Revenue Segments - Acima segment accounted for approximately 52% of consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024[35]. - Rent-A-Center segment comprised approximately 43% of consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024[36]. - The Franchising segment includes 448 stores across 29 states, generating royalties of 3.0% to 6.0% of franchisees' monthly gross revenue[39]. Store Operations - As of December 31, 2024, the company operated 1,728 company-owned stores in the United States and Puerto Rico[36]. - The company operated 132 stores in Mexico as of December 31, 2024[37]. - The company operates 21 Home Choice stores in Minnesota, 30 Get It Now stores in Wisconsin, and 18 Rent-A-Center stores in New Jersey, adapting to local regulations[64][66]. Customer Experience and Technology - The company plans to leverage data analytics to attract new customers and mitigate risk across business segments[30]. - The company aims to accelerate the shift to e-commerce and improve the omni-channel customer experience[30]. - The company utilizes a proprietary automated process for lease purchase agreement approvals, benefiting both retailers and consumers[33]. - The company emphasizes flexible lease-to-own options, allowing customers to obtain ownership through various payment plans[24]. Lease Purchase Agreements - In the Rent-A-Center segment, ownership is attained in approximately 38% of lease purchase agreements, with an average product life of about 16 months[46]. - The majority of lease purchase agreements have renewal terms that are weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly, with daily monitoring of past due payments[47]. - The lease-to-own industry serves approximately 25% of the U.S. population classified as "subprime" (credit scores below 650) and 31% of consumers with incomes below $50,000[56]. Financial Performance and Trends - Revenue is moderately seasonal, with the first quarter typically generating higher merchandise sales due to federal income tax refunds[58]. - The company has experienced negative trends in customer behavior since late 2021, leading to a tightening of underwriting policies and a reduction in active leases, which has decreased lease revenue and operating cash flows[79]. - The company reported a significant impact from macroeconomic trends, including wage inflation and global supply chain disruptions, resulting in reduced product availability and rising product costs[80]. Risks and Challenges - The company faces risks related to its acquisition of Brigit, including the potential inability to realize anticipated benefits and incurring substantial expenses, which could adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations[78]. - The company is subject to various legal and regulatory risks, including investigations into Acima's business practices, which could result in significant costs and operational changes[78]. - The company’s operations are affected by competitive pressures in the lease-to-own industry, which could impede its ability to maintain lease volumes and pricing[76]. - The company has significant indebtedness, which could materially affect its financial condition and operational flexibility[78]. Cybersecurity and Information Management - The company relies heavily on information systems for operations and is continuously improving its cybersecurity measures to mitigate risks[196]. - The Cybersecurity and Privacy team reports to the Chief Technology and Digital Officer, who directly reports to the CEO, ensuring high-level oversight of cybersecurity initiatives[197]. - The company has a layered cybersecurity strategy that includes identification, protection, detection, and recovery to manage risks effectively[198]. Regulatory Environment - The company is exposed to increased regulatory scrutiny and potential new regulations that could impact its virtual lease-to-own operations[99]. - The company must comply with evolving environmental regulations, which may lead to increased expenses and operational challenges[121]. - Federal and state regulatory authorities are increasingly scrutinizing the lease-to-own industry, which may result in higher compliance costs and operational changes due to new or reinterpreted regulations[148]. Acquisitions and Strategic Growth - The company completed the acquisition of Brigit on January 31, 2025, enhancing its financial health technology offerings[18]. - The recent acquisition of Brigit expands the company's strategic focus into technology-driven financial health solutions, such as earned wage access and credit building products[88]. - The company expects to realize potential revenue and cost synergies from the Brigit acquisition, but there are risks associated with achieving these synergies[192]. Employee and Operational Management - As of December 31, 2024, the company employed a total of 11,970 coworkers, with 10,110 in U.S. operations, including Puerto Rico[61]. - The company is subject to high employee turnover rates, which could increase training and retention costs, adversely affecting operations[115]. - The company must effectively manage its inventory to reflect customer demand; failure to do so could lead to significant revenue declines and lower profitability[86].
Upbound (UPBD) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report