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VOXX International Corporation Reports its Fiscal 2025 First Quarter Financial Results

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Net sales declined by 18.1%, gross margins improved by 310 basis points, operating expenses declined by 16.6%; Adjusted EBITDA Loss of $2.9 million improved by $2.1 million year-over-year amidst restructuring program to streamline sales, lower costs and working capital needs and return the Company to profitability

ORLANDO, Fla., July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive and consumer technologies for the global markets, today announced its financial results for its Fiscal 2025 first quarter ended May 31, 2024.

Commenting on the Company’s first quarter results, Pat Lavelle, Chief Executive Officer stated, “During the first quarter, we took aggressive steps to improve gross margins and lower both our operating expenses and working capital needs. While our sales were down for the comparable periods, gross margins improved in our Automotive and Consumer segments, and we reduced year-over-year expenses by over 16%. The retail environment remains challenging, interest rates are high, and inflation is still a major concern. With market pressures expected to continue, we have instituted various restructuring programs to right size our business. We are equally focused on reducing our debt and freeing up capital to re-invest in VOXX. With the changes made and upcoming, we expect to return to profitability this year.”

Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024 First Quarter Comparisons
On March 1, 2024, the Company’s majority owned subsidiary, EyeLock LLC, contributed assets, including inventory and intangible assets, to a newly formed joint venture, BioCenturion LLC, that will operate the Biometrics business moving forward. For the three months ended May 31, 2024, the Company accounted for its investment in BioCenturion as an equity method investment within our Biometrics segment (see Note 12 in the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission).

Net sales in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter ended May 31, 2024, were $91.7 million as compared to $111.9 million in the Fiscal 2024 first quarter ended May 31, 2023, a decrease of $20.3 million or 18.1%.

Automotive Electronics segment net sales in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter were $27.7 million as compared to $38.4 million in the comparable year-ago period, a decrease of $10.7 million or 27.9%. For the same comparable periods, OEM product sales were $12.8 million as compared to $20.3 million, primarily due to a decline in sales of OEM rear seat entertainment (“RSE”) products, partially offset by an increase in sales of OEM remote start products. RSE sales were lower for the comparable periods primarily due to temporary halts in customer programs and volume reductions, as well as the termination of a customer program that was in place in the prior year. Aftermarket product sales were $14.8 million as compared to $18.1 million due primarily to lower aftermarket security, rear seat entertainment, and satellite radio products, among others.Consumer Electronics segment net sales in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter were $63.9 million as compared to $73.3 million in the comparable year-ago period, a decrease of $9.4 million or 12.8%. For the same comparable periods, premium audio product sales were $48.4 million as compared to $47.6 million, driven by higher sales domestically and driven by the successful launch of new products during the current Fiscal year period. This growth was partially offset by lower sales of premium audio products in Europe and Asia. Other consumer electronics (“CE”) product sales were $15.5 million as compared to $25.7 million, primarily related to lower sales of domestic wireless accessory speakers as a large customer program did not repeat, as well as lower sales of the Company’s balcony solar power products.

The gross margin in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter was 27.7% as compared to 24.6% in the Fiscal 2024 first quarter, an improvement of 310 basis points as margins improved across all business segments. When comparing the Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024 first quarters, the Company reported:

Automotive Electronics segment gross margin of 23.2% as compared to 21.0%, an increase of 220 basis points with the year-over-year improvement primarily driven by the Company’s OEM manufacturing transition from Florida to Mexico, as well as improvements related to product mix.Consumer Electronics segment gross margin of 29.6% as compared to 25.5%, an increase of 410 basis points. The year-over-year improvement was primarily driven by the launch of new products both domestically and internationally and fewer close-out promotion sales, with other offsetting factors.

Total operating expenses in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter were $32.5 million as compared to $39.0 million in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period, a decline of $6.5 million or 16.6%. The year-over-year improvement was driven primarily by restructuring programs and other initiatives designed to lower costs and working capital needs. When comparing the Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024 first quarters, the Company reported:

Selling expenses of $9.6 million as compared to $11.2 million. The year-over-year improvement of $1.6 million or 14.1% was primarily driven by lower website and trade show expenses, as well as lower headcount related expenses.General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses of $16.5 million as compared to $19.4 million. The year-over-year improvement of $3.0 million or 15.3% was primarily driven by lower headcount related expenses, and a decline in legal, professional and third-party service fees, among other factors.Engineering and technical support expenses of $6.2 million as compared to $8.3 million. The year-over-year improvement of $2.1 million or 25.1% was primarily due to a decline in labor expense due to lower headcount, as well as lower research and development expenses.The Company incurred approximately $0.2 million of restructuring costs as compared to $0.1 million, with costs in both periods related to the relocation of certain OEM production operations to Mexico.

