FirstCash Q4 2021 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
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.
FirstCash
FirstCash
FirstCash Revenue by Segment
FirstCash Revenue by Geographic Location
Forward Guidance
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).
Positive Outlook
- Demand for pawn loans continues to improve, especially in the U.S.
- Pawn merchandise inventories are well positioned, having essentially normalized to pre-COVID levels.
- The new retail POS payment solutions segment (AFF) is expected to drive significant revenue and earnings growth.
- The Company expects up to 60 new store additions for the full year 2022, primarily in Latin America.
- Inflationary economic environments typically benefit the Company by driving increased customer demand.
Challenges Ahead
- The current operating environment continues to present uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Macroeconomic factors such as supply chain issues, inflation and weaker consumer sentiment could have negative impacts.
- COVID related concerns, staffing constraints, supply chain delays and weather events year-to-date have impacted operations.
- Potential impacts around the U.S. tax refund season could affect retail sales and customer payments.
- There is uncertainty around consumer behavior as government stimulus programs have expired.
Revenue & Expenses
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income