EZCORP (NASDAQ:EZPW) Sees Strong Trading Volume – Still a Buy?

EZCORP, Inc. (NASDAQ:EZPW) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 151,495 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 58% from the previous session’s volume of 359,931 shares.The stock last traded at $12.26 and had previously closed at $12.17.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Stephens started coverage on shares of EZCORP in a research report on Wednesday, November 13th. They set an “equal weight” rating and a $13.00 price target on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group reaffirmed a “buy” rating and issued a $19.00 target price on shares of EZCORP in a report on Friday, October 4th.

EZCORP Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a quick ratio of 1.99 and a current ratio of 2.71. The firm has a market cap of $666.71 million, a P/E ratio of 11.03 and a beta of 1.03. The company’s 50 day moving average is $12.14 and its 200 day moving average is $11.46.

Insider Activity at EZCORP

In other news, CRO Nicole Swies sold 10,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.47, for a total value of $124,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive now owns 101,813 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,269,608.11. This represents a 8.94 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Sunil Sajnani sold 34,493 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.42, for a total transaction of $428,403.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 66,242 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $822,725.64. This trade represents a 34.24 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On EZCORP

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. USA Financial Formulas bought a new position in EZCORP during the 3rd quarter worth $32,000. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in shares of EZCORP by 97.0% in the fourth quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,156 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 1,554 shares during the period. Quarry LP raised its position in shares of EZCORP by 169.1% during the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 4,736 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 2,976 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC bought a new position in shares of EZCORP during the third quarter worth about $106,000. Finally, nVerses Capital LLC lifted its stake in shares of EZCORP by 640.0% in the third quarter. nVerses Capital LLC now owns 11,100 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $124,000 after acquiring an additional 9,600 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.83% of the company’s stock.

EZCORP Company Profile

EZCORP, Inc provides pawn services in the United States and Latin America. The company operates through three segments: U.S. Pawn, Latin America Pawn, and Other Investments. The company offers pawn loans collateralized by tangible personal property, jewelry, consumer electronics, tools, sporting goods, and musical instruments.