MINNEAPOLIS, May 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) (Sezzle or Company) // Purpose-driven digital payment platform, Sezzle, is pleased to update the market on key financial metrics for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

“This quarter’s results demonstrate the impact of the consumer engagement strategy we advanced throughout 2025,” stated Charlie Youakim, Sezzle Executive Chairman and CEO. “Average quarterly purchase frequency reached a new Company high of 7.1x and Active Subscribers grew 48.4% year over year, reflecting the growing value consumers see in Sezzle. The engagement flywheel we built is working, and our strong first quarter performance gives us the confidence to raise FY2026 Adjusted Net Income guidance to $180 million and Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share guidance to $5.10.”

First Quarter 2026 Highlights


Balance Sheet and Liquidity

Guidance
The Company is raising its FY2026 guidance as follows:

  2026 Guidance (November 2025) 2026 Guidance
(February 2026)
2026 Updated Guidance
Total Revenue Growth Not provided 25%–30% 30%–35%
Adjusted Net Income5 Not provided $170.0M $180.0M
Adjusted Net Income Per Diluted Share5 $4.35 $4.70 $5.10
             

Initiatives Update

Upcoming Investor Events

Quarterly Conference Call and Presentation
The Company will host its first quarter earnings conference call on May 6, 2026, at 5:00pm ET.

To register for the call, please navigate to: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10208550/103e1a867dc

All participants can access the webcast using the following link: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=eVoVHHdR

Upon registration, participants will receive the dial-in number. Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in by calling: 1-866-777-2509 (US/CA toll free) or 1-412-317-5413 (international toll). A replay will be available until May 13, 2026. To access the replay dial 1-855-669-9658 (US toll free) or 1-412-317-0088 (International toll). Replay access code: 4160608.

In conjunction with the earnings call, the Company will release its presentation on the Sezzle Investor Relations website before the call. Please navigate to the Sezzle Investor Relations website for the presentation that management will review on the call.

1Q26 GAAP Operating Results

  For the three months ended
($ in thousands) Mar. 31, 2026 Mar. 31, 2025 YoY Difference
Total Revenue $ 135,539   $ 104,912   29.2 %
Operating Expenses $ 66,503   $ 55,017   20.9 %
Operating Expenses as % of Total Revenue   49.1 %   52.4 % (3.3 ppt)
Operating Expenses as % of GMV   6.0 %   6.8 % (0.8 ppt)
Operating Income $ 69,036   $ 49,895   38.4 %
Operating Income as % of Total Revenue   50.9 %   47.6 % 3.3 ppt
Operating Income as % of GMV   6.2 %   6.2 % 0.0 ppt
Net Income $ 51,303   $ 36,164   41.9 %
Net Income as % of Total Revenue   37.9 %   34.5 % 3.4 ppt
Net Income per Diluted Share $ 1.47   $ 1.00   47.0 %
                 

1Q26 Non-GAAP Operating Results 7

  For the three months ended
($ in thousands) Mar. 31, 2026 Mar. 31, 2025 YoY Difference
Non-Transaction Related Operating Expenses $ 34,308   $ 26,899   27.5 %
Non-Transaction Related Operating Expenses as % of Total Revenue   25.3 %   25.6 % (0.3 ppt)
Transaction Related Costs $ 35,210   $ 31,032   13.5 %
Transaction Related Costs as % of Total Revenue   26.0 %   29.6 % (3.6 ppt)
Transaction Related Costs as % of GMV   3.2 %   3.8 % (0.6 ppt)
Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs $ 100,329   $ 73,880   35.8 %
Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs as % of Total Revenue   74.0 %   70.4 % 3.6 ppt
Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs as % of GMV   9.0 %   9.1 % (0.1 ppt)
Adjusted EBITDA $ 71,133   $ 51,446   38.3 %
Adjusted EBITDA Margin   52.5 %   49.0 % 3.5 ppt
Adjusted Net Income $ 49,993   $ 35,340   41.5 %
Adjusted Net Income Margin   36.9 %   33.7 % 3.2 ppt
Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share $ 1.43   $ 0.98   45.9 %
                 

