EZCORP INC - Quarter Report: 2010 March (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q


þ		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010


o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

Commission File No. 0-19424

EZCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		74-2540145
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


1901 Capital Parkway
Austin, Texas		78746
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(512) 314-3400
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer þ		Accelerated filer o		Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

The only class of voting securities of the registrant issued and outstanding is the Class B Voting Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, all of which is owned by an affiliate of the registrant. There is no trading market for the Class B Voting Common Stock.

As of March 31, 2010, 46,192,698 shares of the registrant’s Class A Non-voting Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and 2,970,171 shares of the registrant’s Class B Voting Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.

EZCORP, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q


	Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009 (audited)		1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Six Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009		2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009		3

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		4

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		18

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		38

Item 4. Controls and Procedures		40

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings		41

Item 1A. Risk Factors		41

Item 6. Exhibits		41

SIGNATURE		42

EXHIBIT INDEX		43

Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1

PART I

Item 1. Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets


	March 31,			March 31,			September 30,
	2010			2009			2009
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	51,192		$	55,244		$	44,764
Pawn loans		89,040			79,359			101,684
Signature loans, net		7,287			6,420			8,357
Auto title loans, net		1,939			874			1,663
Pawn service charges receivable, net		16,353			14,551			18,187
Signature loan fees receivable, net		4,607			4,417			5,599
Auto title loan fees receivable, net		850			72			529
Inventory, net		56,403			56,025			64,001
Deferred tax asset		15,673			15,826			15,670
Federal income tax receivable		13,414			495			—
Prepaid expenses and other assets		15,625			13,574			16,927

Total current assets 272,383		246,857			277,381

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		90,854			34,725			38,851
Property and equipment, net		54,044			48,206			51,154
Deferred tax asset, non-current		5,318			8,452			6,311
Goodwill		101,456			99,008			100,719
Other assets, net		22,223			17,533			18,101

Total assets	$	546,278		$	454,781		$	492,517


Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	10,000		$	10,000		$	10,000
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses		38,592			30,457			33,838
Customer layaway deposits		4,487			4,345			4,175
Federal income taxes payable		—			—			572

Total current liabilities 53,079		44,802			48,585

Long-term debt, less current maturities		20,000			30,000			25,000
Deferred gains and other long-term liabilities		2,735			3,462			3,247

Total liabilities		75,814			78,264			76,832

Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Class A Non-voting Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; Authorized 54 million shares; 46,192,698 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2010; 45,636,645 issued and 45,626,645 outstanding at March 31, 2009; 45,732,998 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2009		462			456			457
Class B Voting Common Stock, convertible, par value $.01 per share; 3 million shares authorized; 2,970,171 issued and outstanding		30			30			30
Additional paid-in capital		222,423			216,404			217,176
Retained earnings		252,122			167,318			202,642
Treasury stock, at cost; 10,000 shares at March 31, 2009		—			(12	)		—
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(4,573	)		(7,679	)		(4,620	)

Total stockholders’ equity 470,464		376,517			415,685

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	546,278		$	454,781		$	492,517

See accompanying notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 31,						March 31,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenues:
Sales	$	99,311		$	89,013		$	199,229		$	153,593
Pawn service charges		38,306			33,516			79,103			59,897
Signature loan fees		31,642			31,594			70,320			67,594
Auto title loan fees		3,956			415			7,058			636
Other		3,369			1,728			5,625			3,161

Total revenues		176,584			156,266			361,335			284,881

Cost of goods sold		62,162			56,426			124,732			96,851
Signature loan bad debt		4,397			5,072			13,187			14,556
Auto title loan bad debt		320			42			780			49

Net revenues		109,705			94,726			222,636			173,425

Operating expenses:
Operations		58,205			54,628			116,386			98,122
Administrative		13,483			9,794			25,780			20,205
Depreciation and amortization		3,573			3,151			6,929			6,217
(Gain) loss on sale / disposal of assets		356			(537	)		567			(821	)

Total operating expenses		75,617			67,036			149,662			123,723


Operating income		34,088			27,690			72,974			49,702

Interest income		(8	)		(72	)		(16	)		(198	)
Interest expense		395			471			760			636
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates		(3,306	)		(1,371	)		(4,589	)		(2,312	)
Other		12			2			(3	)		27

Income before income taxes		36,995			28,660			76,822			51,549
Income tax expense		13,222			10,340			27,342			18,401

Net income	$	23,773		$	18,320		$	49,480		$	33,148


Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.49		$	0.38		$	1.01		$	0.72

Diluted	$	0.48		$	0.37		$	1.00		$	0.71


Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		48,987			48,560			48,853			46,084
Diluted		49,558			49,272			49,486			46,939

See accompanying notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)


	Six Months Ended
	March 31,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net income	$	49,480		$	33,148
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		6,929			6,217
Signature loan and auto title loan loss provisions		4,530			3,980
Deferred taxes		992			946
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets		567			(821	)
Share-based compensation		2,344			1,782
Income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates		(4,589	)		(2,312	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:
Service charges and fees receivable, net		2,559			3,851
Inventory, net		2,153			733
Prepaid expenses, other current assets, and other assets, net		(4,264	)		(1,319	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		4,469			(6,319	)
Customer layaway deposits		302			1,035
Deferred gains and other long-term liabilities		(525	)		(131	)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		(1,645	)		(1,709	)
Federal income taxes		(12,223	)		995

Net cash provided by operating activities		51,079			40,076

Investing Activities:
Loans made		(243,563	)		(194,458	)
Loans repaid		169,503			138,730
Recovery of pawn loan principal through sale of forfeited collateral		89,013			76,316
Additions to property and equipment		(9,619	)		(9,226	)
Proceeds on disposal of assets		1,347			—
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(31	)		(39,217	)
(Investments in)/dividends from unconsolidated affiliates		(49,243	)		1,052

Net cash used in investing activities		(42,593	)		(26,803	)

Financing Activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants		1,294			4,749
Stock issuance costs related to acquisitions		—			(443	)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		1,645			1,709
Debt issuance costs		3			(1,103	)
Proceeds from bank borrowings		—			40,000
Payments on bank borrowings		(5,000	)		(30,385	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(2,058	)		14,527

Change in cash and equivalents		6,428			27,800
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period		44,764			27,444

Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	51,192		$	55,244


Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Pawn loans forfeited and transferred to inventory	$	83,339		$	71,484
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(47	)	$	10,260
Acquisition-related stock issuance	$	(31	)	$	72,783

See accompanying notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

EZCORP, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2010

Note A: Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Our management has included all adjustments it considers necessary for a fair presentation. These adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature except for those related to acquired businesses (described in Note C). The accompanying financial statements should be read with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009. The balance sheet at September 30, 2009 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Our business is subject to seasonal variations, and operating results for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2010 (the “current quarter” and “current year-to-date period”) are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full fiscal year.

Note B: Significant Accounting Policies

CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of EZCORP, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We account for our interests in Albemarle & Bond Holdings, PLC and Cash Converters International Limited using the equity method.

PAWN LOAN AND SALES REVENUE RECOGNITION: We record pawn service charges using the interest method for all pawn loans we believe to be collectible. We base our estimate of collectible loans on several factors, including recent redemption rates, historical trends in redemption rates and the amount of loans due in the following two to three months. Unexpected variations in any of these factors could change our estimate of collectible loans, affecting our earnings and financial condition. If a pawn loan is not repaid, we value the forfeited collateral (inventory) at the lower of cost (pawn loan principal) or market (net realizable value) of the property. We record sales revenue and the related cost when this inventory is sold. Sales tax collected upon the sale of inventory is excluded from the amount recognized as sales and instead is recorded as a liability in “Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities” on our balance sheets until remitted to the appropriate governmental authorities.

SIGNATURE LOAN CREDIT SERVICE FEE REVENUE RECOGNITION: We earn credit service fees when we assist customers in obtaining signature loans from unaffiliated lenders. We initially defer recognition of the fees we expect to collect, net of direct expenses, and recognize that deferred net amount over the life of the related loans. We reserve the percentage of credit service fees we expect not to collect. Accrued fees related to defaulted loans reduce credit service fee revenue upon loan default, and increase credit service fee revenue upon collection. Signature loan credit service fee revenue is included in “Signature loan fees” on our statements of operations.

SIGNATURE LOAN CREDIT SERVICE BAD DEBT: We issue letters of credit to enhance the creditworthiness of our customers seeking signature loans from unaffiliated lenders. The letters of credit assure the lenders that if borrowers default on the loans, we will pay the lenders, upon demand, the principal and accrued interest owed to the lenders by the borrowers plus any insufficient funds fee. Although amounts paid under letters of credit may be collected later, we charge those amounts to signature loan bad debt upon default. We record recoveries under the letters of credit as a reduction of bad debt at the time of collection. After attempting collection of bad debts internally, we occasionally sell them to an unaffiliated company as another method of recovery, and record the proceeds from such sales as a reduction of bad debt at the time of the sale.

The majority of our credit service customers obtain short-term signature loans with a single maturity date. These short-term loans, with maturity dates averaging about 16 days, are considered defaulted if they have not been repaid or renewed by the maturity date. Other credit service customers obtain installment loans with a series of payments due over as much as a five-month period. If one payment of an installment loan is delinquent, that one payment is considered defaulted. If more than one installment payment is delinquent at any time, the entire loan is considered defaulted.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES ON SIGNATURE LOAN CREDIT SERVICES: We provide an allowance for losses we expect to incur under letters of credit for brokered signature loans that have not yet matured. The allowance is based on recent loan default experience adjusted for seasonal variations. It includes all amounts we expect to pay to the unaffiliated lenders upon loan default, including principal, accrued interest, and insufficient funds fees, net of the amounts we expect to collect from borrowers (collectively, “Expected LOC Losses”). Changes in the allowance are charged to signature loan bad debt. We include the balance of Expected LOC Losses in “Accounts payable and other accrued expenses” on our balance sheets. At March 31, 2010, the allowance for Expected LOC Losses on signature loans was $0.8 million and our maximum exposure for losses on letters of credit, if all brokered signature loans defaulted and none was collected, was $18.9 million. This amount includes principal, interest, and insufficient funds fees. Based on the expected loss and collection percentages, we also provide an allowance for the signature loan credit service fees we expect not to collect, and charge changes in this allowance to signature loan fee revenue.

SIGNATURE LOAN REVENUE RECOGNITION: We accrue fees in accordance with state and provincial laws on the percentage of signature loans (payday loans and installment loans) we have made that we believe to be collectible. Accrued fees related to defaulted loans reduce fee revenue upon loan default, and increase fee revenue upon collection.

SIGNATURE LOAN BAD DEBT: We consider a payday loan defaulted if it has not been repaid or renewed by the maturity date. If one payment of an installment loan is delinquent, that one payment is considered defaulted. If more than one installment payment is delinquent at any time, the entire installment loan is considered defaulted. Although defaulted loans may be collected later, we charge the loan principal to signature loan bad debt upon default, leaving only active loans in the reported balance. We record collections of principal as a reduction of signature loan bad debt when collected. After attempting collection of bad debts internally, we occasionally sell them to an unaffiliated company as another method of recovery and record the proceeds from such sales as a reduction of bad debt at the time of the sale.

SIGNATURE LOAN ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES: We provide an allowance for losses on signature loans that have not yet matured and related fees receivable, based on recent loan default experience adjusted for seasonal variations. We charge any changes in the principal valuation allowance to signature loan bad debt. We record changes in the fee receivable valuation allowance to signature loan fee revenue.

AUTO TITLE LOAN CREDIT SERVICE FEE REVENUE RECOGNITION: We earn auto title credit service fees when we assist customers in obtaining auto title loans from unaffiliated lenders. We recognize the fee revenue ratably over the life of the loan, and reserve the percentage of fees we expect not to collect. Auto title loan credit service fee revenue is included in “Auto title loan fees” on our statements of operations.

BAD DEBT AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES ON AUTO TITLE LOAN CREDIT SERVICES: We issue letters of credit to enhance the creditworthiness of our customers seeking auto title loans from unaffiliated lenders. The letters of credit assure the lenders that if borrowers default on the loans, we will pay the lenders, upon demand, all amounts owed to the lenders by the borrowers plus any late fee. Through a charge to auto title loan bad debt, we provide an allowance for losses we expect to incur under letters of credit for brokered auto title loans, and record actual charge-offs against this allowance. The allowance includes all amounts we expect to pay to the unaffiliated lenders upon loan default, including principal, accrued interest and late fees, net of the amounts we expect to collect from borrowers or through the sale of repossessed vehicles. We include the allowance for expected losses in “Accounts payable and other accrued expenses” on our balance sheets. At March 31, 2010, the allowance was $0.1 million and our maximum exposure for losses on letters of credit, if all brokered auto title loans defaulted and none was collected, was $4.1 million.

AUTO TITLE LOAN REVENUE RECOGNITION: We accrue fees in accordance with state laws on the percentage of auto title loans we have made that we believe to be collectible. We recognize the fee revenue ratably over the life of the loan.

