

Weighted average diluted shares – including assumed conversion
of preferred shares

144.4

145.3

145.1

145.2

(1)

The Series A Preferred Stock dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities have not been included in the calculation of operating adjusted net income and operating adjusted net income per diluted share.

(2)

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, each tax deductible item was booked to the applicable statutory rate. The deferred tax benefits of $52.5 million and $6.5 million associated with the goodwill and tradename impairments in the second quarter of 2023, respectively, resulted in the U.S. being in a net deferred tax asset position. Due to the three-year cumulative loss related to U.S. operations, we currently have a $41.1 million valuation allowance against the U.S. net deferred tax asset.

The following table reconciles EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to income from continuing operations for the 2024 guidance presented:

2024 Guidance

(In millions), (Unaudited)

Low

High

Income from continuing operations

$                65

$                80

Add back:

Income taxes

38

47

Interest expense, net of interest income

147

145

Depreciation and amortization

100

98

EBITDA

350

370

  Total addbacks/(deductions), net

(65)

(65)

Adjusted EBITDA

$              285

$              305

The following table reconciles operating adjusted net income from continuing operations and operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per diluted share to income from continuing operations for the 2024 guidance presented:

2024 Guidance

(In millions, except per share amounts), (Unaudited)

Low

High

Income from continuing operations

$                65

$                80

   Total adjustments, net

46

46

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations

$              111

$              126

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted

$             0.77

$             0.87

Weighted average diluted shares – including assumed conversion of preferred
shares

145

145

 

Analyst Inquiries:

Media Inquiries:

Itunu Orelaru

Laurie Dippold  

(317) 249-4559

(317) 468-3900

investor_relations@openlane.com 

laurie.dippold@openlane.com  

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SOURCE OPENLANE, Inc.

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SPEYSIDE COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF GSC

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Transaction enables Speyside to fuel the company’s next growth phase.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Speyside Equity Advisers (“Speyside”) announced that it has completed the acquisition of GSC Technologies, Inc. (“GSC”). The transaction will allow Speyside’s continued investment in GSC and fuel the company’s next growth phase. GSC is a leading manufacturer of plastic goods in North America.

“We are very excited about the GSC acquisition,” said Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at Speyside. “GSC is similar to a great deal we did in a prior fund, with similar opportunities. GSC has a great growth and value-creation plan that we look forward to facilitating.”

GSC CEO Dave Barrow noted, “My team and I look forward to working with the Speyside team to execute our strategic plan. Speyside has a strong operational background that clearly differentiates it from other investment groups. The new capitalization structure and value-creation system that Speyside brings will help us achieve our vision and drive results.”

Nick Lardo, Managing Director at Speyside, noted, “GSC is our second closed deal in Speyside Equity Fund II. We are gaining strong momentum in the fund based on increased staff, AUM, and deal activity. We see 2025 as a year full of great opportunity.”

About Speyside
Speyside is a Detroit-based private equity firm. The firm invests in middle-market, buyout transactions in the manufacturing and value-added distribution sectors. Targeted portfolio companies often possess balance sheet, legal, environmental, labor, or transactional complexity. Speyside Equity focuses on creative transaction structures and is comfortable investing in carveouts of large multinational companies, industry consolidations, family-owned businesses, bankruptcies, workouts, and other special situations. Speyside takes an operational approach to creating value in these situations. Speyside has completed 37 investments. For more information, please visit speysideequity.com.

About GSC Technologies, Inc.
Founded in 1982 with a single plastic molding machine, GSC Technologies Inc. is a leading and groundbreaking manufacturer of plastic goods in North America focused on environmentally aware plastic solutions for organizing daily life today and in the future. Based in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Quebec/Canada), GSC designs and manufactures attractive, practical storage and organization lifestyle products for better modern living. With manufacturing plants that use contemporary equipment and technology and distribution facilities in the US, Canada, and China, GSC uses global testing and quality standards to ensure the best value, highest quality products. For more information, please visit gsctechnology.com.

Honigman LLP acted as Speyside’s legal advisor.

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Batteries Plus’s Strategic Partnerships Drive Nearly 130% Sales Increase

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Transformative Collaborations Fuels Record-Breaking Sales Growth for Batteries Plus FranchiseePartnerships Elevate Customer Experience, Expand Service OfferingsNew Jersey Franchisee’s Store Emerges as Top Repair Destination in Network

SPRINGFIELD, N.J., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Batteries Plus, the world’s leading specialty battery franchise, has achieved remarkable success through strategic partnerships with industry leaders in device protection and insurance. These collaborations have led to significant growth for franchisees over the last two years, as exemplified by Angel Cartagena’s store in Springfield, NJ.

Enhanced Customer Experience
By combining Batteries Plus’s extensive retail network and repair expertise with advanced mobile device protection programs from industry partners, Batteries Plus stores are equipped to handle subscribers’ phone protection needs, covering lost or damaged devices. This comprehensive approach has paved the way for improved customer satisfaction, ultimately increasing revenue for franchisees and strengthening brand loyalty overall.

