Pagaya Technologies .(PGY)

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Will Pagaya's AI-Driven Model Support Its Growth Momentum?
ZACKS· 2025-08-26 17:01
Core Insights - Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY) utilizes artificial intelligence and extensive datasets to facilitate consumer credit underwriting and connect loans with institutional investors, effectively bridging Wall Street and Main Street [1][2] Financial Performance - Pagaya achieved a record GAAP net income of $16.7 million for the second quarter of 2025, a significant improvement from a net loss of $74.8 million in the same quarter the previous year [2][10] - The company has posted positive net income for two consecutive quarters, indicating a turnaround in its financial fundamentals and profitability [2] Business Model and Strategy - Pagaya operates a diversified and scalable model, leveraging a network of 145 institutional funding partners and various banks and fintech originators, which allows for multiple revenue streams and reduced exposure to any single lender or product [3][10] - The capital-light approach of Pagaya minimizes credit risk, as loans are quickly sold through securitizations or forward-flow agreements [3] Product Innovation - Recent product innovations, such as the Direct Marketing Engine and FastPass in auto lending, have enhanced partner engagement and streamlined application processes [4] - New AAA-rated asset-backed securities (ABS) deals in auto and point-of-sale (POS) lending validate Pagaya's asset quality and expand its lending capacity, with over $1 billion in effective POS lending capital [4] Market Performance - Pagaya's stock has surged by 265.4% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the industry average increase of 5.6% [9][10] - The current price-to-sales (P/S) ratio for Pagaya is 1.79X, which is below the industry average of 3.45X, indicating potential undervaluation [11] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pagaya's earnings has increased for 2025 and 2026, projecting earnings of $2.65 and $3.43, respectively, which reflects year-over-year growth rates of 219.3% and 29.3% [12]
Earnings Estimates Rising for Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY): Will It Gain?
ZACKS· 2025-08-25 17:21
Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given a notable revision in the company's earnings estimates. While the stock has been gaining lately, the trend might continue since its earnings outlook is still improving.The rising trend in estimate revisions, which is a result of growing analyst optimism on the earnings prospects of this company, should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate ...
INOD vs. PGY: Which AI-Powered Data Play Should You Buy Now?
ZACKS· 2025-08-22 14:46
Core Insights - The article highlights two companies, Innodata Inc. (INOD) and Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY), as significant players in the AI and fintech sectors, both leveraging AI for distinct market solutions [2][3]. Group 1: Innodata Inc. (INOD) - Innodata reported a 79% year-over-year revenue increase to $58.4 million in Q2 2025, with adjusted EBITDA rising 375% to $13.2 million [5][10]. - The company has expanded its enterprise relationships, particularly with major tech clients, and anticipates a revenue increase from a key partner from $200,000 to $10 million in the second half of 2025 [6]. - Innodata is investing in long-cycle platforms and emerging fields like autonomous agents and robotics, committing $1.4 million to new hiring for product development [7][8]. - The company faces concentration risk due to reliance on a few large clients but has a healthy cash position of $59.8 million and an unused credit facility to support growth [8]. Group 2: Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY) - Pagaya achieved $326 million in Q2 2025 revenue, a 30% increase year-over-year, and reported $17 million in GAAP net income, marking a turnaround from previous losses [12][10]. - The company raised its full-year 2025 revenue outlook to $1.25–$1.325 billion, indicating over 20% growth, with an expected GAAP net income of $55–$75 million [12]. - Pagaya's diversified model includes 145 institutional funding partners, reducing reliance on single clients and enabling multiple revenue streams [13]. - The company has introduced innovative products like the Direct Marketing Engine and FastPass, enhancing its operational efficiency and expanding lending capacity [14]. Group 3: Stock Performance and Valuation - Innodata's stock is trading around $37.74, with a 52-week range of $13.02 to $71.00, reflecting a slight decline of 1.4% recently [16]. - Pagaya's stock is trading around $29.77, with a 52-week range of $8.20 to $41.48, down about 1.7% recently [17]. - Year-to-date, Pagaya's stock has increased approximately 220.5%, while Innodata's stock has declined by 4.5% [18]. - Innodata has a market cap of $1.2 billion with a forward P/S ratio of 4.29, indicating high expectations for growth [21]. - Pagaya, with a market cap near $2.3 billion, has a forward P/S ratio of 1.58, suggesting a more favorable valuation compared to Innodata [22]. Group 4: Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Innodata's 2025 EPS is 71 cents, reflecting a 20.2% decline from the previous year, with a revenue growth estimate of 42.8% [24]. - For Pagaya, the 2025 EPS estimate is $2.51, indicating a 202.4% improvement from the previous year, with a revenue growth estimate of 28.4% [27]. Group 5: Conclusion - Both companies are positioned well within the AI landscape, but they cater to different investor preferences: Innodata offers rapid growth potential in AI data engineering, while Pagaya presents a more stable fintech model with strong profitability [30][32].
