FirstCash reported outstanding fourth quarter results, driven by strong revenue growth in both the U.S. and Latin America pawn segments. The acquisition of American First Finance (AFF) was completed, diversifying the company's product offering. Consolidated retail pawn merchandise sales increased 28%, and total pawn fees increased 13%.
Diluted earnings per share decreased 11% on a GAAP basis, but adjusted non-GAAP earnings per share increased 81% compared to the prior-year quarter.
U.S. pawn segment income increased 43% over the prior-year quarter, with an improved operating margin of 24%.
Latin America pawn segment income increased 19% over the prior-year quarter (20% on a constant currency basis), with an improved operating margin of 22%.
The company completed its acquisition of AFF, adding a technology-driven retail POS payments platform.
The company expects to achieve significant revenue and earnings growth in 2022, driven by improving demand for pawn loans, normalized pawn merchandise inventories, and the new retail POS payment solutions segment (AFF).
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income