Barchart Stock Chart of the Day – September 30, 2008

Would you believe that a financial stock qualified for our Chart of the Day by setting a new 52-week high today?

Maybe not a big bank, but EZCORP (EZPW), an Austin, Texas based alternative finance company is finding business good right now. EZPW operates 298 pawn shops and 433 EZMONEY stores, primarily in Texas and Florida. The company offers both pawn loans (loans against jewelry and other physical items) and signature loans (typically short-term pay day loans).

Today EZPW hit a new 52-week and historic high at $19.25 per share.

Barchart Opinions for EZPW are:

        
    Short Term Indicators Average: 100%  Buy
    Medium Term Indicators Average: 100% Buy
    Long Term Indicators Average: 100% Buy
    Overall Average: 100% Buy

Sector Performance: EZPW is a member of the Retail - Misc & Diversified sector, where it is the best performing stock in the sector.  For the year to date, EZPW has gained 66.16%. While the sector as a whole has a weighted Alpha of -34.73%, EZPW itself has a weighted Alpha of +44.90%.

To learn more about weighted Alpha, visit the Barchart Learning Center.

How we spotted this chart: EZPW appeared on Barcharts ’52 Week Highs’ list.  Specifically we browsed through all the ‘Daily 52 Week Highs’ list using Barchart’s Flip Chart feature that allowed us to view many charts quickly.

Recent Developments: Earnings for the September 2008 quarter are expected to be 34 cents, +31% from the September, 2007 quarter.

EZPW last reported earnings on July 24, when it reported that in the quarter ended June, 2008 the company earned 24 cents, up 56% from the June, 2007 quarter.