Core Viewpoint - FirstCash is strategically entering the UK market by acquiring H&T Group plc, enhancing its geographic diversification and growth opportunities while strengthening its position as a global leader in pawn operations [1][2][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - FirstCash will pay 650 pence per share for H&T, totaling approximately £297 million or $394 million USD, including a final dividend of 11 pence per share [1]. - The acquisition has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is subject to H&T's shareholder approval and regulatory approvals in the UK [5]. Group 2: Strategic and Financial Benefits - The acquisition expands FirstCash's geographic footprint into the UK, creating the largest publicly traded pawn platform across the U.S., Latin America, and the UK [2][6]. - H&T's established brand and network of 285 stores will enhance FirstCash's scale and operational efficiencies, unlocking further growth opportunities in the UK and potentially other European markets [6]. - The transaction is expected to be meaningfully accretive to EBITDA and EPS, strengthening FirstCash's financial profile and long-term shareholder value [6]. Group 3: Leadership and Management - H&T's experienced management team will provide local expertise, positioning FirstCash to drive strong execution and continued momentum in the UK market [6].

Market Overview - The Nasdaq has officially entered bear market territory, falling over 20% from its December peak, with a weekly decline of 8.6% [1] - The Fidelity NASDAQ Composite Index ETF (ONEQ) has slumped 19.1% year-to-date and is down 4% over the past year [1][2] Investor Sentiment - A survey by the American Association of Individual Investors indicates that 62% of respondents expect market declines over the next six months, marking the most pessimistic outlook in over a year [2] Technology Sector Performance - Technology stocks have been significantly impacted, with Apple (AAPL) down 7% on April 4, totaling a 13% loss for the week; NVIDIA (NVDA) also fell 7%, and Tesla (TSLA) dropped 10% [3] - These companies, heavily exposed to China, faced challenges due to retaliatory tariffs from Beijing [3] AI Investment Concerns - There are growing concerns that the investment boom in AI by Big Tech is outpacing demand, exacerbated by competition from Chinese startup DeepSeek, which released a low-cost AI model [4][5] Standout Stocks in Bear Market - Despite the bear market, several stocks in the Nasdaq Composite have shown strong performance: - ThredUp (TDUP) has a year-to-date price change of +86.5% and a one-month change of +11.4% [6][7] - 908 Devices (MASS) has a year-to-date price change of +73.9% and a one-month change of +38% [7][8] - Logility Supply Chain Solutions Inc. (LGTY) has a year-to-date price change of +29.9% [8] - Palomar Holdings (PLMR) has a year-to-date price change of +27.7% and a one-month change of +4.5% [9] - EZCORP (EZPW) has a year-to-date price change of +25.7% and a one-month change of +14.2% [10]