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On Thursday, Citizens JMP adjusted its outlook on Encore Capital Inc. (NASDAQ:ECPG), lowering the price target from $65.00 to $55.00. The firm maintained its Market Outperform rating on the debt recovery company’s stock, which currently trades near its 52-week high of $51.77. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears slightly overvalued at its current market capitalization of $1.18 billion. The revision reflects a mix of factors impacting Encore Capital’s operations, particularly in its U.S. and UK markets.
The analyst from Citizens JMP highlighted Encore Capital’s position in the United States, describing it as being in a "cyclical sweet spot" due to high levels of credit card debt, sensible pricing, competitive dynamics, and a stable employment and economic environment that has contributed to robust growth in collections. InvestingPro data shows the company’s strong liquidity position, with a current ratio of 14.6x, indicating robust ability to meet short-term obligations.
In contrast, the company’s Cabot (NYSE:CBT) operations, which focus primarily on the UK credit card market, are reportedly encountering supply challenges. However, a recent $129 million write-down in the present value (PV) of expected future recoveries is seen as incorporating a prudent level of conservatism into the company’s financial assessments.
Encore Capital’s management strategy was also acknowledged, particularly its efforts to reduce leverage. The company has indicated intentions to recommence share repurchases in 2025 as it aims to reach its targeted leverage ratio of 2.5 times.
The analyst’s report concluded with recognition of Encore Capital’s strong full-year purchasing and collections guidance, which surpassed initial expectations. This positive outlook on the company’s performance metrics contributed to the affirmation of the Market Outperform rating despite the reduced price target. InvestingPro analysis reveals several additional positive indicators, including expected net income growth and revenue growth forecast of 17% for FY2024. For deeper insights into Encore Capital’s financial health and growth prospects, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively to InvestingPro subscribers.
In other recent news, Encore Capital Group reported its Q4 2024 financial results, showcasing significant growth in global portfolio purchases and collections. The company achieved a record $1.35 billion in portfolio purchases, marking a 26% increase from the previous year, and global collections rose by 16% to $2.16 billion. Despite these achievements, Encore faced a $129 million revenue reduction and a $101 million goodwill impairment, impacting its overall financial results. The company also announced plans to resume share repurchases in 2025. Additionally, Encore exited the Italian non-performing loan market as part of its strategic adjustments. Analysts from Citizens JMP and Truist Securities inquired about the company’s restructuring efforts and the strategic exit from certain markets during the earnings call. Encore’s management expressed confidence in its future performance, with expectations for global collections to grow by 11% to $2.4 billion in 2025.
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