AUTO TITLE LOAN BAD DEBT AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES: Based on historical collection experience, the age of past-due loans and amounts we expect to receive through the sale of repossessed vehicles, we provide an allowance for losses on auto title loans and related fees receivable. We charge any increases in the principal valuation allowance to auto title loan bad debt and charge uncollectable loans against this allowance. We record changes in the fee receivable valuation allowance to auto title loan fee revenue.

INVENTORY: If a pawn loan is not redeemed, we record the forfeited collateral at cost (the principal amount of the pawn loan). We do not record loan loss allowances or charge-offs on the principal portion of pawn loans, as they are fully collateralized. In order to state inventory at the lower of cost (specific identification) or market (net realizable value), we record an allowance for shrinkage and excess, obsolete, or slow-moving inventory. The allowance is based on the type and age of merchandise and recent sales trends and margins. At March 31, 2010, the inventory valuation allowance was $5.5 million or 8.8% of gross inventory. We record changes in the inventory valuation allowance as cost of goods sold.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS: Goodwill and other intangible assets having indefinite lives are not subject to amortization. They are tested for impairment each July 1^st, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired, based on cash flows and other market valuation methods. We recognized no impairment of our intangible assets in the current or prior year periods. We amortize intangible assets with definite lives over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: We record property and equipment at cost. We depreciate these assets on a straight-line basis using estimated useful lives of 2 to 7 years for furniture, equipment, and software development costs. We depreciate leasehold improvements over the shorter of their estimated useful life (typically 10 years) or the reasonably assured lease term at the inception of the lease. Property and equipment is shown net of accumulated depreciation of $107.6 million at March 31, 2010.

VALUATION OF TANGIBLE LONG-LIVED ASSETS: We assess the impairment of tangible long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net recorded amount may not be recoverable. The following factors could trigger an impairment review: significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future cash flows, significant changes in the manner of use of the assets or the strategy for the overall business, or significant negative industry trends. When we determine that the net recorded amount of tangible long-lived assets may not be recoverable, we measure impairment based on the excess of the assets’ net recorded amount over the estimated fair value. No impairment of tangible long-lived assets was recognized in the current or prior year periods.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION: Our equity investments in Albemarle & Bond and Cash Converters are translated from their functional currencies of the British pound and the Australian dollar into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates as of the investees’ balance sheet date. Our related interest in the investees’ net income is translated at the average exchange rates for each six-month period reported by the investees. The functional currency of our wholly-owned Empeño Fácil pawn segment is the Mexican peso. Empeño Fácil’s balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate at the end of each quarter, and its earnings are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate each quarter. We present resulting translation adjustments from our foreign operations and foreign equity investments as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses have not been significant, and are reported as “Other” expense in our statements of operations.

INCOME TAXES: We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying value of assets and liabilities and their tax basis and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the related temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized when the rate change is enacted.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION: We account for share-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of FASB ASC 718-10-25 (formerly SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-based Payment”). We estimate the grant-date fair value of options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and amortize that fair value to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the options’ vesting periods. The fair value of restricted shares is measured as the closing market price of our stock on the date of grant, which is amortized over the vesting period for each grant.

FAIR VALUE: We adopted FASB ASC 820-10 (formerly SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”) and ASC 825-10 (formerly SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”) on October 1, 2008, resulting in no impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Among other requirements, FASB ASC 820-10 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. FASB ASC 825-10 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (the “fair value option”) and requires an entity to report in earnings at each subsequent reporting date those unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected. Upfront costs and fees related to items for which the fair value option is elected shall be recognized in earnings as incurred and not deferred. Upon adoption of FASB ASC 825-10, we elected not to measure any eligible items at fair value.

We determine the fair value of financial instruments by reference to various market data and other valuation techniques, as appropriate. Unless otherwise disclosed, the fair values of financial instruments approximate their recorded values, due primarily to their short-term nature. We consider investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The recorded value of our outstanding debt is assumed to estimate its fair value, as it has no prepayment penalty and a floating interest rate based on market rates.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS: In December 2007, FASB issued ASC 805-10-65 (formerly SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations — Revised”). FASB ASC 805-10-65 establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination: (1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in an acquiree, (2) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase price, and (3) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the consolidated financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Among other changes, FASB ASC 805-10-65 will require us to immediately expense transaction costs that have historically been included in the purchase price allocation under existing guidance. FASB ASC 805-10-65 will apply prospectively to any acquisitions we complete on or after October 1, 2009.

In April 2008, FASB issued ASC 350-30-65 (formerly FSP No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”), which amends the list of factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under FASB ASC 350-10-05 (formerly SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”). The new guidance applies to (1) intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets and (2) intangible assets acquired in both business combinations and asset acquisitions. Under FASB ASC 350-30-65, entities estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset must consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, must consider assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension. We adopted this standard on October 1, 2009, resulting in no effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In June 2009, FASB amended ASC 810-10-65 (formerly SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”). Amended ASC 810-10-65 relates to the consolidation of variable interest entities. It eliminates the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and requires ongoing qualitative reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. This guidance also requires additional disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement in variable interest entities. We must adopt this amended standard in our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2010. We expect adoption of amended ASC 810-10 will have no effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-05, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value,” which amends FASB ASC 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures — Overall,” for the fair value measurement of liabilities. This update provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, an entity is required to measure fair value using a valuation technique that uses a quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset, a quoted price for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as an asset, or another valuation technique that is consistent with the principles of FASB ASC 820. We adopted this ASU on October 1, 2009, resulting in no effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Note C: Acquisitions

On November 13, 2008, we acquired the operating assets of 11 pawn stores in the Las Vegas, Nevada area that operated under the Pawn Plus, Pawn Place and ASAP Pawn brands for approximately $34.4 million. The purchase price was paid by issuing approximately 1.1 million shares of our Class A Non-voting Common Stock valued at $17.3 million, paying $17.0 million to the seller and incurring $0.1 million in transaction costs. We estimated the fair value of the stock issued in the asset purchase at $15.45 per share, based on the market price of our stock surrounding the closing date of the acquisition.

We allocated the purchase price as follows (in thousands):


Current assets:
Pawn loans	$	5,442
Payday loans		55
Auto title loans		1,105
Pawn service charges receivable		1,231
Signature loan fees receivable		7
Auto title loan fees receivable		84
Inventory		2,860
Deferred tax asset		334
Prepaid expenses and other assets		79

Total current assets		11,197

Property and equipment		392
Goodwill		16,297
Other assets		6,711

Total assets	$	34,597

Liabilities:
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	$	(27	)
Customer layaway deposits		(135	)

Total liabilities		(162	)

Net assets acquired	$	34,435

Included in the amount allocated above to “Other assets” is the $6.7 million value of pawn licenses acquired. As these are considered indefinite lived intangible assets, they are not amortized but are tested at least annually for potential impairment.

The factors contributing to the recognition of goodwill were based on several strategic and synergistic benefits we expect to realize from the acquisition. These benefits include a greater presence in a prime pawn market, a meaningful entry into the auto title loan business, increased scale and the ability to implement certain processes and practices at the acquired stores in our existing and planned other operations. The goodwill arising from this acquisition was recorded in the U.S. Pawn segment and is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes over the fifteen years following the acquisition.

The results of the acquired stores have been consolidated with our results since their acquisition. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the acquisition was not material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

On December 31, 2008, we acquired through a merger all of the capital stock of Value Financial Services, Inc. (“VFS”) for a total acquisition price of $77.7 million plus the assumption of VFS’s debt of $30.4 million, aggregating to approximately $108.1 million. VFS operated 67 pawn stores, located mostly in Florida.

The total purchase price was comprised of the issuance of approximately 4.1 million shares of EZCORP’s Class A Non-voting Common Stock originally valued at $64.6 million, $13.6 million of cash paid to VFS shareholders, and transaction costs of $0.9 million, less $1.4 million of cash acquired. We estimated the fair value of the stock issued in the acquisition at $15.92 per share, based on the average daily closing market price of our stock from two days before to two days after the announcement of the merger agreement. Since the date of acquisition, the total purchase price increased approximately $0.3 million due to additional transaction related costs identified after the point of acquisition.

Other assets recorded include the $4.9 million fair value of the acquired trademark and trade names and $0.6 million of favorable lease assets. As we expect to use the trademark and trade names indefinitely, they are not amortized but are tested at least annually for potential impairment. We are amortizing the favorable lease assets over the related lease terms used for straight-line rent purposes.

The factors contributing to the recognition of goodwill were based on several strategic and synergistic benefits we expect to realize from the acquisition. These benefits include a greater presence in prime pawn markets including making us the largest pawn store operator in Florida, expected administrative savings, increased scale and the ability to implement certain processes and practices at the acquired company in our existing and future operations. The goodwill arising from this acquisition was recorded in the U.S. Pawn segment and is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes due to the acquisition being a stock acquisition rather than an asset acquisition.

We allocated the purchase price as follows (in thousands):


Current assets:
Pawn loans	$	17,886
Pawn service charges receivable		3,491
Inventory		16,265
Deferred tax asset		4,394
Prepaid expenses and other assets		1,438

Total current assets		43,474

Property and equipment		5,584
Deferred tax asset, non-current		690
Goodwill		61,877
Other assets		5,719

Total assets	$	117,344

Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	(4,000	)
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses		(8,404	)
Customer layaway deposits		(872	)

Total Current liabilities		(13,276	)

Long-term debt		(26,385	)

Total liabilities		(39,661	)

Net assets acquired	$	77,683

The total purchase price presented above excludes contingent consideration paid under the terms of the acquisition, which depended on the price at which VFS shareholders sold their EZCORP shares. After the closing of the acquisition, we paid $10.7 million of contingent consideration to VFS shareholders related to the sale of approximately 3.9 million EZCORP shares. In accordance with accounting rules for contingent payments based on the acquirer’s stock price, all contingent consideration paid was recorded as a reduction of the additional paid-in capital recorded with the stock issuance and did not change the total recorded purchase price.

The results of the acquired stores have been consolidated with our results since their acquisition. The following table summarizes unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations assuming the acquisition had occurred on the first day of fiscal 2009. The pro forma results equal our actual results for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 and for the six month period ended March 31, 2010 as we owned and consolidated the VFS stores for those periods. Although VFS’s historical fiscal year ended on a different date than that of EZCORP, all VFS data included in the pro forma information are actual amounts for the periods indicated.

We expect and have realized operating synergies and administrative savings. These come primarily from using the best practices from EZCORP and VFS in each business, economies of scale, reduced administrative support staff and the closure of VFS’s corporate offices. The pro forma information does not include any potential operating efficiencies or cost savings from expected synergies. The pro forma information is not necessarily an indication of the results that would have been achieved had the acquisition been completed as of the date indicated or that may be achieved in the future.


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 31,						March 31,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(Unaudited and Pro Forma)
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
Sales	$	99,311		$	89,013		$	199,229		$	181,508
Pawn service charges		38,306			33,516			79,103			68,747
Signature loan fees		31,642			31,594			70,320			67,594
Auto title loan fees		3.956			415			7,058			636
Other		3,369			1,728			5,625			3,633

Total revenues		176,584			156,266			361,335			322,118

Cost of goods sold		62,162			56,426			124,732			114,002
Signature loan bad debt		4,397			5,072			13,187			14,556
Auto title loan bad debt		320			42			780			49

Net revenues		109,705			94,726			222,636			193,511

Operating expenses:
Operations		58,205			54,628			116,386			108,991
Administrative		13,483			9,794			25,780			25,562
Depreciation and amortization		3,573			3,151			6,929			6,490
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of assets		356			(537	)		567			(792	)

Total operating expenses		75,617			67,036			149,662			140,251


Operating income		34,088			27,690			72,974			53,260

Interest expense, net		387			399			744			927
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliate		(3,306	)		(1,371	)		(4,589	)		(2,312	)
Other		12			2			(3	)		27

Income before income taxes		36,995			28,660			76,822			54,618
Income tax expense		13,222			10,340			27,342			19,584

Net income	$	23,773		$	18,320		$	49,480		$	35,034


Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.49		$	0.38		$	1.01		$	0.73

Diluted	$	0.48		$	0.37		$	1.00		$	0.72


Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		48,987			48,560			48,853			48,113
Diluted		49,558			49,272			49,486			48,968

Note D: Earnings per Share

We compute basic earnings per share on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. We compute diluted earnings per share on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options, warrants and restricted stock awards.

Certain potential common shares have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the assumed proceeds upon exercise or vest, as defined by FASB ASC 718-10-25 (formerly SFAS No. 123(R)), were greater than the cost to re-acquire the same number of shares at the average market price, and therefore the effect would be anti-dilutive. All outstanding warrants expired July 25, 2009 and are no longer dilutive.

