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OPENLANE, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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CARMEL, Ind., Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — OPENLANE, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), today reported its third quarter financial results for the period ended September 30, 2024.

“OPENLANE delivered strong third quarter results while advancing a differentiated pipeline of innovation and expanding our investments in people, technology and the customer experience,” said Peter Kelly, CEO of OPENLANE. “I’m particularly pleased with the performance of our marketplace business, which grew volumes, gross profit and adjusted EBITDA with positive contributions from our US, Canadian and European marketplaces.”

“OPENLANE extended its track record of strong financial and operational performance in the third quarter,” said Brad Lakhia, EVP and CFO of OPENLANE. “On a consolidated basis, we delivered revenue of $448 million driven by 6% volume growth, income from continuing operations of $28 million, adjusted EBITDA of $75 million, and year-to-date cash flow from operating activities of $260 million. Our marketplace segment also demonstrated continued resiliency and profitability, with significant adjusted EBITDA growth while increasing our Gross Merchandise Value by 12% to nearly $7 billion.”

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Total revenue of $448 million in Q3 2024, representing 8% YoY growthConsolidated income from continuing operations of $28 million, with Marketplace contributing $5 millionConsolidated adjusted EBITDA of $75 million in Q3 2024, representing 10% YoY growth$260 million of cash flow from operating activities on a year-to-date basisMarketplace revenue of $354 million in Q3 2024, representing 12% YoY growthMarketplace adjusted EBITDA of $36 million, representing 34% YoY growthMarketplace volumes increased 6% YoYGross Merchandise Value (GMV) of approximately $7 billion, representing 12% YoY growth

2024 Guidance

The company is updating its annual guidance to the following:

Annual

Guidance

Income from continuing operations (in millions)

$73 – $81

Adjusted EBITDA (in millions)

$285 – $295

Income from continuing operations per share – diluted *

$0.21 – $0.27

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted

$0.81 – $0.87

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

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

Share Repurchase Authorization
The board of directors authorized an increase in the size of the company’s share repurchase program by approximately $5 million and an extension of the share repurchase program through December 31, 2025. With the increase, and giving effect to the company’s previous repurchases, approximately $100 million remains available for repurchases under the share repurchase program.

Earnings Conference Call Information
OPENLANE will be hosting an earnings conference call and webcast on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The call will be hosted by OPENLANE Chief Executive Officer Peter Kelly and Chief Financial Officer Brad Lakhia. The conference call may be accessed by calling 1-833-634-2155 and asking to join the OPENLANE call. A live webcast will be available at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com. Supplemental financial information for OPENLANE’s third quarter 2024 results is available at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com.

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

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

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

OPENLANE, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(In millions) (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Operating revenues

Auction fees

$      113.2

$      102.1

$      331.8

$      305.3

Service revenue

148.1

153.9

445.4

475.2

Purchased vehicle sales

93.0

60.6

231.4

176.5

Finance-related revenue

94.1

99.7

287.9

296.8

Total operating revenues

448.4

416.3

1,296.5

1,253.8

Operating expenses

Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

252.0

216.0

711.8

662.8

Selling, general and administrative

99.4

107.4

314.1

326.6

Depreciation and amortization

23.8

26.4

72.2

76.2

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

—

—

—

250.8

Total operating expenses

375.2

349.8

1,098.1

1,316.4

Operating profit (loss)

73.2

66.5

198.4

(62.6)

Interest expense

35.3

39.4

112.4

116.5

Other (income) expense, net

(3.6)

1.7

(2.9)

(12.5)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

—

—

—

1.1

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

41.5

25.4

88.9

(167.7)

Income taxes

13.1

12.7

31.3

0.7

Income (loss) from continuing operations

28.4

12.7

57.6

(168.4)

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

—

—

—

—

Net income (loss)

$        28.4

$        12.7

$        57.6

$    (168.4)

Net income (loss) per share – basic

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$        0.12

$        0.01

$        0.17

$      (1.84)