The Company reported an operating loss of $7.1 million in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter as compared to an operating loss of $11.4 million in the comparable year-ago period.

Total other expense, net, in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter increased by $2.0 million over the comparable Fiscal 2024 period. Interest and bank charges increased by $0.6 million principally due to higher borrowings on the Company’s Domestic Credit Facility, as well as an increase in interest rates, and equity in income of equity investees declined by $1.3 million, principally due to lower net income at ASA as well as due to losses incurred by BioCenturion, which was not present in the prior year period. Additionally, the Company incurred a loss of $0.4 million related to the contribution of assets to the BioCenturion joint venture, representing the difference between the book value of the assets contributed and their fair values on March 1, 2024. Lastly, other net increased by $0.8 million, primarily as a result of losses in foreign currency.

Net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter was $9.3 million as compared to a net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $10.7 million in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period. The Company reported a basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $0.40 in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter as compared to a basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $0.45, in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period.

The Company reported an Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) loss in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter of $5.2 million as compared to an EBITDA loss in the comparable Fiscal 2024 first quarter of $7.6 million. Adjusted EBITDA in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter was a loss of $2.9 million as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $4.9 million in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period.

Balance Sheet Update
As of May 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $4.2 million as compared to $11.0 million as of February 29, 2024. Total debt as of May 31, 2024 was $68.6 million as compared to $73.3 million as of February 29, 2024. The decline in total debt is primarily related to a $4.4 million reduction in outstanding debt on the Company’s Domestic Credit Facility as well as lower debt associated with the Company’s Florida mortgage and shareholder loan payable to Sharp Corporation. Total long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs as of May 31, 2024 was $63.7 million as compared to $71.9 million as of February 29, 2024, an improvement of $8.2 million.

Conference Call Information
The Company will be hosting its conference call and webcast on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

To attend the webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/kzsk98zvTo access by phone: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI7eae05a5e3b74b5b8b78a3235500c167

Participants are requested to register a day in advance or at a minimum 15 minutes before the start of the call. Those wishing to ask questions following management’s remarks should use the dial-in numbers provided.

A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the call and archived under “Events and Presentations” in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://investors.voxxintl.com/events-and-presentations

Non-GAAP Measures
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not financial measures recognized by GAAP. EBITDA represents net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries, computed in accordance with GAAP, before interest expense and bank charges, taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, gains on the sale of certain assets, loss on contribution of assets to a joint venture, foreign currency losses, restructuring expenses, certain non-routine legal fees, and awards. Depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, loss on contribution of assets to a joint venture, and foreign currency losses are non-cash items.

We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in this release because we consider them to be useful and appropriate supplemental measures of our performance. Adjusted EBITDA helps us to evaluate our performance without the effects of certain GAAP calculations that may not have a direct cash impact on our current operating performance. In addition, the exclusion of certain costs or gains relating to certain events allows for a more meaningful comparison of our results from period-to-period. These non-GAAP measures, as we define them, are not necessarily comparable to similarly entitled measures of other companies and may not be an appropriate measure for performance relative to other companies. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be assessed in isolation from, are not intended to represent, and should not be considered to be more meaningful measures than, or alternatives to, measures of operating performance as determined in accordance with GAAP.

