WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORP - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

__________________________________

Form 10-Q

__________________________________

(Mark One)



x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017



¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT of 1934

For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

Commission File Number: 000-19599

WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter.)



South Carolina		57-0425114
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

108 Frederick Street

Greenville, South Carolina 29607

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(864) 298-9800

(registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for shorter period than the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):



	Large Accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer x

	Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o
	(Do not check if smaller reporting company)
		Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨No x

The number of outstanding shares of the issuer’s no par value common stock as of November 1, 2017 was 8,856,554.

WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

Form 10-Q

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Item No.		Page

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1.	Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):	4

	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017	4

	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016	5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016	6

	Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the year ended March 31, 2017 and the six months ended September 30, 2017	7

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016	8

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	9

2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	28

3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	36

4.	Controls and Procedures	37

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

1.	Legal Proceedings	39

1A.	Risk Factors	39

2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	39

3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	39

4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	39

5.	Other Information	39

6.	Exhibits	40

EXHIBIT INDEX		40


SIGNATURES		41

Introductory Note: As used herein, the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or similar formulations include World Acceptance Corporation and each of its subsidiaries, unless otherwise expressly noted or the context otherwise requires that it include only World Acceptance Corporation. All references in this report to “fiscal 2018” are to the Company’s fiscal year ending March 31, 2018; all references in this report to “fiscal 2017” are to the Company's fiscal year ended March 31, 2017; and all references to “fiscal 2016” are to the Company’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)



	September 30, 2017			March 31, 2017
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	18,780,277		$	15,200,410
Gross loans receivable	1,147,641,186			1,059,804,132
Less:
Unearned interest, insurance and fees	(321,439,943		)	(291,908,651		)
Allowance for loan losses	(86,730,801		)	(72,194,892		)
Loans receivable, net	739,470,442			695,700,589
Property and equipment, net	24,357,676			24,184,207
Deferred income taxes, net	46,864,971			39,025,069
Other assets, net	13,580,050			13,797,098
Goodwill	7,034,463			6,067,220
Intangible assets, net	6,981,251			6,614,182
Total assets	$	857,069,130		$	800,588,775

LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Liabilities:
Senior notes payable	320,750,000			295,136,200
Income taxes payable	12,084,685			12,519,417
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	34,082,136			31,869,581
Total liabilities	366,916,821			339,525,198

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)	—			—

Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value Authorized 5,000,000, no shares issued or outstanding	—			—
Common stock, no par value Authorized 95,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 8,840,040 and 8,782,949 shares at September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017, respectively	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	155,823,825			144,241,105
Retained earnings	360,452,718			344,605,347
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(26,124,234		)	(27,782,875		)
Total shareholders' equity	490,152,309			461,063,577


Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	857,069,130		$	800,588,775

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)



	Three months ended September 30,			Six months ended September 30,
	2017		2016	2017		2016
Revenues:
Interest and fee income	$	118,394,167	116,979,595	$	234,032,708	231,024,402
Insurance income, net and other income	12,611,364		12,289,381	25,882,246		25,324,670
Total revenues	131,005,531		129,268,976	259,914,954		256,349,072

Expenses:
Provision for loan losses	38,975,972		35,870,744	69,816,030		67,885,021
General and administrative expenses:
Personnel	44,185,256		40,400,621	89,181,990		82,396,478
Occupancy and equipment	10,911,533		10,630,945	21,587,750		21,133,100
Advertising	5,334,360		4,092,610	10,258,182		6,443,755
Amortization of intangible assets	275,447		164,132	461,269		274,187
Other	10,202,155		8,167,480	22,336,649		16,156,773
Total general and administrative expenses	70,908,751		63,455,788	143,825,840		126,404,293

Interest expense	4,790,744		5,518,878	9,037,446		11,105,197
Total expenses	114,675,467		104,845,410	222,679,316		205,394,511

Income before income taxes	16,330,064		24,423,566	37,235,638		50,954,561

Income taxes	6,530,719		8,932,101	14,368,607		18,845,142

Net income	$	9,799,345	15,491,465	$	22,867,031	32,109,419

Net income per common share:
Basic	$	1.12	1.78	$	2.63	3.68
Diluted	$	1.10	1.76	$	2.58	3.65

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	8,713,638		8,727,238	8,700,489		8,724,493
Diluted	8,895,274		8,804,584	8,861,007		8,787,495

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)



	Three months ended September 30,						Six months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017		2016

