EZCORP, Inc. (NASDAQ:EZPW) Given Average Recommendation of “Moderate Buy” by Brokerages

EZCORP, Inc. (NASDAQ:EZPW) has received a consensus recommendation of “Moderate Buy” from the eight ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $22.1667.

A number of analysts recently weighed in on EZPW shares. Canaccord Genuity Group increased their price objective on shares of EZCORP from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Citizens Jmp initiated coverage on EZCORP in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. They set a “market outperform” rating and a $23.00 target price on the stock. JMP Securities set a $23.00 target price on shares of EZCORP in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings restated a “buy (b)” rating on shares of EZCORP in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a “market outperform” rating on shares of EZCORP in a research note on Friday, November 14th.

EZCORP Stock Performance

NASDAQ:EZPW opened at $21.43 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.20 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a current ratio of 5.61, a quick ratio of 4.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. EZCORP has a 12-month low of $11.60 and a 12-month high of $22.11. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $19.74 and a 200 day moving average price of $17.64.

EZCORP (NASDAQ:EZPW) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The credit services provider reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.29 by $0.05. EZCORP had a return on equity of 12.00% and a net margin of 8.60%.The company had revenue of $335.90 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $325.09 million. Equities research analysts forecast that EZCORP will post 1.3 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On EZCORP

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of EZCORP during the third quarter worth approximately $29,000. USA Financial Formulas acquired a new stake in EZCORP during the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. Covestor Ltd grew its holdings in shares of EZCORP by 239.3% during the third quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 2,728 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $52,000 after buying an additional 1,924 shares in the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of EZCORP by 15,019.0% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 3,175 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $60,000 after buying an additional 3,154 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC raised its position in shares of EZCORP by 126.3% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 3,422 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $65,000 after buying an additional 1,910 shares during the last quarter. 99.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

EZCORP Company Profile

EZCORP, Inc is a specialty consumer finance company that provides pawn loans and retail merchandise programs primarily through its EZPAWN and Cash Converters brands. The company offers collateral-based loans secured principally by jewelry, electronics, musical instruments and other personal items, alongside check-cashing, money-transfer and bill-payment services. In addition to its pawn lending operations, EZCORP acquires previously pawned or consumer merchandise for resale through its “Sell-It-Now” platform and retail storefronts.

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, EZCORP operates in two principal geographic markets: the United States and Mexico.