Stock market today: Wall Street rises with Nvidia as bitcoin bursts above $99,000MUNICH: A second-half Harry Kane hat-trick took Bayern Munich to a 3-0 home win over Augsburg on Friday, sending them eight clear atop the table ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern, still yet to lose in the league in 2024-25, were dominant throughout but kept at bay by some dogged defending from their Bavarian neighbors. With 61 minutes gone, the ball connected with Augsburg’s Mads Pedersen’s outstretched arm in the box, bringing the England captain to the spot after a VAR review. Kane cooly converted to give Bayern the lead. In stoppage time, Kane went down in the box after contact from Keven Schlotterbeck and Bayern were again awarded a penalty after a VAR review, which the 31-year-old converted. Schlotterbeck was sent from the field after picking up a second yellow for his challenge. Kane then added a third, this time controlling a cross and heading in, his seventh hat-trick since joining Bayern. “We knew it would be difficult to break them down. We knew we had to be patient,” Kane told DAZN. “At halftime that’s what we said, ‘we just have to keep doing what we’re doing’. Thankfully we got the penalty to open the game up and then did well to kill the game off.” The England captain now has 14 goals in 11 league games for Bayern this season, five of which have come from the spot. “I work on them a lot. They’re a big part of the game. They helped us again today. Of course I’ve missed many at training, but that’s the time to miss them,” Kane laughed. Neuer boost Leipzig can cut the gap back to five when they play at struggling Hoffenheim on Saturday, while defending champions Bayer Leverkusen host Heidenheim. The German giants received a boost pre-match, with captain and veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer cleared to start after missing training with a rib issue. Bayern were in control of possession and field position but could not break through. Augsburg offered little in attack but defended stoutly, holding Bayern’s glittering attacking riches at bay. Augsburg goalie Nediljko Labrovic held firm to snuff out first-half chances from Jamal Musiaia and Leon Goretzka. The Bavarian giants, still smarting after going trophyless for the first time in 11 seasons last campaign, eventually broke through with half an hour remaining, breaking Augsburg’s resolve. Riding high in the league, Bayern have struggled in the Champions League format, sitting 17th after four games — six behind leaders Liverpool. Tuesday’s home match with PSG, who are even further down the Champions League table, could be crucial for the German side in their top-eight bid to avoid the extra playoff round. Kane backed his team to get through a tough phase, which includes a trip to Borussia Dortmund and a home German Cup clash with holders Bayer Leverkusen. “Big week ahead of us but the team is feeling good, we just have to keep going with this momentum,” added Kane. — AFP
B.C. premier says feds and provinces plan right-left approach to Trump's tariff plans (BC)AROUND 13,000 people descended on London last week in protest at the UK Government’s inheritance tax plans. There has been widespread condemnation in the agricultural industry to Chancellor, Rachel Reeves' announcement in the budget that farms worth more than £1 million will face an inheritance tax rate of 20 per cent. Both NFU Cymru and FUW have said the plan would have ‘disastrous consequences’ on family farms. Farmers from across Wales headed east to make their voices heard and to protest the plans. There was also a protest staged in Llandudno during the Labour conference, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he defended the budget for taking "tough decisions that were necessary to stabilise our economy". Mr Starmer did not speak with the protestors in north Wales, with prominent campaigner, Gareth Wyn-Jones accusing the PM of ‘running out the back door like a flipping rat’. NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “For decades APR and BPR have underpinned viable working farming businesses, of all shapes and sizes. NFU Cymru’s fear is that this week’s changes, if they go ahead as planned, will cause lasting damage to Welsh farming, leading to the break-up of family farms – farms that contribute to the nation’s food security, our rural communities, the economy and of course the Welsh language.” This was the second mass protest staged by Welsh farmers this year following mass gatherings in Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Welshpool earlier this year over the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme. Local politicians have given their support to farmers. Ben Lake MP for Ceredigion Preseli said: “Labour Governments at both ends of the M4 are continuing to overlook the realities of family farming and its vital role in sustaining our rural communities. “The implications of the UK Government’s Budget pose a serious threat to the future of the family farm model, and if policymakers are truly committed to addressing food security, they must urgently rethink these harmful measures.” Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts echoed these sentiments and accused Labour of overlooking the struggles of Welsh farmers at the protest. Mrs Saville Roberts said: “Welsh farmers are fed up. Labour in both Westminster and Cardiff Bay continue to overlook the struggles of family farms, treating them as an afterthought. “The recent fiasco over Agricultural Property Relief (APR) is a perfect example – no consultation, no understanding, just decisions made with a broad brush from a distance. “It isn’t just APR. Labour’s plan to direct Welsh agricultural funding through the Barnett formula rather than through a ring-fenced addition could slash farm funding by 40 per cent. “These policies reflect a stereotype in Labour’s imagination of farmers as mega-wealthy landowners who buy up land to avoid paying inheritance tax. When it comes to Wales, that isn’t just wrong – it’s insulting. “Most upland farmers in Wales barely scrape by on £18,600 a year, far below the average salary, while working far beyond the typical 40-hour week. “The chancellor’s error was not to increase taxes on wealthy landowners who use farmland to dodge taxes – most people wouldn’t have a problem with that. “Her mistake was failing to distinguish between these individuals and real, hardworking family farms. This failure has resulted in the fiasco where government departments contradict each other on how many farms will be affected. “Farmers deserve governments that see Welsh farmers for what they are: hardworking, underappreciated, and essential to our rural communities. “Plaid Cymru will always appreciate the importance of family farms for our rural economy, for food security, and for Wales’ future.” NFU’s UK President Tom Bradwshaw, said: “You don’t need me to tell you farmers and growers have put up with a hell of a lot, but it takes something extraordinary to get us to react like this and this betrayal on APR and BPR is extraordinary, and it affects farmers from every corner of Britain, many of whom are joining us today. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the industry this angry, this disillusioned and this upset. And given what we’ve had to be angry about in recent times that’s saying something. “Together, our focus today with MPs is on Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief – this shocking policy built on bad data and launched with no consultation with anybody that understands. Not even Defra. “Let us remember that they promised, nearly a year ago, they wouldn’t be changing Agricultural Property Relief. “It’s not only been bungled in delivery, it’s also nothing short of a stab in the back. “But we also know that it’s not just about APR and BPR, but that is the straw which broke the camel’s back. “After years of changing policy and 18 months of some of the worst weather on record, the Budget has been a kick in the teeth. “It is full of let-downs for our vital sector; accelerated BPS reductions, double cab pick-up taxes, new taxes on fertilisers.” FUW is also concerned over what last month’s budget could mean for agricultural funding in Wales. As part of her Budget, Chancellor, Rachel Reeves redefined agricultural funding for the devolved nations using the Barnett formula, rather than maintaining a separate, ring-faced allocation as has historically been the case. Previously, EU funding for UK agriculture was allocated across the UK nations under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) formula, based on rural and farming criteria such as the size, number and nature of farms. This resulted in 9.4% of the total UK agriculture budget coming to Wales when we were members of the EU. However, the FUW has warned the UK Treasury’s decision to ‘Barnettise’ the block grant for each devolved nation, a calculation based on population rather than farm and rural characteristics, could see Wales’ proportion of total UK agricultural funding fall drastically. Writing to the Secretary of State for Wales, FUW President, Ian Rickman, has sought urgent clarity from the UK Government on the funding reform - citing a worse case scenario ‘Barnettisation’ of agricultural funding that could see Wales’ proportion of total UK agricultural funding fall from 9.4% to around 5% - equal to a cut of around 40% in funding. A special event was held in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday, 20 November, to highlight to members of the Senedd the value of farming and the wider supply chain to the prosperity of Wales. The ‘Securing our food and rural economy’ event brought together farmers and stakeholders to showcase the synergy between Welsh farming business and firms across the supply chain. MSs in attendance at the ‘Securing our food and rural economy’ event, kindly sponsored by Llyr Gruffydd MS, were shown a video where contributors each explained the role their business plays in the Welsh supply chain success story. Those featured included Swans Farm Shop, Mold; Welsh potato, vegetable and bottled milk suppliers Puffin Produce, Pembrokeshire; the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society; British Wool; food service wholesalers Castell Howell Foods; processors Dunbia; South Wales Farm Vets; and agricultural merchants and suppliers Wynnstay. Speaking after the event, NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “I am so pleased that we were able to bring together stakeholders and partners from across Wales at today’s event to really encapsulate the knowledge, skills and expertise that exists in our supply chain network. I feel it’s crucial that we show our MSs the importance of these interlinked business and the social-economic boost provided by the products and services they supply. “As Welsh farmers we are very much the foundation of this supply chain; the raw ingredients we produce and the work we do on farm is complemented and added to by others throughout the supply chain. Farmers spend around £1.5billion annually on products such as feed, fertiliser, veterinary services, farm machinery and contract work. We are incredibly proud to be a part of a Welsh food and drink industry that is worth £9.3 billion to the Welsh economy and employs almost a quarter of a million people. “As it stands, rural affairs receives around 2% of the Welsh Government budget, but the ripple effect of that funding supports not only food security, but also delivers for the economy, jobs, the environment, communities and culture. That is why we believe it is imperative that Welsh Government continues to support our industry and its multiplier effect. We are grateful that the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, has committed to maintaining the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) for 2025, we are clear that the BPS budget must be maintained at current levels (£238million) for 2025 to provide much needed stability to farmers and rural Wales. “Farming businesses also need Welsh Government to provide clarity on a long-term financial framework that provides financial support and stability. Such a commitment will enable Welsh farmers to have the confidence to continue investing in their businesses for the benefit of food, nature, climate and communities. “NFU Cymru is grateful to all MSs who joined us at the Pierhead for our ‘Securing our food and rural economy’ reception. All those who attended can be in