Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue reached nearly $1,200,000,000, a 7.3% increase year over year, driven by the strength of Asima and the addition of two months of Bridget [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA was $126,000,000, reflecting a 16% increase compared to Q1 of 2024, with adjusted EBITDA margins rising to 10.7%, up 70 basis points from the previous year [16][17] - Non-GAAP diluted EPS was $1, representing a 27% increase from the same quarter last year [16] - Free cash flow generated was $127,000,000, nearly four times larger than the previous year's first quarter result [16][37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Asima achieved GMV growth of nearly 9% year over year, with improved lease charge-offs by 70 basis points, leading to a 170 basis point increase in adjusted EBITDA margin [10][11] - Rent A Center reported a 2% decline in same-store sales, primarily due to tightened underwriting and the removal of higher loss products [12][13] - Bridget recorded a 38% year-over-year revenue increase on a pro forma basis, with subscriber growth of over 26% [14][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Asima's GMV growth was driven by a diversified lineup of merchant relationships, with the top 10 merchants representing about 30% of total GMV [11][28] - Rent A Center's revenue was down 4.9% year over year, attributed to fewer company-owned stores and a decline in deliveries [34] - The average tax refund was ahead of the prior two years, providing a boost to consumer spending power [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become a holistic financial platform that enhances financial opportunities for underserved consumers [6][50] - Expansion plans include launching Asima in the Mexican market, leveraging existing Rent A Center infrastructure [20][22] - Digital investments are a priority, with initiatives to enhance customer experience and integrate services across segments [19][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that macroeconomic conditions present both challenges and opportunities, with a focus on maintaining customer trust and loyalty [9][18] - The company expects to see low double-digit GMV growth across the year, building on last year's 17% growth [12] - Management expressed confidence in achieving the revised guidance for 2025, citing strong first-quarter performance [45][48] Other Important Information - The company successfully resolved a long-standing regulatory matter with the CFPB, which had no impact on business operations [49] - The net leverage ratio was approximately 2.9 times, reflecting the closure of the Bridget transaction [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on tariff impacts and price increases? - Management indicated no current price increases from suppliers, with some categories even seeing price reductions [55][56] - They emphasized the ability to adjust pricing through weekly payment modifications if necessary [56][60] Question: What is the integration plan for Bridget across the business? - Management confirmed that marketing collaboration has begun, with plans for data sharing to enhance customer approvals and mitigate losses [64][65] Question: Can you elaborate on Bridget's seasonality and growth plans? - Management noted that Q1 typically has the highest margin profile, with expectations for subscriber growth in Q2 and Q3 [73][76] Question: What are the risks associated with expanding Asima into Mexico? - Management expressed confidence in the expansion due to existing Rent A Center operations in Mexico, which provide valuable market insights [77][79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $684.1 million, a 6.6% increase year over year, driven by a larger lease portfolio and higher purchase activity [9][27] - Adjusted EBITDA was $70.3 million, slightly down from $72.6 million in the previous year [27] - Non-GAAP EPS was $0.90, exceeding the high end of the outlook [10][27] - The lease portfolio balance increased by 6.1% year over year, compared to a 5.2% decline at the same point in 2023 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Progressive Leasing's GMV for Q1 was $402 million, down 4% from the previous year, primarily due to the bankruptcy of a large retail partner [22][24] - Excluding the impact of the Big Lots bankruptcy, GMV growth was low to mid-single digits [8][24] - Ford Technologies, the BNPL platform, achieved triple-digit revenue growth and positive adjusted EBITDA for the first time [11][80] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macroeconomic environment has deteriorated, with inflation and tariff concerns impacting consumer confidence and spending [12][29] - Consumer behavior has shifted, with many delaying discretionary spending, particularly in big-ticket categories [8][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its ecosystem strategy, which includes enhancing both leasing and BNPL products to meet consumer needs [11][19] - Strategic investments in marketing and technology are prioritized to drive growth and optimize risk management [12][19] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to spending while making selective capital investments [14][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging macro environment but expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate through it [12][29] - The revised 2025 outlook reflects increased macro uncertainty and a decline in consumer confidence, particularly in key categories [29][30] - Management expects lease portfolio performance to remain within the targeted 6% to 8% annual write-off range [30] Other Important Information - The company returned capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, with a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share [27] - The company has $335.2 million remaining under its $500 million share repurchase program [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the dynamics of the trade-down environment? - Management noted that trade-down behavior still exists but is more muted compared to the latter half of 2024, with no significant tightening observed [36] Question: How has retail softness progressed? - Management indicated that while the quarter started encouragingly, there was a noticeable downshift in consumer sentiment, with no significant rebound observed [40] Question: What is the impact of the Big Lots bankruptcy on GMV? - Management confirmed that the $30 million GMV headwind from the lost customer is expected to be consistent across the quarters [41][42] Question: How are inflation and tariffs impacting retail partners? - Management highlighted that modest price increases could be beneficial, but significant price shocks and demand destruction are concerning [46] Question: What is the status of the American Signature partnership? - Management reported positive progress with American Signature, indicating strong connectivity and training efforts [64] Question: What is the reduction in lease approval rates? - Management stated that lease approval rates are approximately 300 to 400 basis points lower year over year, influenced by tightening actions and a shift in application quality [70]

Core Viewpoint - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) is set to announce its financial results for the first quarter of 2025 on May 6, 2025, and will hold a conference call to discuss these results [1][2]. Company Overview - Willis Lease Finance Corporation specializes in leasing large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, and aircraft to various clients including airlines and aircraft engine manufacturers [4]. - The company's leasing activities are complemented by engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools, and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited [4]. - Additional services include end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided by Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc., as well as maintenance and handling services through various subsidiaries [4]. Conference Call Details - The conference call will take place on May 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, led by WLFC's executive management team [2]. - Participants can join the call by dialing specific numbers for US/Canada and international callers, and a digital replay will be available two hours after the call [2].