Upbound Group

Moody’s has raised its outlook for Upbound from negative to stable and affirmed the ratings (Corporate Family Rating Ba2, PD Ba2‑PD, senior secured loans Ba2, unsecured notes B1). The liquidity rating improved from SGL‑3 to SGL‑2 as Moody’s expects sustained strong revenue and margin growth and improved free cash flow, supported by robust performance at ACIMA and Brigit and stabilization at Rent‑A‑Center. Moody’s forecasts improvement in leverage/EBITDA to 2.9x and in EBITA/interest coverage to 3.6x by the end of fiscal 2026. Risks remain volatile customer default rates in the lease‑to‑own business and currently weaker EBITA/interest coverage; any upgrade or downgrade will depend on sustained profitability and the development of leverage metrics. » More on de.investing.com

Upbound Group reported Q1 2026 earnings per share of $1.08 versus an expected $1.07; revenue was $1.2 billion, missing the $1.23 billion forecast. The company saw 3.7% year‑over‑year revenue growth, an 8% increase in adjusted Non‑GAAP EPS, strong operating cash flow and solid liquidity. The stock ticked up slightly, and Upbound reiterated its full‑year guidance of $4.7–4.95 billion in revenue and $4.00–4.35 in Non‑GAAP EPS. Management cited weaker consumer demand and macroeconomic headwinds as risks. » More on de.investing.com

Upbound reported non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $1.08 for Q1 2026, beating the analyst estimate of $1.07, while revenue of about $1.22 billion was slightly below expectations. Net income rose to $35.8 million, adjusted EBITDA climbed to $136.1 million, and operating cash flow improved significantly. The platform strategy with Brigit, Acima and Rent‑A‑Center contributed to margin improvements: Brigit grew strongly, Acima showed moderate efficiency gains, and Rent‑A‑Center recorded declining revenues. Upbound reaffirmed its full-year guidance (revenue $4.70–4.95 billion, adjusted EBITDA $500–535 million, non‑GAAP EPS $4.00–4.35) and emphasized solid cash generation despite macroeconomic risks. » More on de.investing.com