Propel Holdings (PRL-T)

Pretty solid earnings, most metrics better than expected. Missed core EPS by 2 cents. Growth names are really getting smashed here as people pull out. Enormous ability to grow, nothing wrong with it. Trades at 6x 2025 PE, with 35% growth rate.

In recessions or growth scares, people have less ability to pay back loans. So a company's PCLs are a concern. 90% of its business is in the US right now. Growing in Canada and in the UK. 

If we go into a recession (but he doesn't think we are), this name is probably going to get worse. A really good name given the setup right now on valuation, execution, and the market. If you own it in a non-registered account, try to buy more.

Non-prime lending is a tough business. Canada has capped interest rates on how much you can charge. They have to charge a lot to make any money. PRL has grown a lot since going public a few years ago. They raised their dividend many times. Shares climbed to $40, then sank in recent months, though their business has not changed. Why? Fundamentals are sound. Perhaps there are fears of loan defaults. But during recessions, they get more clients, people desperate for loans. Caveat: shares go down with the market in a recession. Dividend and growth are okay. The valuation is down to a low and is attractive.

Significant pullback, especially on Q4 results and softer guidance. But revenue and net income still up. Fintech is shaking up the finance world. Not a giant in the space like a PYPL, but a longer-term rising star. Leader in the space of lending to the underserved consumer. Economic uncertainties will be a challenge.

The dip might well be worth grabbing for growth. On her watchlist.

It's had a great run, but could underperform if we get a global recession, based on what Trump is doing. He wants to see this company go through one complete business cycle before considering it. Recent performance has been great, though.

Likes it. Not immune from tariffs. If tariffs don't go on, and we have a good economy (which is in doubt right now), it's a great stock. Cheap at 8x with 36% growth rate. Stock's come down in the last week -- it's not personal, it's just the market. High risk. Tethered to credit cycle, so don't buy if you're negative on the economy. Nice dividend.

Fast-growing business. Legislative risk on the high interest rates they charge. Might also be susceptible to economic weakness. 

Levered spread, but competing in niches where it's the largest. Potential for less risk and spread compression. Wishes he'd investigated further when it was cheaper. He wouldn't buy at this level, but it's been 6-9 months since he's taken a close look.

A large holding of his. A UK acquisition will be accretive and will diversify their geography. 2026 revenues are +40 and earnings +70, as it trades at 10-11x. Lots of growth ahead. 

Unique financial delivery company, taking advantage of technology. Starting to break out. Continue to hold, and nibble away at it.

Biggest position in his fund. Can't say enough positive things about it. Not as cheap as it was, has gone from 3x PE to 10x PE. Growing 30-40% a year. Still likes it.

It is a fintech company and a provider of credit through intermediators, all through AI. In fact it is almost a pure AI play. It covers Canada, the U.S. and U.K. It is still trading at a single digit P/E, growing at 67%, with earnings growing almost faster than the share price.

Caters to the sub-prime market. Very profitable, scalable business with lots of growth. Very AI-driven to deliver more precise marketing and underwriting. Trades at 12x PE for 2025 earnings, 31% growth rate. If economy stays healthy in 2025-26, credit should be stable. Yield is 2%.

Because it's a growthy company, you probably want to own it in a non-registered account.

Great company. Similar to GSY, but operates globally. Just made an acquisition in the UK, very accretive and profitable, doesn't need to be integrated. Good risk management.