PRAA

Encore Capital Group (ECPG) has surged 73.8% YTD, outperforming peers and the S&P 500. The company benefits from robust U.S. portfolio supply, record collections of $1.46B, and raised 2026 guidance for $1.40-$1.50B in purchases and $13-$14 GAAP EPS.

However, heavy U.S. concentration (85.3% of purchases), rising legal expenses (+25.8% YoY), and funding costs pose risks. ECPG trades at a forward P/E of 6.58X, below industry average, and carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating.