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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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Aclaimant Recognized as Innovator in Redhand Advisors Annual RMIS Report with its Revolutionary AI Assistant

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CHICAGO, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following its recognition as an Innovator in Redhand Advisor’s 2025 RMIS Report, Aclaimant, a leader in next-generation risk management solutions, today announced the launch of its AI Assistant. This powerful tool leverages artificial intelligence to deliver real-time support for critical risk management tasks, including data analysis, risk assessments, compliance monitoring, and informed decision-making. By providing immediate insights and streamlined workflows tailored to the needs of risk and safety managers, AI Assistant proactively identifies risks, mitigates threats, and optimizes resource allocation.

“Our clients face increasing demands with limited resources,” stated David Wald, Co-Founder and President of Aclaimant. “AI Assistant serves as their dedicated risk management partner, capable of searching, summarizing, analyzing, predicting, recommending, and executing tasks and actions. This is a true force multiplier, and we are just beginning to unlock its potential.”

AI Assistant also powers Aclaimant’s patent-pending DIPDash (Data Ingestion Pipeline & Dashboard). This specialized multi-stage platform directly addresses the significant challenges the insurance industry encounters in obtaining, creating, and maintaining high-quality data sets across all systems of record, particularly with insurance claims.

“Aclaimant’s AI capabilities, built upon our modern architecture, represent a fundamental shift in the Risk Management Information Systems (RMIS) space,” affirmed Kathy Burns, CEO of Aclaimant. “We are honored by Redhand Report’s recognition of our industry leadership. Our AI-driven analytics and workflow solutions are revolutionizing the RMIS landscape, delivering immediate value and enabling clients to go live in weeks, not months or years.”

For more information about Aclaimant and AI Assistant, please visit https://www.aclaimant.com/solutions/ai-insights

About Aclaimant

Aclaimant is a next-generation Risk Management Information System (RMIS) designed to empower every organization to protect what matters most. Our intuitive, easy-to-use and powerful platform enables employers, brokers, carriers and TPAs to reduce the cost of risk and drive higher productivity. Aclaimant transforms the management of data, people, and processes through its workplace safety, incident and claims management, assets and exposures, AI and analytics solutions. Thousands of safety and risk management professionals rely on Aclaimant to achieve better outcomes. For more information, visit https://www.aclaimant.com.

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Heinemann Releases New Edition of Saxon Reading Foundations

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Updated Foundational Literacy Program Will Include New Digital Experience, Integrated Phonics Assessments and More

PORTSMOUTH, N.H., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Heinemann today announced the release of an updated edition of its popular foundational literacy program Saxon Reading Foundations. Previously known as Saxon Phonics and Spelling, the new program will be redesigned to feature engaging and kid-friendly illustrations alongside a brand new digital experience and new and updated content aligned to the latest science of reading research. Saxon Reading Foundations will be available on the Heinemann Flight platform for the 2025-2026 school year.

Authored by special education teacher Lorna Simmons, Saxon Reading Foundations is a research-based, structured, sequential phonics program for K-2 students, designed to explicitly teach phonemic awareness, phonics and fluency. Simmons’ years of formal training and classroom experience combined with her personal struggles to guide her own dyslexic son to reading success provide a unique foundation for this immersive program that has been found to be consistently effective for children of varying ability levels and socioeconomic backgrounds.

“I know from firsthand experience as a parent and as an educator how absolutely crucial it is all for students to receive evidence-based foundational skills instruction,” said Lorna Simmons. “I’m proud that Saxon has helped to turn so many children into successful readers and I’m excited to offer a new edition that builds on the program’s strengths, incorporates the most up-to-date research on effective instruction, and provides digital tools that will help make teachers’ lives easier.”

Research-Based Enhancements to Strengthen Instruction
The new edition of Saxon will add a new scope and sequence in Grade K with students being introduced to a new letter a day to reflect the latest research on appropriate pacing. There will be new practice opportunities with decodable text included in student workbooks and phonological awareness instruction integrated into the lessons in Grades K and 1. Grade 2 will add morphology extension lessons as part of an updated scope and sequence, giving students additional opportunities to practice advanced phonics skills. The new program will also have improved multilingual learner supports throughout and new beginning-, middle- and end-of-year phonics assessments to help teachers track student progress and tailor instruction to meet students’ needs.

New Digital Tools to Increase Ease of Use for Teachers
An updated digital experience on the Heinemann Flight platform will provide teachers with implementation and pacing support alongside expanded classroom modeling and tutorial videos. The new edition of Saxon will also add digital assessment and reporting capabilities so teachers can quickly monitor student progress and access student data to inform classroom instruction.

