EZCORP Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results

Exceptional Operating Performance Drives Outstanding Earnings Growth

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EZCORP, Inc. (NASDAQ: EZPW), a leading provider of pawn transactions in the United States and Latin America, today announced results for its first quarter ended December 31, 2025.

Unless otherwise noted, all amounts in this release are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and comparisons shown are to the same period in the prior year.

FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

• Net income increased 43% to $44.3 million. On an adjusted basis¹, net income increased 38% to $43.9 million.

• Diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased 38% to $0.55. On an adjusted basis¹, diluted earnings per share increased 34% to $0.55.

• Adjusted EBITDA increased 36% to $70.3 million.

• Total revenues increased 19% to $382.0 million, while gross profit increased 20% to $223.0 million.

• Pawn loans outstanding (PLO) increased 14% to $314.4 million.

• Grew our footprint by 23 stores, including 17 acquired stores, 7 de novo stores, and the consolidation of 1 store.
  
  

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

• On January 2, 2026, we acquired an 87.7% controlling interest in Founders One, which owns 85.1% of Simple Management Group ("SMG"), adding 105 stores across 12 countries including the United States, Costa Rica and Panama.

  • Immediately accretive transaction adds one of the largest pawn platforms in North America and a proven management team.

  • SMG generated revenue of $127 million and gross profit of $66 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, demonstrating strong operating and financial performance.

• On January 12, 2026, we completed the previously announced acquisition of 12 pawn stores in Texas for $27.5 million, strengthening EZCORP's presence in one of its largest and most attractive U.S. markets.

• Following the closing of these acquisitions, EZCORP operates 1,500 pawn stores across 16 countries.
  
  

CEO COMMENTARY AND OUTLOOK

Lachie Given, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are off to an exceptional start to fiscal 2026, delivering record first quarter revenue and PLO, and outstanding organic earnings growth. Our team drove superior results, with more than 35% growth in net income and adjusted EBITDA, supported by sustained demand for immediate cash solutions and high-quality, affordable secondhand goods. These results reflect the successful execution of our strategic initiatives and the operating leverage inherent in our platform.

"Subsequent to quarter end, we closed two acquisitions that meaningfully expand our footprint. SMG solidifies a proven long term management partnership, adds immediate earnings accretion, expands our pawn offering into 11 new countries, and provides an exciting platform for future growth. Additionally, El Bufalo Pawn in Laredo was one of the largest remaining independent chains in Texas, further strengthening our position there. We are excited to integrate and scale these platforms, and will continue to pursue additional attractive organic and inorganic growth opportunities in existing and new pawn markets.

"With a highly liquid balance sheet, we are well positioned to execute on our pawnbroking growth strategy, while remaining disciplined in capital allocation. I thank our team members for their dedication to providing top-tier service to our customers. Guided by our core values of People, Pawn and Passion, we will continue to strengthen the core, scale our operations, and deliver sustainable, long-term value for our shareholders."

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

• PLO increased 14% to $314.4 million (11% on a same-store² basis) primarily due to higher average loan size, continued strong pawn demand and improved operational performance.

• Total revenues increased 19% and gross profit increased 20%, reflecting improved Merchandise sales, Jewelry scrap sales, and pawn service charges (PSC).

• PSC increased 13% as a result of higher average PLO.

• Merchandise sales gross margin increased to 37% from 35%, while aged general merchandise increased 123 basis points (bps) to 3.3% of total general merchandise inventory.

• Jewelry scrap sales increased 139%, and jewelry scrap sales gross margin increased from 23% to 34% due to increase in gold price and jewelry purchases.

• Net inventory increased 27%, as a result of an increase in PLO, layaways and purchases and a decrease in inventory turnover to 2.5x, from 2.7x.

• Store expenses increased 14% (11% on a same-store basis), primarily due to labor costs, including minimum wage increases in Latin America.

• General and administrative expenses increased 11%, primarily due to labor costs (including higher incentive compensation) and professional fees related to acquisitions.

• Income before taxes increased to $59.2 million, up 43% from $41.4 million, and adjusted EBITDA increased 36% to $70.3 million.

• Diluted earnings per share increased 38% to $0.55. On an adjusted basis, diluted earnings per share increased 34% to $0.55.

• Cash and cash equivalents increased to $465.9 million from $174.5 million as of December 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to $300.0 million (less issuance costs) from the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2032 in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 and cash from operating activities partially offset by increased earning assets and acquisitions.
  
  

SEGMENT RESULTS

U.S. Pawn

• PLO increased 9% to $239.9 million (8% on a same-store basis) due to an increase in average loan size, strong loan demand and improved operational performance.

• Total revenues and gross profit increased 16%, driven by increased jewelry scrap sales, merchandise sales and PSC.

• PSC increased 8% as a result of higher average PLO.

• Merchandise sales increased 8%, and 7% on a same-store basis. Sales gross margin increased by 170 bps to 38%.

• Jewelry scrap sales increased 129%, and jewelry scrap sales gross margin increased from 23% to 34% due to increase in gold price and jewelry purchases.

• Net inventory increased 29% due to increase in PLO, layaways and purchases and a decrease in inventory turnover to 2.2x, from 2.5x. Aged general merchandise increased by 56 bps to 3.1%, or $1.7 million of total general merchandise inventory.

• Store expenses increased 7% on a total and 6% on a same-store basis primarily due to increased labor, in line with store activity.

