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CarParts.com Reports Fiscal Year 2024 Results

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TORRANCE, Calif., March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CarParts.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRTS), a leading eCommerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, and a premier destination for vehicle repair and maintenance needs, is reporting results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 28, 2024. 

Fiscal Year 2024 Summary vs. Fiscal Year 2023

Net sales decreased 13% to $588.8 million.Gross profit of $196.7 million vs. $229.4 million, with gross margin of 33.4%.Net loss was ($40.6) million, or ($0.71) per share, compared to a net loss of ($8.2) million, or ($0.15) per share.Adjusted EBITDA of ($7.1) million vs. $19.7 million.Cash of $36.4 million and no revolver debt.Our mobile app has cumulative net downloads of over 800,000, more than double the number from the beginning of the year.New semi-automated Las Vegas distribution center fully operational and handling 25% of company volume.Launched a fully re-platformed CarParts.com website featuring an AI based search solution and machine learning based product recommendations.Launched CarParts+ a paid membership that includes roadside assistance and other benefits.

Fourth Quarter 2024 Summary vs. Year-Ago Quarter  

Net sales decreased to $133.5 million, down 15% year-over-year.Gross profit of $43.4 million vs. $51.6 million, with gross margin of 32.5%.Net loss was ($15.4) million, or ($0.27) per share, compared to a net loss of ($6.1) million, or ($0.11) per share.Adjusted EBITDA of ($6.8) million vs. $1.0 million.

Management Commentary

“2024 was an important year in the ongoing transformation of CarParts.com.  We began the year by refocusing our strategy on three key elements: number one, driving gross and net margin to strengthen financial performance; number two, accelerating efficiency and effectiveness to quickly deliver improved profitability; and number three, achieving sustainable growth with strong long-term free cash flow.

The economic environment was challenging for lower income consumers for all of 2024, leading to a significant pullback in spending and deferral of costs like auto repairs.  To address these pressures, we are prioritizing several non-paid marketing initiatives—such as enhancing our site conversion and strengthening our search engine optimization —alongside driving mobile app adoption, generating high-margin fee income, expanding our product assortment, and growing our wholesale channel. We believe these efforts will position us to increase our net profit margin and drive long-term growth” said David Meniane, CEO.

Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

Net sales in fiscal year 2024 were $588.8 million, down 13% from $675.7 million in fiscal year 2023. The decline was primarily driven by the impact of soft consumer demand as well as significant pressures in lighting and mirrors which got impacted by the flooding of non-compliant illegal parts.

Gross profit was $196.7 million in fiscal year 2024 compared to $229.4 million in fiscal year 2023, with gross margin decreasing 50 basis points to 33.4%.

Total operating expenses in fiscal year 2024 were $237.4 million compared to $239.3 million in fiscal year 2023. Operating expense as a percent of net sales increased 4.9% to 40.3% in fiscal year 2024, mainly attributable to investments in our business, such as brand and marketing investments, higher customer acquisition costs, overlapping software expenses related to our digital transformation and one-time costs related to the move to the new Las Vegas distribution center.

Net loss in fiscal year 2024 was ($40.6) million compared to a net loss of ($8.2) million in fiscal year 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA in fiscal year 2024 was ($7.1) million compared to $19.7 million in fiscal year 2023.

On December 28, 2024, the Company had a cash balance of $36.4 million and no revolver debt, compared to no revolver debt and a $51.0 million cash balance at prior fiscal year-end December 30, 2023. 

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Net sales in the fourth quarter of 2024 were $133.5 million, down 15% from the year-ago quarter.  

Gross profit in the fourth quarter was $43.4 million compared to $51.6 million, with gross margin decreasing 50 basis points to 32.5%.

Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter were $58.9 million compared to $58.4 million in the year-ago.

Net loss in the fourth quarter was ($15.4) million compared to a net loss of ($6.1) million in the year-ago quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter was ($6.8) million compared to $1.0 million in the year-ago quarter, primarily due to higher-than-expected advertising cost per click and lower flow through from decreased revenue.

2025 Outlook

The company is currently evaluating various strategic alternatives in response to inbound interest. As a result, we are not providing guidance for 2025.

