Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $10.1 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.30, representing a 20% year-over-year improvement [4][5] - Quarterly revenue reached a record level of $157 million, up 10% year-over-year [18] - Total originations were at a record high of $510 million, reflecting a 20% year-over-year increase [16][18] - The annualized operating expense ratio improved to 13.2%, a 60 basis point improvement year-over-year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net receivables grew by $70 million sequentially, with a year-over-year increase of 10.5% [6] - The auto secured loan portfolio grew by $66 million or 37% year-over-year, now representing 13% of the total portfolio [10] - Loans with APRs above 36% increased by $50 million or 16% year-over-year, now making up 18% of the total portfolio [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The thirty-day delinquency rate improved to 6.6%, a 50 basis point improvement sequentially and 30 basis points year-over-year [6][19] - The net credit loss rate was 11.9%, improving by 50 basis points sequentially and 80 basis points year-over-year [6][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to continue opening new branches, with 17 branches opened since September of the previous year and an expectation to open another 5 to 10 branches in the next six months [9] - The company is executing a barbell strategy focusing on growth in high-quality auto secured and high-margin small loan portfolios [9] - Investments in technology and advanced analytics are expected to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience [12][93] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the health of consumers in their target segment, which has allowed for responsible portfolio growth and improved credit performance [5][14] - For 2025, the company forecasts full-year net income between $42 million and $45 million, with potential for faster growth in the second half of the year [14][26] - Management noted that economic conditions, including wage growth and job availability, are favorable for their customer base [17][45] Other Important Information - The company returned $17.6 million in capital to shareholders through stock repurchases and dividends [8] - The allowance for credit losses increased by $3.7 million to support portfolio growth, with a reserve rate of 10.3% expected to remain steady [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the most significant growth opportunities? - Management highlighted various growth levers, including geographic expansion, new branches, and digital underwriting, with a focus on optimizing returns based on market conditions [29][31] Question: Is the flat allowance rate an indication of normalization? - Management explained that the allowance rate is based on portfolio mix and macro conditions, and they will continue to evaluate it quarterly [36][39] Question: How should yields be expected to change? - Management indicated that pricing will be competitive and will adjust based on market conditions, with a focus on maintaining profitability [48][50] Question: What drove the increase in digital originations? - The increase was attributed to improved productivity in branches and successful partnerships with affiliates, which are expected to be sustainable [89][90] Question: What factors are leading to the guidance for Q3? - The guidance reflects expectations for continued top-line growth, expense discipline, and improvements in net credit losses [94][96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $7 million and diluted EPS of $0.70 for Q1 2025, consistent with guidance but lower than Q1 2024 due to a special loan sale in the prior year [4][21] - The portfolio experienced a modest seasonal liquidation of $2 million, significantly lower than the $27 million decline in Q1 2024 [5] - Ending net receivables increased by 8% year over year, marking the fastest growth rate since 2023 [5] - Total revenue reached $153 million in Q1 2025, up 6% from the prior year, or 7.4% when adjusted for loan sale revenue benefits [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The auto secured loan portfolio grew by $59 million or 37% year over year, now representing 12% of the total portfolio [8][23] - The small loan portfolio increased by 11% year over year, with 18% of the portfolio carrying an APR greater than 36%, up from 16% a year ago [23] - New branches opened in September 2024 generated $1.5 million in revenue against $1.1 million in G&A expenses, demonstrating strong performance [7][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 15 new branches, 10 of which are in new markets, including California, Arizona, and Louisiana, all performing well [5][6] - The delinquency rate for the auto secured portfolio was 1.7%, the lowest among all products [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a tight credit box while pursuing growth through branch expansion and geographic diversification [12][14] - The barbell strategy emphasizes growth in high-quality