Net income	$	9,799,345		$	15,491,465		$	22,867,031	$	32,109,419
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(819,978		)	(3,248,426		)	1,658,641		(7,540,547		)
Comprehensive income	$	8,979,367		$	12,243,039		$	24,525,672	$	24,568,872

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)



	Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Total Shareholders' Equity
Balances at March 31, 2016	$	138,835,064	276,000,862		(22,934,345	)	391,901,581

Proceeds from exercise of stock options (32,702 shares), including tax expense of -$565,162	595,343		—		—		595,343
Common stock repurchases (95,703 shares)	—		(4,995,809	)	—		(4,995,809	)
Restricted common stock expense under stock option plan, net of cancellations ($284,221)	1,320,036		—		—		1,320,036
Stock option expense	3,490,662		—		—		3,490,662
Other comprehensive loss	—		—		(4,848,530	)	(4,848,530	)
Net income	—		73,600,294		—		73,600,294

Balances at March 31, 2017	$	144,241,105	344,605,347		(27,782,875	)	461,063,577

Proceeds from exercise of stock options (115,819 shares)	6,765,046		—		—		6,765,046
Common stock repurchases (58,728 shares)	—		(4,614,331	)	—		(4,614,331	)
Restricted common stock expense under stock option plan	1,290,118		—		—		1,290,118
Stock option expense	1,122,227		—		—		1,122,227
ASU 2016-09 adoption	2,405,329		(2,405,329	)	—		—
Other comprehensive income	—		—		1,658,641		1,658,641
Net income	—		22,867,031		—		22,867,031

Balances at September 30, 2017	$	155,823,825	360,452,718		(26,124,234	)	490,152,309

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)



	Six months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	$	22,867,031		32,109,419
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of intangible assets	461,269			274,187
Amortization of debt issuance costs	447,884			1,286,147
Provision for loan losses	69,816,030			67,885,021
Depreciation	3,609,047			3,427,799
Loss on sale of property and equipment	174,034			114,527
Deferred income tax benefit	(7,674,970		)	(4,457,510	)
Compensation related to stock option and restricted stock plans, net of taxes and adjustments	2,412,345			1,406,288
Change in accounts:
Other assets, net	175,253			2,538,232
Income taxes payable	(461,044		)	1,961,603
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,147,872			(3,812,136	)
Net cash provided by operating activities	93,974,751			102,733,577
Cash flows from investing activities:
Increase in loans receivable, net	(103,599,118		)	(81,447,989	)
Net assets acquired from branch acquisitions, primarily loans	(8,566,874		)	—
Increase in intangible assets from acquisitions	(1,795,581		)	—
Purchases of property and equipment	(3,972,237		)	(3,178,087	)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	109,842			581,081
Net cash used in investing activities	(117,823,968		)	(84,044,995	)
Cash flow from financing activities:
Borrowings from senior notes payable	133,663,800			124,301,200
Payments on senior notes payable	(108,050,000		)	(138,400,000	)
Debt issuance costs associated with senior notes payable	(420,000		)	(201,200	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	6,765,046			345,133
Repurchase of common stock	(4,614,331		)	—
Excess tax expense from exercise of stock options	—			(405,693	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	27,344,515			(14,360,560	)
Effects of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	84,569			(449,758	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	3,579,867			3,878,264
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	15,200,410			12,377,024
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	18,780,277		16,255,288

Supplemental Disclosures:
Interest paid during the period	8,138,988			9,744,973
Income taxes paid during the period	22,498,725			21,747,421

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements of the Company at September 30, 2017, and for the three and six months then ended were prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management all adjustments (consisting only of items of a normal, recurring nature) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position at September 30, 2017, and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, have been included. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures required by GAAP and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES

Nature of Operations

The Company is a small-loan consumer finance company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina that offers short-term small loans, medium-term larger loans, related credit insurance products and ancillary products and services to individuals who have limited access to other sources of consumer credit. In U.S. branches, the Company offers income tax return preparation services to its loan customers and other individuals.

