FirstCash Expects Revenue Growth in 2026
FirstCash provided an outlook for 2026. In U.S. Pawn, pawn receivables, the leading indicator of future revenues, began 2026 up 14% compared to a year ago, with January balances up similarly. While the company will lap its 2025 acquisitions of 23 stores over the course of this year, the Company still expects low double-digit revenue growth from pawn fees in 2026. expects merchandise sales to grow 8% to 10% in 2025 and will continue to target retail margins at 42%. In Latin America pawn, pawn receivables began 2026 up 23% on a local currency basis with continued strength in January. While the company assumes these comps could moderate over the course of 2026, it still expects a mid-teen growth rate in pawn fees, assuming a similar exchange rate to last year. Expects retail sales to grow high single digits compared to 2025 with consistent retail margins of 35%, and like the U.S., expects improved scrap margins. Operating expenses will continue to reflect ongoing adjustments to the minimum wage in Mexico, which increased 12% effective January 1. Combined with increased store counts, operating expenses are expected to increase in a range of 8% to 10% on a U.S. dollar basis. U.K. pawn receivables began 2026 up 25% vs. a year ago, with January balances up similarly as well. Given this momentum, 2026 segment income is expected to be $115M-$125M assuming the current GBP exchange rate.
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- Executive Sell-off: Howard F. Hambleton, President of American First Finance, sold 2,000 shares on February 5, 2026, which may indicate a cautious outlook on the company's future performance, potentially negatively impacting investor confidence.
- Market Reaction: Such executive sell-offs often lead to speculation regarding internal company information, which could cause short-term volatility in the stock price, affecting investor decisions.
- Shareholding Changes: Following this sale, Hambleton's ownership stake will change, potentially impacting his influence in company decisions and subsequently affecting the strategic direction of the firm.
- Investor Vigilance: Investors should closely monitor the company's subsequent financial performance and any further actions by executives to assess the potential long-term implications of this sell-off on the company's growth trajectory.
- Stock Purchase Overview: On January 5, 2026, Mullin disclosed purchases of 10 stocks, each ranging from $15,000 to $50,000, indicating his ongoing interest in small and mid-cap stocks, with most having market capitalizations below $20 billion.
- Small-Cap Characteristics: Notably, two of these stocks have market caps under $5 billion, reinforcing Mullin's preference for smaller stocks, which could influence his decisions on the Armed Services Committee, particularly regarding future government contracts.
- Historical Trade Review: Prior to this, on December 29, 2025, Mullin bought six of the Magnificent Seven stocks, investing at least $50,000, highlighting his preference for tech stocks, with Microsoft Corp (MSFT) being the largest investment.
- Potential Conflict of Interest: Given Mullin's role on the Armed Services Committee, Benzinga will closely monitor his future stock trades, especially concerning potential conflicts arising from military actions in countries like Venezuela.
- Record Revenue Growth: FirstCash achieved a record revenue of $3.66 billion in 2025, an 8% increase year-over-year, with fourth-quarter revenue reaching $1.06 billion, up 20%, marking the first quarter in history where revenues exceeded $1 billion, indicating strong market demand and business expansion capabilities.
- Significant Profitability Improvement: The company reported a net income of $330 million for 2025, a 28% increase, while adjusted net income reached $390 million, up 29%, reflecting robust performance across all markets, particularly in the U.S. and Latin America with strong same-store revenue growth.
- Accelerated Strategic Expansion: FirstCash added 344 retail pawn locations in 2025, the highest increase since its merger with Cash America, further solidifying its leadership position in the U.S., Latin America, and the U.K., which is expected to lay the groundwork for future revenue and earnings growth.
- Increased Shareholder Returns: In 2025, FirstCash returned $186 million to shareholders through cash dividends and stock repurchases, demonstrating strong cash flows and a solid financial position, enhancing investor confidence and increasing long-term shareholder value.
- Strong Earnings Performance: FirstCash reported a Q4 Non-GAAP EPS of $2.64, beating expectations by $0.11, indicating effective financial management and improved profitability.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The company achieved Q4 revenue of $1.06 billion, a 19.9% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $40 million, reflecting the resilience of its business model and strong market demand.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Gross transaction volumes for lease and loan originations are forecasted to increase by 5% to 10% in 2026 compared to 2025, signaling a solid recovery after the furniture-driven decline experienced in 2025.
- Revenue Forecast Adjustment: Although full-year 2026 revenues are expected to decline slightly due to lower comparable leased merchandise balances at the beginning of the current year compared to last year, the company is actively adjusting its strategies to navigate market changes.
- Gold Price Surge: According to Canaccord Genuity, gold prices have surpassed $5,500 per ounce for the first time, driving stocks of pawn shops like EZCorp and FirstCash to rally nearly 60% and 35% respectively over the past six months, reflecting investors' preference for precious metals amid economic uncertainty.
- Increased Pawn Demand: As gold and silver prices rise, more individuals are pawning their metal jewelry, with a Canaccord survey indicating that jewelry remains the most frequently pawned category, providing robust support for the business growth of EZCorp and FirstCash.
- Analyst Rating Upgrades: Analyst Brian McNamara reiterated a
- Complete Exit: Profit Investment Management disclosed in a recent SEC filing that it fully sold its 16,257 shares in FirstCash Holdings for approximately $2.58 million, indicating a strategic shift in its risk assessment of the stock.
- Asset Management Reduction: This transaction reduced Profit Investment's position in FirstCash from $2.6 million to zero, while its overall stock holdings decreased by 69%, from $79.5 million to $24.7 million, reflecting a broader portfolio downsizing strategy.
- Market Performance: FirstCash shares have increased by 57.16% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 12% return, highlighting its strong position in the non-bank credit sector.
- Investor Attention: Despite Profit Investment's complete exit, FirstCash remains a noteworthy investment, with a total return of 160% over the past five years, equating to a compound annual growth rate of 21%, showcasing its consistent profitability and growth potential.