About VOXX International Corporation
VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX) has grown into a worldwide leader in the Automotive Electronics and Consumer Electronics industries. Over the past several decades, with a portfolio of approximately 35 trusted brands, VOXX has built market-leading positions in in-vehicle entertainment, automotive security, reception products, a number of premium audio market segments, and more. VOXX is a global company, with an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, mass merchandisers, 12-volt specialists and many of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. For additional information, please visit our website at www.voxxintl.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
Except for historical information contained herein, statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements and thus may involve certain risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements made in this release are based on currently available information and the Company assumes no responsibility to update any such forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, may cause actual results to differ materially from the results suggested in the forward-looking statements. The factors include, but are not limited to the risk factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, and other filings made by the Company from time to time with the SEC, as such descriptions may be updated or amended in any future reports we file with the SEC. The factors described in such SEC filings include, without limitation: impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply shortages and logistics costs and delays; global economic trends; cybersecurity risks; risks that may result from changes in the Company’s business operations; operational execution by our businesses; changes in law, regulation or policy that may affect our businesses; our ability to increase margins through implementation of operational improvements, restructuring and other cost reduction methods; our ability to keep pace with technological advances; significant competition in the automotive electronics, consumer electronics and biometrics businesses; our relationships with key suppliers and customers; quality and consumer acceptance of newly introduced products; market volatility; non-availability of product; excess inventory; price and product competition; new product introductions; foreign currency fluctuations; and restrictive debt covenants. Many of the foregoing risks and uncertainties are, and will be, exacerbated by the War in the Ukraine and any worsening of the global business and economic environment as a result. 

Investor Relations Contact:                                                        
Glenn Wiener, GW Communications (for VOXX)                              
Email: gwiener@GWCco.com

 

VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

May 31,
2024

February 29,
2024

(unaudited)

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

4,160

$

10,986

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,758 and $3,041 at May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024, respectively

64,787

71,066

Inventory

116,230

128,471

Receivables from vendors

1,190

1,192

Due from GalvanEyes LLC, current

1,238

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

16,759

20,820

Income tax receivable

4,273

2,095

Total current assets

207,399

235,868

Investment securities

761

828

Equity investments

23,762

21,380

Property, plant and equipment, net

44,420

45,070

Operating lease, right of use assets

3,053

2,577

Goodwill

63,283

63,931

Intangible assets, net

65,265

68,766

Due from GalvanEyes LLC, less current portion

1,340

Deferred income tax assets

1,461

1,452

Other assets

2,798

2,794

Total assets

$

412,202

$

444,006

Liabilities, Redeemable Equity, Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest, and Stockholders’ Equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

25,895

$

35,076

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

36,601

38,238

Income taxes payable

834

1,123

Accrued sales incentives

15,160

18,236

Contract liabilities, current

3,574

3,810

Current portion of long-term debt

4,162

500

Total current liabilities

86,226

96,983

Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

63,684

71,881

Finance lease liabilities, less current portion

559

644

Operating lease liabilities, less current portion

2,127

1,884

Deferred compensation

761

828

Deferred income tax liabilities

2,604

2,690

Other tax liabilities

706

809

Prepaid ownership interest in EyeLock LLC due to GalvanEyes LLC

9,817

Other long-term liabilities

2,147

2,170

Total liabilities

158,814

187,706

Commitments and contingencies

Redeemable equity: Class A, $.01 par value; 577,581 shares at both May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024 (Note 8)

4,110

4,110

Redeemable non-controlling interest

(3,158)

(3,203)

Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock:

No shares issued or outstanding

Common stock:

Class A, $.01 par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized, 23,990,603 and 23,985,603 shares issued and 19,639,420 and 19,698,562 shares outstanding at May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024, respectively

240

240

Class B Convertible, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 2,260,954 shares issued and outstanding at both May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024

22

22

Paid-in capital

296,044

293,272

Retained earnings

49,003

58,272

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(16,784)

(17,366)

Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 4,351,183 and 4,287,041 shares of Class A Common Stock at May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024, respectively

(39,821)

(39,573)

Total VOXX International Corporation stockholders’ equity

288,704

294,867

Non-controlling interest

(36,268)

(39,474)

Total stockholders’ equity

252,436

255,393

Total liabilities, redeemable equity, redeemable non-controlling interest, and stockholders’ equity

$

412,202

$

444,006

 

VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Three months ended
May 31,

2024

2023

Net sales

$

91,661

$

111,926

Cost of sales

66,252

84,346

Gross profit

25,409

27,580

Operating expenses:

Selling

9,590

11,166

General and administrative

16,457

19,427

Engineering and technical support

6,244

8,337

Restructuring expenses

231

59

Total operating expenses

32,522

38,989

Operating loss

(7,113)

(11,409)

Other (expense) income:

Interest and bank charges

(2,138)

(1,546)

Equity in income of equity investees

351

1,616

Final arbitration award

(986)

Other, net

(1,871)

(701)

Total other expense, net

(3,658)

(1,617)

Loss before income taxes

(10,771)

(13,026)

Income tax benefit

(594)

(1,321)

Net loss

(10,177)

(11,705)

Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest

(908)

(967)

Net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries

$

(9,269)

$

(10,738)

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustments

595

238

Derivatives designated for hedging

(13)

(60)

Pension plan adjustments

(1)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

582

177

Comprehensive loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries

$

(8,687)

$

(10,561)

Loss per share – basic: Attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries

$

(0.40)

$

(0.45)

Loss per share – diluted: Attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries

$

(0.40)

$

(0.45)

Weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic)

23,139,876

23,795,718

Weighted-average common shares outstanding (diluted)

23,139,876

23,795,718

 

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss Attributable to 

VOXX International Corporation to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

Three months ended
May 31,

2024

2023

Net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries

$

(9,269)

$

(10,738)

Adjustments:

Interest expense and bank charges (1)

1,923

1,346

Depreciation and amortization (1)

2,728

3,101

Income tax benefit

(594)

(1,321)

EBITDA

(5,212)

(7,612)

Stock-based compensation

146

258

Gain on sale of tradename

(450)

Loss on contribution of assets to joint venture (1)

252

Foreign currency losses (1)

1,849

962

Restructuring expenses

231

59

Non-routine legal fees

(123)

853

Final arbitration award

986

Adjusted EBITDA

$

(2,857)

$

(4,944)

(1)

For purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA for the Company, interest expense and bank charges, depreciation and amortization, losses on the contribution of assets to a joint venture, as well as foreign currency losses have been adjusted in order to exclude the non-controlling interest portion of these expenses attributable to EyeLock LLC and Onkyo Technology KK, as appropriate.

 

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SOURCE VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ:VOXX)

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The AmeriFlex Group® Celebrates Record-Breaking Year Supporting 53 Advisor Transitions and Bringing more than $3.4 Billion in Total Client Assets to the Firm

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Award-Winning Hybrid RIA is Home to 206 Total Advisors in 29 States, Representing More than $14.6 Billion in Total Client Assets

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The AmeriFlex Group®, a rapidly growing, advisor-owned hybrid RIA that puts financial planning first, today celebrated the completion of a record-breaking year in which it welcomed 53 advisors and increased its total client assets by more than $3.4 billion. The AmeriFlex Group® ended the year with 206 total advisors in 29 states, with approximately $14.6 billion in assets under administration (AUA), an increase of 35% year over year.

The AmeriFlex Group® Founder and CEO, Thomas Goodson, said, “We have seen a significant increase in demand for stability during transition periods. From growing their practice to transitioning out of the business, our innovative programs provide advisors with the solutions they need to reach their goals, regardless of the stage of their career.”

Innovative Programming Driving Growth
The AmeriFlex Group® has long developed forward-thinking approaches and programs to address issues facing advisors.

The firm’s award-winning SuccessionFlex® program allows advisors to authorize a succession and continuity agreement with the firm that includes an option to sell 30% to 40% of their current revenue stream to The AmeriFlex Group® with no minority ownership discount.The AmeriFlex Premier+ platform — a proprietary, high-tech financial planning solution that equips advisors to deliver an elevated service experience and helps clients envision the outcome of their planning goals, leading to more informed financial decisions — opened to affiliated advisors. The AmeriFlex Group® partner advisors can collaborate with the AmeriFlex Premier+ team to create more share of wallet.The AmeriFlex Group® acquired The W Source™ in the spring, bringing in-house this unique professional platform facilitating women-to-women networking opportunities across industries on a local and national level. The strategic acquisition positions the firm to reach its ambitious goal of parity between men and women partners.

The Advisor Transition Network
In 2024, the AmeriFlex Group® launched the Advisor Transition Network (ATN), a national platform designed to connect qualified buyers and sellers of financial advisory practices. The network provides a confidential marketplace where financial advisors can transition their businesses. ATN has established a growing network of prepared buyers representing over 200 qualified advisors.

“By launching the Advisor Transition Network, we have delivered something so many advisors need – a straightforward way to sell their business to a qualified buyer,” Goodson added. “With more than 200 individuals and offices nationwide, supported by the experienced succession specialists at The AmeriFlex Group ®, advisors preparing to depart the industry may not have ever had a better option to transition toward retirement so seamlessly.”

For advisors considering initiating a succession plan within the next five years, The AmeriFlex Group® provides a one-stop-shop to build and execute a plan with the support of an award-winning succession team.