Seasonality

The Company's loan volume and corresponding loans receivable follow seasonal trends. The Company's highest loan demand generally occurs from October through December, its third fiscal quarter. Loan demand is generally lowest and loan repayment highest from January to March, its fourth fiscal quarter. Loan volume and average balances remain relatively level during the remainder of the year. Consequently, the Company experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in its operating results and cash needs. Operating results for the Company's third fiscal quarter are generally lower than in other quarters and operating results for its fourth fiscal quarter are generally higher than in other quarters.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for share-based payment transactions, income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. For public companies the amendments in this ASU became effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09 as of April 1, 2017. Adoption of the guidance impacted the Company's accounting practices in the following ways:

•

The Company elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, and, in accordance with the modified retrospective approach specified in ASU 2016-09, the Company recorded a cumulative effect reclassification between retained earnings and additional paid-in capital as of the beginning of the adoption year of approximately $2.4 million. The reclassification was needed to reflect deferred tax expense incurred prior to adoption, which had historically been charged to additional paid-in capital, in retained earnings.


•	The Company will recognize all excess tax benefits and deficiencies as income tax benefit or expense, respectively, in the income statement. The Company will recognize excess tax benefits or shortfalls regardless of whether the transaction

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reduces taxes payable in the current period. The Company did not record a cumulative adjustment related to this guidance, which is consistent with the prospective approach specified in ASU 2016-09.


•	The Company will combine excess tax benefits from equity awards with other income tax cash flows and will classify such cash flows as an operating activity. The Company will classify cash paid when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes as a financing activity. The Company will apply this guidance prospectively, as specified in ASU 2016-09.

The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Scope of Modification Accounting

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments in this Update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. According to ASU No. 2017-09 an entity should account for the effects of a modification unless all the following are met:


1.	The fair value of the modified award is the same as the fair value of the original award immediately before the original award is modified.


2.	The vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the original award is modified.


3.	The classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified.

The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. ASU No. 2017-04 eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, under the amendments in this Update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. ASU No. 2017-04 also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Therefore, the same impairment assessment applies to all reporting units. The amendments in this Update are effective for public entities who are SEC filers for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Clarifying the Definition of a Business

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business. Current GAAP does not specify the minimum inputs and processes required for a "set" of assets and activities to meet the definition of a business. That lack of clarity led to broad interpretations of the definition of a business. The amendments in this Update provide a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. For public business entities the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Restricted Cash

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Restricted Cash. GAAP currently does not include specific guidance to address how to classify and present changes in restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents that occur when there are transfers between cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents and when there are direct cash receipts into restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents or direct cash payments made from restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments in this Update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this Update

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do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. For public business entities the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This prohibition on recognition is an exception to the principle of comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes in GAAP. The amendments in this Update eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. For public business entities the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendment addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice:


•	Debt Prepayment or Debt Extinguishment Costs


•	Settlement of Zero-Coupon Debt Instruments or Other Debt Instruments with Coupon Interest Rates That Are Insignificant in Relation to the Effective Interest Rate of the Borrowing


•	Contingent Consideration Payments Made after a Business Combination


•	Proceeds from the Settlement of Insurance Claims


•	Proceeds from the Settlement of Corporate-Owned Life Insurance Policies, including Bank-Owned Life Insurance Policies


•	Distributions Received from Equity Method Investees


•	Beneficial Interests in Securitization Transactions


•	Separately Identifiable Cash Flows and Application of the Predominance Principle

For public business entities the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. The amendment seeks to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. To achieve this objective, the amendments in this ASU replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. For public business entities the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. The adoption of this ASU could have a material impact on the provision for loan losses in the consolidated statements of operations and allowance for loan losses in the consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. The amendments clarify the following two aspects of Topic 606: (a) identifying performance obligations; and (b) the licensing implementation guidance. The amendments do not change the core principle of the guidance in Topic 606. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Topic 606. Public entities should apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein. Early application for public entities is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

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Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations, which clarifies the implementation of the guidance on principal versus agent considerations from ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2016-08 does not change the core principle of the guidance in ASU 2014-09, but rather clarifies the distinction between principal versus agent considerations when implementing ASU 2014-09. As these are technical corrections and improvements only, the Company does not believe this ASU will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The ASU will require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on leases with terms greater than 12 months and to disclose information related to the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases, including various qualitative and quantitative requirements. The amendments of this ASU become effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. We expect the standard to have an impact on our assets and liabilities for the addition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, but we do not expect it to have a material impact to our results of operations or liquidity.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which updates certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of 2019 and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements Topic 605 (Revenue Recognition), and most industry-specific guidance. ASU No. 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU No. 2014-09, as amended by ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-20, ASU 2017-13, is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. We believe the adoption of this update will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements due to our interest and fees income not being in the scope of this update.

We reviewed all other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to our business or are not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.