Appendix - Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Reconciliation of Operating Expenses to Non-transaction Related Operating Expenses

  For the three months ended
($ in thousands) March 31, 2026 March 31, 2025
Operating expenses $ 66,503   $ 55,017  
Transaction expense   (18,520 )   (15,317 )
Provision for credit losses   (13,675 )   (12,801 )
Non-transaction related operating expenses $ 34,308   $ 26,899  
             

Reconciliation of Operating Expenses to Transaction Related Costs

  For the three months ended
($ in thousands) March 31, 2026 March 31, 2025
Operating expenses $ 66,503   $ 55,017  
Personnel   (14,667 )   (15,048 )
Third-party technology and data   (4,415 )   (3,374 )
Marketing, advertising, and tradeshows   (11,246 )   (5,346 )
General and administrative   (3,980 )   (3,131 )
Net interest expense   3,015     2,914  
Transaction related costs $ 35,210   $ 31,032  
             

Reconciliation of Operating Income to Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs

  For the three months ended
($ in thousands) March 31, 2026 March 31, 2025
Operating income $ 69,036   $ 49,895  
Personnel   14,667     15,048  
Third-party technology and data   4,415     3,374  
Marketing, advertising, and tradeshows   11,246     5,346  
General and administrative   3,980     3,131  
Net interest expense   (3,015 )   (2,914 )
Total revenue less transaction related costs $ 100,329   $ 73,880  
             

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

  For the three months ended
($ in thousands) March 31, 2026 March 31, 2025
Net income $ 51,303 $ 36,164  
Depreciation and amortization   436   274  
Income tax expense   14,686   10,842  
Equity and incentive-based compensation   1,321   1,273  
Other (income) expense, net   32   (25 )
Corporate strategic projects(1)   340   4  
Net interest expense   3,015   2,914  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 71,133 $ 51,446  

(1)   Adjusted prior periods to include corporate strategic project costs.

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share

  For the three months ended
($ in thousands, except for per share numbers) March 31, 2026 March 31, 2025
Net income $ 51,303   $ 36,164  
Discrete tax benefit(1)   (1,682 )   (803 )
Corporate strategic projects(1)   340     4  
Other (income) expense, net   32     (25 )
Adjusted net income   49,993     35,340  
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding   34,932     36,171  
Adjusted net income per diluted share (2) $ 1.43   $ 0.98  

(1)   Adjusted prior periods to include the windfall/shortfall to income tax expense for equity-based compensation and corporate strategic project costs.
(2)   Effective March 28, 2025, we performed a 6-for-1 stock split of the Company’s common stock, effected through a stock dividend. Share and per-share amounts have been retroactively adjusted.

Investors should be aware that generally accepted accounting principles prescribe when a company may reserve for particular risks, including litigation exposures. Accordingly, results for a given reporting period could be significantly affected if and when we establish reserves for one or more contingencies. Also, our regular reserve reviews may result in adjustments of varying magnitude as additional information regarding claims activity becomes known. Reported results, therefore, may be volatile in certain accounting periods.

Contact Information

Jack Fagan
Investor Relations
+1 651 240 6001
InvestorRelations@sezzle.com
Erin Foran
Media Inquiries
+1 651 403 2184
erin.foran@sezzle.com
   


About Sezzle Inc.

Sezzle is a forward-thinking fintech company committed to financially empowering the next generation. Through its purpose-driven payment platform, Sezzle enhances consumers' purchasing power by offering access to point-of-sale financing options and digital payment services—connecting millions of customers with its global network of merchants. Centered on transparency, inclusivity, and ease of use, Sezzle empowers consumers to manage spending responsibly, take charge of their finances, and achieve lasting financial independence.