no doubt that it is only right that we herald the extraordinary success of the Welsh supply chain and underline the compelling case to continue support these businesses and their ambitions.” In response to last week’s protest, the UK Government said: “There has been extensive discussion about the changes to Agricultural Property Relief, announced in the Budget on 30 October. “The government inherited a £22 billion hole in the public finances, and we had to make difficult decisions at the Budget to fund the public services that farmers and families in rural communities rely on. “The changes we made are balanced and proportionate and around 500 claims a year are expected to be affected. These figures are based on the latest available information from HMRC on actual claims for Agricultural Property Relief.” This claim that only 500 farms a year will be affected has been hotly disputed by the industry. Immediately after the Budget, First Minister Eluned Morgan told plenary in Cardiff Bay it was a "very very small" number and we asked for clarification. The Welsh Government referred us to the Treasury which admitted it does not have regional figures. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said however that the policy could affect 70,000 farms across the United Kingdom. In a joint statement issued, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said: “Farmers are the backbone of Britain, and we recognise the strength of feeling expressed by farming and rural communities in recent weeks. We are steadfast in our commitment to Britain’s farming industry because food security is national security. “It's why we are investing £5 billion into farming over the next two years – the largest amount ever directed towards sustainable food production, rural economic growth and nature’s recovery in our country’s history. “But with public services crumbling and a £22 billion fiscal hole that this Government inherited, we have taken difficult decisions. “The reforms to Agricultural Property Relief ensure that wealthier estates and the most valuable farms pay their fair share to invest in our schools and health services that farmers and families in rural communities rely on.” Looking ahead, in a column, the FUW says: “Whilst the changes to the inheritance tax continue to dominate the headlines at Westminster, much of the talk with Labour Senedd Members revolved around the revised Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). “We expect a statement from the Cabinet Secretary on the proposals next week at the Winter Fair. “Whilst the announcement of the revised scheme outline will merely mark the end of the beginning - it will provide an important insight into the expectations and support that will be put forward for farmers in Wales to produce quality, sustainable food alongside other environmental and public goods. “The FUW looks forward to engaging with its members once these plans are announced.”
Lord Elliott critical of Pat Finucane public inquiry while 'hundreds and thousands' of other victims are ignored
Caterpillar Invites World's Most-Skilled Operators to Forge Their Legacies through Third Global Operator ChallengeLocal stories on interest from 2024 included happy, sad and a host of emotions in between. Here are but a few: Election Year The year started out with caucuses in January, a primary in June, and the General Election in November. Keith Wieland was sworn in as a new Supervisor. The EMS Levy failed by less than 1 percent needed. The Supervisors have already discussed initial steps to try again. Food At one end of the spectrum the local food pantries were kept busy all year. On the other end, there was an abundance of breakfast, lunch, and supper fundraisers featuring fish, spaghetti, tenderloins, steaks, soups, pancakes, etc. Business Several new businesses started or expanded in Independence over the past year: - Steeple Studio (catering and yoga) - Gail Hunter Agency, LLC (affiliated with American Family Insurance) move. - Gedney Bakery - Hardware Hank changed to Cole’s Ace Hardware - And The Kitchen Sink - Independence Premium Foods (former Tyson facility) - Shih Tzu Knot Grooming - Hartig Drug moved across the river - Salt + Light Wellspa - Allerton Brewing Company (new owners) - Unleashed Pet Services - Merit Insurance - Ink & Steel - Premier Animal Wellness & Surgery (PAWS) (new facility) - Farm Bureau Financial Services — The Osborne Agency renovated and moved to the building across from the Post Office. - Odin’s Mark Tattoo and Emporium Celebrations Every weekend this past summer had a parade or celebration. Buchanan County Fair had pretty good weather – a bit of rain, but not beastly hot. Same for Winthrop Days in June. It was a beautiful night in Winthrop Park for fun and the Sawyer Brown concert. In the fall, the schools held homecoming parades and reunions. Candy was everywhere for Halloween events. December was full was holiday celebrations, including Jingle on Main in Independence, Brandon’s Christmas Festival, Winter Fest in Jesup, Santa in Lamont, and Christmas on Madison in Winthrop. Politics and Opinions The big issues on people’s minds this year included: - Wind turbines / WECS - Property rights - EMS levy - Transparency - Biden / Trump - Candidates for office at all levels of governmentGreene Jr. runs for 3 TDs, Matthews adds 134 yards and a score to lead Towson over Campbell 45-23