Components of basic and diluted earnings per share and excluded anti-dilutive potential common shares are as follows (in thousands except per share amounts):


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	March 31,				March 31,
	2010		2009		2010		2009
Net income (A)	$	23,773	$	18,320	$	49,480	$	33,148

Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock (B)		48,987		48,560		48,853		46,084
Dilutive effect of stock options, warrants, and restricted stock		571		712		633		855

Weighted average common stock and common stock equivalents (C)		49,558		49,272		49,486		46,939


Basic earnings per share (A/B)	$	0.49	$	0.38	$	1.01	$	0.72

Diluted earnings per share (A/C)	$	0.48	$	0.37	$	1.00	$	0.71


Potential common shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share		2		145		1		145

Note E: Strategic Investments

At March 31, 2010, we owned 16,619,640 common shares of Albemarle & Bond Holdings, PLC, representing almost 30% of its total outstanding shares. We acquired a combined 16,298,875 of the shares in 1998 and 2007 at a cost of $26.2 million and we acquired 320,765 additional shares in the quarter ended December 31, 2009 at a cost of approximately $1.3 million. Albemarle & Bond is primarily engaged in pawnbroking, retail jewelry sales, check cashing and lending in the United Kingdom. We account for the investment using the equity method. Since Albemarle & Bond’s fiscal year ends three months prior to ours, we report the income from this investment on a three-month lag. Albemarle & Bond files semi-annual financial reports for its fiscal periods ending December 31 and June 30. The income reported for our year-to-date period ended March 31, 2010 represents our percentage interest in the results of Albemarle & Bond’s operations from July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.

In its functional currency of British pounds, Albemarle & Bond’s total assets increased 3% from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009 and its net income improved 75% for the six months ended December 31, 2009. Below is summarized financial information for Albemarle & Bond’s most recently reported results after translation to U.S. dollars (using the exchange rate as of December 31 of each year for balance sheet items and average exchange rates for the income statement items for the periods indicated):


	As of December 31,
	2009		2008
	(In thousands)

Current assets	$	104,537	$	92,849
Non-current assets		53,128		46,093

Total assets	$	157,665	$	138,942


Current liabilities	$	21,128	$	10,809
Non-current liabilities		48,025		63,461
Equity shareholders’ funds		88,512		64,672

Total liabilities and equity shareholders’ funds	$	157,665	$	138,942


	Six Months Ended December 31,
	2009		2008
	(in thousands)

Turnover (gross revenues)	$	64,572	$	45,977
Gross profit		43,054		34,859
Profit after tax (net income)		12,752		7,718

On November 6, 2009, we acquired 108,218,000 newly issued shares, or approximately 30% of the capital stock of Cash Converters International Limited, a publicly traded company headquartered in Perth, Australia. We paid AUS $0.50 per share, for a total cash investment of AUS $54.1 million (approximately $49.6 million U.S. including direct transaction costs). Cash Converters franchises and operates a worldwide network of over 500 specialty financial services and retail stores, which provide pawn loans, short-term unsecured loans and other consumer finance products, and buy and sell used merchandise. Cash Converters’ most recent public reports indicate it owns and operates 18 locations in Australia and 26 locations in the United Kingdom, and has more than 450 franchised stores in 21 countries, including 121 in Australia, 121 in the United Kingdom and significant presences in Spain, South Africa and France.

We account for our investment in Cash Converters using the equity method. Since Cash Converters’ fiscal year ends three months prior to ours, we report the income from this investment on a three-month lag. Cash Converters files semi-annual financial reports for its fiscal periods ending December 31 and June 30. Due to the three-month lag, our results for the current quarter and six-month period ended March 31, 2010 include our share of Cash Converters’ 56 days of earnings from November 6, 2009 to December 31, 2009. This amount was estimated through daily proration of Cash Converters’ reported results for the six months ended December 31, 2009. This is the first quarter in which our earnings include any contribution from Cash Converters’ results of operations.

In its functional currency of Australian dollars, Cash Converters’ total assets increased 71% from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009 and its net income improved 27% for the six months ended December 31, 2009. Below is summarized financial information for Cash Converters’ most recently reported results after translation to U.S. dollars (using the exchange rate as of December 31 of each year for balance sheet items and average exchange rates for the income statement items for the periods indicated):


	As of December 31,
	2009		2008
	(In thousands)

Current assets	$	96,680	$	27,929
Non-current assets		64,212		44,979

Total assets	$	160,892	$	72,908


Current liabilities	$	19,251	$	11,330
Non-current liabilities		11,010		7,835
Equity shareholders’ funds		130,631		53,743

Total liabilities and equity shareholders’ funds	$	160,892	$	72,908


	Six Months Ended December 31,
	2009		2008
	(in thousands)

Gross revenues	$	51,609	$	34,816
Gross profit		38,315		25,895
Profit for the year (net income)		8,759		6,209

The table below summarizes the recorded value and fair value of each of these strategic investments at the dates indicated. Fair values were calculated as (a) the quoted stock price on each company’s principal market multiplied by (b) the number of shares we owned multiplied by (c) the applicable foreign currency exchange rate at the dates indicated. We included no control premium for owning a large percentage of outstanding shares.


	March 31, 2010		March 31, 2009		September 30, 2009
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
Albemarle & Bond:
Recorded value	$	41,606	$	34,725	$	38,851
Fair value		61,235		46,100		61,504

Cash Converters:
Recorded value		49,248		—		—
Fair value		57,714		—		—

Note F: Contingencies

Currently and from time to time, we are defendants in various legal and regulatory actions. While we cannot determine the ultimate outcome of these actions, we believe their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, we cannot give any assurance as to their ultimate outcome.

Note G: Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes net income and other revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are excluded from net income but are included as a component of total stockholders’ equity. Comprehensive income for the fiscal quarter and year-to-date period ended March 31, 2010 was $23.7 million and $49.5 million. For the comparable 2009 periods, comprehensive income was $13.9 million and $22.9 million. The difference between comprehensive income and net income results primarily from the effect of foreign currency translation adjustments. At March 31, 2010, the accumulated balance of foreign currency activity excluded from net income was $(5.7) million, net of applicable tax of $1.1 million. The net $(4.6) million is presented as “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the balance sheet at March 31, 2010.

Note H: Long-term Debt

Our syndicated credit agreement provides for, among other things, (i) an $80 million revolving credit facility, expiring December 31, 2011, that we may, under the terms of the agreement, request to be increased to a total of $110 million and (ii) a $40 million term loan, maturing December 31, 2012. Our term loan requires $2.5 million quarterly principal payments. At March 31, 2010, $30.0 million was outstanding under the term loan and a $3.0 million bank letter of credit was outstanding, leaving $77 million available on our revolving credit facility. The outstanding bank letter of credit secures our obligations under letters of credit we issue to unaffiliated lenders as part of our credit service operations.

Pursuant to the credit agreement, we may choose either a Eurodollar rate or the base rate. We may choose to pay interest to the lenders for outstanding borrowings at the Eurodollar rate plus 175 to 250 basis points or the bank’s base rate plus 0 to 50 basis points, depending on our leverage ratio computed at the end of each calendar quarter. Our rates are currently at the minimum of the range. On the unused amount of the revolving credit facility, we pay a commitment fee of 25 to 30 basis points depending on our leverage ratio calculated at the end of each quarter. Terms of the credit agreement require, among other things, that we meet certain financial covenants. We were in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2010 and expect to remain in compliance based on our current and anticipated performance. The payment of dividends and additional debt are restricted. The recorded value of our debt approximates its fair value as it is all variable rate debt and carries no pre-payment penalty.

Note I: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table presents the balance of each major class of indefinite-lived intangible asset at the specified dates:


	March 31, 2010		March 31, 2009		September 30, 2009
	(In thousands)
Pawn licenses	$	8,229	$	7,749	$	8,229
Trade Name		4,870		4,870		4,870
Goodwill		101,456		99,008		100,719

Total	$	114,555	$	111,627	$	113,818

The following table presents the changes in goodwill over the periods presented and the amount of goodwill allocated to each segment:


	U.S. Pawn				EZMONEY
	Operations		Empeño Fácil		Operations		Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Balance at September 30, 2009	$	94,192	$	6,527	$	—		100,719
Acquisitions — adjustments to initial estimate		193		—		—		193
Effect of foreign currency translation changes		—		544		—		544

Balance at March 31, 2010	$	94,385	$	7,071	$	—	$	101,456


	U.S. Pawn					EZMONEY
	Operations		Empeño Fácil			Operations		Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Balance at September 30, 2008	$	16,211	$	8,165		$	—	$	24,376
Acquisitions		76,649		—			—		76,649
Effect of foreign currency translation changes		—		(2,017	)		—		(2,017	)

Balance at March 31, 2009	$	92,860	$	6,148		$	—	$	99,008

The following table presents the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each major class of definite-lived intangible asset at the specified dates:


	March 31, 2010					March 31, 2009					September 30, 2009
	Carrying		Accumulated			Carrying		Accumulated			Carrying		Accumulated
	Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	(In thousands)
License application fees	$	345	$	(344	)	$	345	$	(329	)	$	345	$	(339	)
Real estate finders’ fees		699		(382	)		556		(353	)		609		(367	)
Non-compete agreements		2,666		(1,514	)		2,405		(945	)		2,497		(1,192	)
Favorable lease		644		(158	)		644		(23	)		644		(95	)
Other		39		(3	)		—		—			11		—

Total	$	4,393	$	(2,401	)	$	3,950	$	(1,650	)	$	4,106	$	(1,993	)

Total amortization expense from definite-lived intangible assets for the quarter and year-to-date period ended March 31, 2010 was $156,000 and $282,000. For the comparable 2009 periods, amortization expense was approximately $114,000 and $238,000. The favorable lease asset and other intangibles are amortized to rent expense and are included in Operations expense on our statements of operations. The following table presents our estimate of amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years as of October 1, 2009 (in thousands):


Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
2010	$	541
2011	$	505
2012	$	470
2013	$	47
2014	$	31

These amounts exclude amortization of other intangible assets and the favorable lease asset, which are amortized to rent expense over the related lease terms. As acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future, amortization expense may vary from these estimates.

Note J: Share-based Compensation

Our income includes the following compensation costs related to our share-based compensation arrangements:


	Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(in thousands)
Gross compensation cost	$	1,288		$	723		$	2,344		$	1,782
Income tax benefits		(473	)		(306	)		(831	)		(625	)

Share-based compensation cost, net of tax benefit	$	815		$	417		$	1,513		$	1,157

Stock option exercises resulted in the issuance of 424,700 shares of our Class A Non-voting Common Stock in the current quarter for total proceeds of $1.2 million. For the current year-to-date period, 446,200 shares of Class A Non-voting Common Stock were issued for total proceeds of $1.3 million. All options and restricted stock relate to our Class A Non-voting Common Stock.

Note K: Income Taxes

The current quarter’s effective tax rate is 35.7% of pretax income compared to 36.1% for the prior year quarter. For the current year-to-date period, the effective tax rate is 35.6% compared to 35.7% in the prior year-to-date period. The decrease in effective tax rates is primarily due to an increase in the foreign tax credit on overseas earnings less the valuation allowance established for the expected operating losses in our Canada operations during their start-up period in the current year.

Note L: Operating Segment Information

We manage our business and internal reporting as three reportable segments with operating results reported separately for each segment.

•

The U.S. Pawn Operations segment offers pawn related activities in our 371 U.S. pawn stores, offers signature loans in 54 pawn stores and six EZMONEY stores and offers auto title loans in 54 pawn stores.

•

The Empeño Fácil segment offers pawn related activities in 79 Mexico pawn stores.

•

The EZMONEY Operations segment offers signature loans in 456 U.S. EZMONEY stores and 20 Canadian CASHMAX stores. The segment offers auto title loans in 391 of its U.S. EZMONEY stores.

