Nicole Swies, the chief revenue officer of EZCORP INC, executed an insider sale on Feb. 17, 2026, disposing of 24,138 shares of Class A Non-Voting Common Stock at $24.75 per share. The transaction produced gross proceeds of $597,415. At the time of the sale, the company’s shares were trading close to a 52-week high of $26.35, following a 12-month total return of 77%.
Following the sale, Swies retained a direct holding of 115,266 shares of EZCORP. The disposition reduced her stake but left her with a meaningful ownership position in the business.
Valuation and market metrics show the company trading slightly below an assessed Fair Value, with published analyst targets spanning from $26 to $36 per share. The company’s financial health indicators are characterized as strong, and its PEG ratio stands at 0.33, a data point consistent with what market observers cite when discussing potential earnings-growth valuation alignment. Detailed company analysis and additional metrics are available through paid research services.
Operationally, EZCORP reported a notable quarter: sales expanded by 19% year-over-year in the most recent reporting period, outpacing both Canaccord Genuity’s internal estimate and the broader consensus by about 6 percentage points. Adjusted EBITDA for the December quarter reached $70 million, surpassing Citizens’ projection of $56 million and the Street’s $57 million forecast. Management and analysts point to elevated gold prices as a material factor supporting the stronger-than-expected EBITDA performance.
In a strategic move to broaden its geographic presence, EZCORP acquired a controlling interest in Founders One, LLC. The transaction structure converted $45 million of preferred equity and $10 million of notes receivable into common equity, accompanied by $9.4 million in cash consideration. The purchase expands the company into new markets, specifically including Florida and Puerto Rico.
Market analysts responded positively to the combined operational and strategic developments. Citizens lifted its price target to $33.00 from $26.00 and maintained a Market Outperform rating, citing operational improvements and growth in store count as drivers for future scale. Canaccord Genuity raised its price target to $34.00 from $28.00 while retaining a Buy rating. Both firms highlighted the company’s recent results and the impact of the Founders One transaction when updating their views.
The insider sale by the chief revenue officer occurred in the context of share gains and several favorable company developments, including earnings outperformance, improved EBITDA margins amid strong gold prices, and an acquisition that expands the company’s footprint. Analysts have adjusted targets and maintained constructive stances, noting operational gains and increased store counts as important elements for growth potential.
Summary
EZCORP’s chief revenue officer sold 24,138 shares for $597,415 on Feb. 17, 2026, while retaining 115,266 shares. The company recently reported 19% sales growth and $70 million in adjusted EBITDA for the December quarter, and completed a controlling investment in Founders One, LLC through equity conversions and cash. Analysts raised price targets following the results and acquisition.
Key points
- Insider sale: 24,138 shares sold at $24.75 each for $597,415; remaining direct ownership 115,266 shares.
- Quarterly performance: 19% sales growth and $70 million adjusted EBITDA, beating estimates aided by higher gold prices.
- Strategic acquisition: Controlling interest in Founders One, LLC via $45M preferred equity and $10M notes converted to common, plus $9.4M cash; expands presence into Florida and Puerto Rico.
Risks and uncertainties
- Stock price sensitivity: The insider sale took place near a 52-week high, indicating potential volatility around elevated share valuations.
- Earnings drivers: Adjusted EBITDA outperformance was materially influenced by elevated gold prices; swings in commodity prices could affect future margins.
- Execution risk on expansion: The conversion-driven acquisition expands geographic reach, but realization of anticipated scale and operational benefits depends on execution and integration.