Jesse Kurrasch, The AmeriFlex Group® COO, noted, “Over the past several years, we have delivered customized succession plans that maximize the value of an advisor’s life work.”

Continued Growth Earns Industry Awards
The AmeriFlex Group® was named a finalist in the 2024 Wealth Management Industry Awards category for its succession program. Investment News identified the firm as the fastest-growing RIA in 2024, and Goodson was named the Executive of the Year by the ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES program.

About The AmeriFlex Group:
The AmeriFlex Group® is recognized as The Home for Hybrids® (www.HomeForHybrids.com) – BD/RIA Transitional Wealth Planners™ (financial advisors). The RIA is owned-and-operated by its advisor members and partners. Securities offered through Osaic, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through The AmeriFlex® Group®, an Independent Registered Investment Advisor. Osaic is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic. Insurance is offered independent of Osaic. 8475 W Sunset Road, Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89113.

Media Contact:
Haven Tower Group
Donald C. Cutler
424.317.4864
dcutler@haventower.com 

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SOURCE The AmeriFlex Group

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Aperture Announces Strategic Majority Investment from Genstar Capital

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Investment to accelerate growth for national forensic expert services platform through expansion across service offerings and geographies

ARLINGTON, Texas, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aperture, LLC (“Aperture” or the “Company”), a national platform of best-in-class forensic experts, today announced a strategic majority investment from Genstar Capital (“Genstar”), a leading private equity firm focused on investments in targeted segments of the financial services, software, healthcare, and industrials industries.

Aperture is a full-service provider of forensic expert witness services, providing accident reconstruction, premises liability, biomechanical and human factor analysis, construction disputes, and commercial litigation services. Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, the Company services over 11,000 cases annually across its client base that includes law firms, insurance carriers, and corporations. Aperture’s strategic focus on delivering unbiased expertise and fostering deep customer relationships has driven its strong growth, leading to exceptional client retention and customer satisfaction.

The Company has expanded over the past five years through nine acquisitions, diversifying its service lines, geographic reach, and customer base while building world-class operations, facilities, and technology intended to enable experts to better serve customers. Today, Aperture serves over 2,500 clients with 15 offices across the US.

Robert E. Joyce, Jr., CEO and President of Aperture, said, “Aperture is known for the world class expertise of our employees and our client-first approach. We are proud to have built Aperture into both an employer of choice and partner of choice in the industry, enabling professionals to better serve customers and build meaningful careers. Our partnership with Genstar is a testament to the platform we have built and positions us to accelerate our growth strategy, expand our service offerings, and continue delivering tremendous value to our clients.”

Matt McCabe, Director at Genstar, said, “We’ve been following Aperture’s transformation for several years and are proud to partner with Rob and the entire management team as they continue to scale and drive value for their clients. Aperture is well-positioned to achieve outsized growth, and we are excited to invest further in developing new and expanding existing markets, both organically and through M&A.”

Ropes & Gray LLP provided legal counsel and William Blair & Company LLC served as financial advisor to Genstar.

About Aperture

Aperture is a full-service provider of forensic expertise and litigation dispute support services in the areas of accident reconstruction, biomechanical engineering, construction, economic damages, human factors, intellectual property, premises liability, and workplace safety. Aperture’s headquarters is in Arlington, Texas, with additional locations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.aperturellc.com.

About Genstar Capital

Genstar Capital (www.gencap.com) is a leading private equity firm that has been actively investing in high-quality companies for over 30 years. Based in San Francisco, Genstar works in partnership with its management teams and its network of strategic advisors to transform its portfolio companies into industry-leading businesses. Genstar currently has approximately $49 billion of assets under management and targets investments focused on targeted segments of the financial services, software, healthcare, and industrials industries.

Media Contacts:

For Aperture
Chad Smith
VP of Marketing and Business Development
chad.smith@aperturellc.com

For Genstar Capital
FGS Global
GenstarCapital@fgsglobal.com

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SOURCE Genstar Capital

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Poshmark Announces Partnership with Loop to Transform Missed Returns into Resale Opportunities

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The leading fashion resale marketplace empowers consumers to turn non-returnable items into cash, doubling down on commitment to sustainability amid stricter return policies