There are no inter-segment revenues, and the amounts below were determined in accordance with the same accounting principles used in our consolidated financial statements. The following tables present operating segment information:


	U.S. Pawn		Empeño		EZMONEY
	Operations		Fácil		Operations		Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010:
Revenues:
Sales	$	94,364	$	4,895	$	52	$	99,311
Pawn service charges		36,256		2,050		—		38,306
Signature loan fees		434		—		31,208		31,642
Auto title loan fees		427		—		3,529		3,956
Other		3,243		126		—		3,369

Total revenues		134,724		7,071		34,789		176,584

Cost of goods sold		58,541		3,597		24		62,162
Signature loan bad debt		101		—		4,296		4,397
Auto title loan bad debt		52		—		268		320

Net revenues		76,030		3,474		30,201		109,705

Operations expense		39,912		2,573		15,720		58,205

Store operating income	$	36,118	$	901	$	14,481	$	51,500


Three Months Ended March 31, 2009:
Revenues:
Sales	$	86,808	$	2,205	$	—	$	89,013
Pawn service charges		32,265		1,251		—		33,516
Signature loan fees		557		—		31,037		31,594
Auto title loan fees		351		—		64		415
Other		1,727		1		—		1,728

Total revenues		121,708		3,457		31,101		156,266

Cost of goods sold		55,072		1,354		—		56,426
Signature loan bad debt		108		—		4,964		5,072
Auto title loan bad debt		36		—		6		42

Net revenues		66,492		2,103		26,131		94,726

Operations expense		38,367		1,299		14,962		54,628

Store operating income	$	28,125	$	804	$	11,169	$	40,098


	U.S. Pawn		Empeño		EZMONEY
	Operations		Fácil		Operations		Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Six Months Ended March 31, 2010:
Revenues:
Sales	$	190,398	$	8,767	$	64	$	199,229
Pawn service charges		75,197		3,906		—		79,103
Signature loan fees		987		—		69,333		70,320
Auto title loan fees		902		—		6,156		7,058
Other		5,410		215		—		5,625

Total revenues		272,894		12,888		75,553		361,335

Cost of goods sold		118,271		6,430		31		124,732
Signature loan bad debt		287		—		12,900		13,187
Auto title loan bad debt		122		—		658		780

Net revenues		154,214		6,458		61,964		222,636

Operations expense		80,111		4,737		31,538		116,386

Store operating income	$	74,103	$	1,721	$	30,426	$	106,250


Six Months Ended March 31, 2009:
Revenues:
Sales	$	148,975	$	4,618	$	—	$	153,593
Pawn service charges		57,149		2,748		—		59,897
Signature loan fees		1,243		—		66,351		67,594
Auto title loan fees		561		—		75		636
Other		3,160		1		—		3,161

Total revenues		211,088		7,367		66,426		284,881

Cost of goods sold		94,010		2,841		—		96,851
Signature loan bad debt		344		—		14,212		14,556
Auto title loan bad debt		42		—		7		49

Net revenues		116,692		4,526		52,207		173,425

Operations expense		65,045		2,583		30,494		98,122

Store operating income	$	51,647	$	1,943	$	21,713	$	75,303

The following table reconciles store operating income, as shown above, to our consolidated income before income taxes:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 31,						March 31,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(in thousands)
Consolidated store operating income	$	51,500		$	40,098		$	106,250		$	75,303
Administrative expenses		13,483			9,794			25,780			20,205
Depreciation and amortization		3,573			3,151			6,929			6,217
(Gain) loss on sale / disposal of assets		356			(537	)		567			(821	)
Interest income		(8	)		(72	)		(16	)		(198	)
Interest expense		395			471			760			636
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliate		(3,306	)		(1,371	)		(4,589	)		(2,312	)
Other		12			2			(3	)		27

Consolidated income before income taxes	$	36,995		$	28,660		$	76,822		$	51,549

The following table presents separately identified segment assets:


	U.S. Pawn		Empeño		EZMONEY
	Operations		Fácil		Operations		Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Assets at March 31, 2010:
Pawn loans	$	84,116	$	4,924	$	—	$	89,040
Signature loans, net		371		—		6,916		7,287
Auto title loans, net		577		—		1,362		1,939
Inventory, net		53,122		3,262		19		56,403

Total separately identified recorded segment assets	$	138,186	$	8,186	$	8,297	$	154,669


Brokered signature loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders	$	170	$	—	$	17,571	$	17,741
Brokered auto title loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders	$	193	$	—	$	3,719	$	3,912

Assets at March 31, 2009:
Pawn loans	$	76,092	$	3,267	$	—	$	79,359
Signature loans, net		422		—		5,998		6,420
Auto title loans, net		759		—		115		874
Inventory, net		53,273		2,752		—		56,025

Total separately identified recorded segment assets	$	130,546	$	6,019	$	6,113	$	142,678


Brokered signature loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders	$	233	$	—	$	17,818	$	18,051
Brokered auto title loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Assets at September 30, 2009:
Pawn loans	$	98,099	$	3,585	$	—	$	101,684
Signature loans, net		453		—		7,904		8,357
Auto title loans, net		685		—		978		1,663
Inventory, net		61,196		2,804		1		64,001

Total separately identified recorded segment assets	$	160,433	$	6,389	$	8,883	$	175,705


Brokered signature loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders	$	278	$	—	$	22,706	$	22,984
Brokered auto title loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders	$	276	$	—	$	1,910	$	2,186

Brokered loans are not recorded as an asset on our balance sheets, as we do not own a participation in the loans made by independent lenders. We monitor the principal balance of these loans, as our credit service fees and bad debt are directly related to their volume due to the letters of credit we issue on these loans. The balances shown above are the gross principal balances of the loans outstanding at the specified dates.

Note M: Subsequent Events

We noted no events occurring subsequent to the end of the current quarter that should be disclosed in order to prevent these financial statements and related notes from being misleading.


*Item 2.*	*Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations*

The discussion in this section contains forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements due to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those identified in “Part II, Item 1A — Risk Factors” of this report.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 vs. Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

The following table presents selected, unaudited, consolidated financial data for our three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (the current and prior year quarters):


	Three Months Ended March 31,				Percentage
	2010		2009		Change
	(in thousands)
Net revenues:
Sales	$	99,311	$	89,013		11.6	%
Pawn service charges		38,306		33,516		14.3	%
Signature loan fees		31,642		31,594		0.2	%
Auto title loan fees		3,956		415		853.3	%
Other		3,369		1,728		95.0	%

Total revenues		176,584		156,266		13.0	%

Cost of goods sold		62,162		56,426		10.2	%
Signature loan bad debt		4,397		5,072		(13.3	)%
Auto title loan bad debt		320		42		661.9	%

Net revenues	$	109,705	$	94,726		15.8	%


Net income	$	23,773	$	18,320		29.8	%

Six Months Ended March 31, 2010 vs. Six Months Ended March 31, 2009

The following table presents selected, unaudited, consolidated financial data for our six-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (the current and prior year-to-date periods):


	Six Months Ended March 31,				Percentage
	2010		2009		Change
	(in thousands)
Net revenues:
Sales	$	199,229	$	153,593		29.7	%
Pawn service charges		79,103		59,897		32.1	%
Signature loan fees		70,320		67,594		4.0	%
Auto title loan fees		7,058		636		1009.7	%
Other		5,625		3,161		78.0	%

Total revenues		361,335		284,881		26.8	%

Cost of goods sold		124,732		96,851		28.8	%
Signature loan bad debt		13,187		14,556		(9.4	)%
Auto title loan bad debt		780		49		1491.8	%

Net revenues	$	222,636	$	173,425		28.4	%


Net income	$	49,480	$	33,148		49.3	%

Consolidated signature loan data (combined payday loan, installment loan and related credit service activities) are as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 31,						March 31,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fee revenue	$	31,642		$	31,594		$	70,320		$	67,594
Bad debt:
Net defaults, including interest on brokered loans		5,181			5,764			13,560			15,149
Insufficient funds fees, net of collections		186			182			405			475
Change in valuation allowance		(1,046	)		(939	)		(926	)		(1,193	)
Other related costs		76			65			148			125

Net bad debt		4,397			5,072			13,187			14,556

Fee revenue less bad debt	$	27,245		$	26,522		$	57,133		$	53,038


Average signature loan balance outstanding during period (a)	$	28,973		$	28,190		$	29,916		$	28,902
Signature loan balance at end of period (a)	$	25,028		$	24,393		$	25,028		$	24,393
Participating stores at end of period		536			559			536			559
Signature loan bad debt, as a percent of fee revenue		13.9	%		16.1	%		18.8	%		21.5	%
Net default rate (a) (b)		3.6	%		3.8	%		4.1	%		4.6	%


(a)		Signature loan balances include payday loans and installment loans (net of valuation allowance) recorded on our balance sheets and the principal portion of similar active brokered loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders, the balance of which is not included on our balance sheets.

(b)		Principal defaults net of collections, as a percentage of signature loans made and renewed.

Overview

We are a leading pawn store operator and provider of specialty consumer financial services. We provide collateralized, non-recourse loans, commonly known as pawn loans, and a variety of short-term consumer loans, including payday loans, installment loans and auto title loans, or fee-based credit services to customers seeking loans from unaffiliated lenders. In our pawn stores, we also sell merchandise, primarily collateral forfeited from our pawn lending operations.

At March 31, 2010, we operated a total of 932 locations, consisting of 371 U.S. pawn stores (operating as EZPAWN or Value Pawn), 79 pawn stores in Mexico (operating as Empeño Fácil or Empeñe su Oro), 462 U.S. short-term consumer loan stores (operating primarily as EZMONEY) and 20 short-term consumer loan stores in Canada (operating as CASHMAX). We also own almost 30% of Albemarle & Bond Holdings, PLC, one of the U.K.’s largest pawnbroking businesses with 123 stores, and almost 30% of Cash Converters International Limited, which franchises and operates a worldwide network of over 500 specialty financial services and second-hand retail stores.

We manage our business as three segments. The U.S. Pawn Operations segment operates only in the United States. The Empeño Fácil segment operates only in Mexico. The EZMONEY Operations segment operates 456 stores in the United States and 20 stores in Canada. The following tables present store data and products offered in each segment:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
	U.S. Pawn		Empeño		EZMONEY
	Operations		Fácil		Operations			Consolidated
Stores in operation:
Beginning of period		376		70		474			920
New openings		1		9		12			22
Acquired		—		—		—			—
Sold, combined, or closed		—		—		(10	)		(10	)

End of period		377		79		476			932


Average number of stores during the period		377		74		474			925


	Six Months Ended March 31, 2010
	U.S. Pawn		Empeño		EZMONEY
	Operations		Fácil		Operations			Consolidated
Stores in operation:
Beginning of period		375		62		473			910
New openings		2		17		18			37
Acquired		—		—		—			—
Sold, combined, or closed		—		—		(15	)		(15	)

End of period		377		79		476			932

Average number of stores during the period		376		70		473			919

Composition of ending stores:
Pawn		371		79		—			450
Short-term consumer loan stores		6		—		476			482

Total stores in operation		377		79		476			932


Stores offering payday loans (a)		60		—		476			536
Stores offering installment loans (a)		—		—		197			197
Stores offering auto title loans (a)		54		—		391			445


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
	U.S. Pawn		Empeño		EZMONEY
	Operations		Fácil		Operations			Consolidated
Stores in operation:
Beginning of period		377		41		471			889
New openings		—		4		8			12
Acquired		—		—		—			—
Sold, combined, or closed		—		—		(3	)		(3	)

End of period		377		45		476			898


Average number of stores during the period		377		42		474			893


	Six Months Ended March 31, 2009
	U.S. Pawn		Empeño		EZMONEY
	Operations		Fácil		Operations			Consolidated
Stores in operation:
Beginning of period		300		38		471			809
New openings		—		6		14			20
Acquired		77		1		—			78
Sold, combined, or closed		—		—		(9	)		(9	)

End of period		377		45		476			898

Average number of stores during the period		346		40		473			859

Composition of ending stores:
Pawn		371		45		—			416
Short-term consumer loan stores		6		—		476			482

Total stores in operation		377		45		476			898


Stores offering payday loans (a)		83		—		476			559
Stores offering installment loans (a)		—		—		88			88
Stores offering auto title loans (a)		32		—		139			171


(a)		Including credit services

We earn pawn service charge revenues on our pawn lending. While allowable service charges vary by state and loan size, a majority of our U.S. pawn loans earn 20% per month. Our average U.S. pawn loan amount typically ranges between $80 and $120 but varies depending on the valuation of each item pawned. The total U.S. loan term ranges between 60 and 120 days, consisting of the primary term and grace period. In Mexico, current quarter pawn service charges range from 15% to 21% per month including applicable taxes, with the majority of loans earning 21%. The total Mexico pawn loan term is 40 days, consisting of the primary term and grace period.

In our pawn stores, we acquire inventory for retail sales through pawn loan forfeitures and, to a lesser extent, through purchases of customers’ merchandise and purchases of new or refurbished merchandise from third party vendors. The gross profit on sales of inventory depends primarily on our assessment of the loan or purchase value at the time the property is either accepted as loan collateral or purchased. Improper value assessment in the lending or purchasing process can result in lower margins or reduced marketability of the merchandise.

One indicator of lower marketability is how long we have held the inventory. The table below summarizes the age of our inventory and the related valuation allowance on a consolidated basis:


	March 31, 2010						March 31, 2009						September 30, 2009
	Amount			Percent			Amount			Percent			Amount			Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Jewelry:
Gross inventory held one year or less	$	29,750			78.7	%	$	28,690			80.6	%	$	28,338			78.1	%
Gross inventory held more than one year		8,029			21.3	%		6,919			19.4	%		7,953			21.9	%

Total jewelry inventory, gross		37,779			100.0	%		35,609			100.0	%		36,291			100.0	%

General merchandise:
Gross inventory held one year or less		22,556			93.7	%		24,317			92.7	%		31,246			93.5	%
Gross inventory held more than one year		1,525			6.3	%		1,904			7.3	%		2,183			6.5	%

Total general merchandise, gross		24,081			100.0	%		26,221			100.0	%		33,429			100.0	%

Total inventory:
Gross inventory held one year or less		52,306			84.6	%		53,007			85.7	%		59,584			85.5	%
Gross inventory held more than one year		9,554			15.4	%		8,823			14.3	%		10,136			14.5	%

Total inventory, gross		61,860			100.0	%		61,830			100.0	%		69,720			100.0	%
Valuation allowance		(5,457	)		(8.8	%)		(5,805	)		(9.4	%)		(5,719	)		(8.2	%)

Total inventory, net	$	56,403					$	56,025					$	64,001

We record a valuation allowance for shrinkage and obsolete or slow-moving inventory based on the type and age of merchandise and recent sales trends and margins. We generally establish a higher allowance percentage on general merchandise, as it is more susceptible to obsolescence, and establish a lower allowance percentage on jewelry, as it retains much greater commodity value. The total allowance was 8.8% of gross inventory at March 31, 2010 compared to 9.4% at March 31, 2009 and 8.2% at September 30, 2009. Changes in the valuation allowance are charged to merchandise cost of goods sold.

