Upbound Group, Inc. — Cyborg Score 6/10

Solid
Financial Services - Consumer Finance, Lease-to-Own, and Financial Wellness

Strategic Profile

Growth is powered by the Acima virtual lease-to-own business and Brigit, partly offset by lower Rent-A-Center revenue. The company is integrating its Brigit acquisition and expanding Acima-driven financial solutions, highlighting a focus on broader financial wellness offerings for underserved consumers.

Cyborg Score Rationale

Upbound achieved 8.7% revenue growth to $4.7B, improved cash flow by over $100M year-over-year, and stabilized the Rent-A-Center business. However, 2026 guidance of $4.7-$4.95B revenue represents modest growth with adjusted EBITDA of $500-$535M, indicating moderate momentum.

Top Insights

  • Brigit generated $65M revenue with 1.6M paying subscribers and 10% year-over-year ARPU growth
  • Rent-A-Center same-store sales grew 0.8% year-over-year with a 10 basis point reduction in lease charge-off rate
  • Free cash flow reached $180.5M in 2025
  • Board approved quarterly dividend of $0.39 for Q1 2026

Named Competitors

  • Lease-to-Own Retail — Traditional lease-to-own competitor
  • Buy Now Pay Later — Digital financial solutions for consumers
  • Financial Wellness — Earned wage access and financial services

Recent Developments

  • (February 2026) Company reported 2025 revenue growth of 8.7% to $4.7B and strengthened cash flow
  • (February 2026) Introduced 2026 guidance for revenue of $4.7-$4.95B and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $4.00-$4.35
  • (November 2025) Hal Khouri appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  • (January 2026) CEO Fahmi Karam and CFO Hal Khouri participated in ICR Conference

Open the full interactive Upbound Group, Inc. report

Strategic research, analyst-debate audio, full Cyborg Score breakdown across 11 dimensions, and saved-company audio playlists.

Open report →