World Acceptance Corporation (WRLD) AI Stock Analysis
WRLD AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchWorld Acceptance Corporation (WRLD) is a consumer finance company providing installment loans and ancillary financial products through 1,167 branches. In FY2026, the company generated revenue of $585.2M, net income of $34.6M, and free cash flow of $255.5M. The stock closed at $171.64 with a trailing P/E ratio of 21.6x and a forward P/E of 9.6x.
- Market cap
- $799.9M
- Revenue (TTM)
- $591.2M
- P/E
- 21.6x fwd 9.6x
- 1Y return
- -0.6% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $180.00 4.9% vs last close
Bull case
- Quarterly earnings increased by 343.3% year-over-year in the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026.
- Free cash flow reached $255.5M in FY2026, funding $132.4M in share buybacks and contributing to a -28.7% reduction in share count over 5 years.
- Consensus estimates project current fiscal year EPS to reach $13.18, representing an estimated earnings growth of 89.1%.
Bear case
- Net income fell from $89.7M in FY2025 to $34.6M in FY2026, as operating margin compressed from 28.1% to 7.7%.
- The balance sheet carries net debt of $637.7M against cash and short-term investments of $10.4M, with a current ratio of 0.43 as of June 30, 2026.
- Long-term price performance has lagged the broader market, with a 5-year return of -11.8% compared to 83.0% for the S&P 500 (SPY).
What World Acceptance does
World Acceptance Corporation operates in the small-loan consumer finance sector, catering primarily to individuals who have limited access to traditional sources of credit like banks and credit unions. Established in 1962 and headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the company offers short-term small installment loans, larger medium-term installment loans, credit insurance, and ancillary products. It also provides automobile club memberships and income tax return preparation services. Additionally, the company sells insurance products, including credit life, credit accident and health, credit property and auto, unemployment, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. It operates through a network of 1,167 branches across multiple states including Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Growth and profitability
Revenue moved from $585.2M in FY2022 to $616.5M in FY2023, before declining to $573.2M in FY2024 and $564.8M in FY2025. In FY2026, revenue grew 3.6% to $585.2M, reflecting a 5-year revenue CAGR of 2.1% from FY2021 to FY2026. Operating margin fluctuated over this span, posting 11.2% in FY2022, 4.4% in FY2023, 28.1% in FY2025, and 7.7% in FY2026. Net income reached $34.6M in FY2026 with an EPS of $7.38, compared to net income of $89.7M and EPS of $16.36 in FY2025. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue increased 4.8% year-over-year, while quarterly earnings grew 343.3% year-over-year.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, World Acceptance Corporation held $10.4M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $648.1M, resulting in net debt of $637.7M. Total assets were $1.08B and shareholders' equity was $362.2M, reflecting a current ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.79. During FY2026, the company generated operating cash flow of $259.4M and free cash flow of $255.5M. Cash deployment included $3.9M in capital expenditures and $132.4M allocated to share buybacks.
Valuation and performance
World Acceptance Corporation trades at a trailing P/E of 21.6x, above the 12.1x median of its US-listed Financial Services peers, while its forward P/E of 9.6x is below the peer median of 10.8x. Its price-to-sales multiple is 1.4x compared to the peer median of 3.2x, against a market cap of $799.9M and an enterprise value of $1.41B. Over the past year, the stock recorded a return of -0.6% compared to a 16.8% return for the S&P 500 (SPY). Over 5 years, WRLD returned -11.8% against an 83.0% return for SPY.
What analysts expect
Analyst coverage consists of 1 Hold rating, with 0 Buy and 0 Sell ratings. The mean price target is $180.00, representing a 4.9% premium over the last close of $171.64. For the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2027, the consensus EPS estimate is $13.18 on projected revenue of $613.1M, representing estimated EPS growth of 89.1%. For the next fiscal year, 1 analyst estimates EPS of $15.14 on revenue of $654.9M. Over the last four quarters, the company beat EPS estimates 1 time. The next earnings date is October 22, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- Short interest is elevated, standing at 103.8% of the public float.
- The company holds a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.79 alongside total debt of $648.1M as of June 30, 2026.
- Operating margin dropped to 7.7% in FY2026, trailing the US-listed Financial Services peer median of 37.7%.
- Long-term revenue expansion has been modest, reflecting a 5-year CAGR of 2.1% from FY2021 to FY2026.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this WRLD AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of World Acceptance Corporation (WRLD). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: WRLD income statement, WRLD balance sheet, WRLD key metrics, WRLD analyst forecast, WRLD chart. See the WRLD stock overview for the latest quote and news.
WRLD AI stock analysis FAQ
What is World Acceptance Corporation's current valuation?
WRLD trades at a trailing P/E of 21.6x and a forward P/E of 9.6x, with a price-to-sales ratio of 1.4x based on a market cap of $799.9M.
What are analysts forecasting for WRLD's earnings and stock price?
The sole covering analyst maintains a Hold rating with a mean price target of $180.00, which is 4.9% above the last close of $171.64. EPS is estimated at $13.18 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027.
How much debt does World Acceptance Corporation have?
As of June 30, 2026, the company reported total debt of $648.1M and cash and short-term investments of $10.4M, resulting in net debt of $637.7M and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.79.
When does World Acceptance Corporation report earnings next?
The company is scheduled to report its next quarterly earnings on October 22, 2026.