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World Acceptance (NASDAQ: WRLD) Q4 profit drops while loan book expands

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

World Acceptance Corporation reported mixed fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results. Net income for the quarter was $36.5M, down from $44.3M a year earlier, with diluted EPS of $7.70 versus $8.13. Total revenues rose to $177.6M, a 7.4% increase, driven by higher interest, fee, and tax preparation income.

Gross loans outstanding reached $1.28B as of March 31, 2026, up 4.4% year over year, and credit metrics improved modestly, with fewer loans past due. However, provision for credit losses and general and administrative expenses increased, compressing margins.

For the full year, net income fell sharply to $35.0M from $89.7M, with diluted EPS dropping to $6.97 from $16.30. The company continued significant share repurchases, buying back 16.5% of outstanding shares in fiscal 2026 while leveraging up to a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.7:1.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • Full-year profitability declined sharply, with net income falling to $35.0M from $89.7M and diluted EPS dropping to $6.97 from $16.30, while returns on equity and assets decreased significantly on a trailing 12‑month basis.

Insights

Revenue and loan growth continue, but earnings and leverage trends weaken the picture.

World Acceptance grew fourth-quarter revenues to $177.6M and expanded gross loans to $1.28B, supported by higher yields and stronger activity from former and refinance customers. Portfolio quality indicators improved, with lower early- and late-stage delinquencies versus the prior year.

Despite this, profitability deteriorated. Quarterly net income slipped to $36.5M, while full-year net income dropped to $35.0M from $89.7M. Higher provision for credit losses under the CECL methodology and a $15.6M jump in G&A, including sharply higher share-based compensation, weighed on margins and cut returns on equity to 9.0% on a trailing 12‑month basis.

The company was very active in capital management, repurchasing 16.5% of its outstanding shares in fiscal 2026 for roughly $132.4M. To support this and loan growth, debt increased, with the debt-to-equity ratio rising from 1.0:1 to 1.7:1 by March 31, 2026. Subsequent filings may provide more clarity on how the balance between growth, credit costs, and leverage evolves.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Q4 2026 total revenues $177.6M Three months ended March 31, 2026; up 7.4% from $165.3M
Q4 2026 net income $36.5M Down from $44.3M in Q4 2025
Q4 2026 diluted EPS $7.70 Versus $8.13 diluted EPS in prior-year quarter
Gross loans outstanding $1.28B As of March 31, 2026; 4.4% higher than $1.23B a year earlier
Fiscal 2026 net income $35.0M Year ended March 31, 2026; down from $89.7M in 2025
Fiscal 2026 diluted EPS $6.97 Year ended March 31, 2026; down from $16.30
Share repurchases in fiscal 2026 16.5% of shares Approximately $132.4M spent, including $37.8M in Q4
Debt-to-equity ratio 1.7:1 At March 31, 2026; up from 1.0:1 at March 31, 2025
current expected credit loss financial
"The Company accrues for expected losses with a current expected credit loss ("CECL") methodology"
An accounting approach that requires lenders and companies to estimate and record the credit losses they expect on loans and receivables now, using current conditions and reasonable forecasts rather than waiting for a default to occur. It matters to investors because it changes reported reserves and profits up front and gives an earlier, more forward-looking signal of credit quality—like packing an umbrella today because the forecast predicts rain, which affects a company’s cushion against bad loans.
CECL allowance financial
"The table below itemizes the key components of the CECL allowance and provision impact"
CECL allowance is the amount a lender sets aside on its balance sheet to cover expected future loan losses under a forward‑looking accounting rule. It represents an estimate of credit losses over the life of loans rather than losses that have already happened. For investors, a larger CECL allowance can reduce reported profits and capital but signals prudence against rising default risk — like keeping an emergency fund in anticipation of bad weather.
net charge-offs financial
"Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average net loans increased from 17.5% during fiscal 2025 to 18.5% for fiscal 2026"
Net charge-offs are the amount of loans or credit a lender removes from its books as uncollectible after subtracting any money later recovered from previously written-off accounts. Think of it like a store writing off unpaid tabs but getting back a few dollars later — the net figure shows the real loss. Investors watch this to judge a lender’s loan quality, future profits and how much capital may be needed to cover bad debts.
revolving credit facility financial
"As of March 31, 2026, the Company had approximately $59.9 million in aggregate remaining repurchase capacity under the terms of its revolving credit facility"
A revolving credit facility is a type of loan that a business can borrow from whenever it needs money, up to a set limit. It’s like having a credit card for companies—allowing them to borrow, pay back, and borrow again as needed, providing flexibility for managing cash flow or funding short-term expenses.
return on average equity financial
"return on average equity of 9.0% (both on a trailing twelve-month basis)"
Return on average equity (ROAE) measures how much profit a company generates for its shareholders’ invested capital over a period, calculated by dividing net profit by the average shareholder equity during that period. It matters to investors because it shows how efficiently management turns owners’ money into earnings—like how much bread a baker bakes from the same oven space—helping compare profitability across companies and track performance over time.
share based compensation expense financial
"The fourth quarter included $4.8 million in share based compensation expense"
Total revenues $177.6M +$12.3M vs Q4 2025
Net income $36.5M -$7.8M vs Q4 2025
Diluted EPS $7.70 -$0.43 vs Q4 2025
false 0000108385 0000108385 2026-04-30 2026-04-30
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)  April 30, 2026
 
