PROG (US:PRG)2025-10-22 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-GAAP diluted EPS for the third quarter was $0.90, exceeding the outlook range of $0.70 to $0.75 per share, marking the third consecutive earnings beat this year [7][28] - Consolidated revenue for Q3 was $595.1 million, reflecting a slight decline compared to $606.1 million in the same period last year [27][28] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $67 million, or 11.3% of revenue, compared to $63.5 million, or 10.5% of revenue in Q3 of 2024 [27][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Progressive Leasing GMV was $410.9 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 10%, but underlying performance showed mid-single-digit growth when adjusting for the Big Lots bankruptcy and tightening of lease approvals [23][24] - Revenue for Progressive Leasing was down approximately 4.5% at $556.6 million compared to $582.6 million in the prior year [24] - Four Technologies delivered triple-digit revenue growth for the eighth consecutive quarter, with a year-to-date adjusted EBITDA of $11.1 million, representing a 23% margin on revenue [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce GMV accounted for 23% of total Progressive Leasing GMV in Q3 2025, up from 20.9% in Q2 and 16.6% in Q3 2024 [13] - The overall demand environment remains soft across many durable goods categories, which is expected to continue into Q4 [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving capital efficiency and profitability through the sale of the VIVE Financial Credit Card Receivables Portfolio, which strengthens the balance sheet and allows for better capital allocation [11][29] - Strategic priorities include investing in growth, exploring M&A opportunities, and returning excess cash to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [12][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted persistent consumer challenges due to inflationary pressures and financial stress among lower-income households, impacting discretionary spending [8][21] - The company anticipates that GMV pressures will continue into Q4, with expectations for improvement in Q1 2026 as the toughest year-over-year comparisons will roll off [36][52] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with $292.6 million in cash and $600 million of gross debt, resulting in a net leverage ratio of 1.1 times [29][30] - The sale of the VIVE portfolio is expected to provide approximately $150 million, enhancing liquidity and creating flexibility for future investments [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on consumer pulse amid economic pressures - Management acknowledged elevated delinquencies but noted improvements in write-offs due to prior tightening actions, indicating a cautious but stable portfolio [34][35] Question: GMV outlook for the rest of the year - Management indicated that Q3 was a tough comp and that pressures would likely persist into Q4, with expectations for improvement in Q1 2026 [36][37] Question: Discussion on trade down effects - Management noted that while there has been tightening in the market, they have not observed significant trade down effects impacting their customer base [45][46] Question: Insights on Four Technologies and customer acquisition - Management highlighted that Four Technologies has seen organic growth driven by referrals and user-generated content, indicating strong customer engagement [85]