Pagaya: Profitability Inflection And Scalable Product Expansion
Seeking Alpha· 2025-08-19 09:09
Group 1 - The article argues for a Buy rating on Pagaya Technologies (NASDAQ: PGY) stock, emphasizing a fundamental shift towards a scalable and profitable AI-based financial platform [1] - The analysis suggests that the rating is not immediate but systematic, indicating a long-term investment perspective [1]
Pagaya Technologies Stock: The Quiet AI Powerhouse In Fintech You Might Be Overlooking
Seeking Alpha· 2025-08-19 06:37
Group 1 - The stock has increased over 260% this year, indicating potential for further growth [1] - Undercovered Deep Insights is led by Moz Farooque, a market analyst with extensive experience in financial journalism and modeling [1] - Moz Farooque's research has been featured on various financial platforms, showcasing his expertise in identifying under-the-radar stock and crypto opportunities [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide any specific investment recommendations or advice [2][3] - There is no indication of any current or planned stock positions by the analyst in the companies mentioned [2]
How to Play Pagaya Stock After Upbeat Q2 Earnings Performance?
ZACKS· 2025-08-14 15:55
Core Insights - Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY) achieved a GAAP net income of $16.7 million for Q2 2025, marking its second consecutive quarter of positive net income, a significant improvement from a net loss of $74.8 million in the same quarter last year [1][11] - The company experienced a 30% increase in total revenues and other income, with revenues from fees reaching $317.7 million, a 31% year-over-year rise, driven by growth in network AI fees and a record network volume of $2.6 billion [2][11] - PGY raised its 2025 revenue guidance to between $1.25 billion and $1.325 billion, up from the previous estimate of $1.175 billion to $1.3 billion [4][11] Financial Performance - Contract fees surged by 52.9% year over year to $31.8 million, while interest income rose by 31% to $10.7 million [3] - Investment losses increased by $1.6 million to $2.1 million in Q2 2025 due to unfavorable changes in the valuation of certain proprietary investments [3] Competitive Landscape - Competitors LendingTree (TREE) and LendingClub (LC) also reported strong Q2 results, with LendingTree's adjusted EBITDA increasing by 35% and LendingClub's total revenues rising by 33% [5] Business Model and Strategy - Pagaya's diversified business model includes expansion into auto lending and point-of-sale financing, reducing exposure to cyclical risks [7] - The company has established a network of over 135 institutional funding partners, utilizing forward flow agreements to secure alternative funding sources [8][12] - Pagaya's capital-efficient model minimizes credit risk by avoiding holding loans on its balance sheet, which has proven effective during periods of market stress [10][14] Market Performance - PGY shares have increased by 265.2% year-to-date, outperforming both the industry and the S&P 500 Index [16] - Analysts have revised upward the earnings estimates for PGY, projecting earnings of $2.51 and $3.18 per share for 2025 and 2026, respectively, indicating year-over-year growth rates of 202.4% and 26.7% [19] Valuation - The stock is currently trading at a forward price/sales (P/S) ratio of 1.80X, which is below the industry average of 3.39X, but at a premium compared to TREE and LC [22]
Pagaya Technologies .(PGY) - 2025 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2025-08-07 20:09
[Part I - Financial Information](index=6&type=section&id=Part%20I%20-%20Financial%20Information) [Financial Statements](index=6&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Financial%20Statements) The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2025, show a significant turnaround to profitability, with total assets growing to $1.40 billion and net income reaching $16.7 million for Q2 2025, a substantial improvement from a net loss in the prior year [Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=7&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) As of June 30, 2025, total assets increased to $1.40 billion from $1.29 billion at year-end 2024, primarily due to growth in investments in loans and securities, while total liabilities rose to $856.8 million and total shareholders' equity improved to $468.0 million Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (in thousands) | Account | June 30, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Assets** | **$1,399,043** | **$1,291,072** | | Cash and cash equivalents | $182,986 | $187,921 | | Investments in loans and securities | $870,061 | $778,409 | | **Total Liabilities** | **$856,814** | **$775,276** | | Secured borrowing | $265,557 | $176,089 | | Long-term debt | $314,547 | $321,317 | | **Total Shareholders' Equity** | **$467,979** | **$441,546** | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations](index=8&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations) The company achieved a significant turnaround in profitability, reporting a net income attributable to Pagaya of $16.7 million for Q2 2025, compared to a net loss of $74.8 million in Q2 2024, driven by a 31% increase in revenue from fees to $317.7 million and a substantial rise in operating income to $56.5 million from $5.0 million year-over-year Q2 Statement of Operations Highlights (in thousands, except per share data) | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Revenue