FirstCash Holdings, Inc. operates a large network of retail pawn stores across the United States and Latin America, providing short-term secured loans and retailing forfeited collateral. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 2,825 stores across the United States and Latin America, supporting a diversified revenue base. Its focus on serving underbanked populations and leveraging retail operations for both lending and merchandise sales provides a defensible business model in the non-bank credit sector ...

Company Performance - Experian PLC (EXPGY) has gained approximately 7.2% year-to-date, outperforming the average loss of 6.2% in the Business Services group [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EXPGY's full-year earnings has increased by 1.8% over the past three months, indicating improving analyst sentiment [3] Industry Comparison - Experian PLC belongs to the Business - Information Services industry, which has seen an average loss of about 23.5% this year, highlighting EXPGY's relative strength within this group [5] - In contrast, FirstCash Holdings, another outperforming stock in the Business Services sector, has returned 55.4% since the beginning of the year [4] Zacks Rank - Experian PLC currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a positive outlook for the stock [3] - The Business Services group, which includes 257 companies, ranks 8 in the Zacks Sector Rank, reflecting the overall strength of this sector [2]

FirstCash Holdings (FCFS) operates over 3,000 pawnshops and provides POS payment solutions across the U.S., Latin America, and the U.K. FCFS exhibits strong technical momentum, with a 100% “Buy” Barchart opinion. Shares are up more than 50% in the past year. Analyst sentiment is bullish with multiple “Strong Buy” ratings. Today’s Featured Stock Valued at $7.23 billion, FirstCash Holdings (FCFS) is a leading operator of pawn stores and a provider of retail point-of-sale (POS) payment solutions. ...

Core Insights - U.S. stock markets are experiencing a significant bull run in 2023, with major indexes near all-time highs [1] - Small-cap and mid-cap benchmarks have shown notable gains, with Russell 2000 up 14.3% and S&P 400 up 7.6% year to date [2] - Mid-cap stocks are seen as a good diversification strategy, combining benefits of both small and large-cap stocks [2][3] Mid-Cap Stocks Overview - Top-ranked mid-cap stocks have high potential for profitability and market share growth, with less exposure to international risks compared to large caps [3] - In a thriving economy, mid-cap stocks are expected to outperform small caps due to established management and access to capital [4] Recommended Mid-Cap Stocks - Five mid-cap stocks with favorable Zacks Ranks for 2026 are FirstCash Holdings Inc. (FCFS), Lyft Inc. (LYFT), Installed Building Products Inc. (IBP), Lumen Technologies Inc. (LUMN), and Advanced Energy Industries Inc. (AEIS) [5][9] - Each stock carries a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [5] Company-Specific Insights FirstCash Holdings Inc. (FCFS) - Operates pawn stores and payment solutions in the U.S. and Latin America, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 5.7% and 21.8% respectively for next year [8][10] Lyft Inc. (LYFT) - Engages in ridesharing in the U.S. and Canada, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 14.6% and 25.9% respectively for next year [11][13] - Aims to enter the robotaxi market through partnerships, avoiding high R&D costs [12] Installed Building Products Inc. (IBP) - Operates as a residential insulation installer, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 1.1% and 0.1% respectively for next year [14][15] Lumen Technologies Inc. (LUMN) - Focused on AI opportunities, with $10 billion in Private Connectivity Fabric deals and plans to eliminate $1 billion in costs [16][17] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates of -5.2% and -71.9% respectively for next year [18] Advanced Energy Industries Inc. (AEIS) - Benefits from semiconductor and data center demand, with expected revenue growth of approximately 20% and earnings growth of 20.2% for next year [19][20][21]

Group 1: Company Performance - Coherent (COHR) has gained approximately 96.2% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the average loss of 10.6% in the Business Services sector [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for COHR's full-year earnings has increased by 12.9% over the past quarter, indicating improved analyst sentiment and a more positive earnings outlook [3] - Coherent holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting its strong performance and favorable market conditions [3] Group 2: Industry Context - Coherent is part of the Technology Services industry, which includes 124 companies and currently ranks 89 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with an average gain of 21.5% year-to-date [5] - In contrast, FirstCash Holdings (FCFS), another outperforming stock in the Business Services sector, belongs to the Financial Transaction Services industry, which has seen a decline of 12.6% year-to-date and ranks 176 [6] - Investors should continue to monitor Coherent and FirstCash Holdings as they exhibit solid performance within their respective industries [6]