Income from discontinued operations

—

—

—

—

Net income (loss) per share – basic

$        0.12

$        0.01

$        0.17

$      (1.84)

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$        0.12

$        0.01

$        0.17

$      (1.84)

Income from discontinued operations

—

—

—

—

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

$        0.12

$        0.01

$        0.17

$      (1.84)

 

OPENLANE, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In millions) (Unaudited)

September 30,

2024

December 31,

2023

Cash and cash equivalents

$                132.1

$                 93.5

Restricted cash

28.5

65.4

Trade receivables, net of allowances

300.0

291.8

Finance receivables, net of allowances

2,192.5

2,282.0

Other current assets

131.7

109.2

Total current assets

2,784.8

2,841.9

Goodwill

1,269.9

1,271.2

Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization

123.0

136.1

Operating lease right-of-use assets

70.6

75.9

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

159.6

169.8

Intangible and other assets

217.9

231.4

Total assets

$             4,625.8

$             4,726.3

Current liabilities, excluding obligations collateralized by

     finance receivables and current maturities of debt

$                788.7

$                692.3

Obligations collateralized by finance receivables

1,528.8

1,631.9

Current maturities of debt

267.8

154.6

Total current liabilities

2,585.3

2,478.8

Long-term debt

—

202.4

Operating lease liabilities

64.1

70.4

Other non-current liabilities

36.8

35.2

Temporary equity

612.5

612.5

Stockholders’ equity

1,327.1

1,327.0

Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity

$             4,625.8

$             4,726.3

 

OPENLANE, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In millions) (Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2024

2023

Operating activities

Net income (loss)

$         57.6

$     (168.4)

Net income from discontinued operations

—

—

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

     Depreciation and amortization

72.2

76.2

     Provision for credit losses

42.2

42.0

     Deferred income taxes

(0.1)

(26.8)

     Amortization of debt issuance costs

6.9

6.6

     Stock-based compensation

13.9

13.1

     Contingent consideration adjustment

—

1.3

     Net change in unrealized loss on investment securities

—

0.4

     Investment and note receivable impairment

—

11.0

     Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

—

250.8

     Loss on extinguishment of debt

—

1.1

     Other non-cash, net

(0.3)

0.8

     Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

     Trade receivables and other assets

(36.1)

(94.0)

     Accounts payable and accrued expenses

103.8

104.7

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

—

(2.6)

Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations

260.1

216.2

Net cash used by operating activities – discontinued operations

(1.4)

(0.1)

Investing activities

     Net decrease in finance receivables held for investment

50.4

1.3

     Purchases of property, equipment and computer software

(39.0)

(39.8)

     Investments in securities

(1.9)

(1.0)

 Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

0.9

0.3

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

10.4

(39.2)

Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations

—

7.0

Financing activities

     Net decrease in book overdrafts

(3.6)

(3.5)

     Net repayments of lines of credit

(86.4)

(106.4)

     Net (decrease) increase in obligations collateralized by finance receivables

(93.0)

13.2

     Payments for debt issuance costs/amendments

(14.7)

(5.4)

     Payment for early extinguishment of debt

—

(140.1)

     Payments on finance leases

(0.9)

(1.6)

     Payments of contingent consideration and deferred acquisition costs

—

(12.4)

     Issuance of common stock under stock plans

1.0

2.1

     Tax withholding payments for vested RSUs

(3.4)

(2.5)

     Repurchase and retirement of common stock

(30.0)

(22.2)

     Dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock

(33.3)

(33.3)

Net cash used by financing activities – continuing operations

(264.3)

(312.1)

Net cash provided by financing activities – discontinued operations

—

—

Net change in cash balances of discontinued operations

—

—

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

(3.1)

2.6

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

1.7

(125.6)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

158.9

277.7

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$       160.6

$       152.1

Cash paid for interest

$       105.8

$       106.5

Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds – continuing operations

$         34.7

$         28.3

Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds – discontinued operations

