Seeking Alpha: First Cash Continues To Invest For The Long Term

These still aren't the best of times for the pawn/payday lending segment of the specialty lending industry. Gold is setting multiyear lows, limiting jewelry-based pawn lending growth, while Mexico's economic recovery remains slow. First Cash Financial Services (NASDAQ:FCFS) has done alright since my last update, rising more than 2% and beating both the S&P 500 and EZCORP (NASDAQ:EZPW), but lagging Cash America (NYSE:CSH) and not exactly setting the world on fire.

The potential undervaluation here is not necessarily remarkable (in the neighborhood of 10%), but First Cash does appear poised to grow free cash flow at a double-digit rate for many years to come. What's more, management is making use of its cash flow and healthy balance sheet to acquire stores in the U.S. and Mexico at attractive multiples and is likely still considering expansion into additional markets. Weak gold prices and muted retail demand are near-term threats, but I believe First Cash is taking advantage of the present trying times to build its base and position itself for stronger growth down the road.

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First Cash Continues To Invest For The Long Term