At March 31, 2010, 290 of our U.S. short-term consumer loan stores and 34 of our U.S. pawn stores offered credit services to customers seeking short-term consumer signature loans from unaffiliated lenders. We do not participate in any of the loans made by the lenders, but earn a fee for helping customers obtain credit and for enhancing customers’ creditworthiness by providing letters of credit.

In connection with our credit services, the unaffiliated lenders offer customers two types of signature loans. In all stores offering signature loan credit services, customers can obtain payday loans, with principal amounts up to $1,500 but averaging about $550. Terms of these loans are generally less than 30 days, averaging about 16 days, with due dates corresponding with the customers’ next payday. We typically earn a fee of 20% of the loan amount for our credit services offered in connection with payday loans. In 97 of the U.S. short-term consumer loan stores offering credit services, customers can obtain longer-term unsecured installment loans from the unaffiliated lenders. The installment loans typically carry terms of about five months with ten equal installment payments due on customers’ paydays. Installment loan principal amounts range from $1,525 to $3,000, but average about $2,070. With each semi-monthly or bi-weekly installment payment, we earn a fee of 10% of the initial loan amount. At March 31, 2010, payday loans comprised 97% of the balance of signature loans brokered through our credit services, and installment loans comprised the remaining 3%.

We earn signature loan fee revenue on our payday loans. In 20 U.S. pawn stores, 172 U.S. short-term consumer loan stores and 20 Canadian short-term consumer loan stores, we make payday loans subject to state or provincial law. The average payday loan amount is approximately $430 and the term is generally less than 30 days, averaging about 16 days. We typically charge a fee of 15% to 22% of the loan amount for a 7 to 23-day period.

In 100 of our U.S. short-term consumer loan stores, we make installment loans subject to state law. Terms of these loans are similar to those offered by unaffiliated lenders through our credit services, but loan amounts average approximately $1,350. With each semi-monthly or bi-weekly installment payment, we typically earn a fee of 10% of the initial loan amount.

At March 31, 2010, 391 of our U.S. short-term consumer loan stores and 54 of our U.S. pawn stores offered auto title loans or credit services to assist customers in obtaining auto title loans from unaffiliated lenders. Auto title loans are 30-day loans secured by the titles to customers’ automobiles. Loan principal amounts range from $100 to $9,000, but average approximately $735. We earn a fee of 12.5% to 25% of auto title loan amounts.

On November 13, 2008, we acquired 11 pawn stores located in the Las Vegas, Nevada area for total consideration of approximately $34.4 million plus direct transaction costs. Approximately half the purchase consideration was funded with the issuance of EZCORP Class A Non-voting Common Stock and the remaining half was funded in cash. Results of the acquired stores are included in our results from the date of acquisition.

On December 31, 2008, we acquired Value Financial Services, Inc. (“VFS”). We acquired VFS’s 67 pawn stores, mostly in Florida, for a total acquisition price of $77.7 million, plus the assumption of VFS’s debt of $30.4 million, for an aggregate cost of approximately $108.1 million. This excludes $10.7 million of contingent payments made since the acquisition. The contingent payments were recorded as a reduction of Additional paid-in capital in accordance with accounting rules for contingencies based on our stock price. Results of the acquired stores are included in our results of operations beginning January 1, 2009.

In the current quarter, consolidated total revenues increased 13%, or $20.3 million to $176.6 million, compared to the prior year quarter. Same store total revenues increased 12%, with the remainder of the increase coming from new stores. The overall increase in total consolidated revenues was comprised primarily of a $10.3 million increase in merchandise and jewelry scrapping sales, a $4.8 million increase in pawn service charges, a $3.5 million increase in auto title loan fees and a $1.6 million increase in other revenues.

In the current quarter, the U.S. Pawn Operations segment contributed $8.0 million greater store operating income compared to the prior year quarter, primarily as the result of a $4.1 million increase in gross profit on sales, a $4.0 million increase in pawn service charges and a $1.5 million increase in other revenues, partially offset by higher operating costs. The Empeño Fácil segment contributed $0.1 million greater store operating income compared to the prior year quarter, with a 65% growth in net revenues mostly offset by higher operating expenses at new stores. Our EZMONEY Operations segment contributed $3.3 million greater store operating income, primarily from new products and an improvement in bad debt. After a $3.7 million increase in administrative expenses, a $0.9 million increase in loss on disposal of assets and a $0.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization, operating income increased $6.4 million to $34.1 million. After a $1.9 million increase in our equity in the net income of unconsolidated affiliates and a $2.9 million increase in income taxes and other smaller items, our consolidated net income improved 30% to $23.8 million from $18.3 million in the prior year quarter.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 vs. Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

The following discussion compares our results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 to the quarter ended March 31, 2009. It should be read with the accompanying financial statements and related notes.

U.S. Pawn Operations Segment

The following table presents selected financial data for the U.S. Pawn Operations segment:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2010			2009
	(Dollars in thousands)
Sales	$	94,364		$	86,808
Pawn service charges		36,256			32,265
Signature loan fees		434			557
Auto title loan fees		427			351
Other		3,243			1,727

Total revenues		134,724			121,708

Cost of goods sold		58,541			55,072
Signature loan bad debt		101			108
Auto title loan bad debt		52			36

Net revenues		76,030			66,492

Operations expense		39,912			38,367

Store operating income	$	36,118		$	28,125


Other data:
Gross margin on sales		38	%		37	%
Annualized inventory turnover		4.1	x		3.8	x
Average pawn loan balance per pawn store at quarter end	$	227		$	205
Average inventory per pawn store at quarter end	$	143		$	144
Average yield on pawn loan portfolio (a)		163	%		160	%
Pawn loan redemption rate		83	%		81	%
Average signature loan balance per store offering signature loans at quarter end (b)	$	9		$	8
Average auto title loan balance per store offering auto title loans at quarter end (c)	$	14		$	24


(a)		Average yield on pawn loan portfolio is calculated as annualized pawn service charge revenues for the period divided by the average pawn loan balance during the period.

(b)		Signature loan balances include payday loans (net of valuation allowance) recorded on our balance sheets and the principal portion of similar active brokered loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders, the balance of which is not included on our balance sheets.

(c)		Auto title loan balances include title loans (net of valuation allowance) recorded on our balance sheets and the principal portion of active brokered loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders, the balance of which is not included on our balance sheets.

The U.S. Pawn segment total revenues increased $13.0 million, or 11% from the prior year quarter to $134.7 million. Same store total revenues increased $13.1 million, or 11% , and new stores net of closed stores decreased $0.1 million. The overall increase in total revenues was comprised of a $7.6 million increase in merchandise and jewelry scrapping sales, a $4.0 million increase in pawn service charges and a $1.5 million increase in other revenues, partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in signature loan revenues.

Our current quarter U.S. pawn service charge revenues increased $4.0 million, or 12% from the prior year quarter to $36.3 million. Same store pawn service charges increased $4.1 million, or 13%, partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease at new stores net of closed stores. The same store improvement was due to a 10% higher average same store pawn loan balance coupled with a higher yield. The yield improved primarily due to a higher loan redemption rate as we focused on loan values and better qualifying customers to determine those that prefer to sell their merchandise rather than use it as collateral for a loan.

The table below summarizes our sales volume, gross profit and gross margins in the U.S. Pawn segment:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2010			2009
	(Dollars in millions)

Merchandise sales	$	60.0		$	59.1
Jewelry scrapping sales		34.4			27.7

Total sales	$	94.4		$	86.8

Gross profit on merchandise sales	$	22.9		$	22.2
Gross profit on jewelry scrapping sales	$	12.9		$	9.5

Gross margin on merchandise sales		38.2	%		37.5	%
Gross margin on jewelry scrapping sales		37.6	%		34.5	%
Overall gross margin		38.0	%		36.6	%

The current quarter’s merchandise sales gross profit increased $0.7 million, or 3% from the prior year quarter to $22.9 million. This was due to a $0.8 million, or 1% increase in same store sales coupled with a 0.7 percentage point improvement in gross margins to 38.2%.

The current quarter’s gross profit on jewelry scrapping sales increased $3.4 million, or 36% from the prior year quarter to $12.9 million. Jewelry scrapping revenues increased $6.7 million, or 24%, and the related cost of goods sold increased $3.4 million, or 18%. With a 3% decrease in the grams of gold scrapped, the increase in sales and cost of goods sold was due to increases in gold values. Gross margins on gold scrapping improved 3.1 percentage points to 37.6% as proceeds per gram increased at a greater rate than our gold lending guidelines.

Operations expense increased to $39.9 million (52% of net revenues) in the current quarter from $38.4 million (58% of net revenues) in the prior year quarter. The dollar increase in expense was primarily due to higher performance-based incentive compensation and related taxes.

In the current quarter, the $9.6 million greater net revenues from U.S. pawn activities, partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in signature loan contribution and the $1.5 million higher operations expense resulted in an $8.0 million overall increase in store operating income from the U.S. Pawn Operations segment. For the current and prior year quarters, the U.S. Pawn Operations segment made up 70% of consolidated store operating income.

Empeño Fácil Segment

The following table presents selected financial data for the Empeño Fácil segment after translation to U.S. dollars and in its functional currency of the Mexican peso:


	Three months ended March 31,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(Dollars in thousands)						(Pesos in thousands)

Sales	$	4,895		$	2,205		$	62,607		$	31,620
Pawn service charges		2,050			1,251			26,233			17,968
Other		126			1			1,619			6

Total revenues		7,071			3,457			90,459			49,594
Cost of goods sold		3,597			1,354			45,988			19,435

Net revenues		3,474			2,103			44,471			30,159
Operations expense		2,573			1,299			32,894			18,596

Store operating income	$	901		$	804		$	11,577		$	11,563


Other data:
Gross margin on sales		27	%		39	%		27	%		39	%
Annualized inventory turnover		5.2	x		2.1	x		5.2	x		2.1	x
Average pawn loan balance per pawn store at quarter end	$	62		$	73		$	777		$	1,041
Average inventory per pawn store at quarter end	$	41		$	61		$	515		$	877
Average yield on pawn loan portfolio (a)		177	%		162	%		177	%		162	%
Pawn loan redemption rate		74	%		84	%		74	%		84	%


(a)		Average yield on pawn loan portfolio is calculated as annualized pawn service charge revenue for the period divided by the average pawn loan balance during the period.

The average exchange rate used to translate Empeño Fácil’s current quarter results from Mexican pesos to U.S. dollars was 12% higher than in the prior year quarter. Store operating income was 12% higher in the current quarter in dollars and remained flat in peso terms. The 65% increase in net revenues was mostly offset by higher costs from new stores that we expect will be a drag on earnings until they become profitable in their second year of operation. Approximately 41% of the stores open at March 31, 2010 had been open less than nine months. We opened nine new stores in the current quarter, seven of which are Empeñe su Oro jewelry-only pawn stores.

Empeño Fácil’s total revenues increased $3.6 million, or 105% in the current quarter to $7.1 million. Same store total revenues increased $1.9 million or 54%, and new stores contributed $1.7 million. The overall increase in total revenues was comprised of a $2.7 million increase in merchandise and jewelry scrapping sales, a $0.8 million increase in pawn service charges and a $0.1 million increase in other revenues.

Empeño Fácil’s pawn service charge revenues increased $0.8 million, or 64% in the current quarter to $2.1 million. Same store pawn service charges increased approximately $0.5 million, or 40% and new stores contributed $0.3 million. The same store increase was due to an improvement in the average pawn loan yield coupled with an 18% increase in average loan balance during the quarter. The yield increased primarily due to an increase in pawn service charge rates in certain geographic areas compared to the prior year, partially offset by a lower loan redemption rate.

The table below presents our sales volume, gross profit and gross margins in the Empeño Fácil segment:


	Three months ended March 31,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(Dollars in millions)						(Pesos in millions)
Merchandise sales	$	3.1		$	1.9		$	40.1		$	27.5
Jewelry scrapping sales		1.8			0.3			22.5			4.1

Total sales		4.9			2.2			62.6			31.6

Gross profit on merchandise sales	$	1.1		$	0.7		$	14.2		$	10.5
Gross profit on jewelry scrapping sales		0.2			0.1			2.4			1.7

Gross margin on merchandise sales		35.4	%		38.3	%		35.4	%		38.3	%
Gross margin on jewelry scrapping sales		10.7	%		40.7	%		10.7	%		40.7	%
Overall gross margin		26.5	%		38.6	%		26.5	%		38.6	%

The current quarter’s merchandise gross profit increased $0.4 million from the prior year quarter to $1.1 million. This was due to a $0.8 million, or 40% same store sales increase and $0.4 million in sales from new stores, partially offset by a 2.9 percentage point decrease in gross margins to 35.4%. The margin decrease was primarily a result of promotions early in the quarter to liquidate aged and damaged inventory. We expect improved margins in future quarters.