$         (0.5)

$            —

OPENLANE, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

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

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

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

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

Three Months Ended

September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

(In millions), (Unaudited)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$      28.4

$      12.7

$      57.6

$   (168.4)

Add back:

Income taxes

13.1

12.7

31.3

0.7

Interest expense, net of interest income

34.9

38.5

111.3

113.4

Depreciation and amortization

23.8

26.4

72.2

76.2

EBITDA

100.2

90.3

272.4

21.9

Non-cash stock-based compensation

4.1

4.5

14.8

13.8

Loss on extinguishment of debt

—

—

—

1.1

Acquisition related costs

—

0.5

0.5

1.1

Securitization interest

(27.9)

(31.6)

(87.0)

(89.0)

Severance

1.5

1.9

9.2

3.4

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

(3.2)

(1.2)

(0.7)

(0.8)

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

—

—

—

250.8

Contingent consideration adjustment

—

—

—

1.3

Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities

—

0.5

—

0.4

Professional fees related to business improvement efforts

—

1.7

1.5

4.5

Impact for newly enacted Canadian DST related to prior years

—

—

10.0

—

Other

(0.2)

0.9

—

1.7

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

(25.7)

(22.8)

(51.7)

188.3

Adjusted EBITDA

$      74.5

$      67.5

$     220.7

$     210.2

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2024

(Dollars in millions), (Unaudited)

Marketplace

Finance

Consolidated

Income from continuing operations

$             4.8

$           23.6

$           28.4

Add back:

Income taxes

5.0

8.1

13.1

Interest expense, net of interest income

4.2

30.7

34.9

Depreciation and amortization

20.6

3.2

23.8

EBITDA

34.6

65.6

100.2

Non-cash stock-based compensation

3.2

0.9

4.1

Securitization interest

—

(27.9)

(27.9)

Severance

1.4

0.1

1.5

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

(3.1)

(0.1)

(3.2)

Other

(0.3)

0.1

(0.2)

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

1.2

(26.9)

(25.7)

Adjusted EBITDA

$           35.8

$           38.7

$           74.5

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

(Dollars in millions), (Unaudited)

Marketplace

Finance

Consolidated

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$          (19.3)

$           32.0

$           12.7

Add back:

Income taxes

2.0

10.7

12.7

Interest expense, net of interest income

4.3

34.2

38.5

Depreciation and amortization

23.8

2.6

26.4

Intercompany interest

9.6

(9.6)

—

EBITDA

20.4

69.9

90.3

Non-cash stock-based compensation

3.5

1.0

4.5

Acquisition related costs

0.5

—

0.5

Securitization interest

—

(31.6)

(31.6)

Severance

1.7

0.2

1.9

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

(1.2)

—

(1.2)

Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities

—

0.5

0.5

Professional fees related to business improvement efforts

1.4

0.3

1.7

Other

0.5

0.4

0.9

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

6.4

(29.2)

(22.8)

Adjusted EBITDA

$           26.8

$           40.7

$           67.5

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

Three Months Ended

September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

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

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net income (loss) from continuing operations (1)

$      28.4

$      12.7

$      57.6

$   (168.4)

   Acquired amortization expense

9.0

11.1

27.4

28.3

   Impact for newly enacted Canadian DST related to prior years

—

—

10.0

—

   Loss on extinguishment of debt

—

—

—

1.1

   Contingent consideration adjustment

—

—

—

1.3

   Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

—

—

—

250.8

   Income taxes (2)

(0.4)

1.9

(2.9)

(32.3)

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations

$      37.0

$      25.7

$      92.1

$      80.8

Operating adjusted net income from discontinued operations

$          —

$          —

$          —

$          —

Operating adjusted net income

$      37.0

$      25.7

$      92.1

$      80.8

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted

$      0.26

$      0.18

$      0.64

$      0.56

Operating adjusted net income from discontinued operations per share – diluted

—

—

—

—

Operating adjusted net income per share – diluted

$      0.26

$      0.18

$      0.64

$      0.56

Weighted average diluted shares – including assumed conversion of preferred shares

144.8

145.6

145.0

145.1

(1)

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

(2)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, each tax deductible item was booked to the applicable statutory rate. The deferred tax benefits of $52.5 million and $6.5 million associated with the goodwill and tradename impairments in 2023, respectively, resulted in the U.S. being in a net deferred tax asset position. Due to the three-year cumulative loss related to U.S. operations, we currently have a $42.9 million valuation allowance against the U.S. net deferred tax asset.