• Segment contribution increased 30% to $70.7 million.

• Segment store count increased by 2 to 547, due to the acquisition of 3 stores and the consolidation of 1 store.
  
  

Latin America Pawn

• PLO increased 36% to $74.4 million (23% on constant currency basis). On a same-store basis, PLO increased 23% (12% increase on a constant currency basis) due to strong loan demand and improved operational performance.

• Total revenues increased 28% (19% on constant currency basis), and gross profit increased 33% (24% on a constant currency basis), primarily due to increased merchandise sales, PSC and jewelry scrap sales.

• PSC increased to $36.7 million, an increase of 26% (18% on a constant currency basis) as a result of higher average PLO and new stores.

• Merchandise sales increased 24% (15% on constant currency basis) and 16% on a same-store basis (8% increase on a constant currency basis). Merchandise sales gross margin increased to 34% from 30%.

• Jewelry scrap sales increased 256%, and jewelry scrap sales gross margin increased from 21% to 33% due to increase in gold price and focus on the jewelry category.

• Net inventory increased 23% (10% on a constant currency basis) due to an increase in PLO. Inventory turnover was up to 3.1x from 3.0x. On a same-store basis, net inventory increased by 12% (flat on a constant currency basis). Aged general merchandise increased to 3.6% or $1.2 million of total general merchandise inventory.

• Store expenses increased 34% (25% on a constant currency basis) and increased 24% on a same-store basis (16% on a constant currency basis) due to increased labor, in line with store activity and minimum wage increases.

• Segment contribution increased 32% to $20.1 million (24% on a constant currency basis to $19.0 million).

• Segment store count increased by 21 to 836, due to the acquisition of 14 stores and the addition of 7 de novo stores.

FORM 10-Q

EZCORP’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The report is available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at http://investors.ezcorp.com. EZCORP shareholders may obtain a paper copy of the report, free of charge, by sending a request to the investor relations contact below.

CONFERENCE CALL

EZCORP will host a conference call on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 8:00 am Central Time to discuss First Quarter Fiscal 2026 results. Analysts and institutional investors may participate on the conference call by registering online at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI2b7d928c457a4820b10900af6d9b6213. Once registered you will receive the dial-in details with a unique PIN to join the call. The conference call will be webcast simultaneously to the public through this link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/u7iqn9ut/. A replay of the conference call will be available online at http://investors.ezcorp.com shortly after the end of the call.

ABOUT EZCORP

Formed in 1989, EZCORP is a leading provider of pawn transactions in the United States and Latin America. We also sell pre-owned and recycled merchandise, primarily collateral forfeited from pawn lending operations and merchandise purchased from customers. We are dedicated to satisfying the short-term cash needs of consumers who are both cash and credit constrained, focusing on an industry-leading customer experience. EZCORP is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol EZPW and is a member of the S&P 1000 Index and Nasdaq Composite Index.

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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s strategy, initiatives and expected performance. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations as to the outcome and timing of future events. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including all statements regarding the Company's strategy, initiatives and future performance, that address activities or results that the Company plans, expects, believes, projects, estimates or anticipates, will, should or may occur in the future, including future financial or operating results, are forward-looking statements. Actual results for future periods may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to a number of uncertainties and other factors, including operating risks, liquidity risks, legislative or regulatory developments, market factors, current or future litigation and risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. For a discussion of these and other factors affecting the Company’s business and prospects, see the Company’s annual, quarterly and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time.

Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (512) 314-2220

Non-GAAP Financial Information (Unaudited)

In addition to the financial information prepared in conformity with accounting U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we provide certain other non-GAAP financial information on a constant currency (“constant currency”) and adjusted basis. We use constant currency results to evaluate our Latin America Pawn operations, which are denominated primarily in Mexican pesos, Guatemalan quetzales and other Latin American currencies. We believe that presentation of constant currency and adjusted results is meaningful and useful in understanding the activities and business metrics of our operations and reflects an additional way of viewing aspects of our business that, when viewed with GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. We provide non-GAAP financial information for informational purposes and to enhance understanding of our GAAP consolidated financial statements. We use this non-GAAP financial information primarily to evaluate and compare operating results across accounting periods.

Readers should consider the information in addition to, but not instead of or superior to, our financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. This non-GAAP financial information may be determined or calculated differently by other companies, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.

Constant currency results reported herein are calculated by translating consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of operations items denominated in local currency to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate from the prior-year comparable period, as opposed to the current period, in order to exclude the effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations. In addition, we have an equity method investment that is denominated in Australian dollars and is translated into U.S. dollars. We used the end-of-period rate for balance sheet items and the average closing daily exchange rate on a monthly basis during the appropriate period for statement of operations items. The end-of-period and approximate average exchange rates for each applicable currency as compared to U.S. dollars as of and for the three months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:

Our statement of operations constant currency results reflect the monthly exchange rate fluctuations and so are not directly calculable from the above rates. Constant currency results, where presented, also exclude the foreign currency gain or loss.

Miscellaneous Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Note: The underlying numbers are in thousands and, as a result, may not agree to the percentages calculated from numbers in millions. Numbers may not foot or cross foot due to rounding.
¹“Adjusted” basis, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes certain items. “Constant currency” basis, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. For additional information about these calculations, as well as a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Information” at the end of this release.
²“Same Store” basis, which is a financial measure, includes stores open the entirety of the comparable periods.

This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.