from fees | $317,714 | $242,594 | | Total Revenue and Other Income | $326,398 | $250,344 | | Operating Income | $56,469 | $5,027 | | Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Pagaya | $16,655 | $(74,785) | | Diluted EPS | $0.20 | $(1.04) | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=12&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net cash provided by operating activities significantly increased to $91.8 million from $27.0 million in the same period of 2024, while net cash used in investing activities decreased to $152.2 million and net cash provided by financing activities was $74.7 million Six-Month Cash Flow Summary (in thousands) | Cash Flow Activity | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $91,777 | $27,004 | | Net cash used in investing activities | $(152,192) | $(342,330) | | Net cash provided by financing activities | $74,652 | $362,434 | [Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements](index=14&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20the%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) The notes detail the company's accounting policies and provide further information on financial statement items, highlighting strong growth in Network AI fees, the composition of debt, and a significant subsequent event involving the issuance of $500 million in Senior Notes to refinance existing debt - Revenue from fees is primarily composed of Network AI fees (**$285.9 million** in Q2 2025) and Contract fees (**$31.8 million** in Q2 2025)[42](index=42&type=chunk)[43](index=43&type=chunk) - As of June 30, 2025, total borrowings stood at approximately **$727.6 million**, comprising secured borrowings, long-term debt, and exchangeable notes[52](index=52&type=chunk) - Subsequent to the quarter's end, on July 28, 2025, the company issued **$500 million** in Senior Notes and used the proceeds to repay **$332.1 million** of its long-term debt, incurring a **$24 million** loss on extinguishment[137](index=137&type=chunk)[138](index=138&type=chunk) [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)](index=35&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) Management attributes the strong Q2 2025 performance to a 13.6% YoY growth in Network Volume to $2.6 billion and improved economics with partners, achieving a net income of $16.7 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $86.3 million, while strengthening its balance sheet by issuing $500 million in senior notes post-quarter [Key Operating Metric](index=38&type=section&id=Key%20Operating%20Metric) The company's key operating metric is Network Volume, defined as the gross dollar value of assets originated by partners using Pagaya's AI technology, serving as a primary indicator of scale and revenue generation capability Network Volume Growth (in millions) | Period | 2025 | 2024 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Three Months Ended June 30 | $2,648 | $2,331 | 13.6% | | Six Months Ended June 30 | $5,048 | $4,750 | 6.3% | [Results of Operations](index=40&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations) For Q2 2025, total revenue increased 30% YoY to $326.4 million, driven by a 31% rise in fee revenue and a 13.6% increase in Network Volume, leading to a significant swing in profitability with operating income reaching $56.5 million and net income of $16.7 million - Q2 2025 revenue from fees increased by **$75.1 million (31%)** YoY, primarily due to a **$64.1 million** increase in Network AI fees driven by higher Network Volume and improved partner economics[191](index=191&type=chunk)[192](index=192&type=chunk) - General and administrative costs for Q2 2025 decreased by **$24.1 million (37%)** YoY, mainly due to lower losses from loan purchases and reduced compensation expenses[202](index=202&type=chunk) - Other expense, net, decreased by **$38.3 million** YoY, largely due to a **$38.0 million** reduction in credit-related impairment losses on investments[203](index=203&type=chunk) [Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures](index=47&type=section&id=Reconciliation%20of%20Non-GAAP%20Financial%20Measures) The company highlights non-GAAP metrics to provide a clearer view of core performance, with Fee Revenue Less Production Cost (FRLPC) growing to $126.2 million, Adjusted Net Income to $50.6 million, and Adjusted EBITDA rising to $86.3 million in Q2 2025 Non-GAAP Financial Highlights (in thousands) | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Fee Revenue Less Production Cost (FRLPC) | $126,249 | $96,992 | | Adjusted Net Income | $50,624 | $7,188 | | Adjusted EBITDA | $86,283 | $50,305 | [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=49&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital%20Resources) As of June 30, 2025, the company had $242.0 million in cash and equivalents, and subsequently issued $500 million in Senior Unsecured Notes in July 2025 to repay existing debt, optimizing its capital structure and ensuring sufficient liquidity for the next twelve months - Principal sources of liquidity as of June 30, 2025, were cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash totaling **$242.0 million**[231](index=231&type=chunk) - In July 2025, the company issued **$500 million** in Senior Notes at **8.875%** to repay existing debt, including a term loan with an **11.95%** interest rate, thereby optimizing its debt profile[253](index=253&type=chunk)[257](index=257&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=56&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) The