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

2024 Guidance

(In millions), (Unaudited)

Low

High

Income from continuing operations

$                73

$                81

Add back:

Income taxes

40

45

Interest expense, net of interest income

144

142

Depreciation and amortization

99

97

EBITDA

356

365

  Total addbacks/(deductions), net

(71)

(70)

Adjusted EBITDA

$              285

$              295

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

2024 Guidance

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

Low

High

Income from continuing operations

$                73

$                81

   Total adjustments, net

44

44

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations

$              117

$              125

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted

$             0.81

$             0.87

Weighted average diluted shares – including assumed conversion of preferred shares

145

145

 

Analyst Inquiries:

Media Inquiries:

Itunu Orelaru 

Laurie Dippold  

(317) 249-4559 

(317) 468-3900

investor_relations@openlane.com

laurie.dippold@openlane.com 

 

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SOURCE OPENLANE, Inc.

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Monster Energy and Call of Duty® Take Over Cosm Los Angeles for Immersive Modern Warfare® 4 Launch Celebration

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Celebrities, athletes and creators came together for an action-packed night of gaming, immersive entertainment and exclusive experiences on Cosm’s massive Shared Reality Display. 

INGLEWOOD, Calif., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Monster Energy transformed Cosm Los Angeles into the ultimate gamer’s destination on Friday night as fans came together to celebrate the highly anticipated launch of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 4 at an immersive event fueled by Monster Energy.

Set against Cosm’s spectacular 87-foot-diameter, 12K+ LED dome, the Monster Energy x Call of Duty celebration brought the action of one of gaming’s most anticipated franchises into the real world. Guests experienced live gameplay, special celebrity appearances, interactive activations, and real-life displays inspired by the game, including the Monster Energy Operator Skin, alongside a lineup of Polaris vehicles including the DAGOR, which is playable in Modern Warfare 4 – all in an electrifying atmosphere that blurred the lines between gaming and reality.

The event drew a guest list spanning entertainment, sports and gaming, including actors O’Shea Jackson Jr., Trevor Jackson and Khleo Thomas, who arrived by Slingshot, rapper Symba, social media star Lin Lamar (Pinkchyu), and Monster Energy UFC fighters Johnny Walker and Jalin Turner.

Guests lined up around the block for a jam-packed program, featuring a live edition of The Flank, hosted by ZooMaa and Ben Nissim, including an interview with Infinity Ward developer Jacky Reynolds and the reveal of the CDL Launch Invitational groups. Fans also got a closer look at Modern Warfare 4’s DMZ mode during a gameplay showcase led by Infinity Ward game designer Roman Spazafumo.

The gaming action continued with artists, athletes and gaming creators, including Jericho, Jaybroski, Tyler Rizzi, Johnny Walker and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, facing off in two-versus-two matchups, while fans tested their own skills in king-of-the-hill rounds. Monster Energy’s skate team also took to the virtual battlefield, swapping their boards for controllers, with Ishod Wair, Filipe Mota and Elliot Sloan going head-to-head in a Modern Warfare 4 showdown.

“With Call of Duty, we’re always looking for ways to push the experience beyond the screen,” said Jordi Gayola, CMO of the Americas at Monster Energy. “Bringing this launch to Cosm gave us an incredible opportunity to put fans, athletes and creators right in the middle of the action. It’s about bringing our worlds together and creating the kind of unforgettable experience that only Monster Energy can deliver.”