 
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
South Carolina 000-19599 57-0425114
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
104 S. Main Street, Greenville, South Carolina   29601
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (864) 298-9800
 
n/a
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, No Par Value
WRLD
The Nasdaq Global Select Market
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
 
Emerging growth company  
   
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
 

 
 
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition; and
 
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
 
On April 30, 2026, World Acceptance Corporation ("WRLD") issued a press release announcing financial information for its fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026. The press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K and is furnished to, but not filed with, the Commission.
 
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
         
(d) Exhibits.  
     
  Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit
 
99.1
Press release issued April 30, 2026
  104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
 
 

 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
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 hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION 
 
 
 (Registrant)
 April 30, 2026
 
 
 
By:
/s/ John Calmes, Jr.
 
 
John Calmes, Jr. 
 
 
Executive VP, Chief Financial & Strategy Officer,
and Treasurer
 
 

Exhibit 99.1

 
logo.jpg
 
 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release

 

Contact:

John L. Calmes, Jr.

 

Executive VP, Chief Financial & Strategy Officer, and Treasurer

(864) 298-9800

 

GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 30, 2026) - World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ: WRLD) today reported financial results for its fourth quarter of fiscal 2026.

 

WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION REPORTS FISCAL 2026 FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS

 

Fourth fiscal quarter highlights

 

Following a period of economic uncertainty and elevated inflation, the Company took decisive action to tighten underwriting standards dramatically in an effort to manage conservatively through the lending environment and focus on improvement to overall portfolio credit quality. As a result, outstanding balances declined each year from fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2025. During fiscal 2025, however, we shifted strategy to reintroduce targeted portfolio growth.

 

We are pleased to report that for the third consecutive quarter, outstanding loans increased year over year. Excluding acquisitions, organic growth increased 4.9% and our unique customer base grew 3.5% compared to the same quarter last fiscal year. To reverse the prior trend of declining balances while maintaining high credit quality, we had been focused on new customers with higher credit quality and, during the third quarter of fiscal 2026, we increased new customers as a percentage of the portfolio from 6.4% as of September 30, 2024 to 9.9% as of December 31, 2025. While these new customers continue to perform well, new customers carry a substantially higher reserve for loan losses under our allowance methodology than existing customers. Having increased the new customer funnel for several consecutive quarters, we are now in a position to decelerate new customer growth and focus on overall portfolio health while allowing these new customers to season. As of March 31, 2026, new customers decreased to 8.2% as the portfolio begins to mature.

 

We expect that our portfolio will continue to deliver results in the coming fiscal year as we pursue growth with a lower proportion of new customers. As the customer base matures and growth becomes more broadly distributed across customer types, we anticipate lower charge-offs, reduced reserve rates, and improved profitability.