The gross profit on jewelry scrapping sales increased $0.1 million from the prior year quarter to $0.2 million. Proceeds increased $1.5 million, mostly offset by a decrease in jewelry scrapping margins to 10.7% from 40.7% in the prior year quarter. The significant volume increase and the margin decrease are due primarily to the introduction of our new Empeñe su Oro jewelry-only pawn stores. As these new gold-only stores open, the gold values employed are aggressive in the marketplace in order to establish both the new store and the brand. We expect the jewelry scrapping margins at individual Empeñe su Oro stores to improve to as they mature.

Operations expense increased to $2.6 million (74% of net revenues) in the current quarter from $1.3 million (62% of net revenues) in the prior year quarter. The increase was due primarily to new stores which typically produce a loss in their first several quarters of operation.

In the current quarter, the $1.4 million greater net revenues were partially offset by the $1.3 million higher operations expense, resulting in a $0.1 million increase in store operating income from the Empeño Fácil segment. Empeño Fácil made up 2% of consolidated store operating income in the current and prior year quarters.

EZMONEY Operations Segment

The following table presents selected financial data for the EZMONEY Operations segment:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2010			2009
	(Dollars in thousands)

Signature loan fees	$	31,208		$	31,037
Auto title loan fees		3,529			64
Jewelry scrapping sales		52			—

Total revenues		34,789			31,101

Signature loan bad debt		4,296			4,964
Auto title loan bad debt		268			6
Jewelry scrapping cost of goods sold		24			—

Net revenues		30,201			26,131


Operations expense		15,720			14,962

Store operating income	$	14,481		$	11,169


Other data:
Signature loan bad debt as a percent of signature loan fees		13.8	%		16.0	%
Auto title loan bad debt as a percent of auto title loan fees		7.6	%		9.4	%
Average signature loan balance per store offering signature loans at quarter end (a)	$	51		$	50
Average auto title loan balance per store offering title loans at quarter end (b)	$	13		$	1


(a)		Signature loan balances include payday and installment loans (net of valuation allowance) recorded on our balance sheets and the principal portion of active signature loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders, the balance of which is not included on our balance sheets.

(b)		Auto title loan balances include title loans (net of valuation allowance) recorded on our balance sheets and the principal portion of active brokered loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders, the balance of which is not included on our balance sheets.

The EZMONEY Operations segment total revenues increased $3.7 million, or 12% to $34.8 million, compared to the prior year quarter. This was due to a $3.5 million, or 12% increase in same store total revenues and $0.2 million of total revenues at new stores net of closed or consolidated stores. The overall increase in total revenues was comprised primarily of a $3.5 million increase in auto title loan revenues and a $1.3 million increase in installment loan fees, partially offset by a $1.2 million decrease in credit service and payday loan revenues. In the quarter, we opened 12 stores in Canada, bringing our total there to 20, and closed or consolidated 10 stores in the U.S.

The segment’s signature loan net revenues increased $0.8 million, or 3% to $26.9 million, compared to the prior year quarter. The increase resulted from the rapid growth in recently introduced installment loans, a 2.2 percentage point improvement in bad debt to 13.8% of fees and new stores’ contribution net of closed or consolidated stores. The improvement in bad debt was due to continuing improvements in the store level execution of servicing the customer and the loan, as well as enhanced productivity measurement tools and enhanced use of technology in our collections department.

The segment’s net revenues from auto title loans increased to $3.3 million in the current quarter, with bad debt at 7.6% of related fees. These loans were just recently introduced and had very little volume in the prior year first quarter. We expect continued growth in the contribution from auto title loans as the product matures in the 391 EZMONEY stores now offering the product.

Operations expense increased to $15.7 million (52% of net revenues) from $15.0 million (57% of net revenues) in the prior year quarter. The improvement as a percent of net revenues was due to the growth in contribution from new products and bad debt improvements, with minimal increases in semi-fixed costs at existing stores.

In the current quarter, the $0.8 million increase in net revenues from signature loans and the $3.2 million increase in net revenues from auto title loans were partially offset by $0.7 million greater operations expense, resulting in a $3.3 million, or 30% net increase in store operating income from the EZMONEY Operations segment. In the current and prior year quarters, EZMONEY Operations made up 28% of consolidated store operating income.

Other Items

The items discussed below affect our consolidated financial results but are not allocated among segments.

Administrative expenses in the current quarter were $13.5 million (12% of net revenues) compared to $9.8 million (10% of net revenues) in the prior year quarter. This increase was primarily due to a $2.7 million increase in administrative labor and benefits, a $0.6 million increase in stock compensation expense and a $0.4 million increase in other expenses. Included in the increased labor and benefits is a higher accrual for incentive compensation reflective of the quarter’s strong earnings performance and additional investments made in infrastructure to support our growth.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $3.6 million in the current quarter, compared to $3.2 million in the prior year quarter. Depreciation on assets placed in service, primarily related to new stores, was largely offset by assets that were retired or became fully depreciated in the period.

In the current quarter, we recognized a $0.4 million loss on the closure of ten EZMONEY stores, compared to a $0.5 million gain on disposal of assets in the prior year quarter. In the prior year quarter, insurance proceeds received for assets destroyed by Hurricane Ike exceeded the net book value of those assets, most of which were replaced.

We borrowed $40 million on December 31, 2008 to complete the VFS acquisition, and repaid $10.0 million by March 31, 2010 through quarterly installments of $2.5 million each. Our $0.4 million net interest expense in the current quarter represents primarily the interest on the borrowed funds, the amortization of deferred financing costs and the commitment fee on our unused available credit, along with the reduction of earnings from invested funds.

Our equity in the net income of Albemarle & Bond increased $1.1 million, or 83% in the current quarter to $2.5 million primarily as a result of Albemarle & Bond’s higher earnings from same stores, partially offset by a 5.7% weaker British pound in relation to the U.S. dollar. On November 6, 2009, we acquired 108,218,000 newly issued shares, or approximately 30% of the capital stock of Cash Converters International Limited, a publicly traded company headquartered in Perth, Australia. Because we include Cash Converters’ earnings in our financial statements on a three-month lag, we first included our share of Cash Converters’ results of operations of $0.8 million in the current quarter. This represents our pro rata share of their results of operations for the 56-day period from our November 6, 2009 investment date to the December 31, 2009 end of Cash Converters’ quarter.

The current quarter income tax expense was $13.2 million (35.7% of pretax income) compared to $10.3 million (36.1% of pretax income) for the prior year quarter. The decrease in effective tax rate is primarily due to an increase in the foreign tax credit on overseas earnings less the valuation allowance established for the expected operating losses in our Canada operations during their start-up period in the current year.

Consolidated operating income for the current quarter improved $6.4 million over the prior year quarter to $34.1 million. Contributing to this were the $8.0 million, $0.1 million and $3.3 million increases in store operating income in our U.S. Pawn, Empeño Fácil and EZMONEY segments, partially offset by the $3.7 million increase in administrative expenses, the $0.9 million higher loss on disposal of assets and the $0.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization. After a $1.9 million increase in our equity in the net income of unconsolidated affiliates and a $2.9 million increase in income taxes and other smaller items, net income improved to $23.8 million from $18.3 million in the prior year quarter.

Six Months Ended March 31, 2010 vs. Six Months Ended March 31, 2009

The following discussion compares our results of operations for the six months ended March 31, 2010 to the six months ended March 31, 2009. It should be read with the accompanying financial statements and related notes.

U.S. Pawn Operations Segment

The following table presents selected financial data for the U.S. Pawn Operations segment:


	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2010			2009
	(Dollars in thousands)

Sales	$	190,398		$	148,975
Pawn service charges		75,197			57,149
Signature loan fees		987			1,243
Auto title loan fees		902			561
Other		5,410			3,160

Total revenues		272,894			211,088

Cost of goods sold		118,271			94,010
Signature loan bad debt		287			344
Auto title loan bad debt		122			42

Net revenues		154,214			116,692

Operations expense		80,111			65,045

Store operating income	$	74,103		$	51,647


Other data:
Gross margin on sales		38	%		37	%
Annualized inventory turnover		3.9	x		3.7	x
Average pawn loan balance per pawn store at quarter end	$	227		$	205
Average inventory per pawn store at quarter end	$	143		$	144
Average yield on pawn loan portfolio (a)		162	%		154	%
Pawn loan redemption rate		81	%		80	%
Average signature loan balance per store offering signature loans at quarter end (b)	$	9		$	8
Average auto title loan balance per store offering auto title loans at quarter end (c)	$	14		$	24


(a)		Average yield on pawn loan portfolio is calculated as annualized pawn service charge revenues for the period divided by the average pawn loan balance during the period.

(b)		Signature loan balances include payday loans (net of valuation allowance) recorded on our balance sheets and the principal portion of similar active brokered loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders, the balance of which is not included on our balance sheets.

(c)		Auto title loan balances include title loans (net of valuation allowance) recorded on our balance sheets and the principal portion of active brokered loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders, the balance of which is not included on our balance sheets.

The U.S. Pawn segment total revenues increased $61.8 million, or 29% from the prior year-to-date period to $272.9 million. Same store total revenues increased $23.1 million, or 11%, and new and acquired stores net of closed stores contributed $38.7 million of the increase. The overall increase in total revenues was comprised of a $41.4 million increase in merchandise and jewelry scrapping sales, an $18.0 million increase in pawn service charges, a $2.3 million increase in other revenues and a $0.3 million increase in auto title loan revenues, offset by a $0.3 million decrease in signature loan revenues.

Our current year-to-date U.S. pawn service charge revenues increased $18.0 million, or 32% from the prior year-to-date period to $75.2 million. Same store pawn service charges increased $8.8 million, or 15%, and new and acquired stores net of closed stores contributed $9.2 million of the increase. The same store improvement was due to a 10% higher average same store pawn loan balance coupled with a higher yield.

The table below summarizes our sales volume, gross profit and gross margins in the U.S. Pawn segment:


	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2010			2009
	(Dollars in millions)

Merchandise sales	$	119.2		$	102.0
Jewelry scrapping sales		71.2			47.0

Total sales	$	190.4		$	149.0

Gross profit on merchandise sales	$	45.2		$	39.1
Gross profit on jewelry scrapping sales	$	26.9		$	15.9

Gross margin on merchandise sales		37.9	%		38.3	%
Gross margin on jewelry scrapping sales		37.8	%		33.8	%
Overall gross margin		37.9	%		36.9	%

The current year-to-date period’s merchandise sales gross profit increased $6.1 million, or 16% from the prior year-to-date period to $45.2 million. This was due to a $1.2 million, or 1% increase in same store sales and a $16.0 million increase in first quarter sales from the pawn stores acquired in November and December 2008, partially offset by a 0.4 percentage point decrease in gross margins to 37.9%. Same store sales of general merchandise increased approximately 10%, while same store jewelry sales decreased slightly. The current year-date sales volume benefited from an increased payout of layaway sales initiated during the “Christmas in July” preseason layaway program introduced in 2009. The decrease in gross margins was due primarily to more aggressive discounting of jewelry in a more challenging retail environment in the current year-to-date period.

The current year-to-date period’s gross profit on jewelry scrapping sales increased $11.0 million, or 69% from the prior year-to-date period to $26.9 million on greater volume and a 4.0 percentage point improvement in gross margins to 37.8%. Same store gross profit increased $5.3 million and acquired stores contributed $5.7 million of the $11.0 million increase in scrap gross profit. Including a $14.1 million increase from acquired stores during the first fiscal quarter, scrapping revenues increased $24.2 million, or 52%, on 21% more volume, while proceeds realized per gram of jewelry scrapped increased 25%. Jewelry scrapping sales include the sale of approximately $0.4 million in the current year-to-date period and $0.2 million in the prior year-to-date period of loose diamonds removed from scrapped jewelry. As a result of the greater volume and a higher average cost per gram of jewelry scrapped, scrap cost of goods increased $13.2 million, or 42%.

Signature loan net revenues decreased $0.2 million to $0.7 million, with bad debt at 29.1% of fees compared to 27.7% in the prior year-to-date period.

The U.S. pawn segment began offering auto title loans with its acquisition of 11 pawn stores in the Las Vegas, Nevada area in mid-November 2008 and expanded to a total of 54 stores by March 31, 2010. The segment’s auto title loan contribution, or fees less bad debt, increased $0.3 million compared to the prior year-to-date period to $0.8 million, with bad debt at 13.5% of fees compared to 7.5% in the prior year-to-date period.