Core Insights - The year 2025 is projected to be favorable for investors in FirstCash (FCFS), with positive developments in pawn operations and point-of-sale financing leading to improved financial results [1] Group 1: Company Performance - FirstCash's pawn operations are expected to perform well in 2025, contributing to overall positive investor sentiment [1] - Shifts in the point-of-sale financing business have also resulted in enhanced reported outcomes for FirstCash [1]

Core Insights - Current market conditions reflect a balance between optimism due to strong earnings and potential rate cuts, and caution stemming from high tech stock valuations and uncertainty regarding Federal Reserve actions [1] - Recent market pullbacks are viewed as a normal reset rather than a significant reversal, making stock selection challenging for retail investors [1] Stock Selection Strategy - A traditional stock-picking approach focusing on sales growth is recommended, as it provides a more reliable evaluation compared to earnings metrics [2][3] - Companies with impressive sales growth and strong cash flow are prioritized, with specific screening parameters including a 5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than industry average and cash flow exceeding $500 million [6] Key Metrics for Evaluation - Price-to-Sales (P/S) Ratio should be less than the industry average, indicating better value for each dollar of revenue [7] - Positive revisions in sales estimates compared to the industry can lead to stock price increases [7] - Operating Margin should average over 5% over the last five years, reflecting effective cost control and sales growth [8] - Return on Equity (ROE) should exceed 5%, ensuring that sales growth translates into profits [9] - Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 indicates stocks likely to outperform the market [9] Highlighted Stocks - Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) is projected to have a sales growth rate of 27.5% for 2025 and currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 [10][12] - Universal Health Services Inc. (UHS) expects a sales growth rate of 9.7% for 2025 and also holds a Zacks Rank 1 [10][13] - Aptiv PLC (APTV) anticipates a sales increase of 2.9% in 2025, with a Zacks Rank 2 [10][14] - Ameren Corporation (AEE) has a projected sales growth of 16.2% for 2025 and carries a Zacks Rank 2 [10][15] - FirstCash Holdings, Inc. (FCFS) expects a sales growth of 5.3% in 2025 and also holds a Zacks Rank 2 [10][16]

Core Insights - Experian PLC (EXPGY) has shown a year-to-date return of 8.3%, outperforming the average loss of 7.1% in the Business Services sector [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EXPGY's full-year earnings has increased by 0.5% over the past quarter, indicating improved analyst sentiment [4] - Experian PLC is ranked 6 in the Zacks Sector Rank among 259 companies in the Business Services group [2] Company Performance - Experian PLC currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a favorable earnings outlook [3] - The Business - Information Services industry, which includes Experian PLC, has an average loss of 20.7% this year, indicating that EXPGY is performing better than its peers [6] Comparative Analysis - FirstCash Holdings (FCFS), another stock in the Business Services sector, has a year-to-date return of 54.3% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [5] - The Financial Transaction Services industry, where FirstCash Holdings operates, has seen a decline of 9.7% this year, contrasting with the performance of Experian PLC [7]