Beyond the main gameplay, fans enjoyed exclusive merchandise giveaways and immersive experiences, while the Modern Warfare 4-themed experience extended to the menu, which featured Korean-inspired dishes including kimchi mandu, Korean corn cheese nachos, and gochujang-glazed wings, alongside complimentary Monster Energy throughout the venue.

The launch also spotlighted Monster Energy’s ongoing Call of Duty promotional partnership, running through March 31, 2027. Fans can earn 15 minutes of Double XP per qualifying Monster Energy Original Green, Zero Sugar or Zero Ultra can, alongside exclusive in-game rewards, including a Large Decal, two weapon blueprints and two Operator Skins unlocked across the first five cans. The collaboration also extends beyond the game through four Monster Energy x Polaris vehicle sweepstakes at participating 7-Eleven, Hy-Vee, QuikTrip and RTG stores, with entry via retailer-specific QR codes in-store.

For more information on the Monster Energy x Call of Duty partnership, promotion and rewards, visit callofduty.monsterenergy.com.

Images from the Monster Energy Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 4 Launch Day are available HERE. 

Photo Credit: Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Monster Energy.

About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is a leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Known for its connection to action sports, motorsports, music, gaming and athletes around the world, Monster Energy fuels the passions of its fans through products, partnerships and experiences that bring communities together. For more information, visit MonsterEnergy.com.

Media Contact:
press@monsterenergy.com 

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Come Back to Firefox: Mozilla launches its most ambitious campaign yet to bring people back to the independent alternative to big tech browsers

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As tracking and unwanted AI reshape the web, Firefox reunites the internet’s original viral icons to make the case for a browser that puts people back in control.

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In its new campaign, Come Back to Firefox, the independent browser by Mozilla reunites personalities behind some of the early internet’s biggest viral videos and memes for one simple message: The internet you loved is still here, and Firefox is the easiest way back.

This multi-market campaign is aimed at people who once used Firefox and left. While it nods to the past, Firefox continues to evolve, giving people more reasons to love and rediscover it today. It arrives after a transformative year for the browser:

Business growth and partnerships: A dedicated Enterprise browser giving organizations expert support and control over their data. Technical partnerships with NVIDIA and Mistral, extending what Firefox can do from gaming to AI.

Increased protection and control: New products and features shipped including a free built-in VPN to help keep browsing private, with no extra download or cost. AI Controls, to let people decide when and whether to use AI, and an Ad Blocker for Firefox on iOS for fewer ads and trackers.

Brand and culture: A new modern design, a first sports partnership with Wrexham AFC and World Cup presence connecting Firefox to one of the year’s biggest cultural moments.

“Firefox was there then, we’re here now, and what we stand for matters more than ever,” said John Solomon, Chief Marketing Officer at Mozilla. “People who left Firefox years ago will find a browser that’s more private and gives them more control, including over AI.”

The Campaign

Come Back to Firefox brings together some of the world’s most memorable internet icons: Numa Numa Guy, Bad Luck Brian, Overly Attached Girlfriend, Kelly of “Shoes” fame, Where the Hell Is Matt?, Annoying Orange, Apparently Kid, Tay Zonday, Chuck Testa, Success Kid, and Evolution of Dance. Each takes on a modern frustration with humor:

Overly Attached Girlfriend may have wanted to know everything about you, but your browser shouldn’t.Dancing Matt boogied all over the world, without any corporations tracking him or selling his personal data.And while Annoying Orange is still incredibly annoying, he’s not as annoying as forced AI features.

The campaign launches in the United States Sunday, October 25th, with two distinct 30-second commercials airing on NBC. Next, it rolls out in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

“Being on set was a reminder of why those moments mattered,” said Solomon. “Ordinary people making things on the internet that made it feel so surprising and fun, and that’s the feeling we wanted to bring back.”