Conference Call

CarParts.com CEO David Meniane and CFO Ryan Lockwood will host a conference call today to discuss the results.

Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (2:00 p.m. Pacific time)
Webcast: www.carparts.com/investor/news-events

To listen to the live call, please click the link above to access the webcast. A replay of the audio webcast will be archived on the Company’s website at www.carparts.com/investor

About CarParts.com, Inc.

CarParts.com, Inc. is a technology-driven eCommerce company offering over 1 million high-quality automotive parts and accessories. Operating for over 25 years, CarParts.com has established itself as a premier destination for drivers seeking repair and maintenance solutions. Our commitment lies in placing the customer at the forefront of our operations, evident in our easy-to-use, mobile-friendly website and app. With a commitment to affordability and customer satisfaction, CarParts.com simplifies the automotive repair process, aiming to eliminate the uncertainty and stress often associated with vehicle maintenance. Backed by a robust company-operated fulfillment network, we ensure swift delivery of top-quality parts from leading brands to customers across the nation.

At CarParts.com, our global team is united by a shared vision: Empowering Drivers Along Their Journey.

CarParts.com is headquartered in Torrance, California.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Regulation G, and other provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, define and prescribe the conditions for use of certain non-GAAP financial information. We provide “Adjusted EBITDA” in this earnings release and on today’s scheduled conference call, which are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted EBITDA consist of net loss before (a) interest (income) expense, net; (b) income tax provision; (c) depreciation and amortization expense; (d) amortization of intangible assets; (e) share-based compensation expense; (f) workforce transition costs; and (g) distribution center costs. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss is provided below.

The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide important supplemental information to management and investors. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of the Company’s operations that, when viewed with the GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting the Company’s business and results of operations.

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as measures of the Company’s operating performance because it assists in comparing the Company’s operating performance on a consistent basis by removing the impact of stock compensation expense as well as other items that we do not believe are representative of our ongoing operating performance. Internally, these non-GAAP measures are also used by management for planning purposes, including the preparation of internal budgets; for allocating resources to enhance financial performance; and for evaluating the effectiveness of operational strategies. The Company also believes that analysts and investors use these non-GAAP measures as supplemental measures to evaluate the ongoing operations of companies in our industry.

These non-GAAP financial measures are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures. Management strongly encourages investors to review the Company’s consolidated financial statements in their entirety and to not rely on any single financial measure. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. In addition, the Company expects to continue to incur expenses similar to the non-GAAP adjustments described above, and exclusion of these items from the Company’s non-GAAP measures should not be construed as an inference that these costs are all unusual, infrequent or non-recurring.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements which are based on management’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company’s business and its industry, as well as certain assumptions made by the Company. These statements are forward looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Words such as “anticipates,” “could,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “believes,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “will likely continue” and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our future operating results and financial condition, our potential growth, our ability to innovate, our ability to gain market share, and our ability to expand and improve our product offerings. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.

Important factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, competitive pressures, our dependence on search engines to attract customers, demand for the Company’s products, the online market and channel mix for aftermarket auto parts, the economy in general, increases in commodity and component pricing that would increase the Company’s product costs, the operating restrictions in its credit agreement, the weather and any other factors discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Risk Factors contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10–K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10–Q, which are available at www.carparts.com/investor and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements in this release and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Unless otherwise required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Relations:

Ryan Lockwood, CFA
IR@carparts.com

Summarized information for the periods presented is as follows (in millions):

Thirteen Weeks
Ended

Thirteen Weeks
Ended

Fifty-Two Weeks
Ended

Fifty-Two Weeks
Ended

December 28, 2024

December 30, 2023

December 28, 2024

December 30, 2023

Net sales

$

133.54

$

156.40

$

588.85

$

675.73

Gross profit

$

43.45

$

51.60

$

196.74

$

229.41

32.5

%

33.0

%

33.4

%

33.9

%

Operating expense

$

58.92

$

58.35

$

237.37

$

239.29

44.1

%

37.3

%

40.3

%

35.4

%

Net loss

$

(15.42)

$

(6.09)

$

(40.60)

$

(8.22)

(11.5)

%

(3.9)

%

(6.9)

