Is EZCORP, Inc. a Buy?

EZCORP, Inc. operates primarily by offering collateralized loans, commonly known as pawn loans, to individuals in both the United States and various Latin American countries. These loans are secured by a wide array of personal items, including but not limited to jewelry, consumer electronics, tools, sporting equipment, and musical instruments. Beyond its lending activities, the company also engages in the retail sale of merchandise. This inventory largely comprises items that were once collateral for unredeemed pawn loans, as well as pre-owned goods directly acquired from customers. To further support its clientele, EZCORP provides online platforms, Lana and EZ+, designed to facilitate the management of pawn loans. As of September 30, 2021, EZCORP, Inc. maintained a substantial physical presence, with 516 company-owned and operated pawn shops in the U.S., 508 in Mexico, and an additional 124 locations spread across Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The company was founded in 1989 and has its corporate headquarters situated in Austin, Texas.