For more information visit sezzle.com.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

  As of
  March 31, 2026 December 31, 2025
(in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited) (audited)
Assets    
Current Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents, including amounts held by variable interest entity (“VIE”) of $39,979 and $25,921, respectively $ 120,448   $ 64,054  
Restricted cash, current, including amounts held by VIE of $4,701 and $8,245, respectively   4,745     8,413  
Notes receivable   282,761     283,400  
Allowance for credit losses   (19,794 )   (28,505 )
Notes receivable, net, including amounts held by VIE of $247,006 and $237,062, respectively   262,967     254,895  
Other current assets   23,030     24,502  
Total current assets   411,190     351,864  
Non-Current Assets    
Internally developed intangible assets, net   3,743     3,331  
Operating right-of-use assets   628     665  
Restricted cash, non-current   22,193     30,134  
Deferred tax asset   15,721     13,615  
Other assets   830     620  
Total Assets $ 454,305   $ 400,229  
     
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity    
Current Liabilities    
Merchant accounts payable $ 57,568   $ 56,374  
Other payables, including amounts held by VIE of $7 and $1,476, respectively   21,969     6,908  
Deferred revenue   5,669     5,431  
Other current liabilities, including amounts held by VIE of $1,075 and $0, respectively   27,396     21,053  
Total current liabilities   112,602     89,766  
Non-Current Liabilities    
Operating lease liabilities   609     661  
Line of credit, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $1,128 and $1,268, respectively, held by VIE   144,372     139,991  
Total Liabilities   257,583     230,418  
     
Stockholders' Equity    
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.00001 par value; 750,000 shares authorized; 34,940 and 35,130 shares issued, respectively; 33,594 and 33,798 shares outstanding, respectively   194,210     194,890  
Treasury stock, at cost: 1,346 and 1,332 shares, respectively   (25,000 )   (24,072 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (761 )   (683 )
Accumulated earnings (deficit)   28,273     (324 )
Total Stockholders' Equity   196,722     169,811  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 454,305   $ 400,229  
             

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

  For the three months ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)   2026     2025  
Total revenue $ 135,539   $ 104,912  
     
Operating Expenses    
Personnel   14,667     15,048  
Transaction expense   18,520     15,317  
Third-party technology and data   4,415     3,374  
Marketing, advertising, and tradeshows   11,246     5,346  
General and administrative   3,980     3,131  
Provision for credit losses   13,675     12,801  
Total operating expenses   66,503     55,017  
     
Operating Income   69,036     49,895  
     
Other Income (Expense)    
Net interest expense   (3,015 )   (2,914 )
Other income (expense), net   (32 )   25  
Income before taxes   65,989     47,006  
     
Income tax expense   14,686     10,842  
     
Net Income   51,303     36,164  
     
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income    
Foreign currency translation adjustment   (78 )   93  
     
Total Comprehensive Income $ 51,225   $ 36,257  
     
Net income per share*:    
Basic $ 1.52   $ 1.07  
Diluted   1.47     1.00  
     
Weighted-average shares outstanding*:    
Basic   33,764     33,852  
Diluted   34,932     36,171  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

  For the three months ended March 31,
    (As restated)
(in thousands)   2026     2025  
Operating Activities:    
Net income $ 51,303   $ 36,164  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization   436     274  
Provision for credit losses   13,675     12,801  
Provision for other credit losses   6,855     3,956  
Discount on notes receivable   (345 )   (1,224 )
Equity based compensation and restricted stock vested   1,321     1,273  
Amortization of debt issuance costs   241     109  
Impairment losses on long-lived assets       66  
Gain on sale of fixed assets   2      
Deferred income taxes   (2,106 )   5,289  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Other assets   (5,374 )   (4,385 )
Merchant accounts payable   1,322     (3,631 )
Other payables   15,074     2,779  
Other liabilities   6,329     (898 )
Deferred revenue   240     (109 )
Operating leases   5     15  
Net Cash Provided from Operating Activities   88,978     52,479  
     
Investing Activities:    
Purchases and originations of notes receivable, net of proceeds from repayments   (21,404 )   6,358  
Purchase of property and equipment   (351 )   (27 )
Internally developed intangible asset additions   (738 )   (281 )
Net Cash (Used for) Provided from Investing Activities   (22,493 )   6,050  
     