Store Operations - As of September 30, 2025, the Company operated a total of 3,311 pawn store locations, including 1,193 in the U.S., 1,729 in Mexico, and 286 in the U.K.[89] - The Company completed the acquisition of H&T, the leading pawn operator in the U.K. with 286 store locations, on August 14, 2025[85]. - The company opened 21 new stores in Latin America and two in the U.S. during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, and acquired six pawn stores in the U.S. for $35.1 million[157]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $935.579 million, an increase from $837.321 million in the same period of 2024, representing an increase of approximately 11.7%[94][95]. - Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $2.602 billion, with significant contributions from retail merchandise sales and pawn loan fees[129]. - Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $2,504.7 million, a slight increase from $2,504.0 million in the same period of 2024[130]. - Total revenue for the Latin America pawn segment was $229.674 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a decrease of 1.3% compared to the prior year[184]. - Net revenue for the segment was $121.743 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, reflecting a decline of 1.2% year-over-year[184]. - Segment pre-tax operating income was $46.973 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, down 0.9% from the previous year[184]. Revenue Breakdown - Retail merchandise sales for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $410.968 million, compared to $363.141 million in the same period of 2024, reflecting a growth of about 13.2%[94][95]. - U.S. retail merchandise sales increased 8% to $253.0 million during Q3 2025 compared to $235.0 million in Q3 2024[98]. - Latin America retail merchandise sales increased 12% to $144.6 million during Q3 2025 compared to $129.1 million in Q3 2024[105]. - U.S. retail merchandise sales increased by 7% to $754.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $702.1 million in 2024[132]. - Latin America retail merchandise sales increased by 2% to $401.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $394.4 million in 2024[137]. Loan Performance - The Company’s pawn loan fees for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $221.088 million, up from $186.561 million in the same period of 2024, marking an increase of about 18.5%[94][95]. - U.S. pawn loan receivables increased 12% to $426.3 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $381.0 million as of September 30, 2024[100]. - Latin America pawn loan receivables increased 27% to $173.2 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $136.5 million as of September 30, 2024[107]. - U.S. pawn loan fees increased 8% to $138.9 million during Q3 2025 compared to $128.4 million in Q3 2024[101]. - Latin America pawn loan fees increased 16% to $67.2 million during Q3 2025 compared to $58.2 million in Q3 2024[108]. Operating Expenses - Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2025, totaled $236.528 million, compared to $224.926 million for the same period in 2024, indicating an increase of approximately 5.2%[94][95]. - U.S. operating expenses increased 4% to $133.0 million during Q3 2025 compared to $128.1 million in Q3 2024[102]. - Latin America operating expenses increased 12% to $70.3 million during Q3 2025 compared to $63.1 million in Q3 2024[109]. - Administrative expenses rose by 39% to $58.8 million in Q3 2025, primarily due to the addition of H&T's expenses and inflationary impacts[124]. - Operating expenses for the retail POS payment solutions segment decreased by 31% to $71.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $103.9 million in 2024[148]. Profitability - The net income before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $112.479 million, compared to $85.180 million for the same period in 2024, showing an increase of approximately 32%[94][95]. - Adjusted net income for Q3 2025 was $100.6 million, up from $75.2 million in Q3 2024, representing a 33.8% increase[178]. - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q3 2025 increased to $2.26, compared to $1.67 in Q3 2024, reflecting a 35.3% growth[178]. - EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $172.8 million, a 25.1% increase from $138.1 million in Q3 2024[179]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 reached $180.6 million, up from $139.3 million in Q3 2024, marking a 29.6% rise[179]. - The company reported a net income of $82.8 million for Q3 2025, up from $64.8 million in Q3 2024, a growth of 27.5%[179]. Cash Flow and Capital Management - Cash flow provided by operating activities increased by $37.5 million, or 11%, to $379.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, driven by an increase in net income[168]. - Cash flow used in investing activities surged 97% to $662.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily for pawn store acquisitions[169]. - The company repurchased 755,000 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $89.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 721,000 shares for $85.0 million in the prior year[162]. - As of September 30, 2025, the company had working capital of $1,433.1 million and a current ratio of 5.0:1[167]. - The company declared a fourth quarter cash dividend of $0.42 per share, totaling $18.5 million, to be paid on November 26, 2025[161]. Market Risks and Strategic Insights - The company does not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, maintaining a stable approach to market risks[186]. - There have been no material changes to the company's exposure to market risks since December 31, 2024[186]. - The company utilized constant currency results to evaluate performance in Latin America and the U.K., providing insights into underlying business operations[182].