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NOTE 3 – FAIR VALUE

Fair Value Disclosures

The Company may carry certain financial instruments and derivative assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company determines the fair values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value are grouped in three levels. The levels prioritize the inputs used to measure the fair value of the assets or liabilities. These levels are:


•	Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.


•	Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets and liabilities, either directly or indirectly. These inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in market that are less active.


•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

The Company’s financial instruments for the periods reported consist of the following: cash and cash equivalents, loans receivable, and senior notes payable. Fair value approximates carrying value for all of these instruments. Loans receivable are originated at prevailing market rates and have an average life of approximately eight months. Given the short-term nature of these loans, they are continually repriced at current market rates. The Company’s revolving credit facility has a variable rate based on a margin over LIBOR and reprices with any changes in LIBOR. The Company also considers its creditworthiness in its determination of fair value.

The carrying amount and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments summarized by level are as follows:



	September 30, 2017				March 31, 2017
	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
ASSETS
Level 1 inputs
Cash and cash equivalents	$	18,780,277	$	18,780,277	$	15,200,410	$	15,200,410
Level 3 inputs
Loans receivable, net	739,470,442		739,470,442		695,700,589		695,700,589
LIABILITIES
Level 3 inputs
Senior notes payable	320,750,000		320,750,000		295,136,200		295,136,200

There were no significant assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 or March 31, 2017.

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NOTE 4 – FINANCE RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The following is a summary of gross loans receivable as of:



	September 30, 2017		March 31, 2017	September 30, 2016

Small loans (U.S.)	$	696,586,798	630,802,614	680,466,803
Large loans (U.S.)	327,325,734		312,458,275	311,262,273
Sales finance loans (U.S.)⁽¹⁾	12,218		54,247	352,484
Payroll deduct "Viva" loans (Mexico)	71,581,042		69,087,314	58,030,254
Traditional installment loans (Mexico)	52,135,394		47,401,682	45,465,561
Total gross loans	$	1,147,641,186	1,059,804,132	1,095,577,375


⁽¹⁾	The Company decided to wind down the World Class Buying Club program during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. As of March 31, 2015, the Company is no longer financing the purchase of products through the program; however, the Company will continue to service the outstanding retail installment sales contracts.

The following is a summary of the changes in the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:



	Three months ended September 30,					Six months ended September 30,
	2017			2016		2017			2016

Balance at beginning of period	$	76,526,248		71,993,060		$	72,194,892		69,565,804
Provision for loan losses	38,975,972			35,870,744		69,816,030			67,885,021
Loan losses	(32,286,746		)	(34,724,133	)	(63,464,210		)	(67,418,975	)
Recoveries	3,689,277			3,743,900		7,897,911			7,466,298
Translation adjustment	(173,950		)	(462,260	)	286,178			(1,076,837	)
Balance at end of period	$	86,730,801		76,421,311		$	86,730,801		76,421,311

The following is a summary of loans individually and collectively evaluated for impairment for the period indicated:



September 30, 2017	Loans individually evaluated for impairment (impaired loans)			Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		Total

Gross loans in bankruptcy, excluding contractually delinquent	$	5,121,074		—		5,121,074
Gross loans contractually delinquent	61,816,576			—		61,816,576
Loans not contractually delinquent and not in bankruptcy	—			1,080,703,536		1,080,703,536
Gross loan balance	66,937,650			1,080,703,536		1,147,641,186
Unearned interest and fees	(17,355,713		)	(304,084,230	)	(321,439,943	)
Net loans	49,581,937			776,619,306		826,201,243
Allowance for loan losses	(44,678,508		)	(42,052,293	)	(86,730,801	)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	$	4,903,429		734,567,013		739,470,442

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March 31, 2017	Loans individually evaluated for impairment (impaired loans)			Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		Total

Gross loans in bankruptcy, excluding contractually delinquent	$	4,903,728		—		4,903,728
Gross loans contractually delinquent	54,310,791			—		54,310,791
Loans not contractually delinquent and not in bankruptcy	—			1,000,589,613		1,000,589,613
Gross loan balance	59,214,519			1,000,589,613		1,059,804,132
Unearned interest and fees	(15,336,248		)	(276,572,403	)	(291,908,651	)
Net loans	43,878,271			724,017,210		767,895,481
Allowance for loan losses	(39,182,951		)	(33,011,941	)	(72,194,892	)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	$	4,695,320		691,005,269		695,700,589



