Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record Q2 revenue of $318.9 million, marking a 12% year-on-year increase [5] - PLO (Pawn Loan Outstanding) grew 15% to a Q2 record of $271.8 million [5] - EBITDA increased by 23% to $45.1 million, with diluted EPS growth of 21% to $0.34 [5][9] - Cash balance increased to $505.2 million from $174.5 million last quarter, primarily due to $300 million debt financing [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Merchandise sales grew by 8% to $177.4 million, with gross profit reflecting a 10% increase to $185 million [9][15] - U.S. Pawn segment revenue increased by 7% to $221.4 million, with earning assets growing by 21% [16] - Latin American segment total revenues increased by 25% to $97.5 million, driven by strong PLO growth of 17% [22][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. accounted for 72% of gross profit during the quarter [10] - Average loan size in the U.S. increased by 15%, primarily due to higher prices of jewelry [17] - Latin America experienced a 19% increase in PSC (Pawn Service Charges) [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to strengthen core pawn operations through investments in technology and customer experience [11] - The Easy Plus Rewards program saw membership grow by 34% to 6.2 million, accounting for 77% of all transactions [11] - The company is focused on disciplined M&A strategies in both the U.S. and Latin America, with a strong pipeline of opportunities [27][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that macroeconomic pressures are leading consumers to seek short-term cash solutions [6] - The company remains committed to maintaining high levels of cash liquidity while pursuing growth opportunities [8] - Management expressed confidence in sustaining strong momentum through 2025, despite economic uncertainties [27] Other Important Information - The company opened nine de novo stores in Latin America and acquired one store in Guatemala [7] - The introduction of a long-term layaway option resulted in a 15% increase in new layaways made during the quarter [12] - The company received a first-time credit rating of BA1 from Moody's, reflecting its strong financial position [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tax season on PLO - Management indicated that the 9% sequential decline in PLO is similar to last year and may represent a new normal due to rising consumer costs [32][33] Question: Effects of tariffs on pricing and customer demographics - Management noted that while tariffs take time to impact stores, inflationary effects on general merchandise are evident, with a shift towards higher loan sizes [34][35] Question: Merchandise margin performance - Management explained that prioritizing gross profit over merchandise margin is a strategic choice to satisfy customer needs [38][39] Question: Plans for excess cash post-debt offering - Management emphasized a balanced approach to scaling the business while maintaining a conservative balance sheet, with a focus on disciplined M&A [42][44] Question: Latin American acquisition strategy - Management highlighted strong momentum in Latin America and a disciplined approach to acquisitions, with numerous opportunities available [50][52] Question: Impact of layaway programs and gold prices - Management clarified that the benefits from layaway programs will materialize in future quarters, while gold prices are driving average loan sizes [58][66] Question: Update on MaxPawn's performance and expansion - Management expressed satisfaction with MaxPawn's growth and indicated plans for disciplined expansion into new markets [68][70] Question: Performance of the founders group - Management reported strong performance from the founders group, with growth in lending and sales [77] Question: Future growth around off-balance sheet structures - Management confirmed that the off-balance sheet structure has been successful for Simple, with ongoing assessments for future needs [80]