Core Insights - The third quarter performance of the selected stocks was strong, with 14 out of 18 stocks finishing in positive territory, and 12 of those achieving double-digit gains [2][3] - Notably, four stocks have doubled in value year-to-date, while 13 stocks have recorded double-digit gains [2] - The report provides a ranking of the 18 stocks based on their year-to-date returns and offers insights into their outlook for the fourth quarter [2] Stock Performance Summary - **Beam Therapeutics (BEAM)**: Q3 gain of 42.68%, YTD return of 4.03% [3] - **Bloom Energy (BE)**: Exceptional Q3 gain of 253.55%, YTD return of 309.14% [3] - **Boeing (BA)**: Q3 gain of 3.01%, YTD return of 23.12% [3] - **Carvana (CVNA)**: Q3 gain of 11.95%, YTD return of 90.70% [3] - **CF Industries (CF)**: Q3 loss of 2.50%, YTD return of 6.03% [3] - **Coinbase Global (COIN)**: Q3 loss of 3.71%, YTD return of 50.98% [3] - **Dell Technologies (DELL)**: Q3 gain of 15.64%, YTD return of 26.09% [3] - **Deutsche Bank (DB)**: Q3 gain of 20.94%, YTD return of 108.91% [3] - **Ezcorp (EZPW)**: Q3 gain of 37.18%, YTD return of 49.39% [3] - **LendingClub (LC)**: Q3 gain of 26.27%, YTD return of -6.38% [3] - **Nebius Group (NBIS)**: Q3 gain of 102.91%, YTD return of 356.10% [3] - **Opera (OPRA)**: Q3 gain of 9.21%, YTD return of -2.85% [3] - **Rocket Lab (RKLB)**: Q3 gain of 33.94%, YTD return of 108.99% [3] - **Roku (ROKU)**: Q3 gain of 13.93%, YTD return of 39.22% [3] - **Sea (SE)**: Q3 gain of 11.75%, YTD return of 73.99% [3] - **SEI Investments (SEIC)**: Q3 loss of 5.58%, YTD return of 3.18% [3] - **SoFi Technologies (SOFI)**: Q3 gain of 45.09%, YTD return of 65.62% [3] - **STMicroelectronics NV (STM)**: Q3 loss of 7.07%, YTD return of 16.54% [3] - **Total Gain**: Cumulative YTD return of 1322.80% across all stocks [3] Notable Stock Insights - **Nebius Group NV (NBIS)**: Strong performance in the AI sector, with 10% of the stock's float sold short [3] - **Bloom Energy Inc (BE)**: Benefiting from the data center boom, with a significant Q3 gain [4] - **Rocket Lab Corp (RKLB)**: Showing bullish potential despite a recent stock sale [5] - **Deutsche Bank AG (DB)**: A solid performer in the banking sector, demonstrating value investing characteristics [5] - **Carvana Co (CVNA)**: Positive momentum following earnings, with decreasing short interest [6] - **Sea Limited (SE)**: Consistent performance with three consecutive profitable quarters [6] - **SoFi Technologies (SOFI)**: Testing support levels, with potential for further gains [7] - **Coinbase Global Inc (COIN)**: Continues to face skepticism from analysts despite its crypto focus [8] - **Ezcorp Inc (EZPW)**: Positive bounce off its 200-day moving average, indicating potential growth [8] - **Roku Inc (ROKU)**: Reinventing itself after being oversold [9] - **Dell Technologies Inc (DELL)**: Monitoring external factors like chip imports and tariffs [9] - **Boeing Co (BA)**: Currently in a channel of higher highs, indicating potential for recovery [9] - **STMicroelectronics NV (STM)**: Struggling to recover from a post-earnings gap [10] - **CF Industries (CF)**: Upcoming earnings report to be closely watched [10] - **Beam Therapeutics Inc (BEAM)**: Trading at its highest level since March, showing signs of recovery [10] - **SEI Investments Co (SEIC)**: Facing downward pressure, testing its 200-day moving average [10] - **Opera Ltd (OPRA)**: Struggling to capitalize on previous positive ratings [11] - **LendingClub Corp (LC)**: Despite being the worst performer, still showing resilience with a recent quarterly gain [11] Market Sentiment - Several stocks, including BEAM, COIN, DELL, NBIS, ROKU, and STM, have high Relative Strength Indexes, indicating potential overbought conditions [12] - Despite the strong performance, there are still bullish cases to be made for all 18 stocks listed [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the investment opportunity in EZCORP (NASDAQ: EZPW), suggesting that investors who capitalized on the stock's midyear pullback have seen gains [1]. Group 1 - The author made a case for purchasing EZCORP shares at the beginning of the year, indicating a positive outlook on the stock [1]. - The midyear pullback in EZPW stock provided a buying opportunity for investors, leading to favorable returns [1].