September 30, 2016	Loans individually evaluated for impairment (impaired loans)			Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		Total

Gross loans in bankruptcy, excluding contractually delinquent	$	5,438,380		—		5,438,380
Gross loans contractually delinquent	50,928,815			—		50,928,815
Loans not contractually delinquent and not in bankruptcy	—			1,039,210,180		1,039,210,180
Gross loan balance	56,367,195			1,039,210,180		1,095,577,375
Unearned interest and fees	(13,587,281		)	(291,492,486	)	(305,079,767	)
Net loans	42,779,914			747,717,694		790,497,608
Allowance for loan losses	(37,572,665		)	(38,848,646	)	(76,421,311	)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	$	5,207,249		708,869,048		714,076,297

The average net balance of impaired loans was $46.2 million and $40.0 million, respectively, for the six month periods ended September 30, 2017, and 2016. It is not practical to compute the amount of interest earned on impaired loans.

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The following is an assessment of the credit quality for the period indicated:



	September 30, 2017		March 31, 2017	September 30, 2016
Credit risk
Consumer loans- non-bankrupt accounts	$	1,141,279,992	1,053,769,654	1,088,922,796
Consumer loans- bankrupt accounts	6,361,194		6,034,478	6,654,579
Total gross loans	$	1,147,641,186	1,059,804,132	1,095,577,375

Consumer credit exposure
Credit risk profile based on payment activity, performing	$	1,050,681,453	977,171,570	1,011,545,342
Contractual non-performing, 60 or more days delinquent ⁽¹⁾	96,959,733		82,632,562	84,032,033
Total gross loans	$	1,147,641,186	1,059,804,132	1,095,577,375

Credit risk profile based on customer type
New borrower	$	177,097,915	168,656,845	153,288,845
Former borrower	136,937,061		108,100,688	124,276,487
Refinance	814,239,259		765,373,325	799,560,573
Delinquent refinance	19,366,951		17,673,274	18,451,470
Total gross loans	$	1,147,641,186	1,059,804,132	1,095,577,375


⁽¹⁾	Loans in non-accrual status.

The following is a summary of the past due receivables as of:



	September 30, 2017			March 31, 2017		September 30, 2016
Contractual basis:
30-59 days past due	$	47,120,205		35,527,103		45,155,834
60-89 days past due	31,384,722			25,823,757		29,323,326
90 days or more past due	65,575,011			56,808,805		54,708,707
Total	$	144,079,938		118,159,665		129,187,867

Percentage of period-end gross loans receivable	12.6		%	11.1	%	11.8	%

NOTE 5 – AVERAGE SHARE INFORMATION

The following is a summary of the basic and diluted average common shares outstanding:



	Three months ended September 30,		Six months ended September 30,
	2017	2016	2017	2016
Basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (denominator)	8,713,638	8,727,238	8,700,489	8,724,493

Diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	8,713,638	8,727,238	8,700,489	8,724,493
Dilutive potential common shares stock options	181,636	77,346	160,518	63,002
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (denominator)	8,895,274	8,804,584	8,861,007	8,787,495

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Options to purchase 295,550 and 711,512 shares of common stock at various prices were outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the option exercise price was anti-dilutive.

Options to purchase 455,912 and 728,688 shares of common stock at various prices were outstanding during the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the option exercise price was anti-dilutive.

NOTE 6 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Option Plans

The Company has a 2002 Stock Option Plan, a 2005 Stock Option Plan, a 2008 Stock Option Plan, a 2011 Stock Option Plan and a 2017 Stock Incentive Plan for the benefit of certain non-employee directors, officers, and key employees. Under these plans, a total of 4,950,000 shares of common stock have been authorized and reserved for issuance pursuant to grants approved by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors. Stock options granted under these plans have a maximum duration of 10 years, may be subject to certain vesting requirements, which are generally three to five years for officers, non-employee directors, and key employees, and are priced at the market value of the Company's common stock on the option's grant date. At September 30, 2017, there were a total of 1,322,998 shares of common stock available for grant under the plans.

Stock-based compensation is recognized as provided under FASB ASC Topic 718-10 and FASB ASC Topic 505-50. FASB ASC Topic 718-10 requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period) in the consolidated financial statements based on their grant date fair values. The Company has applied the Black-Scholes valuation model in determining the grant date fair value of the stock option awards. Compensation expense is recognized only for those options expected to vest.