WEST JORDAN, Utah, Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings, Inc. (“Sportsman's Warehouse” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SPWH) today announced third quarter financial results for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024. “Despite a pressured consumer and complex macroeconomic environment, we focused our efforts on driving sales and achieved growth in our fishing, camping and gift bar categories during the quarter,” said Paul Stone, Sportsman’s Warehouse President and Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to make progress on our business reset initiatives with a focus on improved in-stocks, in-store and online customer experience and our Great Gear | Great Service program.” “To improve our holiday relevancy and drive traffic during the season, we introduced an omni-channel marketing campaign highlighting gear perfect for gifting or for treating yourself, primarily centered around value,” continued Stone. “This is a new approach to engaging our customers, which we coupled with an upgraded store experience creating a fully integrated customer experience. As we move through the balance of the holiday season and navigate a pressured consumer environment, we’ll continue to prioritize traffic-driving marketing and product pricing initiatives, exceptional customer service and prudent inventory management. Emphasizing the balance sheet and ending the year with positive free cash flow remain our primary objectives.” For the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2024: Net sales were $324.3 million, a decrease of 4.8%, compared to $340.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. The net sales decrease was primarily due to the continued impact of consumer inflationary pressures on discretionary spending, resulting in a decline in store traffic and lower demand across most product categories, particularly in ammunition, apparel and footwear. This decrease, however, was partially offset by year-over-year sales growth in our fishing, camping and optics and accessories departments. Same store sales decreased 5.7% during the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2023, primarily as a result of the impact of consumer inflationary pressures and recessionary concerns on discretionary spending. Gross profit was $103.1 million, or 31.8% of net sales, compared to $103.2 million or 30.3% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. This 150 basis-point increase, as a percentage of net sales, was primarily driven by improved product margins in our apparel and footwear departments, partially offset by increased freight and shrink. Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $100.0 million, or 30.8% of net sales, compared to $100.1 million, or 29.4% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. Net loss was $(0.4) million, compared to a net loss of $(1.3) million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. Adjusted net income was $1.4 million, compared to adjusted net loss of $(0.2) million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 (see “GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures”). Adjusted EBITDA was $16.4 million, compared to $16.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 (see "GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures"). Diluted loss per share was $(0.01), compared to diluted loss per share of $(0.04) in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.04, compared to adjusted diluted loss per share of $(0.01) for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 (see "GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures"). For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024: Net sales were $857.2 million, a decrease of 6.6%, compared to $917.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. This net sales decrease was primarily driven by lower demand across most product categories due to current consumer inflationary pressures on discretionary spending. This decrease was partially offset by same store sales growth in our fishing department and the opening of 1 new store since October 28, 2023. Stores that have been open for less than 12 months and were not included in our same store sales, contributed $30.8 million to net sales. Same store sales decreased 9.4% compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2023, primarily as a result of the same factors noted above that impacted net sales. Gross profit was $266.9 million or 31.1% of net sales, compared to $284.0 million or 31.0% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. This increase, as a percentage of net sales, was primarily due to higher overall product margins, versus last years apparel and footwear clearance events which put pressure on our gross margin, partially offset by increased shrink. SG&A expenses decreased to $288.7 million or 33.6% of net sales, compared with $301.5 million or 32.9% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. This absolute dollar decrease primarily related to our ongoing cost reduction efforts and decision to not open new stores during fiscal year 2024, partially offset by increases in rent and depreciation expenses. The increase as a percentage of net sales was largely due to lower net sales. Net loss was $(24.3) million, compared to net loss of $(20.3) million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. Adjusted net loss was $(21.7) million, compared to adjusted net loss of $(16.6) million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023 (see “GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures”). Adjusted EBITDA was $15.1 million, compared to $19.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023 (see "GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures"). Diluted loss per share was $(0.65), compared to diluted loss per share of $(0.54) in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. Adjusted diluted loss per share was $(0.58), compared to adjusted diluted loss per share of $(0.44) in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023 (see "GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures"). Balance sheet and capital allocation highlights as of November 2, 2024: The Company ended the third quarter with net debt of $151.3 million, comprised of $130.