FirstCash Q1 2022 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
FirstCash reported outstanding first-quarter results, driven by strong growth in pawn operations and the performance of American First Finance (AFF). The company completed a share repurchase plan, authorized a new one, and declared a quarterly cash dividend, demonstrating its commitment to shareholder returns.
Diluted earnings per share decreased 29% on a GAAP basis, primarily due to non-cash purchase accounting impacts related to the AFF acquisition, while adjusted non-GAAP earnings per share increased 39% compared to the prior-year quarter.
Consolidated revenues totaled a record $660 million, representing a 62% increase over the prior-year quarter.
Pre-tax operating income from the Company’s core pawn segments increased $16 million, or 19%, reflecting significant growth in pawn receivables and merchandise inventory levels compared to a year ago.
AFF contributed first quarter GAAP segment pre-tax income of $5 million; excluding non-cash purchase accounting impacts, adjusted segment pre-tax income was $25 million.
FirstCash
FirstCash
FirstCash Revenue by Segment
FirstCash Revenue by Geographic Location
Forward Guidance
The Company outlook for 2022 remains extremely positive as it continues to expect significant year-over-year revenue and earnings growth in 2022 based on first quarter results and current trends.
Positive Outlook
- Inflationary economic environments have historically driven increased customer demand for pawn loans and value-priced merchandise offered in pawn stores.
- Pawn merchandise inventories are well-positioned, having essentially normalized to pre-COVID levels with very limited amounts of aged inventory, which continues to drive higher than normal retail margins.
- With over 50% of pawn collateral and inventories held in jewelry, the Company believes the continued strength of gold prices will provide increased collateral values for customers in addition to generating potentially higher margins on the liquidation of scrap jewelry.
- The Company continues to expect up to 60 new store additions for the full year 2022, primarily in Latin America
- Despite headwinds that could potentially impact retail sales at AFF’s retail merchant partners, such as inflation, consumer credit quality and inventory shortages, the Company continues to expect AFF to generate full year growth in gross transaction volumes and revenues, primarily from increased door counts, which is expected to drive EBITDA accretion of 30% or more.
Challenges Ahead
- Increases in wages and certain other operating costs across all markets are expected in 2022, including Mexico in particular, where the federal minimum wage and certain statutory employee benefits were recently increased.
- AFF’s estimated lease and loan loss provisioning for the remainder of the year reflects normalization to higher pre-pandemic loss rates.
- As a reminder regarding the seasonality of AFF’s business, average outstanding balances for merchandise on lease and outstanding finance receivables typically decline during the first quarter due to tax season early buyouts and principal balance pay downs.
- With the delayed tax season, these lower balances may extend longer into the second quarter and potentially impact second quarter revenues.
- Potential changes in consumer behavior and shopping patterns which could impact demand for the Company’s pawn loan, retail and retail finance products
Revenue & Expenses
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income