Upbound announces CEO transition, Fahmi Karam to take helm

Published 20/02/2025, 13:10
Updated 20/02/2025, 13:12
Upbound announces CEO transition, Fahmi Karam to take helm

PLANO, Texas - Upbound Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPBD), a provider of financial solutions for underserved consumers and currently valued at $1.67 billion, has announced a leadership change with the retirement of long-serving CEO Mitch Fadel. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Fahmi Karam is set to succeed Fadel as CEO and will join the company’s Board of Directors starting June 1, 2025. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears undervalued based on its Fair Value assessment, with analysts maintaining a bullish consensus.

The company’s board has initiated a search for a new CFO, engaging an executive search firm to consider both internal and external candidates. The transition reflects a strategic succession planning process, with Karam’s appointment being a unanimous decision by the board, recognizing his contributions and leadership qualities. The company maintains a strong financial position with a healthy current ratio of 3.51, indicating robust liquidity management.

Jeffrey Brown, Chairman of the Board, expressed confidence in Karam’s ability to lead the company forward, citing his strategic and financial experience and dedication to Upbound’s mission. Karam has been instrumental in the company’s success, playing a significant role in its growth and digital transformation.

Karam expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Upbound and his commitment to building on the foundation laid by Fadel. He aims to continue the expansion of financial solutions and technologies that serve the company’s customer base. The company has demonstrated solid performance with $4.26 billion in revenue over the last twelve months and maintains an attractive dividend yield of 5.36%.

Fadel, who will assist in the transition until June, reflected on his tenure with satisfaction, acknowledging the company’s evolution into an industry leader and the strength of its team. He expressed confidence in Karam as his successor.

Upbound Group, Inc. has transformed under Fadel’s leadership, transitioning from Rent-A-Center (NASDAQ:UPBD)’s brick-and-mortar model to an omni-channel lease-to-own platform with a significant online presence and partnerships. The company’s recent acquisition of the financial health app Brigit is part of its expanded digital solutions. InvestingPro data reveals several additional positive indicators for the company, with more detailed analysis available in the comprehensive Pro Research Report, covering key metrics and growth prospects.

This news is based on a press release statement from Upbound Group, Inc. The information contained in the press release includes forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that the anticipated growth strategies and opportunities will be realized.

In other recent news, Upbound Group has announced its acquisition of Brigit, a financial health technology company, in a deal valued at up to $460 million. The acquisition, which includes $325 million payable upon closing, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. This strategic move is anticipated to contribute between $70 million and $80 million to Upbound’s EBITDA by 2026. Stephens has reaffirmed its Overweight rating on Upbound Group, maintaining a price target of $38.00, following this announcement. The acquisition is projected to be accretive to Upbound’s adjusted EBITDA by $25 million to $30 million in 2025. Brigit’s platform, known for its financial inclusion efforts, has approximately two million active users and has saved users around $1 billion in overdraft fees. The transaction involves a mix of cash, credit facilities, and Upbound common stock issuance. Upbound will hold an investor call to discuss the acquisition further.

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