Key Highlights

  • Q3 2026 consolidated Revenue of $1.15 billion at the high end of guidance; GAAP net Earnings of $34 million
  • Brigit revenue grew 37% year-over-year to $79 million; paying users rose 27% to 1.84 million
  • Acima GAAP net earnings increased 17.3% to $74.7 million; Lease charge-off rate improved 100+ basis points year-over-year
  • Rent-A-Center same store sales grew for the fourth consecutive quarter; company intends to repurchase up to $50 million in shares

Consolidated Results Exceed Top End of Guidance

Upbound Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:UPBD) reported consolidated revenue of $1.15 billion for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, coming in at the high end of the company's outlook range. GAAP net earnings were $34 million, an increase of $21 million year-over-year, with GAAP diluted EPS of $0.58. Adjusted EBITDA of $123 million and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.01 both exceeded the top of their respective guided ranges, reflecting disciplined execution across all Business segments.

The consolidated performance was supported by improved profitability at Acima, accelerating growth at Brigit, and the fourth consecutive quarter of same store sales growth at Rent-A-Center. CEO Fahmi Karam and CFO Hal Khouri hosted a conference call to review results with investors on October 29, 2026.

Acima Profitability Improves on Underwriting Discipline

Acima, Upbound's lease-to-own virtual marketplace, reported GAAP net earnings of $74.7 million, an increase of 17.3% year-over-year. Acima's adjusted EBITDA grew approximately 15% year-over-year to $86 million, with adjusted EBITDA Margin expanding approximately 270 basis points to 14.7%. The lease charge-off rate improved more than 100 basis points year-over-year to 8.7%, reflecting the benefit of tighter underwriting standards implemented over recent quarters.

Acima revenue was $585 million, down approximately 6.5% year-over-year, as the more selective underwriting approach constrained Volume in favor of improved Credit quality. The trade-off has improved profitability metrics materially, with management citing the continued discipline in underwriting as a key pillar of Acima's value proposition. During the quarter, Acima entered an integration agreement with Boost Mobile to serve as a preferred lease-to-own solution across approximately 5,000 Boost Mobile stores nationwide.

Brigit Delivers Rapid Growth Across Key Metrics

Brigit, Upbound's financial health platform, continued to scale rapidly with revenue growing 37% year-over-year to $79 million. Paying users rose approximately 27% to 1.84 million, and average revenue per user (ARPU) increased 4.7% to $14.39. GAAP net earnings for Brigit increased 93.8% to $8.9 million, and adjusted EBITDA grew 59% year-over-year to $14.7 million.

The combination of strong user growth and improving per-user monetization underscores Brigit's expanding position as a digital financial wellness platform. Leadership changes during the quarter included the appointment of Dev Chakraborty as Head of Brigit.

Rent-A-Center, Buyback Plans, and Outlook

Rent-A-Center continued to deliver steady operational results, with same store sales increasing approximately 180 basis points year-over-year. Revenue of $459 million was essentially flat to the prior year, consistent with the store base and consumer Demand trends. Same store sales growth extending to four consecutive quarters demonstrates the segment's operational consistency.

Upbound also welcomed Scott Young as Chief Operating Officer during the quarter, adding senior operational leadership to the management team. Additionally, the company announced its intention to repurchase up to $50 million of common stock under its existing share repurchase authorization, reflecting management's assessment of market conditions and Capital allocation priorities.

Upbound Group's third quarter demonstrated the strength of its diversified consumer financial services model, with Brigit's high-growth trajectory, Acima's improving profitability through underwriting discipline, and Rent-A-Center's continued same store sales growth all contributing to results that exceeded guidance across key metrics.

How did Brigit perform in Upbound's Q3 2026?

Brigit revenue grew 37% year-over-year to $79 million, paying users rose 27% to 1.84 million, and adjusted EBITDA grew 59% to $14.7 million. GAAP net earnings for Brigit nearly doubled year-over-year.

Why did Acima revenue decline while profitability improved?

Acima implemented tighter underwriting standards, which constrained volume (revenue down 6.5%) but significantly improved credit quality. The lease charge-off rate improved over 100 basis points to 8.7%, and adjusted EBITDA grew 15% year-over-year.

What is Upbound Group's plan for capital return in 2026?

Upbound intends to repurchase up to $50 million of its common stock under its existing Board-authorized share repurchase program, with timing and amount subject to market conditions.

How many consecutive quarters has Rent-A-Center reported same store sales growth?

Rent-A-Center reported positive same store sales for the fourth consecutive quarter in Q3 2026, with same store sales growing approximately 180 basis points year-over-year.