%

(1.2)

%

Adjusted EBITDA

$

(6.83)

$

0.97

$

(7.06)

$

19.69

(5.1)

%

0.6

%

(1.2)

%

2.9

%

The table below reconciles net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented (in thousands):

Thirteen Weeks
Ended

Thirteen Weeks
Ended

Fifty-Two Weeks
Ended

Fifty-Two Weeks
Ended

December 28, 2024

December 30, 2023

December 28, 2024

December 30, 2023

Net loss

$

(15,418)

$

(6,086)

$

(40,601)

$

(8,223)

Depreciation & amortization

5,539

4,094

18,975

16,690

Amortization of intangible assets

88

8

121

36

Interest (income) expense, net

(61)

(313)

(301)

(636)

Income tax provision

7

(251)

267

145

EBITDA

$

(9,845)

$

(2,548)

$

(21,539)

$

8,012

Stock compensation expense

$

3,018

$

3,517

$

11,985

$

11,675

Workforce transition costs(1)

617

Distribution center costs(2)

1,882

Adjusted EBITDA

$

(6,827)

$

969

$

(7,055)

$

19,687

____________________________

(1)

We incurred workforce transition costs, primarily related to severance, as part of our recent workforce reductions.

(2)

We incurred certain non-recurring costs, primarily overlapping rent expense, attributable to moving to our new Las Vegas, Nevada distribution center.

 

CARPARTS.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

Fiscal Year Ended

December 28,

December 30,

2024

2023

Net sales

$

588,846

$

675,729

Cost of sales (1)

392,107

446,323

Gross profit

196,739

229,406

Operating expense

237,374

239,287

Loss from operations

(40,635)

(9,881)

Other income (expense):

Other income, net

1,466

3,197

Interest expense

(1,165)

(1,394)

Total other income, net

301

1,803

Loss before income taxes

(40,334)

(8,078)

Income tax provision

267

145

Net loss

(40,601)

(8,223)

Other comprehensive gain (loss):

Foreign currency adjustments

87

Actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plan

185

(305)

Unrealized loss on deferred compensation trust assets

(38)

Total other comprehensive gain (loss)

272

(343)

Comprehensive loss

$

(40,329)

$

(8,566)

Net loss per share:

Basic and diluted net loss per share

$

(0.71)

$

(0.15)

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

Shares used in computation of basic and diluted net loss per share

57,026

56,570

_______________________

(1)

Excludes depreciation and amortization expense which is included in operating expense.

 

CARPARTS.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Par Value Data)

December 28,

December 30,

2024

2023

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

36,397

$

50,951

Accounts receivable, net

6,098

7,365

Inventory, net

90,353

128,901

Other current assets

6,020

6,121

Total current assets

138,868

193,338

Property and equipment, net

32,206

26,389

Right-of-use – assets – operating leases, net

26,682

19,542

Right-of-use – assets – finance leases, net

10,765

15,255

Other non-current assets

2,053

3,331

Total assets

$

210,574

$

257,855

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

60,365

$

77,851

Accrued expenses

16,083

20,770

Right-of-use – obligation – operating, current

5,810

4,749

Right-of-use – obligation – finance, current

3,471

4,308

Other current liabilities

4,694

5,308

Total current liabilities

90,423

112,986

Right-of-use – obligation – operating, non-current

23,203

16,742

Right-of-use – obligation – finance, non-current

8,842

12,327

Other non-current liabilities

2,931

2,969

Total liabilities

125,399

145,024

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

Stockholders’ equity:

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 57,454 and 56,303 shares issued
and outstanding as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 (of which 3,786 are treasury
stock)

61

60

Treasury stock

(11,912)

(11,912)

Additional paid-in capital

325,546

312,874

Accumulated other comprehensive income

1,055

783

Accumulated deficit

(229,575)

(188,974)

Total stockholders’ equity

85,175

112,831

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

210,574

$

257,855

 

CARPARTS.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)

Year Ended

December 28,

December 30,

2024

2023

Operating activities

Net loss

$

(40,601)

$

(8,223)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization expense

18,975

16,690

Amortization of intangible assets

121

36

Share-based compensation expense

11,985

11,675

Stock awards issued for non-employee director service

43

23

Stock awards related to officers and directors stock purchase plan from payroll deferral

