Enova International Inc acquires Grasshopper Bank for $369 million
Enova International Inc's stock surged by 12.72%, reaching a 52-week high amid mixed market conditions, with the Nasdaq-100 down 0.68% and the S&P 500 up 0.01%.
The increase in stock price is attributed to Enova's announcement of a definitive agreement to acquire Grasshopper Bank for approximately $369 million, which is expected to enhance Enova's market position and significantly expand its asset base. This strategic acquisition is projected to generate over 15% adjusted earnings per share accretion in the first year, with expectations of exceeding 25% once synergies are fully realized, providing substantial financial returns for shareholders.
This acquisition not only strengthens Enova's competitive edge in the digital banking sector but also diversifies its product offerings, allowing it to meet the diverse needs of consumers and small businesses. The market is reacting positively to this strategic move, indicating strong investor confidence in Enova's growth potential.
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- Growth Expectations: 94% of small business owners project growth in 2026, matching an all-time high, indicating strong confidence and proactive investment strategies among small enterprises.
- Top Challenges: In Q4, 31% of small business owners identified inflation as their biggest challenge, while 29% focused on cash flow issues, highlighting significant operational pressures from the evolving market environment.
- Non-Bank Lender Preference: 74% of small businesses are opting for non-bank lenders for their working capital needs, reflecting a growing preference for the speed and convenience of alternative financing solutions, which may further erode traditional banks' market share.
- AI Adoption Trends: Among the 56% of small businesses utilizing AI, 63% apply it in marketing, with 87% of AI users reporting positive business impacts, underscoring the potential of AI technology to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making support.
- Small Business Confidence: According to the latest Small Business Cash Flow Trend Report, 94% of small business owners anticipate growth over the next year, reflecting a proactive approach to evolving market conditions and strong confidence.
- Efficiency Investments: Small business owners are investing in AI and disciplined cash flow strategies to enhance operational efficiency, thereby supporting sustainable growth in a competitive market.
- Diverse Financing Options: The survey indicates that 468 small business owners are utilizing a wider range of financing options, including OnDeck, to support their growth plans, showcasing flexibility and adaptability in accessing capital.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: By leveraging real-time AI-driven cash flow insights, small businesses can make informed decisions more rapidly, significantly enhancing their potential for success in the new year and long-term growth prospects.

- Leadership Transition: Enova International successfully completed its leadership transition with Steven Cunningham as CEO and Scott Cornelis as CFO, positioning the company for a new phase of growth under their guidance.
- Strong Financial Performance: The company reported total revenue of $839 million for Q4 2025, a 15% year-over-year increase, with originations reaching $2.3 billion, reflecting a robust market demand and significant business growth potential.
- Grasshopper Bank Acquisition: Cunningham announced the acquisition of Grasshopper Bank, expected to close in the second half of 2026, which is projected to generate annual net synergies of $125 million to $220 million and drive adjusted EPS growth of over 25%.
- 2026 Outlook: CFO Cornelis anticipates flat to slightly higher revenue for Q1 2026, with originations expected to grow around 15% and adjusted EPS growth of at least 20% for the full year, demonstrating the company's confidence in future performance.
- Significant Performance Growth: Enova achieved a 27% origination growth in 2025, with nearly 20% revenue growth and a 42% increase in adjusted EPS, as its portfolio reached $4.9 billion, with 68% in small business loans, highlighting the company's strong position in the small business market.
- Leadership Transition: Effective January 1, Steve Cunningham became CEO and Scott Cornelis CFO, with management reiterating the strategic rationale for the pending acquisition of Grasshopper Bank, expected to close in H2 2026, aimed at simplifying regulation and expanding consumer markets.
- 2026 Outlook: Enova targets approximately 15% origination growth and at least 20% adjusted EPS growth for 2026, backed by about $1.1 billion in liquidity, demonstrating the company's focus on organic growth first, followed by share buybacks to enhance shareholder value.
- Increased Marketing Spend: Marketing expenses accounted for 23% of total revenue in Q4, up from 21% a year earlier, as management indicated a commitment to capturing demand while expecting marketing expenses to revert to more typical levels, yet remaining opportunistic to seize market potential.
- Earnings Beat: Enova International reported a Q4 Non-GAAP EPS of $3.46, exceeding expectations by $0.29, indicating strong profitability and boosting investor confidence.
- Revenue Growth: The company achieved revenue of $839.39 million in Q4, a 15.1% year-over-year increase, aligning with market expectations and demonstrating robust business expansion.
- Record Loan Receivables: Total combined loans and finance receivables reached a record $4.9 billion, up 23% from the end of Q4 2024, reflecting strong performance in the credit market and increased customer demand.
- Share Repurchase Program: Enova repurchased $35 million of common stock under its share repurchase program, signaling management's confidence in future growth while also enhancing EPS.