company's primary market risk exposures are credit risk on its $870 million investments in loans and securities, interest rate risk affecting floating-rate borrowings and loan performance, and immaterial foreign exchange risk related to Israeli Shekel expenses - The company is exposed to credit risk on its **$870 million** portfolio of investments in loans and securities as of June 30, 2025[285](index=285&type=chunk) - Interest rate risk exists due to floating-rate debt facilities and the potential for higher rates to negatively impact borrower performance and securitization economics[287](index=287&type=chunk)[288](index=288&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=56&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Based on an evaluation as of June 30, 2025, the company's disclosure controls and procedures were deemed effective at a reasonable assurance level, with no material changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter - Management concluded that as of June 30, 2025, the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective[292](index=292&type=chunk) - No material changes to internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2025[293](index=293&type=chunk) [Part II - Other Information](index=57&type=section&id=Part%20II%20-%20Other%20Information) [Legal Proceedings](index=57&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Legal%20Proceedings) The company is not currently a party to any legal proceedings that would be expected to have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, or results of operations - As of the filing date, Pagaya is not involved in any material legal proceedings[297](index=297&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=57&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 - No material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K have been reported[300](index=300&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=58&type=section&id=Item%205.%20Other%20Information) During the second quarter of 2025, Tami Rosen, a director and the company's Chief Development Officer, established a new Rule 10b5-1 trading plan to sell a maximum of 149,610 shares, with the plan ending on March 31, 2026 - On May 29, 2025, director and Chief Development Officer Tami Rosen entered into a new 10b5-1 plan to sell up to **149,610 shares**[304](index=304&type=chunk)
Pagaya Technologies .(PGY) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-07 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record GAAP net income of $17 million for the second quarter, marking the second consecutive quarter of positive net income [6][39] - Total revenues reached a record $326 million, up 30% year-over-year, with fee revenue less production costs (FRLPC) also at a record of $126 million, reflecting a 30% increase [6][38] - Adjusted EBITDA was $86 million, a 72% increase from the previous year, with a margin improvement to 26.4% [6][38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Personal loans were the largest contributor to volume, increasing by 23% year-over-year, while point of sale (POS) and auto lending volumes now comprise 30% of total volumes, up from 9% a year ago [37][38] - The company has diversified its funding sources, adding approximately $5 billion in forward flow capacity since 2024, which now represents 25% of the overall funding mix [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Network volume grew 14% year-over-year to $2.6 billion, exceeding guidance expectations [36] - The company has expanded its institutional funding network to 153 unique partners, up from 120 last year [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on sustainable growth through a disciplined approach, emphasizing the importance of technology and automation to improve operational efficiency [11][12] - The strategy includes expanding product offerings such as direct marketing and affiliate optimization to enhance partner growth without increasing credit risk [20][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the stability of the credit environment and the strong performance of lending partners, while remaining cautious about macroeconomic uncertainties [41][46] - The company raised its full-year financial outlook, reflecting confidence in its unique data and AI underwriting advantages [7][46] Other Important Information - The company successfully raised $500 million through its first corporate bond issuance, which is expected to reduce the cost of debt and enhance cash flow [12][34] - The company achieved its first AAA-rated auto ABS this quarter, indicating improved funding efficiency and lower capital requirements [27][42] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on potential new banking partners and BNPL capabilities - Management confirmed that there is significant enthusiasm among banks regarding buy now, pay later (BNPL) offerings, with ongoing discussions and term sheets signed with potential partners [51][54] Question: Impact of the bond offering on capital structure - Management highlighted that the bond offering is transformational, reducing debt costs and enhancing access to capital, which will support business growth [55][56] Question: Growth profile and new product impacts - Management indicated that new products like direct marketing and affiliate optimization are expected to smooth out growth and enhance partner engagement, with rollout anticipated by Q4 2025 [60][66] Question: Competitive dynamics and market direction - Management acknowledged the potential for new entrants in the market but emphasized the unique capabilities and established network of the company as key differentiators [74][78] Question: Consumer credit quality and performance - Management reported strong consumer performance across asset classes, with careful monitoring of credit quality and a disciplined approach to lending [84][86] Question: Growth capacity and future outlook - Management stated that the company has the capacity to double its growth over the next 18 months, focusing on disciplined and profitable growth strategies [90][92]