“We’re not just fixing phones; we’re creating opportunities for customers to discover additional products and services they didn’t know they needed, from car batteries to key fobs,” Cartagena said. “This has contributed to increased ticket counts and higher margins across our business.”

Growth and Expansion
After serving with the U.S. Air Force for 37 years, Cartagena began franchising with Batteries Plus in 2008. In the 18 years since, his store has grown to become the top-performing location for repairs in the entire Batteries Plus network, with repair volumes nearly 50% higher than other stores.

Since implementing these strategic partnerships, Cartagena’s Batteries Plus location has experienced unprecedented growth:

217.7% increase in device repair sales year-over-year128.6% increase in total business sales year-over-year147.8% increase in average ticket value year-over-year10.6% increase in gross profit year-over-year

The success of these partnerships has led to significant expansion for Cartagena’s store, necessitating the hiring of three additional team members to help manage the increased volume.

“These strategic partnerships have been transformative for our business,” said Cartagena. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in customer traffic and sales, particularly in our device repair services. These collaborations have not only boosted our bottom line but also enhanced our ability to serve our community with top-notch repair solutions. It’s been great for business, allowing us to expand our team and offer more comprehensive services to our customers.”

Batteries Plus has become a global leader in supplying the battery needs of its customers for cars, boats, phones, key fobs and more. With over 800 store locations in operation and development nationwide, Batteries Plus has also carved out a unique niche in the industry with its ‘plus’ services – including cell phone repair and key fob replacement. Positioned for the battery-powered future, Batteries Plus was ranked on Franchise Times Top 400 list, coming in at #130. Plus, for the 30th year in a row, the brand ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list, climbing 53 spots over last year’s rank and even becoming one of only 49 franchise brands to be inducted into Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Hall of Fame.

To learn more about Batteries Plus, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.  

MEDIA CONTACT: Cole Koretos, Fishman Public Relations, ckoretos@fishmanpr.com or 847-331-1190

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SOURCE Batteries Plus

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Technology

MobileX Partners with Ethika to Launch ‘ethikaX,’ Merging Style with Mobile Connectivity

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 LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today at CES, MobileX, the most customizable wireless service designed to save consumers money, and Ethika, a leading lifestyle brand driven by personal identity, announced an exciting new collaboration. Together, the two companies will be launching “ethikaX” – a collection that seamlessly merges mobile-friendly design with bold self-expression and dynamic style. This partnership represents a groundbreaking moment where mobile meets fashion, blending cutting-edge technology with style and originality.

The ethikaX line will debut in Q1 2025, featuring a range of apparel and accessories tailored for the modern, mobile lifestyle. The initial collection will include hoodies and t-shirts with phone-friendly pockets, phone cases, and even a limited-edition set of ethikaX-branded headphones.

“At MobileX, we’re passionate about empowering our customers to live untethered, connected lives,” said Peter Adderton, CEO of MobileX. “By partnering with Ethika, we’re able to bring that vision to life through thoughtfully designed apparel that embraces uniqueness and creativity while seamlessly integrating with our mobile services.”

Ethika’s commitment to celebrating individuality and self-expression across diverse cultures including motorsports, BMX, music, art and fashion aligns perfectly with MobileX’s mission to empower consumers through customizable, user-focused mobile service that ensures they only pay for what they use. The ethikaX collection will be available for purchase through the MobileX app and website, as well as select Ethika retail partners. Customers can also sign up for MobileX at these retail locations by purchasing a SIM Kit or scanning a QR code and activating with eSIM.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the innovative team at MobileX to redefine the intersection of mobile and fashion,” said Matt Cook, CEO of Ethika. “This collaboration allows us to extend the Ethika brand into new territories while continuing to celebrate those who stand out from the crowd and share our core values of quality, style and originality.”

Stay tuned for updates on ethikaX’s launch in Q1 2025 here.

 About MobileX
Headquartered in Orange County, California, MobileX is the world’s most customizable mobile carrier delivering the ultimate in choice and cost control. MobileX is a unique service that uses artificial intelligence to predict how much data customers need, dramatically reducing costs while ensuring reliable speed and service. MobileX was founded by Peter Adderton, who also founded both Boost Mobile and Digital Turbine. For more information, please visit mymobilex.com.

 About Ethika
Ethika is a leading lifestyle brand which started in San Clemente, CA and is now based in Lake Forest. Since the inception of the brand, Ethika and its team have been determined to live life, innovate, and deliver quality products, while staying true to the brand’s biggest asset – the FAMILIE. Ethika employees, friends, athletes, artists and customers are the core of the brand and the reason Ethika exists. More Ethika news, photos, and videos can be found on X (@ethika), Instagram (@ethika), and online at www.ethika.com.

Press contact:
Illume PR for MobileX
mobilex@illumepr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mobilex-partners-with-ethika-to-launch-ethikax-merging-style-with-mobile-connectivity-302346661.html

SOURCE Mobile X Global, Inc.

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