 

Highlights from the fourth quarter include:

 

Net income per diluted share of $7.70 in the fourth quarter;

Interest, fee, and insurance income increased $7.0 million, or 5.4%, including a 146 basis point yield increase, compared to the same quarter in the prior year;

Increased gross loans outstanding 4.4% from March 31, 2025;

Decreased loans 0-60 days past due on a recency basis from 18.7% as of March 31, 2025 to 17.0% as of March 31, 2026; and

Decreased loans 61 days or more past due on a recency basis from 6.0% as of March 31, 2025 to 5.6% as of March 31, 2026.

 

Portfolio results

 

Gross loans outstanding were $1.28 billion as of March 31, 2026, a 4.4% increase from the $1.23 billion of gross loans outstanding as of March 31, 2025. This represents a substantial improvement from shrinking 4.0% year over year as of March 31, 2025.

 

During the most recent quarter, our former and current customer borrowing increased compared to the same quarter of fiscal year 2025. Former and refinanced customer loan volume increased 5.4% and 26.9%, respectively, compared to the same quarter of fiscal year 2025. Our customer base increased by 2.5% during the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2026, compared to an increase of 3.5% for the comparable period ended March 31, 2025.

 

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WRLD Reports Fiscal 2026 Fourth Quarter Results

Page 2

 

The following table includes the volume of gross loan origination balances, excluding tax advance loans, by customer type for the following comparative quarterly periods:

 

 

Q4 FY 2026

Q4 FY 2025

Q4 FY 2024

New Customers

$24,189,173

$26,854,288

$26,511,522

Former Customers

$60,199,603

$57,132,803

$58,583,919

Refinance Customers

$470,620,087

$370,890,796

$432,270,234

 

As of March 31, 2026, the Company had 1,009 open branches. For branches open at least twelve months, same store gross loans increased 4.9% in the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2026, compared to a 2.5% decrease for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2025. For branches open throughout both periods, the customer base over the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2026 increased 3.2%, compared to an increase of 5.1% for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2025.

 

Three-month financial results

 

The fourth quarter's $36.5 million net income was a $7.8 million decrease from net income of $44.3 million for the same quarter of the prior year. Net income per diluted share was $7.70 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, as compared to net income per diluted share of $8.13 for the same quarter of the prior year. The fourth quarter included $4.8 million in share based compensation expense, which is a $5.9 million increase compared to the same quarter of the prior year.

 

Total revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 increased to $177.6 million, a 7.4% increase from $165.3 million for the same quarter of the prior year. Interest and fee income increased 5.9%, from $117.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 to $124.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. Insurance income remained relatively flat at $11.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. The large loan portfolio decreased from 48.5% of the overall portfolio as of March 31, 2025, to 44.7% as of March 31, 2026. Interest and insurance yields for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 increased 146 basis points as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Other income increased $5.3 million, or 14.7%, to $41.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, as compared to $35.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. Revenues from our tax return preparation business increased $5.3 million, or 15.9%, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 primarily due to an increase in the number of returns prepared.

 

The Company accrues for expected losses with a current expected credit loss ("CECL") methodology, which requires us to create a provision for credit losses on the day we originate the loan. The provision for credit losses increased $3.8 million to $36.8 million, from $33.0 million when comparing the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. The table below itemizes the key components of the CECL allowance and provision impact during the quarter.

 

CECL Allowance and Provision (Dollars in millions)

 

Q4 FY 2026

   

Q4 FY 2025

   

Difference

     

Reconciliation

 

Beginning Allowance - December 31

  $ 122.6     $ 116.2     $ 6.4            

Change due to Growth

  $ (10.9 )   $ (13.1 )   $ 2.2       $ 2.2  

Change due to Expected Loss Rate on Performing Loans

  $ (0.7 )   $ (1.8 )   $ 1.1       $ 1.1  

Change due to 90 days past due

  $ 1.0     $ 2.1     $ (1.1 )     $ (1.1 )

Ending Allowance - March 31

  $ 112.0     $ 103.4     $ 8.6       $ 2.2  

Net Charge-offs

  $ 47.4     $ 45.8     $ 1.6       $ 1.6  

Provision

  $ 36.8     $ 33.0     $ 3.8       $ 3.8  

 Note: The change in allowance for the quarter plus net charge-offs for the quarter equals the provision for the quarter (see above reconciliation).

