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[8-K] ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC Reports Material Event

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(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Encore Capital Group reported a strong turnaround in 2025, generating net income of $256.8M, or earnings per share of $10.91, compared with a loss in 2024. Revenue for the year rose 34% to $1.77B as collections increased 20% to $2.59B and estimated remaining collections grew 14%.

The company’s U.S. business, MCM, led growth with record portfolio purchases of $1.17B and record U.S. collections of $1.95B. Encore repurchased approximately 9% of its shares for $89.5M and guided 2026 earnings per share up about 10% to $12.00, with expected portfolio purchases of $1.4–$1.5B and global collections of $2.7B.

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Insights

Encore posts a sharp 2025 turnaround with strong growth and higher 2026 EPS guidance.

Encore Capital Group delivered a major swing back to profitability in 2025, with net income of $256.8M versus a loss in 2024 and revenue up 34% to $1.77B. Collections rose 20%, and estimated remaining collections increased 14%, supporting future cash flows.

Growth was driven mainly by the U.S. MCM unit, which achieved record portfolio purchases of $1.17B and record U.S. collections of $1.95B, while European unit Cabot posted 9% higher collections. Operating expenses for the year were roughly flat despite much higher revenues, improving operating leverage.

The company repurchased about 9% of shares for $89.5M, while borrowings stood at $4.00B against total assets of $5.34B, indicating material leverage. Management’s 2026 outlook calls for portfolio purchases of $1.4–$1.5B, global collections of $2.7B, and earnings per share of $12.00, implying about 10% EPS growth if achieved.

0001084961false00010849612026-02-252026-02-25

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
______________________
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
February 25, 2026
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported)
______________________
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
000-26489
48-1090909
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
350 Camino de la Reina, Suite 100
San Diego, California 92108
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(877) 345-3002
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
_____________________
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value Per ShareECPGThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company  
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    ☐




Item 2.02.    Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On February 25, 2026, Encore Capital Group, Inc. (“Encore”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter and full fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.
The information in Item 2.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including the information contained in Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Item 2.02, and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by a specific reference in such filing.
Item 9.01.    Financial Statements and Exhibits.
Exhibit Number
Description
99.1
Press release dated February 25, 2026
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)





SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.

Date:
February 25, 2026
/s/ Tomas Hernanz
Tomas Hernanz
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer





EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit NumberDescription
99.1
Press release dated February 25, 2026
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)




ecpglogo.jpg
Exhibit 99.1



Encore Capital Group Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Financial Results

Global portfolio purchases in 2025 up 4% to $1.41 billion, including $1.17 billion in the U.S.
Global collections in 2025 up 20% to $2.59 billion, including $1.95 billion in the U.S.
Earnings per share in 2025 of $10.91
Repurchased approximately 9% of ECPG shares outstanding for $89.5 million in 2025
SAN DIEGO, February 25, 2026 -- Encore Capital Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ECPG), an international specialty finance company, today reported consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025.

“Encore’s industry leadership and operational innovation are on full display after delivering very strong 2025 financial results,” said Ashish Masih, Encore’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “With our largest business, MCM in the U.S., leading the way, we grew portfolio purchases and collections to record levels and increased average receivable portfolios by 12% compared to 2024, all while we strengthened our balance sheet by reducing our leverage. This performance led to $257 million of net income for the year, or earnings per share of $10.91.”

“In the U.S., the portfolio purchasing environment in 2025 remained favorable as a result of near-record revolving consumer credit combined with a charge-off rate of more than 4%. Within this market backdrop, MCM increased U.S. portfolio purchases for the year by 18% to a record $1.17 billion at strong returns. In addition, MCM delivered record collections of $1.95 billion, up 24% compared to 2024. This exceptional collections performance is the result of strong execution and continued significant portfolio purchasing as well as the deployment of new technologies, enhanced digital capabilities and continued operational innovation.”

“Our Cabot business in Europe delivered solid performance in 2025. Portfolio purchases of $234 million were in the range of Cabot’s historical trend as European markets remain competitive. Cabot’s collections of $641 million were up 9% compared to 2024.”

