World Acceptance (US:WRLD)2026-01-27 16:02Financial 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] - 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 stricter underwriting and larger investments in new customers [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% 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 [9][14] 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 [7][10] - There is an ongoing strategy to reduce headcount by 3%-5% in field-level offices, following an increase to build a quality team in anticipation of turnover [19] Management's 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 [13] - The company remains optimistic about the upcoming tax filing season, expecting increased demand and larger refunds [14] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased nearly 600,000 shares, reducing outstanding shares by 11% in the first nine months of the year, with a remaining capacity for repurchases of over $60 million [8] - The current ice storm has affected operations in approximately 10 states, but management remains optimistic about revenue growth [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the health of the underlying consumer and outlook into tax refund season - Management has not seen a degradation in collections or credit quality, with an increase in demand and expectations for larger tax refunds this year [13][14] Question: Growth in G&A and future trends - Management expects to see a decrease in incentive compensation expenses starting in Q4, following a share-based comp grant last December [16] Question: Increase and subsequent decrease in headcount - The increase was to build a quality team in anticipation of turnover, with a reduction expected to occur quickly within the current quarter [19] Question: Implications of a 10% cap on credit cards - Management believes there would be a severe reduction in access to credit cards for lower credit scores, potentially increasing demand for installment loans [22][23]