 

The provision was negatively impacted by an increase in net charge-offs and lower run-off during the quarter.

 

Net charge-offs for the quarter increased $1.6 million, from $45.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, to $47.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average net loans receivable on an annualized basis increased to 18.7% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 from 18.5% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025.

 

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Accounts 61 days or more past due decreased to 5.6% on a recency basis at March 31, 2026, compared to 6.0% at March 31, 2025. Our allowance for credit losses as a percentage of net loans receivable was 11.7% at March 31, 2026, compared to 11.3% at March 31, 2025. Recency delinquency on accounts 0 to 60 days past due decreased from 18.7% at March 31, 2025, to 17.0% at March 31, 2026.

 

The table below has been updated to reflect the customer tenure-based methodology, which aligns with our CECL methodology and illustrates changes in portfolio weighting.

 

Gross Loan Balance By Customer Tenure at Origination

As of

Less Than 2 Years

More Than 2 Years

Total

03/31/2021

$342,202,779

$762,610,487

$1,104,813,266

03/31/2022

$482,248,578

$1,040,695,747

$1,522,944,325

03/31/2023

$348,513,335

$1,041,619,563

$1,390,132,898

03/31/2024

$270,069,839

$1,007,164,462

$1,277,234,301

03/31/2025

$272,485,920

$953,259,509

$1,225,745,429

03/31/2026

$317,440,246

$959,068,001

$1,276,508,247

 

Year-Over-Year Growth (Decline) in Gross Loan Balance by Customer Tenure at Origination

12 Month Period Ended

Less Than 2 Years

More Than 2 Years

Total

03/31/2021

$(75,398,715)

$(30,052,612)

$(105,451,327)

03/31/2022

$140,045,799

$278,085,260

$418,131,059

03/31/2023

$(133,735,243)

$923,816

$(132,811,427)

03/31/2024

$(78,443,496)

$(34,455,101)

$(112,898,597)

03/31/2025

$2,416,081

$(53,904,953)

$(51,488,872)

03/31/2026

$44,954,326

$5,808,492

$50,762,818

 

Portfolio Mix by Customer Tenure at Origination

As of

Less Than 2 Years

More Than 2 Years

03/31/2021

31.0%

69.0%

03/31/2022

31.7%

68.3%

03/31/2023

25.1%

74.9%

03/31/2024

21.1%

78.9%

03/31/2025

22.2%

77.8%

03/31/2026

24.9%

75.1%

 

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses increased $15.6 million, or 23.6%, to $81.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, compared to $65.9 million in the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of revenues, G&A expenses increased from 39.9% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, to 45.9% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. G&A expenses per average open branch increased by 25.9%, when comparing the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025.

 

Personnel expense increased $13.7 million, or 33.2%, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025.

 

Salary expense increased approximately $2.8 million, or 8.7%, during the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Our headcount as of March 31, 2026 increased 2.4% compared to March 31, 2025. During the third quarter of the current fiscal year, the Company hired branch personnel aggressively to fill service gaps in our operations. During the current quarter, we right sized our headcount and are excited about our talent improvement in the field. Excluding severance expense, our salary expense in the month of March 2026 decreased approximately $1.0 million compared to our salary expense in the month of December 2025.

 

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Benefit expense increased approximately $3.6 million, or 62.4%, when comparing the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2026 and 2025. The increase was largely driven by a one-time rebate received in the prior-year quarter.

 

Incentive expense increased $7.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. The increase in incentive expense is primarily due to a $5.9 million increase in share based compensation expense. Share based compensation expense increased primarily due to the $3.5 million partial reversal of expense associated with the forfeiture of certain performance shares (which had a $16.35 trailing four-quarter EPS target) in the prior-year quarter as well as share based compensation associated with grants issued in June of 2025.

 

Occupancy and equipment expense remained relatively flat at $12.3 million when comparing the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2026 and 2025.

 

Advertising expense increased $1.1 million, or 81.7%, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 due to increased spending on customer acquisition programs for our tax preparation program.

 

Interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 increased by $1.5 million, or 13.4%, from the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Interest expense primarily increased due to a 23.0% increase in average debt outstanding for the quarter, partially offset by a 6.3% decrease in the effective interest rate from 8.3% to 7.7%. The average debt outstanding increased from $529.2 million to $651.0 million, when comparing the quarters ended March 31, 2025 and 2026. The Company’s debt to equity ratio increased to 1.7:1 at March 31, 2026, compared to 1.0:1 at March 31, 2025. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $587.2 million of debt outstanding.

 

Other key return ratios for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 included a 3.3% return on average assets and a return on average equity of 9.0% (both on a trailing twelve-month basis).

 

The Company repurchased 282,607 shares, or 5.9% of its outstanding common stock, at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $37.8 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. This is in addition to repurchases of 576,035 shares during the first three quarters of fiscal 2026 at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $94.6 million. The Company has repurchased 16.5% of its outstanding shares in fiscal 2026. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had approximately $12.2 million in aggregate remaining repurchase capacity under its current share repurchase program and $59.9 million in aggregate remaining repurchase capacity under the terms of its revolving credit facility. The Company repurchased 400,617 shares during fiscal 2025 at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $54.2 million. The Company had approximately 4.5 million common shares outstanding, excluding 172,500 unvested restricted shares, as of March 31, 2026.

 

Twelve-month financial results

 

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2026 decreased $54.7 million to $35.0 million compared to a net income of $89.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2025. This resulted in net income of $6.97 per diluted share for the year ended March 31, 2026, compared to $16.30 per diluted share in the prior-year period. Total revenues for fiscal 2026 increased 3.7% to $585.7 million, compared to $564.8 million during the corresponding period of the previous year primarily due to an increase in loans outstanding. Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average net loans increased from 17.5% during fiscal 2025 to 18.5% for fiscal 2026.

 

About World Acceptance Corporation (World Finance)

 

Founded in 1962, World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ: WRLD), is a people-focused finance company that provides personal installment loan solutions and personal tax preparation and filing services to over one million customers each year. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the Company operates more than 1,000 community-based World Finance branches across 16 states. The Company primarily serves a segment of the population that does not have ready access to credit; however, unlike many other lenders in this segment, we strive to work with our customers to understand their broader financial pictures, ensure they have the ability and stability to make payments, and help them achieve their financial goals. For more information, visit www.loansbyworld.com.

 

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Fourth quarter conference call

 

The senior management of World Acceptance Corporation will be discussing these results in its quarterly conference call to be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time today. A simulcast of the conference call will be available on the Internet at https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=GzwQl9KE. The call will be available for replay on the Internet for approximately 30 days.

 

During the conference call, the Company may discuss and answer questions concerning business and financial developments and trends that have occurred after quarter-end. The Company’s responses to questions, as well as other matters discussed during the conference call, may contain or constitute information that has not been disclosed previously.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information

 

This press release may contain various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that represent the Company’s current expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Statements other than those of historical fact, as well as those identified by words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” "intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “project,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “probable” and any variation of the foregoing and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results or performance to differ from the expectations expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include the following: recently enacted, proposed or future legislation and the manner in which it is implemented, including pursuant to policies of the current U.S. administration; changes in the U.S. tax code; the nature and scope of regulatory authority, particularly discretionary authority, that is or may be exercised by regulators, including, but not limited to, U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and individual state regulators having jurisdiction over the Company; the unpredictable nature of regulatory examinations, proceedings and litigation; employee misconduct or misconduct by third parties; uncertainties associated with management turnover and the effective succession of senior management; media and public characterization of consumer installment loans; labor unrest; the impact of changes in accounting rules and regulations, or their interpretation or application, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s reported consolidated financial statements or necessitate material delays or changes in the issuance of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements; the Company's assessment of its internal control over financial reporting; changes in interest rates; the impact of inflation; political and other risks, including the impact of wars, geopolitical conflict, regional conflicts and terrorism; risks relating to the acquisition or sale of assets or businesses or other strategic initiatives, including increased loan delinquencies or net charge-offs, the loss of key personnel, integration or migration issues, the failure to achieve anticipated synergies, increased costs of servicing, incomplete records, and retention of customers; risks inherent in making loans, including repayment risks and value of collateral; cybersecurity threats or incidents, including the potential or actual misappropriation of assets or sensitive information, corruption of data or operational disruption and the cost of the associated response thereto; our dependence on debt and the potential impact of limitations in the Company’s amended revolving credit facility or other impacts on the Company's ability to borrow money on favorable terms, or at all; the timing and amount of revenues that may be recognized by the Company; changes in current revenue and expense trends (including trends affecting delinquency and charge-offs); the impact of extreme weather events and natural disasters; changes in the Company’s markets and general changes in the economy (particularly in the markets served by the Company).

 

These and other factors are discussed in greater detail in Part I, Item 1A,“Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, as filed with the SEC and the Company’s other reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC from time to time. World Acceptance Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements it makes. The Company is also not responsible for updating the information contained in this press release beyond the publication date, or for changes made to this document by wire services or Internet services.

 

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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)

 


 

   

Three months ended March 31,

   

Twelve months ended March 31,

 
   

2026

   

2025

   

2026

   

2025

 

Revenues:

                               

Interest and fee income

  $ 124,596     $ 117,634     $ 484,830     $ 465,091  

Insurance and other income, net

    52,977       47,638       100,912       99,751  

Total revenues

    177,573       165,272       585,742       564,842  
                                 

Expenses:

                               

Provision for credit losses

    36,822       33,024       188,602       169,215  

General and administrative expenses:

                               

Personnel

    54,951       41,255       200,021       141,060  

Occupancy and equipment

    12,315       12,346       48,361       49,140  

Advertising

    2,360       1,299       10,587       10,225  

Amortization of intangible assets

    768       907       3,185       3,810  

Other

    11,099       10,133       39,725       36,697  

Total general and administrative expenses

    81,493       65,940       301,879       240,932  
                                 

Interest expense

    12,684       11,190       49,443       42,710  

Total expenses

    130,999       110,154       539,924       452,857  
                                 

Income before income taxes

    46,574       55,118       45,818       111,985  
                                 

Income tax expense

    10,044       10,840       10,804       22,244  
                                 

Net income

  $ 36,530     $ 44,278     $ 35,014     $ 89,741  
                                 

Net income per common share, diluted

  $ 7.70     $ 8.13     $ 6.97     $ 16.30  
                                 

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

    4,745       5,446       5,026       5,507  

 

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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited and in thousands)

 


 

   

March 31, 2026

   

March 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2024

 

ASSETS

                       

Cash

  $ 5,107     $ 4,714     $ 5,174  

Gross loans receivable

    1,278,988       1,225,636       1,277,149  

Less:

                       

Unearned interest, insurance and fees

    (325,064 )     (309,320 )     (326,746 )

Allowance for credit losses

    (112,047 )     (103,347 )     (102,963 )

Loans receivable, net

    841,877       812,969       847,440  

Restricted cash

    23,303       5,016       6,665  

Income taxes receivable

    2,421             3,091  

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

    71,527       76,235       79,501  

Property and equipment, net

    17,431       19,766       22,897  

Deferred income taxes, net

    40,233       33,291       30,943  

Other assets, net

    38,669       40,871       42,199  

Goodwill

    7,371       7,371       7,371  

Intangible assets, net

    4,209       7,394       11,070  

Total assets

  $ 1,052,148     $ 1,007,627     $ 1,056,351  
                         

LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

                       

Liabilities:

                       

Revolving credit facility

  $ 443,935     $ 262,451     $ 223,419  

Warehouse facility

    143,293              

Senior unsecured notes payable, net

          184,418       272,610  

Income taxes payable

          223        

Operating lease liability

    73,965       78,690       81,921  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    37,032       42,365       53,974  

Total liabilities

    698,225       568,147       631,924  
                         

Shareholders' equity

    353,923       439,480       424,427  

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

  $ 1,052,148     $ 1,007,627     $ 1,056,351  

 

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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED STATISTICS

(unaudited and in thousands, except percentages and branches)

 


 

   

Three months ended March 31,

   

Twelve months ended March 31,

 
   

2026

   

2025

   

2026

   

2025

 
                                 

Gross loans receivable

  $ 1,278,988     $ 1,225,636     $ 1,278,988     $ 1,225,636  

Average gross loans receivable (1)

    1,357,198       1,324,086       1,305,870       1,300,782  

Net loans receivable (2)

    953,924       916,316       953,924       916,316  

Average net loans receivable (3)

    1,013,424       987,890       971,370       965,331  
                                 

Expenses as a percentage of total revenue:

                               

Provision for credit losses

    20.7 %     20.0 %     32.2 %     30.0 %

General and administrative

    45.9 %     39.9 %     51.5 %     42.7 %

Interest expense

    7.1 %     6.8 %     8.4 %     7.6 %

Operating income as a % of total revenue (4)

    33.4 %     40.1 %     16.3 %     27.4 %
                                 

Loan volume (5)

    675,460       553,357       2,989,614       2,714,988  
                                 

Net charge-offs as percent of average net loans receivable on an annualized basis

    18.7 %     18.5 %     18.5 %     17.5 %
                                 

Return on average assets (trailing 12 months)

    3.3 %     8.5 %     3.3 %     8.5 %
                                 

Return on average equity (trailing 12 months)

    9.0 %     21.0 %     9.0 %     21.0 %
                                 

Branches opened or acquired (merged or closed), net

    (4 )     (11 )     (15 )     (24 )
                                 

Branches open (at period end)

    1,009       1,024       1,009       1,024  

 


(1) Average gross loans receivable is determined by averaging month-end gross loans receivable over the indicated period.

(2) Net loans receivable is defined as gross loans receivable less unearned interest and deferred fees.

(3) Average net loans receivable is determined by averaging month-end gross loans receivable less unearned interest and deferred fees over the indicated period.

(4) Operating income is computed as total revenues less provision for credit losses and general and administrative expenses.

(5) Loan volume includes all loan balances originated by the Company. It does not include loans purchased through acquisitions.

 

- END -

FAQ

How did World Acceptance Corporation (WRLD) perform in Q4 fiscal 2026?

World Acceptance reported Q4 fiscal 2026 net income of $36.5M, down from $44.3M a year earlier. Diluted EPS was $7.70 versus $8.13, while total revenues increased 7.4% to $177.6M, supported by higher interest, fee, and tax preparation income.

What happened to World Acceptance’s full-year 2026 earnings compared to 2025?

Full-year 2026 net income declined to $35.0M from $89.7M in 2025, a steep drop in profitability. Diluted EPS fell to $6.97 from $16.30, reflecting higher credit losses, increased operating expenses, and rising interest costs despite modest revenue growth.

How did WRLD’s loan portfolio and customer base change in fiscal 2026?

Gross loans outstanding reached $1.28B at March 31, 2026, up 4.4% from $1.23B a year earlier. The customer base grew 2.5% over twelve months, while same-store gross loans for branches open at least a year increased 4.9%, reversing prior contraction.

How much stock did World Acceptance repurchase in fiscal 2026?

World Acceptance repurchased 16.5% of its outstanding shares during fiscal 2026. This included 282,607 shares bought in Q4 for about $37.8M and 576,035 shares in the first three quarters for roughly $94.6M, significantly reducing the share count.

What is World Acceptance’s leverage and capital position as of March 31, 2026?

As of March 31, 2026, the company’s debt-to-equity ratio increased to 1.7:1 from 1.0:1 a year earlier. Total debt outstanding was $587.2M, and shareholders’ equity stood at $353.9M, alongside remaining share repurchase and credit facility capacity.

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