Operations expense increased to $80.1 million (52% of net revenues) in the current year-to-date period from $65.0 million (56% of net revenues) in the prior year-to-date period. The dollar increase in expense was primarily due to higher operating costs at acquired stores. The improvement as a percent of net revenues is from greater scale at same stores and from expense management improvements made at acquired and existing stores.

In the current year-to-date period, the $37.5 million greater net revenues from U.S. pawn activities and the $0.3 million increase in auto title loan contribution, partially offset by a $0.2 million decrease in signature loan contribution and the $15.1 million higher operations expense resulted in a $22.5 million overall increase in store operating income from the U.S. Pawn Operations segment. For the current-year-to-date period, the U.S. Pawn Operations segment made up 70% of consolidated store operating income compared to 68% in the prior year-to-date period.

Empeño Fácil Segment

The following table presents selected financial data for the Empeño Fácil segment after translation to U.S. dollars and in its functional currency of the Mexican peso:


	Six months ended March 31,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(Dollars in thousands)						(Pesos in thousands)

Sales	$	8,767		$	4,618		$	113,049		$	63,082
Pawn service charges		3,906			2,748			50,512			37,457
Other		215			1			2,778			8

Total revenues		12,888			7,367			166,339			100,547
Cost of goods sold		6,430			2,841			82,854			38,773

Net revenues		6,458			4,526			83,485			61,774
Operations expense		4,737			2,583			61,177			35,283

Store operating income	$	1,721		$	1,943		$	22,308		$	26,491


Other data:
Gross margin on sales		27	%		38	%		27	%		38	%
Annualized inventory turnover		4.5	x		2.1	x		4.5	x		2.1	x
Average pawn loan balance per pawn store at quarter end	$	62		$	73		$	777		$	1,041
Average inventory per pawn store at quarter end	$	41		$	61		$	515		$	877
Average yield on pawn loan portfolio (a)		179	%		157	%		179	%		157	%
Pawn loan redemption rate		77	%		83	%		77	%		83	%


(a)		Average yield on pawn loan portfolio is calculated as annualized pawn service charge revenue for the period divided by the average pawn loan balance during the period.

The average exchange rate used to translate Empeño Fácil’s current year-to-date results from Mexican pesos to U.S. dollars was 5.4% higher than in the prior year-to-date period. Store operating income was 16% lower in the current year-to-date period in peso terms and 11% lower in dollar terms. The 43% increase in net revenues was more than offset by higher costs from new stores that we expect will be a drag on earnings until they become profitable in their second year of operation. Approximately 41% of the stores open at March 31, 2010 had been open less than nine months. We opened 17 new stores in the current year-to-date period, 15 of which are Empeñe su Oro jewelry-only pawn stores.

Empeño Fácil’s total revenues increased $5.5 million, or 75% in the current year-to-date period to $12.9 million. Same store total revenues increased $2.5 million or 34%, and new stores contributed $3.0 million. The overall increase in total revenues was comprised of a $4.1 million increase in merchandise and jewelry scrapping sales, a $1.2 million increase in pawn service charges and a $0.2 million increase in other revenues.

Empeño Fácil’s pawn service charge revenues increased $1.2 million, or 42% in the current year-to-date period to $3.9 million. Same store pawn service charges increased approximately $0.6 million, or 20% and new stores contributed $0.6 million. The same store increase was due to an improvement in the average pawn loan yield coupled with a 7% increase in average loan balance during the period. The yield increased primarily due to an increase in pawn service charge rates in certain geographic areas compared to the prior year, partially offset by a lower loan redemption rate.

The table below presents our sales volume, gross profit and gross margins in the Empeño Fácil segment:


	Six months ended March 31,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(Dollars in millions)						(Pesos in millions)
Merchandise sales	$	6.4		$	3.9		$	82.6		$	53.1
Jewelry scrapping sales		2.4			0.7			30.4			10.0

Total sales		8.8			4.6			113.0			63.1

Gross profit on merchandise sales	$	2.0		$	1.5		$	26.1		$	20.5
Gross profit on jewelry scrapping sales		0.3			0.3			4.1			3.8

Gross margin on merchandise sales		31.5	%		38.5	%		31.5	%		38.5	%
Gross margin on jewelry scrapping sales		13.5	%		38.3	%		13.5	%		38.3	%
Overall gross margin		26.7	%		38.5	%		26.7	%		38.5	%

The current year-to-date period’s merchandise gross profit increased $0.5 million from the prior year-to-date period to $2.0 million. This was due to a $1.4 million, or 37% same store sales increase and $1.1 million in sales from new stores, partially offset by a 7.0 percentage point decrease in gross margins to 31.5%. The margin decrease was primarily a result of promotions to liquidate aged and damaged inventory during the period. We expect improved margins in future periods.

The gross profit on jewelry scrapping sales remained at $0.3 million. The $1.7 million increase in proceeds was mostly offset by a decrease in jewelry scrapping margins to 13.5%, compared to 38.3% in the prior year-to-date period. The significant volume increase and the margin decrease are due primarily to the introduction of our new Empeñe su Oro jewelry-only pawn stores. As these new gold-only stores open, the gold values employed are aggressive in the marketplace in order to establish both the new store and the brand. We expect jewelry scrapping margins at individual Empeñe su Oro stores to improve as they mature.

Operations expense increased to $4.7 million (73% of net revenues) in the current year-to-date period from $2.6 million (57% of net revenues) in the prior year-to-date period. The increase was due primarily to new stores, which typically produce a loss in their first several quarters of operation.

In the current year-to-date period, the $1.9 million greater net revenues were more than offset by the $2.1 million higher operations expense, resulting in a $0.2 million decrease in store operating income from the Empeño Fácil segment. Empeño Fácil made up 2% and 3% of consolidated store operating income in the current and prior year-to-date periods.

EZMONEY Operations Segment

The following table presents selected financial data for the EZMONEY Operations segment:


	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2010			2009
	(Dollars in thousands)

Signature loan fees	$	69,333		$	66,351
Auto title loan fees		6,156			75
Jewelry scrapping sales		64			—

Total revenues		75,553			66,426

Signature loan bad debt		12,900			14,212
Auto title loan bad debt		658			7
Jewelry scrapping cost of goods sold		31			—

Net revenues		61,964			52,207


Operations expense		31,538			30,494

Store operating income	$	30,426		$	21,713


Other data:
Signature loan bad debt as a percent of signature loan fees		18.6	%		21.4	%
Auto title loan bad debt as a percent of auto title loan fees		10.7	%		9.3	%
Average signature loan balance per store offering signature loans at quarter end (a)	$	51		$	50
Average auto title loan balance per store offering title loans at quarter end (b)	$	13		$	1


(a)		Signature loan balances include payday and installment loans (net of valuation allowance) recorded on our balance sheets and the principal portion of active signature loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders, the balance of which is not included on our balance sheets.

(b)		Auto title loan balances include title loans (net of valuation allowance) recorded on our balance sheets and the principal portion of active brokered loans outstanding from unaffiliated lenders, the balance of which is not included on our balance sheets.

The EZMONEY Operations segment total revenues increased $9.1 million, or 14% to $75.6 million, compared to the prior year-to-date period. This was due to an $8.6 million, or 13% increase in same store total revenues and $0.5 million of total revenues at new stores net of closed or consolidated stores. Auto title loans and installment loans, each recently introduced, represented 98% of the growth in the segment’s total revenues.

The segment’s signature loan net revenues increased $4.3 million, or 8% to $56.4 million, compared to the prior year-to-date period. The increase resulted from the rapid growth in recently introduced installment loans, a 2.8 percentage point improvement in bad debt to 18.6% of fees and new stores’ contribution net of closed or consolidated stores. The improvement in bad debt was due to continuing improvements in the store level execution of servicing the customer and the loan, as well as enhanced productivity measurement tools and enhanced use of technology in our collections department.

The segment’s net revenues from auto title loans increased to $5.5 million in the current year-to-date period, with bad debt at 10.7% of related fees. These loans were first introduced and had very little volume in the prior year-to-date period. We expect continued growth in the contribution from auto title loans as the product matures in the 391 EZMONEY stores now offering the product.

Operations expense increased to $31.5 million (51% of net revenues) from $30.5 million (58% of net revenues) in the prior year-to-date-period. The improvement as a percent of net revenues was due to the growth in contribution from new products and bad debt improvements, with minimal increases in semi-fixed costs at existing stores.

In the current year-to-date period, the $4.3 million increase in net revenues from signature loans and the $5.4 million increase in net revenues from auto title loans were partially offset by $1.0 million greater operations expense, resulting in an $8.7 million, or 40% increase in store operating income from the EZMONEY Operations segment. In the current year-to-date periods, EZMONEY Operations made up 28% of consolidated store operating income compared to 29% in the prior year-to-date period.

Other Items

The items discussed below affect our consolidated financial results but are not allocated among segments.

Administrative expenses in the current year-to-date period were $25.8 million (12% of net revenues) compared to $20.2 million (12% of net revenues) in the prior year-to-date period. This increase was primarily due to a $4.0 million increase in administrative labor and benefits, a $0.9 million increase in professional fees and a $0.6 million increase in stock compensation expense. Included in the increased labor and benefits is a higher accrual for incentive compensation reflective of the period’s strong earnings performance and additional investments made in infrastructure to support our growth. In the first fiscal quarter of the prior year, administrative expense includes a $1.1 million bonus to two executives upon their exercise of employee stock options granted in 1998. This is included in the prior year-to-date period but not in the prior year quarter ended March 31, 2009. Terms of the grants required us to pay a cash bonus to the two executives equal to the related tax savings realized by the company. We do not expect this to recur, as no other outstanding options contain similar terms.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $6.9 million in the current year-to-date period, compared to $6.2 million in the prior year-to-date period. Depreciation on assets placed in service, primarily related to acquired pawn stores and new stores, was largely offset by assets that were retired or became fully depreciated in the period.

In the current year-to-date period, we recognized a $0.6 million loss on the closure of 15 EZMONEY stores, compared to a $0.8 million gain on disposal of assets in the prior year-to-date period. In the prior year-to-date period, insurance proceeds received for assets destroyed by Hurricane Ike exceeded the net book value of those assets, most of which were replaced.

We borrowed $40 million on December 31, 2008 to complete the VFS acquisition, and repaid $10.0 million by March 31, 2010 through quarterly installments of $2.5 million each. Interest expense represents the interest on borrowed funds, the amortization of deferred financing costs and the commitment fee on our unused available credit, along with the reduction of earnings from funds invested in the prior year-to-date period. Borrowings were outstanding only since the middle of the prior year-to-date period but were outstanding for the entire current year-to-date period, leading to the $0.3 million increase in net interest expense.

Our equity in the net income of Albemarle & Bond increased $1.5 million, or 64% in the current year-to-date period to $3.8 million primarily as a result of Albemarle & Bond’s higher earnings from same stores, partially offset by a 5.7% weaker British pound in relation to the U.S. dollar. On November 6, 2009, we acquired 108,218,000 newly issued shares, or approximately 30% of the capital stock of Cash Converters International Limited, a publicly traded company headquartered in Perth, Australia. Because we include Cash Converters’ earnings in our financial statements on a three-month lag, we first included our share of Cash Converters’ results of operations of $0.8 million in the current quarter. This represents our pro rata share of their results of operations for the 56-day period from our November 6, 2009 investment date to the December 31, 2009 end of Cash Converters’ period.

The current year-to-date income tax expense was $27.3 million (35.6% of pretax income) compared to $18.4 million (35.7% of pretax income) for the prior year-to-date period. The decrease in effective tax rate is primarily due to an increase in the foreign tax credit on overseas earnings less the valuation allowance established for the expected operating losses in our Canada operations during their start-up period in the current year.

Consolidated operating income for the current year-to-date period improved $23.3 million over the prior year-to-date period to $73.0 million. Contributing to this were the $22.5 million and $8.7 million increases in store operating income in our U.S. Pawn and EZMONEY segments, partially offset by the $0.2 million lower store operating income in the Empeño Fácil segment, the $5.6 million increase in administrative expenses, the $1.4 million higher loss on disposal of assets and the $0.7 million increase in depreciation and amortization. After a $2.3 million increase in our equity in the net income of our unconsolidated affiliates, a $0.3 million increase in net interest expense and an $8.9 million increase in income taxes, net income improved to $49.5 million from $33.1 million in the prior year-to-date period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In the current year-to-date period, our $51.1 million cash flow from operations consisted of (a) net income plus several non-cash items, aggregating to $60.3 million, net of (b) $9.2 million of normal, recurring changes in operating assets and liabilities. In the prior year—to-date period, our $40.1 million cash flow from operations consisted of (a) net income plus several non-cash items, aggregating to $43.0 million, net of (b) $2.9 million of normal, recurring changes in operating assets and liabilities. The primary differences in cash flow from operations between the two periods were the full-period contribution from acquisitions completed in November and December 2008 and organic growth throughout our other operations and revenue streams, net of higher taxes paid.

