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

Upbound Group is shifting its focus beyond the traditional rent-to-own business into the non-prime segment and plans to drive growth through digital innovations, AI deployment and strategic partnerships. Free cash flow of $200 million is expected for 2026 and is to be invested in growth and debt reduction. The Brigit segment has 1.6 million subscribers and targets 30% growth, while Acima seeks double-digit EBITDA contributions and moderate GMV growth. The company sees cross-selling potential between its units, is optimizing its store networks and is considering possible M&A, supported by a more favorable regulatory environment. » More on de.investing.com

Upbound Group posted revenue of $1.196 billion in Q4 2025 (+10.9% year-over-year) and lifted consolidated full-year revenue to $4.7 billion (+8.7%). Diluted non-GAAP EPS was $1.01 for the quarter and adjusted EBITDA was $126 million; for 2025 net income fell to $73.2 million despite adjusted EBITDA rising to $508.8 million. The recently acquired Brigit unit showed strong user and ARPU growth, while the traditional Rent-A-Center segment experienced margin pressure. Upbound issued 2026 guidance of revenue between $4.70 billion and $4.95 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $500–$535 million; the stock rose sharply in premarket trading after the results. » More on de.investing.com