World Acceptance (US:WRLD)2026-01-27 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated 16% more in new customer volume during the quarter, resulting in a 25% increase in outstanding ledger for active new customers compared to the same quarter last year [3][4] - Yields improved by 84 basis points year-over-year, indicating an increase in income [4] - Organic growth in ledger was 2.4% year-over-year, a recovery from a decline of 2.4% last year [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first pay defaults for new customers are 19% lower compared to the same period in fiscal 2022, indicating improved credit performance [4][5] - The average outstanding loan balance declined by approximately 2.5% year-over-year due to increased discipline in underwriting [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The customer base has grown organically by around 5.4% year-over-year, a significant increase from 2.2% growth last year [5] - The company has seen substantial improvement in tax filing volume and revenue year-over-year, with expectations for larger tax refunds this year due to tax law changes [8][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving branch operations and personnel management, with a commitment to long-term profitability and soundness of the portfolio [6][9] - There is an ongoing strategy to repurchase shares, with nearly 600,000 shares repurchased, reducing outstanding shares by 11% [7] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management has not observed any degradation in collections or credit quality, with a slight increase in demand noted [12] - The company remains optimistic about the upcoming tax filing season, expecting increased demand and larger refunds [13] Other Important Information - The company has temporarily overstaffed to enhance branch team performance, with plans to reduce headcount by 3%-5% in the near future [18] - The current ice storm has affected operations in approximately 10 states, but management remains optimistic about revenue growth [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the health of the underlying consumer and outlook for tax refund season - Management noted no significant changes in consumer behavior and an increase in demand for tax filings, expecting larger refunds this year due to tax law changes [12][13] Question: Growth in G&A expenses and future trends - Management expects a decrease in incentive compensation expenses starting in Q4, with a share-based comp grant fully expensed [15] Question: Increase in headcount and subsequent reduction - The increase was to build a quality team in anticipation of turnover, with a reduction expected soon as underperforming team members are addressed [18] Question: Impact of a potential 10% cap on credit cards - Management indicated that while there are no direct implications for their major portfolio, a cap could increase demand for installment loans [20][21]