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. and COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Poshmark, a leading fashion resale marketplace powered by a vibrant community, together with Loop, the leading commerce operations platform for Shopify brands, today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership that addresses a common consumer pain point — missing a return window or attempting to return a final sale item — by offering a sustainable and financially rewarding alternative to recoup expenses. Available to the millions of U.S. shoppers across Loop’s network of merchants, this partnership creates a path for consumers to quickly and easily resell non-returnable items on Poshmark, transforming a negative returns experience into a positive one while in turn creating new revenue streams for the merchants. This innovative resale integration is a first for Loop’s merchants, marking a significant step forward in the fashion industry’s efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Retailers are grappling with the rising costs and environmental impact of returns, where many have tightened their return policies to mitigate these costs. During the holiday shopping period from November 1 – December 24, online spending grew 6.7% (Mastercard), and the total value of returns between December 26-30 increased 8% year-over-year (Loop). What’s more, during those five days alone, there was over $67.6 million of merchandise returned to Loop brands, and listings on Poshmark with “missed return” in the description grew nearly 50%. This surge in activity has amplified the challenges both retailers and consumers face, but has also presented a unique opportunity for innovation to minimize frustration and unnecessary waste.

“At Poshmark, we believe shopping and selling should be simple, social, and sustainable,” said Steven Tristan Young, Chief Marketing Officer at Poshmark. “After observing an increase in Poshmark listings mentioning missing the return window, we saw an opportunity to create a sustainable solution. Partnering with a market-leader like Loop allows us to offer resale as an alternative, creating a more convenient experience for both buyers and sellers, putting money back in their wallets, and keeping more items in circulation.”

This partnership is another example of how Poshmark is simplifying the resale experience by pioneering new tools to help its community succeed, and comes on the heels of its sellers collectively earning over $8 billion on the platform to date. What’s more, this partnership unlocks additional desirable inventory for Poshmark’s community to shop from Loop merchants, including Rothy’s, one of the most beloved brands on Poshmark.

“In partnership with Loop and Poshmark, we are redefining sustainable shopping,” said Dayna Quanbeck, President at Rothy’s. “Washable and remarkably durable, Rothy’s products are designed to stay in the loop as long as possible. Now with our Poshmark x Loop integration, we’re taking a step toward a truly circular fashion economy. By transforming non-returnable items into resale opportunities with just one click, we’re empowering our customers to reduce waste and extend the life of their Rothy’s. We’re proud to be at the forefront of offering practical, sustainable solutions for today’s shoppers.”

Loop’s U.S. merchants interested in enabling this experience for their consumers can do so with a simple click of a button in their Loop account. Once enabled, consumers who are initiating a return through their returns portal will see a “Resell on Poshmark” button next to any items that are not eligible for return. One click produces a complete, pre-filled listing on Poshmark with item details — a strong improvement from the previous experience, where the customer simply faced a dead-end.

“Loop’s collaboration with Poshmark exemplifies the future of returns, where ease of use meets sustainability,” said Hannah Bravo, CEO of Loop. “Together, we’re helping brands and consumers embrace resale as a simple, single-click experience, supporting a thriving circular economy while driving meaningful engagement and value for all.”

About Poshmark
Poshmark is a leading fashion resale marketplace powered by a vibrant, highly engaged community of buyers and sellers and real-time social experiences. Designed to make online selling fun, more social and easier than ever, Poshmark empowers its sellers to turn their closet into a thriving business and share their style with the world. Since its founding in 2011, Poshmark has grown its community to over 130 million users and generated over $10 billion in GMV, helping sellers realize billions in earnings, delighting buyers with deals and one-of-a-kind items, and building a more sustainable future for fashion. For more information, please visit www.poshmark.com, and for company news, visit newsroom.poshmark.com.

About Loop
Loop is the leading commerce operations platform optimizing returns, exchanges, and reverse logistics at scale for more than 4,000 of the world’s most-loved Shopify brands. Through innovative solutions like Workflows, Instant Exchanges, Shop Now, Bonus Credit, and Offset, Loop helps global brands unlock cost savings, increase customer lifetime value, and retain more revenue. Its enterprise-level service delivery and breadth of integration partners make Loop the most agile and resilient returns solution for any retail brand. Loop has processed over 55 million returns and counting and has helped merchants retain more than $2 billion in revenue over the past five years. Learn more at www.loopreturns.com.

Media Contacts
Poshmark: pr@poshmark.com
Loop: loop@walkersands.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/poshmark-announces-partnership-with-loop-to-transform-missed-returns-into-resale-opportunities-302344744.html

SOURCE Poshmark, Inc.

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