10

Gain from disposition of assets

(70)

(78)

Amortization of deferred financing costs

65

65

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

1,267

(1,101)

Inventory

38,547

6,681

Other current assets

102

549

Other non-current assets

1,168

(248)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

(21,187)

23,696

Other current liabilities

(615)

686

Right-of-use obligation – operating leases – current

1,514

631

Right-of-use obligation – operating leases – long-term

(1,131)

(714)

Other non-current liabilities

145

(367)

Net cash provided by operating activities

10,338

50,001

Investing activities

Additions to property and equipment

(20,573)

(11,879)

Cash paid for intangible assets

(76)

(108)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

92

86

Net cash used in investing activities

(20,557)

(11,901)

Financing activities

Borrowings from revolving loan payable

229

244

Payments made on revolving loan payable

(229)

(244)

Repurchase of treasury stock

(4,311)

Payments on finance leases

(4,311)

(4,738)

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock for ESPP

359

483

Statutory tax withholding payment for share-based compensation

(470)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

2,650

Net cash used in financing activities

(4,422)

(5,916)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

87

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

(14,554)

32,184

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

50,951

18,767

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

36,397

$

50,951

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:

Right-of-use operating asset acquired

$

12,857

$

Right-of-use finance asset acquired

$

$

784

Accrued asset purchases

$

502

$

1,499

Share-based compensation expense capitalized in property and equipment

$

746

$

804

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

$

178

$

210

Cash paid during the period for interest

$

1,165

$

1,394

Cash received during the period for interest

$

1,466

$

2,030

 

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SOURCE CarParts.com, Inc.

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IDA and AUDC Partner on HK-AU Stablecoin-Based Cross-Border Trade Initiative

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HONG KONG, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IDA, a Hong Kong-based fintech company, and AUDC Pty Ltd have announced a strategic collaboration to launch a Hong KongAustralia stablecoin-based cross-border trade initiative. This initiative aims to transform trade between Hong Kong and Australia by introducing faster, more transparent, cost-effective cross-border payment systems.

Building on the strong trade relationship established under the Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HKFTA), this collaboration leverages Hong Kong’s role as a vital gateway connecting mainland China with the world. The agreement, A-HKFTA, which underscores Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework, provides a solid foundation for this innovative initiative.

In 2023, Australia and Hong Kong had a total trade value of US$5.3 billion[1]. Total exports from Hong Kong to Australia amounted to US$3.4 billion, with the bulk of re‑exported goods originating from mainland China. Hong Kong’s imports from Australia in 2023 amounted to US$1.9 billion worth of Australian merchandise, including agricultural produce, seafood, and beverages. Looking ahead, Hong Kong aims to drive growth in emerging industries such as biomedical technology, green energy, and financial technology.

Sean Lee, Co-Founder of IDA, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “This collaboration builds on the progress made in bilateral trade relationships. Recent diplomatic efforts between Hong Kong, China, and Australia have reduced trade barriers, creating an ideal environment for innovative solutions like stablecoins to modernize trade systems. The potential for stablecoin technology to enhance efficiency and unlock opportunities across industries is enormous.”

Effie Dimitropoulos, CEO of AUDC Pty Ltd, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “At AUDC Pty Ltd, our mission is to deliver secure and compliant digital payment solutions to support global trade. Our Australian Dollar-backed stablecoin, AUDD, addresses inefficiencies in cross-border trade, offering businesses in Australia, Hong Kong, and beyond a faster and more transparent settlement mechanism. This collaboration is a pivotal step toward modernizing trade settlements and unlocking new growth opportunities for industries on both sides.”

About IDA Finance Hong Kong Limited (IDA)

IDA is the premier digital asset technology company to spearhead the widespread adoption of blockchain finance and to empower businesses to seamlessly integrate between Web2 and Web3.

IDA will launch a stablecoin product which is designed to drive enhanced connectivity of digital currency for seamless commerce and payments between Hong Kong and global markets, 24/7/365. To maintain the highest level of security and stability, all circulating stablecoins will always be fully backed by at least 100% reserve assets in regulated Hong Kong based authorized institutions.

To maximize the network effect of the stablecoin project for domestic and cross-border usage, IDA is partnering with key industry players to facilitate the minting, redemption, and widespread acceptance of stablecoins as a payment and settlement digital currency.

More information can be found at idafi.xyz / LinkedIn / X

About AUDC Pty Ltd

AUDC Pty Ltd is a pioneering fintech company dedicated to transforming the future of money through blockchain technology. The company powers the Australian Digital Dollar (AUDD), a stablecoin backed 1:1 by the Australian Dollar, designed to provide businesses and consumers with a stable, reliable, and globally accessible digital asset. With a strong focus on innovation and digital finance solutions, AUDC is committed to driving the next generation of financial technology.

For more information about AUDD, please visit:
https://audd.digital
https://www.linkedin.com/company/audd-digital

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SOURCE IDA

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BCG X Launches AI Science Institute to Help Companies Accelerate Scientific Research from Innovation to Impact

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New Institute Harnesses the Expertise of BCG X’s Data Scientists and Engineers to Accelerate Scientific Breakthroughs in Partnership with Universities, Industry Experts, and Leading R&D teams

BOSTON, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BCG X, the tech, build, and design division of Boston Consulting Group (BCG), today announces the launch of its new AI Science Institute—leveraging BCG X’s expertise and talent, supported by a 3000+ person team, including 200+ PhDs, to accelerate scientific discovery in collaboration with top R&D teams across leading industries and governments.

BCG’s strategic investment in artificial intelligence is propelling the firm’s growth and driving value for businesses at record speed. Leveraging this momentum, the BCG X AI Science Institute will be a groundbreaking hub that brings the power of AI to scientific research, discovery, and innovation—where cutting-edge AI research, academic rigor, and real-world business impact converge.

AI is rapidly reshaping the boundaries of what’s achievable for companies, organizations, and governments, and now it can help slash R&D timelines from years to mere months—or even weeks—to unlock insights once thought impossible in science and engineering. By merging advances in artificial intelligence and computer science with domain expertise across sectors, the institute will deliver next-generation solutions and sustained competitive advantage for industry leaders around the world.

“AI is at an inflection point. The mission of the BCG X AI Science Institute is to deliver groundbreaking scientific and engineering research powered by AI. Our experts will equip companies with leading-edge AI capabilities and research-based solutions to deliver tangible business impact,” says Christoph Schweizer, BCG CEO.

AI-Powered Scientific Innovation

Under the global leadership of Dr. Adi Zolotov and director Dr. Leonid Zhukov, the Institute will drive AI-powered scientific innovation across a wide range of topics including: large-scale, quantum, and next-generation computing, simulation, health care and bioinformatics, machine learning, climate analytics, and beyond.

Anchored in strong collaborations with both academic institutions and industry leaders, the Institute is dedicated to advancing high-impact breakthroughs to help tackle some of the toughest global challenges—including climate change, disease treatment, and energy scarcity.

“BCG X is committed to science because BCG X is committed to impact.  Our ambition is to drive lasting impact with AI for large companies. To build high-performing AI solutions for leading organizations, our team needs to build on the latest research in scientific innovation. The outcomes benefit everyone. Companies gain a competitive advantage, and the scientific community reaps the benefits of innovation at a pace and scale previously unthinkable,” says Sylvain Duranton, global leader of BCG X.

To learn more about the BCG X AI Science Institute visit here.

Media Contact:
Eric Gregoire:
gregoire.eric@bcg.com 

About BCG X
BCG X is the tech build & design unit of BCG.

Turbocharging BCG’s deep industry and functional expertise, BCG X brings together advanced tech knowledge and ambitious entrepreneurship to help organizations enable innovation at scale.

With nearly 3,000 technologists, scientists, programmers, engineers, and human-centered designers located across 80+ cities, BCG X builds and designs platforms and software to address the world’s most important challenges and opportunities. Teaming across our practices, and in close collaboration with our clients, our end-to-end global team unlocks new possibilities.

Together we’re creating the bold and disruptive products, services, and businesses of tomorrow.

About Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.

Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.

