World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.92 for its fiscal 2027 second quarter, as revenue growth and lower provisioning expense supported results while credit quality continued to improve.
President and Chief Executive Officer John Calmes said the company was pleased with its quarterly performance and believes it is positioned well for the remainder of the fiscal year. He cited progress in the lender’s core priorities of responsibly expanding its loan portfolio, strengthening credit quality and maintaining expense discipline.
Revenue increased 3.2% in the quarter, while provisioning expense declined 7.7%, Calmes said. The company also reported an improvement in general and administrative expense.
Credit Metrics Improve
Calmes said credit trends improved at both the front and back ends of the portfolio. Front-end delinquency declined to 18.9% from 20%, which he described as the most notable improvement.
“These trends reinforce our confidence in the health of the portfolio and the strength of our underwriting,” Calmes said.
During the question-and-answer session, Stephens analyst Kyle Joseph asked about the potential sensitivity of World Acceptance customers to gasoline prices. Calmes said that historically, higher gas prices have affected customers, but the company’s conservative underwriting has helped support improving portfolio metrics.
Calmes said it was difficult to determine whether credit results would have improved further without elevated gas prices. Still, he said the company’s cautious lending posture has contributed to overall portfolio improvement.
Cautious Lending Approach Remains in Place
World Acceptance remains focused on operational fundamentals and is continuing to take a cautious approach to lending, according to Calmes. While the company has become somewhat less restrictive than it was during the March quarter, it remains “a lot tighter” than it was at the same point a year earlier, he said.
The company may selectively use growth initiatives to increase loan growth, but Calmes said investors should not expect a dramatic shift in the near-term growth trajectory.
“We are focused right now on the blocking and tackling and getting the fundamentals right of the operations,” Calmes said.
Competitive Position and Credit Card Pilot
Chief Operating Officer Tobin Turner said World Acceptance remains confident in its position within the competitive environment. He said the company is pleased with its application flow and sees opportunities to grow when it determines that expansion is appropriate.
Turner also addressed the company’s credit card initiative, saying World Acceptance is still conducting a pilot program. The company has issued enough cards to begin observing customer behavior over time, he said, but management is allowing the initial portfolio to mature before determining how to expand the offering.
Turner said the company is likely at least one or two quarters away from deciding how to scale the credit card program.
About World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD)
World Acceptance Corporation is a consumer finance company that provides small-dollar personal installment loans and related financial services through its World Finance branch network and online channels. The company primarily serves consumers who may have limited access to traditional bank credit.
Its products and services generally include personal loans, tax return preparation and filing, and certain ancillary financial products. Loan proceeds may be used for expenses such as household needs, medical bills, automobile repairs, or other personal obligations, subject to applicable lending requirements.
Founded in 1962, World Acceptance is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.