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility, $24.0 million of net borrowings outstanding under the Company’s term loan facility, and $2.7 million of cash and cash equivalents. Inventory at the end of the third quarter was $438.1 million. Total liquidity was $150.8 million as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, comprised of $148.1 million of availability under the Company’s revolving credit facility and term loan facility and $2.7 million of cash and cash equivalents. Company Outlook: “Given the current consumer environment and the shift towards value and promotion-driven shopping, we intensified our marketing and advertising campaigns to drive sales, which placed additional pressure on our margins this quarter,” said Jeff White, Chief Financial Officer of Sportsman’s Warehouse “To ensure strong core product in-stocks and to bring fresh offerings to our stores, we made strategic inventory investments aimed at improving sales during the hunting and holiday seasons. As we progress through the remainder of the year, we will remain disciplined in managing our expenses, and will reduce total inventory levels to generate positive free cash flow. Our mid and long-term objectives will be centered on improving our topline with a focus on margins and profitability.” The Company is adjusting its guidance for fiscal year 2024 and expects net sales to be in the range of $1.18 billion to $1.20 billion, adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $23 million to $29 million and total inventory to be below $350 million. The low end of the adjusted EBITDA range still assumes positive free cash flow for the full year. The Company now expects capital expenditures for 2024 to be in the range of $17 million to $20 million, primarily consisting of technology investments relating to merchandising and store productivity. No new store openings for the remainder of fiscal year 2024 are currently anticipated and we plan to open one new store in fiscal year 2025. The Company has not reconciled expected adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2024 to GAAP net income because the Company does not provide guidance for net (loss) income and is not able to provide a reconciliation to net (loss) income without unreasonable effort. The Company is not able to estimate net (loss) income on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable efforts due to the variability and complexity with respect to the charges excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, including stock-based compensation expense. Conference Call Information A conference call to discuss third quarter 2024 financial results is scheduled for December 10, 2024, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The conference call will be held via webcast and may be accessed via the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.sportsmans.com. Non-GAAP Financial Measures This press release includes the following financial measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”): adjusted net (loss) income, adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA. The Company defines adjusted net (loss) income as net (loss) income plus expenses incurred relating to director and officer transition costs, costs related to the implementation of our cost reduction plan, costs related to legal settlements and related fees and expenses, and fees and expenses related to a settlement in the cancellation of a contract related to our information technology systems. Net (loss) income is the most comparable GAAP financial measure to adjusted net (loss) income. The Company defines adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share as adjusted net (loss) income divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted (loss) earnings per share is the most comparable GAAP financial measure to adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net (loss) income plus interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, director and officer transition costs, costs related to the implementation of our cost reduction plan, a legal settlement and related fees and expenses, and fees and expenses related to a settlement in the cancellation of a contract related to our information technology systems. Net (loss) income is the most comparable GAAP financial measure to adjusted EBITDA. The Company has reconciled these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures under “GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this release. As noted above, the Company has not provided a reconciliation of fiscal year 2024 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA, in reliance on the unreasonable efforts exception provided under Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures not only provide its management with comparable financial data for internal financial analysis but also provide meaningful supplemental information to investors and are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in the Company’s industry. Specifically, these non-GAAP financial measures allow investors to better understand the performance of the Company’s business and facilitate a more meaningful comparison of its diluted (loss) earnings per share and actual results on a period-over-period basis. The Company has provided this information as a means to evaluate the results of its ongoing operations. Management uses this information as additional measurement tools for purposes of business decision-making, including evaluating store performance, developing budgets and managing expenditures. Other companies in the Company’s industry may calculate these items differently than the Company does. Each of these measures is not a measure of performance under GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. The Company’s management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures allow investors to evaluate the Company’s operating performance and compare its results of operations from period to period on a consistent basis by excluding items that management does not believe are indicative of the Company’s core operating performance. The presentation of such measures, which may include adjustments to exclude unusual or non-recurring items, should not be construed as an inference that the Company’s future results, cash flows or leverage will be unaffected by other unusual or non-recurring items. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our progress on our business reset initiatives; our prioritization of traffic-driving marketing and product pricing initiatives, exceptional customer service and prudent inventory management; our emphasis on the balance sheet and ending the year with positive free cash flow; our ability to manage expenses, reduce total inventory levels to generate positive free cash flow; and our guidance for net sales and Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2024. Investors can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “can have,” “could,” “due,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar terms and phrases. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business and the industry in which we operate and our management’s beliefs and assumptions. We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our own operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that predicting the impact of known factors is very difficult, and we cannot anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. The Company cannot assure investors that future developments affecting the Company will be those that it has anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to many factors including, but not limited to: current and future government regulations, in particular regulations relating to the sale of firearms and ammunition, which may impact the supply and demand for the Company’s products and ability to conduct its business; the Company’s retail-based business model which is impacted by general economic and market conditions and economic, market and financial uncertainties that may cause a decline in consumer spending; the Company’s concentration of stores in the Western United States which makes the Company susceptible to adverse conditions in this region, and could affect the Company’s sales and cause the Company’s operating results to suffer; the highly fragmented and competitive industry in which the Company operates and the potential for increased competition; changes in consumer demands, including regional preferences, which we may not be able to identify and respond to in a timely manner; the Company’s entrance into new markets or operations in existing markets, including the Company’s plans to open additional stores in future periods, which may not be successful; the Company’s implementation of a plan to reduce expenses in response to adverse macroeconomic conditions, including an increased focus on financial discipline and rigor throughout the Company’s organization; impact of general macroeconomic conditions, such as labor shortages, inflation, elevated interest rates, economic slowdowns, and recessions or market corrections; and other factors that are set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC, including under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on April 4, 2024, and the Company’s other public filings made with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this release speaks only as of the date on which the Company makes it. Factors or events that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws. About Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings, Inc. Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc. is an outdoor specialty retailer focused on meeting the needs of the seasoned outdoor veteran, the first-time participant, and everyone in between. We provide outstanding gear and exceptional service to inspire outdoor memories. For press releases and certain additional information about the Company, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.sportsmans.com. Investor Contact: Riley Timmer Vice President, Investor Relations Sportsman’s Warehouse (801) 304-2816 investors@sportsmans.comOnly one in 250 Britons is willing to pay average heat pump costGlobal Gen Z Views on Beijing: A Journey Through the City's Culture, Innovation, and Ecology
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Dallion Johnson scored 25 points and made seven 3-pointers to help FGCU defeat CSU Bakersfield 74-54 on Friday. Johnson went 9 of 14 from the field for the Eagles (1-4). Zavian McLean scored 12 points, going 4 of 9 from the floor, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, and 3 for 4 from the line. Jevin Muniz went 3 of 10 from the field (2 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with 10 points, while adding eight rebounds. Marvin McGhee led the Roadrunners (3-2) in scoring, finishing with 15 points. Fidelis Okereke added 10 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
NoneNORFOLK, Va. , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PRA Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRAA), a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, announced today that Adrian Butler has been elected as an independent director of the company, effective January 1, 2025 . Foot Locker Chief Technology Officer Adrian Butler has been elected to the PRA Group Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2025. In addition to serving on boards such as Potbelly Corporation and Grambling University Foundation, his alma mater, Butler is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including Los Angeles Business Journal's CIO of the Year, CIO Magazine's CIO 100, Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders, Board Prospects' 50 Military Veteran Board Members Making a Difference and the 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Dallas-Fort Worth . "We are thrilled to welcome Adrian to the Board," said Steve Fredrickson, PRA Group Board chairman. "Adrian is an experienced public company board member and business leader with demonstrated success driving technology innovations to transform large global organizations across multiple industries after serving as captain in the United States Air Force. His business and technology insights and expertise will be invaluable to the Board and management as we continue to advance our IT strategy and preparedness in support of initiatives that drive profitable growth." "I am honored to join the talented Board at PRA Group as a strategic business partner and contribute my experience to support its continued growth and success around the globe," said Butler. About PRA Group As a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, PRA Group, Inc. returns capital to banks and other creditors to help expand financial services for consumers in the Americas, Europe and Australia . With thousands of employees worldwide, PRA Group companies collaborate with customers to help them resolve their debt. For more information, please visit www.pragroup.com . News Media Contact: Elizabeth Kersey Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Policy (757) 641-0558 [email protected] Investor Contact: Najim Mostamand , CFA Vice President, Investor Relations (757) 431-7913 [email protected]