Group 1: Momentum Investing Overview - Momentum investing involves following a stock's recent trend, with the aim of buying high and selling even higher [1] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps define momentum characteristics, with Ezcorp (EZPW) currently holding a Momentum Style Score of B [2] - Style Scores complement the Zacks Rank, which has a strong track record of outperformance, with EZPW rated as 2 (Buy) [3] Group 2: Performance Metrics - EZPW shares have increased by 5.17% over the past week, outperforming the Zacks Financial - Consumer Loans industry, which rose by 3.46% [5] - Over the past quarter, EZPW shares have gained 18.96%, and over the last year, they have increased by 35.02%, compared to the S&P 500's gains of 11.03% and 17.4%, respectively [6] - The average 20-day trading volume for EZPW is 810,302 shares, indicating a bullish sign when combined with rising stock prices [7] Group 3: Earnings Outlook - Recent earnings estimate revisions show one upward revision for the full year, increasing the consensus estimate from $1.28 to $1.31 [9] - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has moved upwards with no downward revisions in the same period [9] - These factors contribute to EZPW's 2 (Buy) rating and a Momentum Score of B, suggesting it is a promising pick for near-term investment [11]

Core Viewpoint - Ezcorp (EZPW) shares have increased by 9.8% in the past four weeks, closing at $15.64, with a mean price target of $21 indicating a potential upside of 34.3% [1] Price Targets and Analyst Consensus - The average price target consists of four estimates ranging from a low of $17.00 to a high of $25.00, with a standard deviation of $3.37, suggesting a potential increase of 8.7% to 59.9% from the current price [2] - A low standard deviation indicates a strong agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement, which can serve as a starting point for further research [9] Earnings Estimates and Analyst Optimism - Analysts show strong agreement in revising EPS estimates higher, which correlates with potential stock price increases [11] - Over the last 30 days, one estimate has increased, leading to a 2.9% rise in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year [12] Zacks Rank and Investment Potential - EZPW holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [13] - The consensus price target may not be a reliable indicator of the stock's potential gain, but it does suggest a positive price movement direction [14]

Core Insights - EZPAWN has launched an Online Shop to enhance customer convenience and safety while shopping for secondhand items, allowing customers to browse and purchase pre-owned merchandise online and pick it up in-store [1][2][4] Group 1: Online Shop Features - The Online Shop enables customers to search for items by zip code and distance, browse current inventory, view photos, and read product descriptions, offering a curated selection of local merchandise at various price points [2] - Hundreds of new items are added weekly, including electronics, handbags, tools, and shoes, catering to diverse customer needs [2] Group 2: Community Engagement and Services - EZPAWN promotes relationship-based shopping, allowing customers to negotiate deals and access short-term cash through pawn transactions, flexible payment options, and layaway programs [3] - The EZ+ Rewards program allows customers to earn points for additional savings, enhancing customer loyalty and engagement [3] Group 3: Company Background - EZPAWN is part of EZCORP, Inc., a leading provider of pawn services in the U.S. and Latin America, operating in 19 states and focusing on satisfying short-term cash needs [5][6] - EZCORP has been in operation since 1989 and is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol EZPW, being a member of the S&P 1000 Index and Nasdaq Composite Index [6]

Summary of EZCORP (EZPW) FY Conference Call - August 12, 2025 Company Overview - EZCORP operates as a pawn business in the US and Latin America, being the second largest in the region after First Cash [2] - The company has experienced outstanding growth due to a change in management and a focused strategy on the pawn business [2] Key Growth Drivers - Increased average loan sizes, particularly due to rising gold prices, which significantly contribute to the business [3] - Enhanced digital engagement, including online payment options and inventory viewing, along with the introduction of the Easy Reward Program to boost customer engagement [3] - The pawn industry has seen little innovation historically, allowing EZCORP to implement effective strategies that have proven successful in other sectors [3] Customer Base Insights - The core customer base primarily consists of lower-income, unbanked, or underbanked individuals, but the retail side serves a broader demographic [5] - Current economic conditions have created a gap in consumer lending, allowing EZCORP to attract additional customers who need immediate cash [6] Strategic Focus on Lending and Merchandise - The company emphasizes the interconnection between lending and merchandise sales, focusing on maximizing gross profit through pawn service charges and sales margins [8] - Jewelry represents a significant portion of collateral, with gold jewelry accounting for two-thirds of collateral in the US, influencing average loan sizes [10] Risk Management - The management team is prepared to respond quickly to fluctuations in gold prices, adjusting lending practices and inventory management accordingly [10][11] - The company maintains a focus on quality loan balances and efficient inventory turnover to mitigate risks [26] Regional Performance - The US business has shown double-digit growth, while the Latin American segment is about 18-24 months behind in terms of performance improvements [14][15] - Jewelry now represents 40% of the loan balance in Latin America, indicating growth in this segment [15] Margin Improvement Potential - Margins in Latin America are improving, driven by increased sales revenue and lower operational costs, although they are not expected to match US margins [16][18] Market Position and Valuation - Despite recent share price increases, EZCORP trades at a discount compared to larger peers, attributed to historical business diversifications that have since been streamlined [19] - Investor confidence is gradually increasing as the company focuses on its core pawn business and demonstrates growth potential [20] Capital Allocation Strategy - The company has approximately $100 million in extra liquidity, which will be allocated towards growth initiatives, including new store openings and potential acquisitions [21][22] - EZCORP aims to achieve scale through acquisitions, enhancing cash flow and EBITDA margins [22][23] Consumer Health and Economic Outlook - Demand for loans is increasing, indicating that the consumer base is facing more financial strain compared to the previous year [27] - The company does not foresee significant changes in consumer behavior despite potential economic challenges [27] Impact of Tariffs - Tariffs are expected to have a net positive effect on the business, as they may increase the average loan size and pawn service charges, although operational costs may rise [28][29] Conclusion - EZCORP is positioned for continued growth through strategic management, enhanced customer engagement, and a focus on its core pawn business, while navigating potential economic challenges and market dynamics effectively [4][19]