Financing Activities:    
Proceeds from line of credit   100,000     15,000  
Payments to line of credit   (95,760 )   (49,200 )
Payments of debt issuance costs   (100 )   (10 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises   111     540  
Repurchase of common stock   (25,746 )   (2,444 )
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities   (21,495 )   (36,114 )
     
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (205 )   144  
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   44,990     22,415  
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period   102,601     98,310  
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 147,386   $ 120,869  
             

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (continued)

  For the three months ended March 31,
    (As restated)
(in thousands)   2026   2025
Noncash investing and financing activities:    
Conversion of accrued profit-sharing incentive plan liabilities to stockholders' equity $ $ 2,301
     
Supplementary disclosures:    
Interest paid $ 3,795 $ 3,217
Income taxes paid   87   94
         

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our management’s current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business.

Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "expect," "plan," "could," "may," "will," "believe," "estimate," "forecast," "goal," "project," other words or expressions of similar meaning (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). These forward-looking statements address various matters including the timing and nature of anticipated new products, our business strategy, future operations, financial performance or other future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, among others: impact of the “buy-now, pay-later” (“BNPL”) industry becoming subject to increased regulatory scrutiny; impact of operating in a highly competitive industry; impact of macro-economic conditions on consumer spending; our ability to increase our merchant network, our base of consumers, and gross merchandise value (GMV); our ability to effectively manage growth, sustain our growth rate and maintain our market share; our ability to maintain adequate access to capital in order to meet the capital requirements of our business; impact of exposure to consumer bad debts and insolvency of merchants; our ability to comply with the applicable requirements of Visa and other payment processors; impact of the integration, support and prominent presentation of our platform by our merchants; impact of any data security breaches, cyberattacks, employee or other internal misconduct, malware, phishing or ransomware, physical security breaches, natural disasters, or similar disruptions; impact of key vendors or merchants failing to comply with legal or regulatory requirements or to provide various services that are important to our operations; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and third party allegations of the misappropriation of intellectual property rights; impact of the costs of complying with various laws and regulations applicable to the BNPL industry in the United States and Canada; the impact of litigation, regulatory investigations and actions, and compliance issues on our business; significant and sudden declines or volatility in the trading price of our common stock and market capitalization; and other factors identified in the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) and the Company’s subsequent filings filed with the SEC. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including any accompanying attachments or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue, which, except as otherwise noted, speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, any accompanying materials, or oral forward-looking statements made in connection with this press release.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our operating results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), we present the following non-GAAP financial measures: Total revenue less transaction related costs; transaction related costs; non-transaction related operating expenses; adjusted net income; adjusted net income margin; adjusted net income per diluted share; adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”); and Adjusted EBITDA margin. Definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures and summaries of the reasons why management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to the Company and investors are as follows:

Additionally, we have included these non-GAAP measures because they are key measures used by our management to evaluate our operating performance, guide future operating plans, and make strategic decisions, including those relating to operating expenses and the allocation of resources. Therefore, we believe these measures provide useful information to investors and other users of this press release to understand and evaluate our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors. However, non-GAAP financial measures have limitations, should be considered supplemental in nature, and are not meant as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These limitations include the following:

Because of these limitations, you should not consider these non-GAAP financial measures in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our financial results as reported under GAAP, and these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered alongside other financial performance measures, including net income and other financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. We encourage you to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

______________________________
1
See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.
2 Per diluted share figures reflect 6-for-1 common stock split effective March 28, 2025.
3 See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.
4 Per diluted share figures reflect 6-for-1 common stock split effective March 28, 2025.
5 See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures. FY2026 Non-GAAP adjusted financial guidance reflects add-backs for estimated FY2026 expenses associated with Corporate Strategic Projects.
6 Per diluted share figures reflect 6-for-1 common stock split effective March 28, 2025.
7 See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.


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