“Looking ahead, guided by our three pillar strategy and encouraged by our business momentum early in 2026, we remain committed to our long-standing financial objectives and our capital allocation priorities. We anticipate our global portfolio purchases in 2026 to be within a range from $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion. We expect global collections in 2026 to increase by 5% to $2.7 billion. In total, we believe Encore will deliver another strong year of financial performance in 2026 and expect our earnings per share to increase 10% to $12.00. We also remain committed to the critical role we play in the consumer credit ecosystem and to helping consumers restore their financial health,” said Masih.

In 2025, the company repurchased approximately 9% of ECPG shares outstanding for $89.5 million.1












1 Percentage calculated as number of ECPG shares repurchased in 2025 divided by number of ECPG shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024.



Encore Capital Group, Inc.
Page 2


Financial Highlights for the Full Year of 2025:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages and earnings per share)20252024Change
Portfolio purchases(1)
$1,408,083 $1,352,035 4%
Average receivable portfolios(2)
$4,073,951 $3,622,401 12%
Estimated Remaining Collections (ERC)
$9,684,339 $8,501,370 14%
Collections
$2,592,786 $2,162,478 20%
Revenues
$1,768,802 $1,316,361 34%
Operating expenses
$1,142,155 $1,159,031 (1)%
Net income (loss)
$256,834 $(139,244)NM
Income (loss) per share
$10.91 $(5.83)NM
__________________
(1)Includes U.S. purchases of $1,174.0 million and $998.9 million, and Europe purchases of $234.1 million and $353.2 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
(2)Represents the average of receivable portfolios for the year (sum of receivable portfolios at the beginning and end of the year divided by 2).

Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2025:
Three Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages and earnings per share)20252024Change
Portfolio purchases(1)
$327,064 $495,144 (34)%
Average receivable portfolios(2)
$4,320,774 $3,747,815 15%
Estimated Remaining Collections (ERC)
$9,684,339 $8,501,370 14%
Collections
$669,976 $554,595 21%
Revenues
$473,552 $265,619 78%
Operating expenses
$300,159 $399,809 (25)%
Net income (loss)
$76,657 $(225,307)NM
Income (loss) per share
$3.37 $(9.42)NM
__________________
(1)Includes U.S. purchases of $279.3 million and $295.3 million, and Europe purchases of $47.8 million and $199.8 million in Q4 2025 and Q4 2024, respectively.
(2)Represents the average of receivable portfolios for the quarter (sum of receivable portfolios at the beginning and end of the quarter divided by 2).



Conference Call and Webcast
The Company will host a conference call and slide presentation today, February 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss fourth quarter and full year results.
Members of the public are invited to access the live webcast via the Internet by logging in on the Investor Relations page of Encore's website at encorecapital.com. To access the live conference call by telephone, please pre-register using this link. Registrants will receive confirmation with dial-in details.

For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Company's website shortly after the call concludes.





Encore Capital Group, Inc.
Page 3

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This news release includes certain financial measures that exclude the impact of certain items and therefore have not been calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company has included information concerning adjusted EBITDA because management utilizes this information in the evaluation of its operations and believes that this measure, when added to collections applied to principal balance, is a useful indicator of the Company’s ability to generate cash collections in excess of operating expenses through the liquidation of its receivable portfolios. Adjusted EBITDA has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance. Further, this non-GAAP financial measure, as presented by the Company, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company has attached to this news release a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

About Encore Capital Group, Inc.
Encore Capital Group is an international specialty finance company that provides debt recovery solutions and other related services for consumers across a broad range of financial assets. Through its subsidiaries around the globe, Encore purchases portfolios of consumer receivables from major banks, credit unions, and utility providers. 

Encore partners with individuals as they repay their debt obligations, helping them on the road to financial recovery and ultimately improving their economic well-being. Encore is the first and only company of its kind to operate with a Consumer Bill of Rights that provides industry-leading commitments to consumers. Headquartered in San Diego, Encore is a publicly traded NASDAQ Global Select company (ticker symbol: ECPG) and a component stock of the Russell 2000, the S&P Small Cap 600 and the Wilshire 4500. More information about the company can be found at encorecapital.com.



