ASX-listed fintech Plenti continues to deliver profitable growth
Australian fintech Plenti has continued on delivering profitable growth for yet another trading quarter.
Key highlights for the quarter ended 31 December 2022 (3Q23) include Plenti’s loan portfolio increasing to $1.67 billion, 51% above PCP and 8% above prior quarter. Strong quarterly loan originations of $297 million are up 10% on the prior quarter with revenue of $37.4 million.
Commenting on the quarter, Plenti CEO Daniel Foggo said, “This was another positive quarter for Plenti, with strong loan portfolio growth achieved whilst also increasing net interest margins on new originations, demonstrating the continued appeal of Plenti offerings to both referral partners and customers.
“We continue to invest in extending our technology-led customer experience and efficiency advantages as we work towards achieving our mission of building Australia’s best lender.”
Plenti’s loan portfolio, which is a key driver of revenue, increased to $1.67 billion at 31 December 2022, up 51% from 31 December 2021 ($1.11 billion) and up 8% from 30 September 2022 ($1.55 billion).
Loan originations and margins
Total loan originations were $297 million, down 3% on the prior comparable period (PCP), but over 10% above the prior quarter, despite Plenti continuing to prioritise increasing yields on new loan originations in a higher interest rate environment. Automotive loan originations were $142 million, broadly flat on prior quarter. Renewable energy loan originations were $34 million, a record quarter and 16% above the prior quarter. Personal loan originations were $121 million, a record quarter and 21% above the prior quarter.
Net interest margins on new loans originated increased in the quarter, however, the overall portfolio net interest margin remained broadly stable on the prior quarter due to the offsetting impact of an interest rate increase in one of Plenti’s automotive warehouse facilities, which was extended in November 2022.
Bad debts sold off
During the quarter Plenti executed a transaction to sell certain written-off or defaulted loans to a third-party debt purchaser, with the financial benefit of this transaction expected to be recognised in 4Q23. Similar debt sales are expected to take place in the normal course of business as Plenti continues to build scale.
Retail investment platform and funding
Plenti renewed its focus on growing its retail investor platform, the Plenti Lending Platform, during the quarter. The investment markets were simplified and reshaped to allow retail investors the opportunity to fund a higher proportion of Plenti’s lending. Additionally, a new investment market, the Notes Market, was introduced to provide qualifying investors with a higher investment return option through providing exposure to notes issued as part of Plenti’s ABS transactions.
The Notes Market provides further diversity to Plenti’s ABS funding whilst also releasing corporate capital invested in Plenti’s ABS transactions.