auto secured loans and higher margin small loans [8][23] - The company aims for a minimum of 10% portfolio growth in 2025 despite economic uncertainties [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating economic uncertainties due to a strong credit box and capital reserves [15][19] - The company is closely monitoring macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and consumer behavior, to adjust strategies as needed [11][45] - Management expects net credit losses to decrease in the latter part of the year, contributing to improved net income [75] Other Important Information - The company has consented to CFPB supervision until January 2026 and has cooperated fully with the examination process, receiving no adverse findings [19] - The allowance for credit losses was $199 million, with a reserve rate of 10.5% as of the end of Q1 2025 [13][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term outlook on NIM - Management indicated that as fixed-rate funding matures, the cost of funds will increase, but higher margin business will help balance this [40][42] Question: Signs of consumer behavior changes - Management noted that consumer behavior remains stable, with no significant pull forward in spending observed [44][45] Question: Clarification on capital generation - Management explained that Q1 typically sees lower net income, but expects increases as the year progresses due to lower net credit losses and higher revenue [60][61] Question: Credit tightening context - Management stated that they apply stress factors in underwriting, varying by portfolio segment, rather than a uniform approach [64] Question: Guidance on expenses - Management provided Q2 guidance for G&A expenses at approximately $65.5 million, with increases expected as loan volumes rise [86] Question: Consumer spending patterns - Management observed that consumer spending is steady, with no signs of accelerated spending due to economic conditions [89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $7 million and diluted EPS of $0.70 for Q1 2025, consistent with guidance but lower than Q1 2024 due to a prior year loan sale benefit [5][21] - Ending net receivables increased by 8% year over year, marking the fastest growth rate since 2023 [6] - Total revenue reached $153 million in Q1 2025, up 6% from the prior year, or 7.4% when adjusted for loan sale revenue benefits [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The auto secured loan portfolio grew by $59 million or 37% year over year, now representing 12% of the total portfolio [8][23] - The small loan portfolio increased by 11% year over year, with 18% of the portfolio carrying an APR greater than 36%, up from 16% a year ago [23][24] - Total originations reached record levels for Q1, up 20% year over year, with branch, direct mail, and digital originations increasing by 17%, 18%, and 46% respectively [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The thirty plus day delinquency rate was 7.1% at the end of Q1, flat year over year but improved by 60 basis points sequentially [26] - Net credit losses were $58.4 million, better than guidance by $1.6 million, with an annualized net credit loss rate of 12.4%, which is 90 basis points better year over year [26][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a tight credit box while pursuing growth through branch expansion, having opened 15 new branches in September 2024 [6][14] - The barbell strategy emphasizes growth in high-quality auto secured and higher margin small loan portfolios, which are expected to support customer graduation strategies [8][24] - The company aims for a minimum of 10% portfolio growth in 2025 despite economic uncertainties [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating economic uncertainties due to a strong credit box and capital reserves [15][19] - The company is closely monitoring macroeconomic conditions, including wage growth and inflation, which are favorable for its customer base [15][45] - Management anticipates a gradual improvement in delinquency rates and net credit losses in the upcoming quarters [27][28] Other Important Information - The company has consented to CFPB supervision for a two-year period ending in January 2026, with no adverse findings reported from recent examinations [19] - The effective tax rate for Q1 was 23.5%, with an expected increase to approximately 24.5% for Q2 [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term outlook on NIM - Management indicated that as fixed-rate funding matures, the cost of funds will increase, but higher margin business will help balance this [40][42] Question: Signs of consumer behavior changes - Management noted that consumer behavior remains stable, with no significant pull forward in spending observed [44][45] Question: Clarification on capital generation - Management explained that Q1 typically sees lower net income, but expects capital generation to increase as the year progresses [60] Question: Credit tightening context - Management applies different stress factors based on portfolio segments, indicating a nuanced approach to underwriting [64] Question: Guidance on expenses - Management provided Q2 expense guidance of approximately $65.5 million, with a focus on prudent expense control [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $7 million and diluted EPS of $0.70 for Q1 2025, consistent with guidance but lower than Q1 2024 due to a prior year loan sale benefit [4][20] - Ending net receivables increased by 8% year over year, marking the fastest growth rate since 2023 [5] - Total revenue reached $153 million in Q1 2025, up 6% from the prior year, or 7.4% when adjusted for loan sale revenue benefits [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The auto secured loan portfolio grew by $59 million or 37% year over year, now representing 12% of the total portfolio [7] - The small loan portfolio increased by 11% year over year, with 18% of the portfolio carrying an APR greater than 36%, up from 16% a year ago [22] - New branches opened in September 2024 generated $1.5 million in revenue against $1.1 million in G&A expenses, demonstrating strong performance [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 15 new branches, 10 of which are in new markets, and these branches are performing well with an average portfolio balance of $2.2 million [5][6] - The thirty plus day delinquency rate was 7.1%, flat year over year, but improved by 20 basis points when adjusted for the impact of growth in higher margin portfolios [9][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for a minimum of 10% portfolio growth in 2025 despite economic uncertainties, supported by a conservative credit box and strong capital generation [12][33] - The barbell strategy focuses on growth in high-quality auto secured and higher margin small loan portfolios, which are expected to continue performing well [7][22] - The company is prepared to tighten credit further if necessary, having already entered a potential downturn with a tightened credit box [11][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating economic uncertainties due to a strong credit performance and a conservative underwriting approach [12][13] - The company is closely monitoring macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and consumer behavior, to adjust strategies as needed [10][45] - Management highlighted the resilience of their customer base, supported by wage growth and job availability [13][45] Other Important Information - The company generated $9.9 million in total capital in Q1 2025, with total capital generation since 2020 amounting to $339 million [17] - The allowance for credit losses was $199 million, with a reserve rate of 10.5%, expected to decline to 10.3% in Q2 2025 [12][27] - The company declared a dividend of $0.30 per share for Q2 2025, with a share repurchase program in place [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term outlook on NIM - Management indicated that as fixed-rate funding matures, the cost of funds will increase, but higher margin business will balance this [39][40] Question: Changes in consumer behavior - Management noted that consumer credit results are tracking as expected, with no significant changes in demand or payment behavior observed [44][45] Question: Guidance on expenses - Management provided Q2 guidance of approximately $65.5 million in G&A expenses, with increases expected as loan volumes rise [28][85] Question: Clarification on capital generation - Management explained that Q1 capital generation was lower due to seasonal factors, with expectations for improvement as the year progresses [58][59] Question: Credit box tightening - Management confirmed that they apply stress factors in underwriting, adjusting based on portfolio risk, rather than a uniform tightening approach [62][63]

Financial Performance - Net income was $7 million, and diluted EPS was $0.70, lower than 1Q 24 due to the prior-year benefit from the sale of certain non-performing loans in 4Q 23[18] - Total revenue reached a record $153 million for a first quarter, up 6% year-over-year, or 7.4% after adjusting for the $1.9 million revenue increase in 1Q 24 from the 4Q 23 loan sale[18] - Provision for credit losses increased by $11.6 million, or 24.9%[18] Portfolio Growth and Composition - Net Finance Receivables reached $1.89 billion, an increase of $146 million or 8.4% year-over-year[9] - Total originations for the first quarter were a record $392.1 million, up 20.2% from $326.4 million in 1Q 24[10, 21] - The company achieved year-over-year portfolio growth of $146 million, or 8.4%[24] Credit Quality and Delinquency - 30+ Delinquency Rate was 7.1%, a 60 bps improvement from 4Q 24[12] - Net Credit Loss Rate was 12.4%, a 120 bps improvement after adjusting for the 4Q 23 loan sale and growth in the higher-margin portfolio[12] Operating Efficiency and Funding - The operating expense ratio was 14%[11] - Unused capacity stood at $641 million, providing substantial bandwidth to fund growth[14] - Fixed-rate debt represented 90% of total debt, with a WAC of 4.4% and a revolving duration of 1.4 years[14]