Core Insights - EZCORP, Inc. is a leading provider of pawn transactions in the United States and Latin America, focusing on satisfying short-term cash needs for consumers [3] Company Overview - EZCORP was formed in 1989 and has grown significantly in the pawn transaction industry [3] - The company also sells pre-owned and recycled merchandise, primarily from collateral forfeited from pawn lending operations [3] - EZCORP is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol EZPW and is a member of the S&P 1000 Index and Nasdaq Composite Index [3] Upcoming Investor Events - EZCORP will participate in the Canaccord Genuity 45 Annual Growth Conference in Boston from August 12–14, 2025, with CFO Tim Jugmans participating in a fireside chat on August 12 [4] - The BTIG Consumer Finance Corporate Access Day will take place on September 17, 2025, where CEO Lachie Given and CFO Tim Jugmans will host one-on-one meetings [4] - The Stephens Midwest Non-Deal Roadshow is scheduled for September 18–19, 2025, with CFO Tim Jugmans meeting institutional investors in Chicago and Milwaukee [4]

Ezcorp (EZPW) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade primarily reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices. The sole determinant of the Zacks rating is a company's changing earnings picture. The Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years is tracked by the system. Since a c ...

Core Viewpoint - EZcorp (EZPW) shows potential for significant upside, with a mean price target of $21 indicating a 42.5% increase from its current price of $14.74 [1] Price Targets and Analyst Estimates - The mean estimate consists of four short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $3.37, suggesting variability among analysts [2] - The lowest estimate is $17.00, indicating a 15.3% increase, while the highest estimate is $25.00, suggesting a 69.6% increase [2] - A low standard deviation indicates strong agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement [9] Earnings Estimates and Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have shown increasing optimism about EZPW's earnings prospects, with a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions [11] - Over the last 30 days, one estimate has increased, leading to a 2.9% rise in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [12] - EZPW holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [13] Conclusion on Price Targets - While the consensus price target may not be a reliable indicator of the stock's potential gain, it does provide a directional guide for price movement [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record third-quarter revenue of $319.9 million, up 14% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA rising 42% to $45.2 million and diluted EPS increasing 38% to $0.33 [3][10][19] - The total pawn loans outstanding (PLO) reached $293.2 million, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase [17][20] - Cash at the end of the quarter was $472.1 million, down from $505.2 million last quarter, due to capital deployment into store acquisitions [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. pawn segment revenue increased 11% year over year to $220 million, with PLO up 11% and inventory rising 36% [20][24] - Latin American segment revenue grew 21% to $99.9 million, with PLO up 16% [27][29] - Merchandise sales rose 10%, with same-store sales up 9%, supported by strong customer demand [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates 1,336 pawn stores across the U.S. and Latin America, including 604 in Mexico [4][6] - The U.S. market continues to drive the majority of business, contributing 69% of revenue and 71% of gross profit [12] - In Latin America, the company has expanded its footprint with 791 stores across four countries, focusing on operational best practices [28][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its store footprint and earning asset base, with a disciplined capital deployment strategy [5][6] - The EZ Plus rewards program has grown to 6.5 million members, accounting for over 70% of known customer transactions [13][14] - The strategy emphasizes investing in the platform, empowering employees, and delivering consistent service at scale [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to scale operations and deliver long-term value for shareholders, citing strong operational execution and a robust balance sheet [33][34] - The company anticipates continued growth in PLO and inventory efficiency, with a focus on capitalizing on acquisition opportunities [30][31] - Management acknowledged the impact of gold prices on margins but emphasized the ongoing demand for cash among consumers [100][101] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $3 million worth of shares during the quarter and provided an additional $3 million in secured loans to Founders One [9] - The acquisition pipeline remains robust, with a focus on both existing and new markets [39][90] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the strong margin performance in U.S. retail? - Management attributed the strong margin performance to increased gold prices and improved lending practices [36][37] Question: Can you discuss the acquisition pipeline and market pricing? - Management indicated a strong balance sheet allows for opportunistic acquisitions, with a robust pipeline across existing and new markets [38][39] Question: Why is the company not buying back more stock? - Management emphasized prioritizing growth and scale over stock buybacks, despite recognizing the undervaluation of shares [47][51] Question: What is the focus on acquisitions in Latin America versus the U.S.? - Management stated that the focus is balanced between both regions, with significant opportunities in existing markets [89][94] Question: How is the digitization of storefronts progressing? - Management noted that while progress has been made, the company is still in the early stages of fully digitizing its storefronts [107][108]