“Over the course of its nearly 40-year history, Saxon Reading Foundations has been incredibly popular among classroom teachers, thanks to its immersive, innovative and engaging design. But the main driver of the program’s continued success is a simple yet powerful one: it is extremely effective at helping children master the foundational skills they need to become confident and joyful readers,” said Maggie DeMont, general manager of Heinemann. “Heinemann is delighted to be able to continue to perfect this proven program with a brand new edition, designed to help transform the next generation of students into successful readers.”

For more information about Saxon Reading Foundations, please visit: https://www.heinemann.com/saxon-reading-foundations/.

About Heinemann
Heinemann is a leading provider of professional resources and educational services for educators, kindergarten through college. Heinemann supports the professionalism of teachers as they help children become literate, compassionate, engaged citizens of the world. Heinemann authors are exemplary educators eager to support the practice of other teachers through professional books and explicit teaching materials, streaming videos, podcasts and blogs, as well as professional learning experiences, both live and online. Heinemann is dedicated to teachers and the modernization of the teaching profession. Visit Heinemann.com to learn more.

Media Contact:
Erika McCaffrey
Director, Communications
Heinemann Publishing
publicity@heinemann.com

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Small Businesses Stay Confident Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty

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New GoDaddy research shows entrepreneurs remain focused on growth despite rising concern

TEMPE, Ariz., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nearly half of U.S. small and microbusiness owners expect the national economy to weaken in the coming months. Despite the outlook, most still believe their own businesses will grow, according to new survey data released today by GoDaddy.

In the latest findings from the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, formerly known as Venture Forward, 49% of 2,100 U.S. microbusiness owners* surveyed predict a weaker economy in the next six months. That is up 17 points from 2024. Even so, 66% of respondents have positive revenue expectations, and only 9% forecast a sales decline.

“Small business owners are realistic about the economy, but they believe in themselves,” said GoDaddy CEO Aman Bhutani. “GoDaddy’s research shows they remain intent on pushing their small businesses forward.”

The GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab findings reflect a steady shift over time. In 2023, 73% of microbusiness owners said they expected to grow revenue in the first 6 months of the year. Now in 2025, it stands at 66%. Most respondents still expect growth, clearly, but the trend indicates weakening optimism.

Entrepreneurs are also adjusting their long-term goals. 40% now say they plan to remain solo entrepreneurs – up from 36% last year – versus aspiring to build mid-size or corporate enterprises. This points to a growing interest in right-sized businesses that match owners’ lifestyles and risk tolerance.

Rising Costs Put Pressure on Small Business Margins

While optimism holds, cost pressures are rising and showing up not just in what small businesses pay, but what they can charge. Over half (52%) of respondents cited limited cash flow as their biggest financial barrier, but existing expenses (34%) and pricing pressure on goods and services (33%) ranked highest among specific cost challenges.

These pricing pressures are especially acute among Construction & Home Trades (40%) and Creative-Media businesses (36%), with solo operators and small teams reporting they are feeling the pinch of existing operating costs the most. For businesses with 5–9 employees, wages emerged as the top cost barrier (45%), reflecting a shift toward labor-related pressure once headcount rises.

One in three owners (33%) also named financial strain as their primary source of stress—ranking it above challenges like adopting new technology, managing vendors, or finding and retaining customers.

Access to capital, often a major hurdle for new businesses, appears to be improving. Only 8% of owners say it is their top challenge, down from 10% the year before.

Sharing their perspective on the results, Victor W. Hwang, founder and CEO of Right to Start, a nonprofit that promotes U.S. small business growth, added: “The results of this GoDaddy survey demonstrate quantitatively the drive and resilience of entrepreneurs all across the United States. Their commitment to their enterprises is relentless and innovative. America’s entrepreneurs are an extraordinary resource for strengthening the U.S. economy and growing new businesses and jobs nationwide.”

Commenting on the findings, small business owner Leo Lopez owner of San Jose-based La Fenice Pizza said: “The economy is definitely uncertain right now, but as a small business owner, you learn to live with that. I’ve had to adjust, simplify, and focus on what really works, and that’s helped me grow stronger. For me, resilience isn’t about being unaffected. It’s about finding a way to keep going, even when things get unpredictable. That’s how I’ve built my business, and I think a lot of us are doing the same.”

“Entrepreneurs are planning for what is ahead,” Bhutani added. “They are navigating these times by staying focused and determined. At GoDaddy, our job is to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed.”

For more insights from GoDaddy’s latest small business research, visit the full report here:
https://www.godaddy.com/ventureforward/the-future-of-entrepreneurship-is-leaner-smarter-and-more-resilient

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com

* Microbusinesses are small businesses that typically employ fewer than 10 employees.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

 

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SOURCE GoDaddy Inc.

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