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SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

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Magic Bus India Foundation Launches AI-Powered Skilling Programme to Build India’s Future-Ready Workforce

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MUMBAI, India, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Magic Bus India Foundation, one of the leading NGOs in the education and skilling space, has launched an AI-powered skilling curriculum under its Connect With Work (CWW) programme to build India’s future-ready workforce. Designed for graduates from underserved communities, this initiative equips them with foundational knowledge and practical AI skills, enhancing their employability in an evolving job market increasingly driven by automation and artificial intelligence.

The Connect With Work (CWW) Programme is a 7-to-10 day, college-based skilling initiative that provides transferable life and employability skills to youth from underserved communities by integrating personal, professional, and future-readiness skills, thereby equipping them for the modern workforce.

The AI-CWW programme builds on the foundation of the CWW programme by familiarizing youth with AI tools and their applications, which can improve their productivity and efficiency in their jobs without requiring deep technical expertise. The vision of the AI-CWW programme is to skill youth for the AI integrated modern workplace.

Youth participants benefit from job-readiness training, which includes mentorship, orientation to specific sectors, interview preparation, and placement in customer-centric roles. The programme also provides post-placement support, ensuring long-term employment retention and career growth. By equipping youth with the skills and confidence to make informed career and life choices, this initiative strengthens their agency—empowering them to support their families, break the cycle of poverty, and serve as role models within their communities.

Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO, Magic Bus India Foundation, said, “India’s vision of Viksit Bharat relies on a skilled and future-ready workforce that drives innovation and economic growth. As AI reshapes industries, it is vital that our youth, especially those from underserved communities, are equipped with the right skills to stay relevant in the evolving job market. At Magic Bus, we believe that empowering youth with AI skills is key to strengthening India’s workforce and driving inclusive growth for a sustainable future.”

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, technology skills will dominate the labour market by 2030, with AI, big data, networks, and cybersecurity leading the way. As industries evolve, the workforce will require a blend of technical expertise and cognitive skills, balancing human capabilities with digital proficiency. As AI tools and technologies get increasingly integrated into the workplace, the ability to work alongside AI will become a crucial skill for all professionals, not just coders and engineers.

The AI-CWW programme offers a structured, hands-on learning experience with key AI concepts and practical applications, including awareness of foundational AI technologies, AI ethics and responsible use, and hands-on training in AI-powered workplace tools such as chatbots, prompt engineering, language translation, and productivity applications.

About Magic Bus India Foundation

Magic Bus India Foundation is one of the leading NGOs in education and skilling in India. Over the past 26 years, the organisation has established a strong presence across 22 states and union territories, impacting the lives of young people from underserved communities between the ages of 12 to 25 years. Through its two distinct programmes — the Adolescent Programme and Livelihood Programme, Magic Bus equips young people with essential life and employability skills to help them move out of poverty and lead sustainable lives.

The Adolescent Programme empowers adolescents (12-18 years) with life skills education and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). To support this, Magic Bus has established an impressive network of 2,334 schools, 324 Community Learning Centres (CLCs) and has partnered with 10 state governments and NITI Aayog. Notably, 52% of the participants are girls, reflecting the programme’s strong focus on gender inclusion.

The Livelihood Programme prepares youth (18–25 years) for sustainable careers by imparting transferable life and employability skills. Magic Bus has set up 135 Livelihood Centres, built 1,100+ college partnerships, and established Entrepreneurship Incubation Centres to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs from underserved communities. 59% of the programme’s participants are young women, highlighting a strong emphasis on empowering women through skilling.

In addition to its urban skilling initiatives, Magic Bus has also expanded into the Peri-Urban and Rural Livelihood Programme, focusing on empowering women in peri-urban and rural areas. This programme equips women with leadership and business skills, enabling them to establish and sustain enterprises and move towards financial independence.

Through its sustained efforts, Magic Bus has empowered over 35 lakh adolescents and 5 lakh youth, enabling their transition from childhood to livelihood.

For more information, visit: https://www.magicbus.org/

Media Contact:
Vijayalakshmi Bhat,
Senior Manager – Public Relations and Communications,
Magic Bus India Foundation
Email: vijayalakshmi.bhat@magicbusindia.org
Mobile: +91-9987548666

 

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