Pagaya Technologies .(PGY) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-07 13:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pagaya reported a record GAAP net income of $17 million for Q2 2025, marking the second consecutive quarter of positive net income [5][36] - Total revenues reached a record $326 million, up 30% year-over-year, with fee revenue less production costs (FRLPC) also at a record $126 million, reflecting a 30% increase [5][35] - Adjusted EBITDA was $86 million, a 72% increase from the previous year, with a margin improvement to 26.4% [35][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Personal loans were the largest contributor to network volume, increasing by 23% year-over-year, while point of sale (POS) and auto lending now comprise 30% of total volumes, up from 9% a year ago [34][35] - The company has diversified its funding sources, adding approximately $5 billion in forward flow capacity since 2024, which now represents 25% of the overall funding mix [10][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Network volume grew 14% year-over-year to $2.6 billion, with a consistent application-to-funding conversion rate of approximately 1% [34][36] - The institutional funding network expanded to 153 unique partners, up from 120 last year, indicating strong demand for Pagaya's solutions [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Pagaya is focusing on sustainable growth through partnerships and product innovation, aiming to lend to more partners and offer additional value-added products [12][19] - The company is enhancing its technology capabilities to support partners' growth, including initiatives like the direct marketing engine and affiliate optimizer [19][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of the credit environment and the company's ability to manage volumes and credit risk conservatively [10][38] - The outlook for the full year has been raised, with expectations for network volume between $10.5 billion and $11.5 billion and total revenue between $1.25 billion and $1.325 billion [44] Other Important Information - Pagaya successfully raised $500 million through its first corporate bond issuance, reducing its cost of debt from approximately 11% to 9% and enhancing cash flow by an estimated $40 million annually [30][32] - The company achieved its first AAA-rated auto ABS transaction, which is expected to drive significant growth potential in the auto lending business [25][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on potential new banking partners and BNPL capabilities - Management noted strong enthusiasm among banks for buy now, pay later (BNPL) solutions, with several term sheets signed recently [48][50] Question: Impact of the oversubscribed bond offering on capital structure - The bond offering is seen as transformational, providing significant cash savings and access to capital, enhancing the company's growth potential [51][52] Question: Growth profile and smoothing out results with new products - Management indicated that new product initiatives like direct marketing and affiliate optimization are expected to enhance growth and smooth out revenue fluctuations [56][62] Question: Health of the consumer and credit quality outlook - Consumer performance remains strong, with careful management of credit quality and a focus on responsible lending practices [78][80] Question: Capacity for growth and future expectations - The company anticipates the ability to double its capacity over the next eighteen months, focusing on disciplined and profitable growth [86][88] Question: Onboarding process for new bank partners - The onboarding process involves rigorous model approval and compliance checks before technical integration, ensuring alignment with risk management standards [93]
Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY) Lags Q2 Earnings Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-08-07 13:21
分组1 - Pagaya Technologies Ltd. reported quarterly earnings of $0.64 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.69 per share, but showing an increase from $0.1 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of -7.25% [1] - The company posted revenues of $326.4 million for the quarter ended June 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.79% and increasing from $250.34 million year-over-year [2] - Pagaya Technologies Ltd. shares have increased approximately 237.6% since the beginning of the year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 7.9% [3] 分组2 - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.56 on revenues of $315.8 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.51 on revenues of $1.27 billion [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Financial - Miscellaneous Services is in the top 32% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for the industry [8]