The campaign was created by award-winning independent agency We Believers, and brought to life by directing collective Sunny Sixteen and production company nobodys. Together, they meticulously recreated each performance, look, and even the sets from the original videos, taking each internet personality back to where their story began.

“We wanted an idea that truly belongs to Firefox, a challenger browser that helped shape the internet’s golden years and stayed independent as Big Tech took over,” said Gustavo Lauria, Founder and CCO at We Believers.

The campaign is one of Firefox’s most ambitious yet but is rooted in what has always set the browser apart from Big Tech: its commitment to putting people before profits and giving them more control over their online experience. Now, Firefox says it’s never been a better time for people who once used the browser to take another look.

About Firefox

Firefox is a web browser developed by Mozilla, built to give people more choice and control over their online experience. With built-in tracking protection, customization options, and a commitment to an open internet, Firefox offers an alternative to browsers developed by the world’s largest technology companies. Learn more at firefox.com/welcomeback.

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SOURCE Mozilla

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Best AI Tools for Small Business Marketing (2026): CapCut Featured for Creating Professional Video and Visual Content by Expert Consumers

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NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Expert Consumers has recognized CapCut in its 2026 coverage of the best AI tools for small business marketing, highlighting the platform’s collection of AI-powered features for creating and editing video, images, audio, and other visual content. The recognition reflects growing interest in tools that support practical marketing activities, including campaign development, promotional content production, and adapting creative assets for different digital channels.

Best AI Marketing Tools

Seedance 2.0 – an AI video generation model that creates videos from text prompts or imagesSeedream – an AI image generation model that creates high-quality visuals from text prompts

Small businesses face growing pressure to maintain an active digital presence while managing limited time and resources. From product photography and promotional videos to social media graphics and campaign materials, effective marketing depends on a steady supply of relevant, engaging content. Artificial intelligence is creating new ways to simplify these tasks and help businesses turn creative ideas into usable marketing assets.

CapCut provides a range of AI-assisted capabilities that support several stages of content production. These include prompt-based video generation, AI image creation, background removal, image expansion, music generation, and photo animation. For small businesses managing marketing internally, these functions offer options for developing creative assets without relying entirely on manual production processes.

AI Video Generation Supports Promotional Campaigns

Video is an important format for demonstrating products, explaining services, and introducing new offerings. Small businesses can use video across social media, websites, digital advertisements, and online product pages. Producing content regularly, however, can require considerable planning and editing.

CapCut’s Seedance 2.0 AI video generator offers a prompt-based approach to video creation. Users can describe a creative concept and generate video content that serves as a starting point for further editing.

For a small retailer preparing a product promotion, AI-generated video can help explore different visual approaches before a final concept is selected. A service provider could use the same process to develop ideas for an explainer or an introductory campaign.

Prompt-based generation can reduce the effort involved in developing initial concepts. Generated material still requires review to ensure the finished video accurately represents the business, communicates the intended message, and follows relevant brand guidelines.

AI Image Creation Helps Develop Marketing Materials

Visual content plays a central role in how businesses present products and services online. Promotional graphics, campaign imagery, and social media visuals need to communicate a clear message while maintaining a recognizable style.

CapCut’s Seedream AI image generator enables users to generate images from text prompts. The tool can support concept drafts, campaign planning, and experimentation with different visual directions before final assets are prepared.

For example, a small business planning a seasonal campaign could explore different visual themes and compositions during the early planning stage. These drafts can help establish a creative direction before additional time is spent refining the final materials.

CapCut’s GPT Image 2 provides another option for generating images from natural language instructions. The feature can support the development of promotional imagery, marketing graphics, and other visual assets.

AI image generation gives businesses more opportunities to test creative ideas during campaign development. However, generated images should be checked for visual errors, accurate product representation, and consistency with the intended brand identity before publication.

Image Editing Simplifies Content Preparation

Creating new marketing assets is only part of the production process. Existing photographs and graphics often need adjustments before they are suitable for different platforms.

