Credit: Shutterstock photoIt has been about a month since the last earnings report for Rent-A-Center (RCII). Shares have added about 1% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Rent-A-Center due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Rent-A-Center Q3 Earnings & Revenues Top Estimates
Rent-A-Center, Inc. delivered third-quarter 2018 results, wherein both the top and bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for second successive quarter. Analysts pointed that bottom line benefited from cost containment efforts.
Let's Delve Deep
The company delivered adjusted earnings of 32 cents a share that beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 29 cents and also compared favorably with a loss of 15 cents reported in the year-ago period. Total revenue of $644.9 million also came ahead of the consensus mark of $635 million.
The top line grew marginally by 0.2% on account of solid comparable-store sales (comps) growth, partly offset by closures of certain Core U.S. locations. Meanwhile, adjusted EBITDA came in at $49.3 million, up significantly from $17.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Moreover, adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 500 basis points to 7.6%.
Quite apparent, the company's strategic initiatives are well on track. Management intends to focus more on cost containment endeavors, improving traffic trends, targeted value proposition, refranchising program and augmenting cash flow. Further, the company is rationalizing store base and lowering debt load. Markedly, the company's cost-saving initiatives are way ahead of track, making it hopeful of generating annual run-rate savings of more than $100 million.
Comparable-Store Sales Performance
Comps for the quarter grew 5.7%, reflecting growth of 5.2%, 6.7% and 12.8% across the Core U.S., Acceptance Now and Mexico segments, respectively. Consolidated comps also portray a sequential improvement of 200 basis points.
Notably, comps for the Core U.S. and Mexico segments have improved 170 and 570 basis points sequentially, respectively, while for the Acceptance Now the same has increased 300 basis points on a sequential basis.
Segment Performance
Revenues from the Core U.S. segment rose 1.9% to $451.3 million due to improved comps performance partly offset by continued store base rationalization.
Revenues from the Acceptance Now segment fell 5.9% from the prior-year quarter to $173.4 million on account of closures of the company's Conn's and HHGregg locations. These were partly mitigated by healthy comps performance.
Mexico segment's revenues came in at $12.8 million, up marginally from $12.2 million reported in the year-ago period but improved 11.3% on a constant currency basis.
Finally, total Franchising revenues surged 58.4% to $7.4 million during the reported quarter. This can be attributed to recent change in the accounting standard for franchise advertising fees and higher merchandise sales due to increased store count.
Store Update
At the end of the quarter, there were 2,205 Core U.S. locations, 1,107 Acceptance Now Staffed stores, 119 Acceptance Now Direct stores, 122 stores in Mexico and 245 Franchise stores.
Other Financial Aspects
Rent-A-Center ended the reported quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $111 million, net Senior notes of $539.7 million and stockholders' equity of $283.7 million. The company incurred capital expenditures of $6.8 million during the reported quarter.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
In the past month, investors have witnessed an upward trend in fresh estimates.
VGM Scores
At this time, Rent-A-Center has a nice Growth Score of B, however its Momentum Score is doing a bit better with an A. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated a grade of A on the value side, putting it in the top 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of this revision looks promising. It comes with little surprise Rent-A-Center has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.
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Rent-A-Center, Inc. (RCII): Free Stock Analysis Report
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
