Growth stocks are attractive to many investors, as above-average financial growth helps these stocks easily grab the market's attention and produce exceptional returns. However, it isn't easy to find a great growth stock. That's because, these stocks usually carry above-average risk and volatility. In fact, betting on a stock for which the growth story is actually over or nearing its end could lead to significant loss. However, it's pretty easy to find cutting-edge growth stocks with the help of the Zacks G ...

For Immediate Release Chicago, IL – May 22, 2024 – Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (COOP) , World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD) and EZCORP, Inc. (EZPW) . Industry: Consumer Loans Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2276450/3-consumer-loan-stocks-to-buy-from-a-prospering-industry The Zacks Consumer Loans industry continues to witness deteriorating asset quality. The industry players are also bearing the brunt of persistent inflation, higher interest rates and expectations of economi ...

The Zacks Consumer Loans industry continues to witness deteriorating asset quality. The industry players are also bearing the brunt of persistent inflation, higher interest rates and expectations of economic slowdown. Yet, as consumers understand that high interest rates are here to stay for a long time, demand for consumer loans is likely to improve gradually. Easing lending standards, stabilizing consumer sentiments and the digitization of operations will keep aiding consumer loan providers. Hence, indust ...

Investors seek growth stocks to capitalize on above-average growth in financials that help these securities grab the market's attention and produce exceptional returns. But finding a growth stock that can live up to its true potential can be a tough task. Cash Flow Growth While cash is the lifeblood of any business, higher-than-average cash flow growth is more important and beneficial for growth-oriented companies than for mature companies. That's because, growth in cash flow enables these companies to expa ...

Investors might want to bet on Ezcorp (EZPW) , as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade is essentially a reflection of an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.Individual invest ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2024 was $280 million, an increase of 8% year-over-year, marking the highest second quarter in the company's history [3][6] - Pawn loan outstanding (PLO) reached $232 million, up 13% year-over-year, also the highest second quarter in the company's history [3][9] - Adjusted net income increased by 21% [3] - Merchandise sales rose by 6%, with gross profit up 10% and adjusted EBITDA up 7% [6][46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. pawn segment revenues increased by 10% to $207.6 million, driven by a PLO increase of 11% [24][25] - Latin American segment revenues grew by 4% to $72.6 million, with PLO increasing by 19% [11][48] - Merchandise sales gross profit in the U.S. was up 2%, with a 100 basis point decrease in merchandise sales margin [25][46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Unique customers increased by 2%, with EZ+ rewards members growing to 4.6 million globally [7] - The company opened nine new stores in Latin America and acquired six stores in the U.S. during the quarter [19][47] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening core pawn operations and investing in technology and people [21] - There is a commitment to expense management, although expenses are expected to rise due to inflationary pressures and store count growth [12] - The company aims to enhance customer experience through continuous innovation and excellent service [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macroeconomic environment remains challenging, with rising living costs and economic uncertainty driving demand for pawnbroking services [18] - Management expressed confidence in continued growth in both the U.S. and Latin America, particularly in loan and sales growth [65] - The company is optimistic about the performance of its e-commerce initiatives and the rewards program [39][45] Other Important Information - The company reported strong inventory turnover at 2.9x, with aged general merchandise at 2.3% [9] - The cash balance of $229 million provides substantial liquidity for growth opportunities and share repurchases [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Characteristics of the store pipeline and consolidation opportunities - Management indicated a strong pipeline in Latin America with potential for larger acquisitions, while the U.S. focuses on smaller, consistent acquisitions [29] Question: Trends in U.S. retail gross margin - Management noted that margin improvements in Latin America are due to better pricing and execution of the business model [31] Question: Customer trends regarding new versus recurring customers - Management reported consistent organic growth in customer demand across both loan and retail segments, with notable growth in luxury goods [32] Question: Drivers of increased costs - Increased costs are attributed to investments in teams, government-mandated wage increases, and successful advertising programs [40][63] Question: Capital allocation strategy regarding convertible notes - Management emphasized a balanced approach to capital allocation, considering various options for financing and acquisitions [42][60]

25 FY24 Change (Constant Currency) Same Store data: Merchandise Sales 12% 2% CONSOLIDATED GROWTH FY23-FY24 RECONCILIATION* | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-----------|-------|-----------|-------|-----------|-------|---------| | | | FY23 Q1 | | FY23 Q2 | | FY23 Q3 | | FY23 Q4 | | FY23 FY | | FY24 Q1 | | FY24 Q2 | | Continuing Ops PBT | | $ 24.5 | | $ (7.3) | | $ 21.3 | | $ 13.1 | | $ 5 ...

Ezcorp (EZPW) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.28 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.24 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.23 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 16.67%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this consumer financial services company would post earnings of $0.29 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.36, delivering a surprise of 24.14%.Over the last four qua ...

EZCORP Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results Record Q2 Revenues Driving Strong Earnings Growth Austin, Texas (May 1, 2024) — EZCORP, Inc. (NASDAQ: EZPW), a leading provider of pawn transactions in the United States and Latin America, today announced results for its second quarter ended March 31, 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all amounts in this release are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and comparisons shown are to the same period in the prior year. SECOND QUA ...

Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 EZCORP, INC. For the transition period from to Commission File No. 0-19424 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | Delaware | | 74-2540145 | | --- | --- | --- | | (I.R ...