World Acceptance Corporation (WRLD)

In April 2025, World Acceptance Corp. reported increased total revenues and net income, and a 3.5% increase in its customer base, but gross loans outstanding decreased by 4.0% year-over-year, and accounts 61 days or more past due increased to 6.0% from 5.0% in the prior year. In May 2025, analysts upgraded WRLD to a 'Buy' rating. In July 2025, the company saw an increase in outstanding loans and a decrease in delinquencies, secured a new three-year senior secured asset-based credit facility, increasing commitments to $640 million, and approved a share repurchase program of up to $100 million. In October 2025, the company reported a net loss and missed EPS forecasts, leading to a stock price drop. Overall, the stock has fallen in the past week and month, but has shown an increase of 3.02% over the last six months and 20.55% over the last year.

Demand for World Acceptance Corp.'s products and services can exhibit seasonality influenced by broader consumer spending patterns and financial needs. Consumer loan demand can be affected by the natural business cycle, with potential delays in hiring and shifts in consumer demand as the year-end approaches. Holiday spending periods can also drive an increase in consumer credit usage. The company's offering of income tax return preparation services suggests a seasonal peak in demand around tax season. Generally, consumer loan demand can fluctuate, with some financial institutions observing stronger activity or increased inquiries during certain quarters. For businesses, seasonal cash flow needs can lead to demand for short-term or seasonal funds, such as lines of credit.

World Acceptance Corporation operates as a consumer finance company in the United States, focusing on the small-loan sector. It offers short-term and medium-term installment loans, credit insurance, and ancillary services. The company also provides income tax return preparation and electronic filing services, as well as automobile club memberships. Through its subsidiary, ParaData Financial Systems, World Acceptance Corp. markets computer software and related services to financial services companies. The company serves individuals who may have limited access to traditional credit sources.

World Acceptance Corp. primarily operates in the United States, with a network of over 1,000 community-based branches across 16 states including Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.

In February 2024, the CFPB announced it had "reasonable cause" to supervise World Acceptance Corp., based on consumer complaints regarding the company's marketing, sale, and bundling of loans with insurance products, which led to an 8.6% drop in the company's stock price. The BBB reports 76 complaints against World Acceptance Corporation closed in the last 12 months, with some customer complaints alleging issues such as harassment and the disclosure of account information to third parties. Despite these challenges, the company generally aims to emphasize responsible underwriting and personalized customer service.

World Acceptance Corp. has a diverse ownership structure, with significant institutional and individual holdings. Major institutional owners include Prescott General Partners LLC, BlackRock, Inc., Vanguard Group Inc, Dimensional Fund Advisors Lp, iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, State Street Corp, UBS Group AG, iShares Russell 2000 ETF, Geode Capital Management, Llc, and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares. Key individual owners include Scott J. Vassalluzzo, Thomas W. Smith, Steven M. Fischer, Clifford Sosin, and A. A. McLean Iii. Approximately 29.75% of the company's stock is owned by institutional investors, 45.54% by insiders, and 24.71% by public companies and individual investors.