CapCut’s AI background removal tool helps isolate subjects from their original backgrounds. This can simplify the preparation of product photographs, promotional graphics, and other images that require a different visual setting.

For a small retailer, background removal can make it easier to prepare product images for online listings or promotional materials. Separated subjects can be incorporated into new compositions without recreating the entire image.

The AI Image Extender addresses a separate challenge: adapting images to different dimensions. The tool generates additional visual content beyond an image’s original boundaries, helping users adjust compositions without relying entirely on cropping or stretching.

A campaign may require square graphics for social media, vertical visuals for mobile viewing, and horizontal banners for a website. Image expansion provides another option for adapting existing assets to those formats.

These editing capabilities can help reduce repetitive production work while supporting a more consistent presentation across marketing channels.

AI Audio and Photo Animation Expand Creative Options

Marketing content often combines visuals, movement, and sound. Music can establish a mood, support storytelling, and help create a more complete video presentation.

CapCut’s SeedMusic AI audio generator supports AI-assisted music creation based on prompts. The feature can help develop audio for promotional videos, product demonstrations, and social media content.

Generated music offers a starting point for matching audio to a campaign’s intended atmosphere. Before publication, businesses should review the output and confirm that the applicable usage terms cover the intended commercial application.

CapCut also provides a Photo-to-3D tool that transforms still images into more dynamic visual presentations. This capability can help repurpose existing photography for promotional videos, social posts, and digital campaigns.

For small businesses with an existing collection of product images, adding movement can provide another way to present familiar assets. The approach also expands the range of creative formats available without requiring every campaign to begin with new photography.

Connecting AI Tools to Everyday Marketing Workflows

The practical value of AI-powered creative tools depends on how effectively they address specific marketing needs. Small businesses do not necessarily need every available feature for every campaign. Selecting tools according to content requirements can help keep production focused.

A retailer might begin with Seedream to explore campaign concepts, then use GPT Image 2 to generate supporting visuals. Background removal can help prepare product photography, while AI Image Extender can adapt selected assets to different layouts. Seedance 2.0 can support video concept development, with SeedMusic offering an option for accompanying audio.

A service-based business might prioritize short promotional videos, explanatory graphics, and social media content instead. The same collection of tools can support different production requirements depending on the business model and campaign objectives.

Using AI does not remove the need for creative direction or quality control. Content should be checked for factual accuracy, appropriate product representation, brand consistency, and compliance with advertising requirements. Human review also helps ensure that generated assets serve a clear marketing purpose rather than adding unnecessary material to a campaign.

AI-Assisted Marketing for Small Businesses

Interest in the best AI tools for small business marketing reflects the need for practical ways to produce and adapt digital content. Businesses must balance the demand for regular campaign updates with the resources available for creative production.

Expert Consumers’ recognition of CapCut highlights the platform’s range of AI-assisted functions for video generation, image creation, editing, audio production, and photo animation. These capabilities offer small businesses several options for developing marketing materials across digital channels.

As AI becomes more integrated into content production, effective use will depend on matching the right tools to specific tasks. With clear campaign objectives, careful editing, and appropriate review, CapCut’s creative features can help businesses develop marketing assets while reducing some of the repetitive work involved in preparing content for publication.

Visit the Expert Consumers site for the full review.

About CapCut

CapCut is an AI-powered photo and video editing platform designed to make high-quality video creation accessible across devices. The platform supports creators, businesses, and everyday users with tools for video editing, AI video generation, captions, templates, audio, and visual editing. CapCut is available across mobile, web, desktop, and iPad experiences, helping users create, edit, and prepare video content for social media, marketing, education, and personal projects.

About Better Business Advice: Better Business Advice covers the news and strategies driving modern business success. The information provided by Better Business Advice does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. As an affiliate, Better Business Advice may earn commissions from services mentioned in the links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-ai-tools-for-small-business-marketing-2026-capcut-featured-for-creating-professional-video-and-visual-content-by-expert-consumers-302918043.html

SOURCE ExpertConsumers.org

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