Regional Management(RM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]