Financial Performance - Third quarter revenue reached $935.6 million, a 12% increase year-over-year, while year-to-date revenue increased 4% to $2.6 billion[5] - Net income for the third quarter was $82.8 million, up 28% from the prior year, with year-to-date net income increasing 29% to $226.2 million[5] - Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter increased 29% to $1.86, and year-to-date diluted earnings per share rose 31% to $5.07[5] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter increased 30% year-over-year, totaling $172.8 million, while year-to-date adjusted EBITDA rose 24% to $468.5 million[5] - Total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $935.579 million, an increase of 11.7% compared to $837.321 million for the same period in 2024[40] - Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $82.807 million, representing a 27.7% increase from $64.827 million in the same period of 2024[40] - Retail merchandise sales increased to $410.968 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, up 13.2% from $363.141 million in 2024[40] - Pawn loan fees rose to $221.088 million, a 18.5% increase compared to $186.561 million in the prior year[40] - Adjusted net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $273,032,000, up from $207,266,000 in the same period of 2024, reflecting a 32% growth[61] - Adjusted diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $6.12, compared to $4.58 in the same period of 2024, marking a 33% increase[61] - EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $172,821,000, up from $138,134,000 in Q3 2024, indicating a 25% increase[62] - Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $488,563,000, compared to $392,752,000 in the same period of 2024, a 24% increase[62] Asset and Liability Management - Consolidated assets exceeded $5 billion, totaling $5.2 billion, including record pawn receivables of $788 million[9] - Total current assets as of September 30, 2025, were $1,792.360 million, up from $1,329.350 million as of September 30, 2024[42] - Total assets increased to $5,182.316 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $4,392.847 million at the end of 2024[42] - Total liabilities as of September 30, 2025, were $2,982.670 million, an increase from $2,393.653 million in the previous year[42] - The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 3.2x as of September 30, 2025, with expectations to drop below 3.0x post-H&T acquisition[16] Shareholder Returns - The company authorized a new $150 million share repurchase plan and declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.42 per share[1] - The Board of Directors declared a fourth quarter cash dividend of $0.42 per share, representing an annualized dividend of $1.68 per share[22] - The Company repurchased 230,000 shares of common stock for a total cost of $30 million during the third quarter, with total repurchases over the past twelve months amounting to 755,000 shares at $90 million[22] - The company has authorized an additional $150 million for share repurchases, bringing the total available for repurchases to $175 million[22][32] Market Expansion and Operations - The company plans to open 20-25 new stores primarily in Latin America by the end of January 2026, in addition to acquiring 15 U.S. locations[9] - The Company completed the acquisition of H&T and now operates over 3,300 pawn locations across six countries[25][34] - The company plans to continue expanding its market presence and investing in new technologies to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency[50] - As of September 30, 2025, the company operated 3,311 pawn store locations across the U.S., Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Colombia, and the U.K.[53] Revenue and Growth Expectations - The Company expects fourth quarter revenues to range from $85 to $90 million, driven by seasonal holiday shopping and strong pawn receivable balances[28] - Full year 2025 origination volume is expected to decline by 7% to 10% compared to 2024, but excluding certain prior year originations, volumes are expected to increase by 15% to 20%[28] - The consolidated effective income tax rate for full year 2025 is expected to range from 25% to 26%[28] Segment Performance - Pawn loan originations in Latin America increased over 20% on a local currency basis in October, with mid to high-teen pawn fee revenue growth expected in the fourth quarter[23] - Total revenue for the Latin America pawn segment was $226,653,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2025, a decrease of 1.3% compared to the prior year[70] - Pawn loan fees contributed $66,242,000 to revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2025, reflecting a decrease of 1.4% year-over-year[70] - Segment pre-tax operating income was $46,528,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2025, down 0.9% from the previous year[70] - Earning assets in the Latin America pawn segment totaled $279,330,000 as of September 30, 2025, a decrease of 6.0% compared to the prior year[70] Operational Metrics - The company reported a provision for loan losses of $40.347 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, slightly down from $40.557 million in the same period of 2024[40] - Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $236.528 million, an increase from $224.926 million in 2024[40] - The delinquency rate for finance receivables increased to 22.4% in September 2025 from 19.4% in September 2024[52] - The average outstanding pawn loan amount was $170, down from $229 in the prior year[51] - The provision rate for finance receivables was 28.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 28.4% in the same period of 2024[52] - Inventory turns for the trailing twelve months were 3.2 times as of September 30, 2025, compared to 3.1 times in the previous year[51]