The $42.6 million of net cash used in investing activities during the current year-to-date period was funded by cash flow from operations. In the current year-to-date period, we invested $49.6 million to acquire 30% of the capital stock of Cash Converters and $1.3 million to acquire additional shares of Albemarle & Bond. We also received $1.7 million in dividends from Albemarle & Bond in the current period. In the period, we invested $9.6 million in additions to property and equipment. Partially offsetting these investments was $15.0 million of customer loan repayments in excess of loans made and the recovery of principal through the sale of forfeited pawn loan collateral. We repaid $5.0 million of our term loan in the current year-to-date period.

The net effect of these and other smaller cash flows was a $6.4 million increase in cash on hand, providing a $51.2 million ending cash balance.

Below is a summary of our cash needs to meet future aggregate contractual obligations (in millions):


	Payments due by Period
			Less than						More than
Contractual Obligations	Total		1 year		1-3 years		4-5 years		5 years

Long-term debt obligations	$	30.0	$	10.0	$	20.0	$	—	$	—
Interest on long-term debt obligations		1.5		0.8		0.7		—		—
Operating lease obligations		134.8		34.3		54.7		27.2		18.6

Total	$	166.3	$	45.1	$	75.4	$	27.2	$	18.6

In addition to the contractual obligations in the table above, we are obligated under letters of credit issued to unaffiliated lenders as part of our credit service operations. At March 31, 2010, our maximum exposure for losses on letters of credit, if all brokered signature loans defaulted and none was collected, was $18.9 million. At that date, our maximum exposure for losses on letters of credit, if all brokered auto title loans defaulted and none was collected, was $4.1 million. Auto title loans are secured by customers’ automobiles. These amounts include principal, interest, insufficient funds fees and late fees.

In addition to the operating lease obligations in the table above, we are responsible for the maintenance, property taxes and insurance at most of our locations. In the most recent fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, these collectively amounted to $13.6 million.

The operating lease obligations in the table above include expected rent for all our store locations for the full expected lease terms. Of the 462 U.S. EZMONEY short-term consumer loan stores, 157 adjoin an EZPAWN store. The lease agreements at approximately 90% of the remaining 305 free-standing EZMONEY stores contain provisions that limit our exposure to additional rent to only a few months if laws were enacted that had a significant negative effect on our operations at these stores. If such laws were enacted, the space currently utilized by stores adjoining EZPAWN stores could be re-incorporated into the EZPAWN operations.

In the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, we plan to open 40 to 50 Empeño Fácil pawn stores in Mexico, 35 to 45 CASHMAX payday loan locations in Canada and six pawn stores in the United States. This includes the 17 Empeño Fácil pawn stores, 18 CASHMAX payday loan stores and two U.S. pawn stores opened in the current year—to-date period. In the remaining six months of fiscal 2010, we expect an additional $5.2 million of capital expenditures plus the funding of working capital and start-up losses related to these store openings. We believe new short-term consumer loan stores will create a drag on earnings and liquidity in their first six to nine months of operations before turning profitable and new pawn stores will create a drag on earnings until their second year of operations.

Our syndicated credit agreement provides for, among other things, (i) an $80 million revolving credit facility expiring December 31, 2011 that we may, under the terms of the agreement, request to be increased to a total of $110 million and (ii) a $40 million term loan maturing December 31, 2012. Our term loan requires $2.5 million quarterly principal payments. At March 31, 2010, $30.0 million was outstanding under the term loan and a $3.0 million bank letter of credit was outstanding, leaving $77.0 million available under the revolving credit facility. The outstanding bank letter of credit secures our obligations under letters of credit we issue to unaffiliated lenders as part of our credit service operations. Terms of the credit agreement require, among other things, that we meet certain financial covenants. We were in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2010 and expect to remain in compliance based on our expected future performance. The payment of dividends and additional debt are restricted under our credit agreement.

We anticipate that cash flow from operations, cash on hand and availability under our revolving credit facility will be adequate to fund our contractual obligations, planned store growth, capital expenditures and working capital requirements during the coming year.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We issue letters of credit (“LOCs”) to enhance the creditworthiness of our credit service customers seeking signature loans and auto title loans from unaffiliated lenders. The LOCs assure the lenders that if borrowers default on the loans, we will pay the lenders, upon demand, the principal and accrued interest owed to them by the borrowers plus any insufficient funds fee or late fee. We do not record on our balance sheet the loans related to our credit services as the loans are made by unaffiliated lenders. We do not consolidate the unaffiliated lenders’ results with our results as we do not have any ownership interest in the lenders, do not exercise control over them and do not otherwise meet the criteria for consolidation as prescribed by FASB ASC 810-10-25 (formerly Financial Interpretation No. 46) regarding variable interest entities.

We include an allowance for Expected LOC Losses in “Accounts payable and other accrued expenses” on our balance sheet. At March 31, 2010, the allowance for Expected LOC Losses was $0.9 million. At that date, our maximum exposure for losses on letters of credit, if all brokered signature and auto title loans defaulted and none was collected, was $23.0 million. This amount includes principal, interest, insufficient funds fees and late fees.

We have no other off-balance sheet arrangements.

Seasonality

Historically, pawn service charges are highest in our fourth fiscal quarter (July through September) due to a higher average loan balance during the summer lending season. Merchandise sales are highest in the first and second fiscal quarters (October through March) due to the holiday season, jewelry sales surrounding Valentine’s Day and the impact of tax refunds in the United States. Jewelry scrapping sales are heavily influenced by the timing of decisions to scrap excess jewelry inventory. Jewelry scrapping sales generally are greatest during our fourth fiscal quarter (July through September). This results from relatively low jewelry merchandise sales in that quarter and the higher loan balance, leading to a higher dollar amount of loan forfeitures in the summer lending season providing more inventory available for sale.

Signature loan fees are generally highest in our third and fourth fiscal quarters (April through September) due to a higher average loan balance during the summer lending season. Signature loan bad debt, both in dollar terms and as a percentage of related fees, is highest in the third and fourth quarters and lowest in the second quarter due primarily to the impact of tax refunds.

The net effect of these factors is that net revenues and net income typically are strongest in the fourth fiscal quarter and weakest in the third fiscal quarter. Our cash flow typically is greatest in the second fiscal quarter due to a high level of loan redemptions and sales in the income tax refund season.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared according to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information. The preparation of these financial statements require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, inventory, loan loss allowances, long-lived and intangible assets, income taxes, contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience, observable trends and various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. We use this information to make judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates under different assumptions or conditions.


*Item 3.*	*Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk*

We are exposed to market risk related to interest rates, gold values and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We also are exposed to regulatory risk in relation to our credit services, payday loans, auto title loans and pawn operations. We do not use derivative financial instruments.

Our earnings are affected by changes in interest rates as our debt has a variable rate. If interest rates average 50 basis points more than our current rate in the remaining six months of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, our interest expense during those six months would increase by approximately $67,000. This amount is determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rate change on our variable-rate term debt at March 31, 2010, including mandatory quarterly principal repayments of $2.5 million.

Our earnings and financial position are affected by changes in gold values and the resulting impact on pawn lending and jewelry sales and cost of goods sold. The proceeds of scrap sales and our ability to sell excess jewelry inventory at an acceptable margin depend on gold values. The impact on our financial position and results of operations of a hypothetical change in gold values cannot be reasonably estimated. For further discussion, you should read “Part I, Item 1A — Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009.

Our earnings and financial position are affected by foreign exchange rate fluctuations related to our equity investments in Albemarle & Bond and Cash Converters, our Empeño Fácil pawn operations in Mexico, and our Canadian CASHMAX stores. Albemarle & Bond’s functional currency is the British pound, Cash Converter’s functional currency is the Australian dollar, Empeño Fácil’s functional currency is the Mexican peso, and CASHMAX’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar. The impact on our results of operations and financial position of hypothetical changes in foreign currency exchange rates cannot be reasonably estimated due to the interrelationship of operating results and exchange rates. Separate discussion regarding the Canadian dollar is not presented as our Canadian operations are not yet material.

The translation adjustment from Albemarle & Bond representing the weakening in the British pound during the quarter ended December 31, 2009 (included in our March 31, 2010 results on a three-month lag) was a $0.1 million decrease to stockholders’ equity. On March 31, 2010, the British pound weakened to £1.00 to $1.5072 U.S. from $1.5928 at December 31, 2009.

The translation adjustment from Cash Converters representing the weakening in the Australian dollar during the period from our November 6, 2009 investment date to the December 31, 2009 quarter-end (included in our March 31, 2010 results on a three-month lag) was a $1.2 million decrease to stockholders’ equity. On March 31, 2010, the Australian dollar strengthened to $1.00 Australian dollar to $0.9195 U.S. from $0.8931 at December 31, 2009.

The translation adjustment from Empeño Fácil representing the strengthening of the Mexican peso during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 was a $1.1 million increase to stockholders’ equity. We have currently assumed permanent reinvestment of earnings and capital in Mexico. Accumulated translation gains or losses related to any future repatriation of earnings or capital would impact our earnings in the period of repatriation. On March 31, 2010, the peso strengthened to $1.00 Mexican peso to $0.0802 U.S. from $0.0766 at December 31, 2009.

We cannot predict the future valuation of the British pound, Australian dollar, Mexican peso or Canadian dollar or how further movements in them could affect our future earnings or financial position.

Forward-Looking Information

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created by these laws. All statements other than statements of historical information are forward-looking and may contain information about financial results, economic conditions, trends, planned store openings, the effect of acquisitions and known uncertainties. These statements are often, but not always, made with words or phrases like “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “outlook,” “expect,” “will,” and similar expressions. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, we cannot predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not regard any forward-looking statements as a representation that the expected results will be achieved. Important risk factors that could cause results or events to differ from current expectations are identified in “Part II, Item 1A — Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report and “Part I, Item 1A — Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009.


*Item 4.*	*Controls and Procedures*

This report includes the certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act). See Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2. This Item 4 includes information concerning the controls and control evaluations referred to in those certifications.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2010. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2010.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Internal Controls

Notwithstanding the foregoing, management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system will be met. Limitations inherent in any control system include the following:

•

Judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and control and process breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes.

•

Controls can be circumvented by individuals, acting alone or in collusion with others, or by management override.

•

The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

•

Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with associated policies or procedures.

•

The design of a control system must reflect the fact that resources are constrained, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.

Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.

PART II


*Item 1.*	*Legal Proceedings*

See Note F, “Contingencies,” in the Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) included in this filing and incorporated herein by reference.


*Item 1A.*	*Risk Factors*

Important risk factors that could affect our operations and financial performance, or that could cause results or events to differ from current expectations, are described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009. These factors are supplemented by those discussed under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in Part I, Item 3 of this report and in Part II, Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009, as well as by the following discussion:

A number of recent and ongoing legislative efforts could have an adverse effect on certain of our financial products, particularly payday loans — It appears increasingly likely that the U.S. Congress will pass some type of financial regulatory reform legislation. The legislation currently being considered by the Senate would create a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which would be given broad authority to promulgate consumer protection regulations, including regulations applicable to our pawn business and our short-term consumer lending business. Further, several efforts are being made to amend the legislation to specifically provide for restrictions on payday loans. The provisions being considered include prohibitive rate caps, limitations on the number of loans that a customer could obtain, and nationwide databases. Enactment of any of these provisions could have an adverse effect on our business.

Legislation adversely affecting payday lending was recently passed by the legislatures in Colorado and Wisconsin, and is awaiting signature by the respective governors. The Colorado legislation limits the amount of payday loans a customer can have outstanding at any one time, establishes a minimum term of 6 months, mandates a 30-day waiting period between loans, and significantly restricts the rates lenders can charge. The Wisconsin legislation does not contain rate caps, but does limit the amount of payday loans a customer can have outstanding at any one time, limits the number of rollovers, and establishes statewide database reporting requirements. We are currently evaluating the impact of these potential legislative changes on our business in those states.


*Item 6.*	*Exhibits*


Exhibit No.		Description of Exhibit

	10.1	EZCORP, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective March 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2010 and filed February 11, 2010, Commission File No. 0-19424)

	10.2	Employment and Post-Employment Agreement, dated February 11, 2010, between EZCORP, Inc. and Robert A. Kasenter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 11, 2010 and filed February 16, 2010, Commission File No. 0-19424)

	31.1	Certification of Joseph L. Rotunda, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	31.2	Certification of Brad Wolfe, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	32.1	Certifications of Joseph L. Rotunda, Chief Executive Officer, and Brad Wolfe, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


	EZCORP, INC.
Date: May 7, 2010	/s/ Daniel M. Chism
	Daniel M. Chism
	Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (on behalf of the registrant and as principal accounting officer)

EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.		Description of Exhibit

	10.1	EZCORP, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective March 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2010 and filed February 11, 2010, Commission File No. 0-19424)

	10.2	Employment and Post-Employment Agreement, dated February 11, 2010, between EZCORP, Inc. and Robert A. Kasenter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 11, 2010 and filed February 16, 2010, Commission File No. 0-19424)

	31.1	Certification of Joseph L. Rotunda, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	31.2	Certification of Brad Wolfe, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	32.1	Certifications of Joseph L. Rotunda, Chief Executive Officer, and Brad Wolfe, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002