Encore Capital Group, Inc.
Page 4

Forward Looking Statements
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts, including, most importantly, those statements preceded by, or that include, the words “will,” “may,” “believe,” “projects,” “expects,” “anticipates” or the negation thereof, or similar expressions, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”). These statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our future operating results (including portfolio purchase volumes, collections and earnings per share), performance, business plans or prospects as well as statements regarding future supply, consumer behavior, or macroeconomic environment. For all “forward-looking statements,” the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company and its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent reports on Form 10-K, as it may be amended from time to time. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact:
Bruce Thomas
Encore Capital Group, Inc.
Vice President, Global Investor Relations
bruce.thomas@encorecapital.com

SOURCE: Encore Capital Group, Inc.



FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW



Encore Capital Group, Inc.
Page 5

ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(In Thousands, Except Par Value Amounts)
December 31,
2025
December 31,
2024
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$156,784 $199,865 
Receivable portfolios, net4,371,532 3,776,369 
Property and equipment, net82,080 80,597 
Other assets193,113 225,090 
Goodwill536,291 507,808 
Total assets$5,339,800 $4,789,729 
Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$230,261 $233,545 
Borrowings4,001,293 3,672,762 
Other liabilities131,496 116,091 
Total liabilities4,363,050 4,022,398 
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
— — 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 75,000 shares authorized, 21,688 shares and 23,691 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively217 237 
Additional paid-in capital— 19,297 
Accumulated earnings1,104,640 909,927 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(128,107)(162,130)
Total stockholders’ equity976,750 767,331 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$5,339,800 $4,789,729 

The following table presents certain assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) included in the consolidated statements of financial condition above. Most assets in the table below include those assets that can only be used to settle obligations of consolidated VIEs. The liabilities exclude amounts where creditors or beneficial interest holders have recourse to the general credit of the Company.
December 31,
2025
December 31,
2024
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$40,256 $23,875 
Receivable portfolios, net1,151,221 895,704 
Other assets3,540 3,699 
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities3,101 2,946 
Borrowings791,182 599,830 
Other liabilities2,774 887 
 


Encore Capital Group, Inc.
Page 6

ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
 (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
 2025202420252024
Revenues
Portfolio revenue$379,277 $336,666 $1,455,795 $1,302,567 
Changes in recoveries68,072 (95,760)208,771 (89,740)
Total debt purchasing revenue447,349 240,906 1,664,566 1,212,827 
Servicing revenue
21,366 20,525 88,388 84,783 
Other revenues4,837 4,188 15,848 18,751 
Total revenues473,552 265,619 1,768,802 1,316,361 
Operating expenses
Salaries and employee benefits117,445 104,616 458,233 422,910 
Cost of legal collections87,779 68,989 315,451 259,298 
General and administrative expenses44,383 52,019 165,948 163,847 
Other operating expenses36,178 37,786 144,476 130,802 
Collection agency commissions7,439 8,288 29,287 30,596 
Depreciation and amortization6,935 8,967 28,760 32,434 
Goodwill impairment— 100,600 — 100,600 
Impairment of assets— 18,544 — 18,544 
Total operating expenses300,159 399,809 1,142,155 1,159,031 
Income (loss) from operations173,393 (134,190)626,647 157,330 
Other expense
Interest expense(75,195)(68,498)(293,910)(252,545)
Loss on extinguishment of debt(1,614)(7,832)(1,614)(7,832)
Other income1,234 541 5,036 6,832 
Total other expense(75,575)(75,789)(290,488)(253,545)
Income (loss) before income taxes97,818 (209,979)336,159 (96,215)
Provision for income taxes(21,161)(15,328)(79,325)(43,029)
Net income (loss)$76,657 $(225,307)$256,834 $(139,244)
Income (loss) per share:
Basic$3.43 $(9.42)$11.05 $(5.83)
Diluted$3.37 $(9.42)$10.91 $(5.83)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic22,346 23,916 23,234 23,873 
Diluted22,776 23,916 23,534 23,873 




Encore Capital Group, Inc.
Page 7

ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)$256,834 $(139,244)$(206,492)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization28,760 32,434 41,737 
Other non-cash interest expense, net14,364 16,325 17,160 
Stock-based compensation expense18,269 14,012 13,854 
Deferred income taxes29,819 (22,280)(55,916)
Goodwill impairment— 100,600 238,200 
Impairment of assets— 18,544 18,726 
Changes in recoveries(208,771)89,740 82,530 
Other, net7,654 17,880 (2,259)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Other assets9,923 (28,245)15,894 
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities(3,653)56,402 (10,443)
Net cash provided by operating activities153,199 156,168 152,991 
Investing activities:
Purchases of receivable portfolios, net of put-backs(1,389,064)(1,336,442)(1,060,206)
Collections applied to receivable portfolios1,136,991 859,911 658,130 
Purchases of real estate owned— (212)(26,901)
Purchases of property and equipment(26,270)(29,007)(24,807)
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned37,650 56,396 52,636 
Other, net(1,893)8,924 (793)
Net cash used in investing activities(242,586)(440,430)(401,941)
Financing activities:
Payment of loan and debt refinancing costs(10,210)(21,418)(13,707)
Proceeds from credit facilities1,273,254 2,031,470 1,196,046 
Repayment of credit facilities(1,359,011)(1,868,111)(989,627)
Proceeds from senior secured notes500,000 1,000,000 104,188 
Repayment of senior secured notes(115,965)(789,106)(39,080)
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes— — 230,000 
Repayment of convertible senior notes(106,206)— (212,480)
Repayment of other debt
(42,469)(22,078)(12,715)
Payments to settle derivative instruments— (40,038)— 
Repurchase and retirement of common stock(90,402)— — 
Other, net(4,137)27,055 5,675 
Net cash provided by financing activities44,854 317,774 268,300 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(44,533)33,512 19,350 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents1,452 7,989 (4,898)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period199,865 158,364 143,912 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$156,784 $199,865 $158,364 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest$259,812 $210,580 $163,815 
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds54,766 67,091 68,522 
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Receivable portfolios transferred to real estate owned$3,739 $5,966 $7,957 



Encore Capital Group, Inc.
Page 8

ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Financial Information
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Metrics

Adjusted EBITDA
(in thousands, unaudited)Three Months Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2025202420252024
GAAP net income (loss), as reported
$76,657 $(225,307)$256,834 $(139,244)
Adjustments:
Interest expense75,195 68,498 293,910 252,545 
Loss on extinguishment of debt1,614 7,832 1,614 7,832 
Interest income(1,020)(1,971)(4,955)(7,008)
Provision for income taxes21,161 15,328 79,325 43,029 
Depreciation and amortization6,935 8,967 28,760 32,434 
Net gain on derivative instruments(1)
— — — (267)
Stock-based compensation expense5,221 2,281 18,269 14,012 
Acquisition, integration and restructuring related expenses(2)
1,747 6,087 3,201 10,451 
Goodwill impairment(3)
— 100,600 — 100,600 
Impairment of assets(3)
— 18,544 — 18,544 
Adjusted EBITDA$187,510 $859 $676,958 $332,928 
Collections applied to principal balance(4)
$228,206 $337,464 $953,476 $1,004,230 
________________________
(1)Amount represents gain or loss recognized on derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments or gain or loss recognized on derivative instruments upon dedesignation of hedge relationships. We adjust for this amount because we believe the gain or loss on derivative contracts is not indicative of ongoing operations.
(2)Amount represents acquisition, integration and restructuring related expenses. We adjust for this amount because we believe these expenses are not indicative of ongoing operations; therefore, adjusting for these expenses enhances comparability to prior periods, anticipated future periods, and our competitors’ results.
(3)During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $100.6 million and we recorded a non-cash impairment of long-lived assets of $18.5 million. We believe these non-cash impairment charges are not indicative of ongoing operations, therefore adjusting for these expenses enhances comparability to prior periods, anticipated future periods, and our competitors’ results.
(4)Amount represents (a) gross collections from receivable portfolios less (b) debt purchasing revenue, plus (c) proceeds applied to basis from sales of real estate owned (“REO”) assets, exit activities and, when applicable, other receivable portfolios. A reconciliation of “collections applied to receivable portfolios, net” to “collections applied to principal balance” is available in the Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2025.
















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