There were no options issued during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The weighted-average fair value at the grant date for options issued during the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $22.79 and $21.64, respectively. Fair value was estimated at grant date using the weighted-average assumptions listed below:



	Three months ended September 30,		Six months ended September 30,
	2017	2016	2017	2016

Dividend Yield	—%	—%	—%	—%
Expected Volatility	—%	—%	50.33%	56.18%
Average risk-free rate	—%	—%	1.85%	1.37%
Expected Life	0.0 years	0.0 years	5.0 years	5.9 years

The expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's common stock for a period approximating the expected life. The expected life represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding after the grant date. The risk-free rate reflects the interest rate at grant date on zero coupon U.S. governmental bonds having a remaining life similar to the expected option term.

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Option activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was as follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value

Options outstanding, beginning of period	860,741		$	67.28
Granted during period	1,020		50.32
Exercised during period	(115,819	)	58.41
Forfeited during period	(13,889	)	62.85
Expired during period	(11,484	)	79.26
Options outstanding, end of period	720,569		$	68.57	6.1 years	$	11,313,328
Options exercisable, end of period	423,234		$	72.01	5.3 years	$	5,252,313

The aggregate intrinsic value reflected in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price on September 30, 2017 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of September 30, 2017. This amount will change as the market price of the common stock changes. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was as follows:



	September 30, 2017		September 30, 2016

Three months ended	$	451,718	$	24,916
Six months ended	$	2,676,597	$	112,939

As of September 30, 2017, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options amounted to approximately $1.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.8 years.

Restricted Stock

The Company has not granted any shares of restricted stock during fiscal 2018.

During fiscal 2017, the Company granted 74,490 shares of restricted stock (which are equity classified), to certain executive officers, with a grant date weighted average fair value of $51.15 per share. One-third of these awards will vest on each anniversary of the grant date over the next three years.

During fiscal 2016, the Company granted 69,950 shares of restricted stock (which are equity classified), to certain executive officers, with a grant date weighted average fair value of $28.11 per share. One-third of these awards will vest on each anniversary of the grant date over the next three years.

During fiscal 2014 and 2013 the Company granted 8,590 and 70,800 Group A performance based restricted stock awards to certain officers. Group A awards vested on April 30, 2015 based on the Company's achievement of the following performance goals as of March 31, 2015:



EPS Target		Restricted Shares Eligible for Vesting (Percentage of Award)
$10.29		100%
$9.76		67%
$9.26		33%
Below $9.26		0%

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During fiscal 2014 and 2013 the Company granted 56,660 and 443,700 Group B performance based restricted stock awards to certain officers. As of September 30, 2017, no Group B awards remain unforfeited and outstanding. Group B awards would have vested as follows, if the Company achieved the following performance goals during any successive trailing four quarters during the measurement period ending on March 31, 2017:



Trailing 4 quarter EPS Target		Restricted Shares Eligible for Vesting (Percentage of Award)
$13.00		25%
$14.50		25%
$16.00		25%
$18.00		25%

During fiscal 2016 the Company determined that the earnings per share targets associated with the Group B stock awards were not achievable during the measurement period which ended on March 31, 2017. Subsequently, the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors amended the awards allowing 25% of the Group B awards to vest for certain officers. The officers were required to forfeit their remaining Group B shares as a part of the amendment. FASB Topic ASC 718 defines a grant modification as a change in any of the terms or conditions of a stock-based compensation award to include accelerated vesting. The Company determined that since the Group B awards would not have otherwise vested pre-modification, the accelerated vesting qualified as a Type III modification. The Company released approximately $9.7 million of compensation expense, including $2.9 million related to the Type III modification, during the year ended March 31, 2016 associated with the Group B awards.

Compensation expense related to restricted stock is based on the number of shares expected to vest and the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date. The Company recognized compensation expense of $0.7 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and recognized $1.3 million and $0.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which is included as a component of general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As of September 30, 2017, there was approximately $1.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over the next 1.9 years based on current estimates.

A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock as of September 30, 2017, and changes during the six months ended September 30, 2017, are presented below:



	Shares		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date

Outstanding at March 31, 2017	111,361		$	43.11
Granted during the period	—		—
Vested during the period	(816	)	43.49
Forfeited during the period	—		—
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	110,545		$	43.11

Total share-based compensation included as a component of net income during the three and six-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was as follows:



	Three months ended September 30,			Six months ended September 30,
	2017		2016	2017	2016
Share-based compensation related to equity classified awards:
Share-based compensation related to stock options	$	572,916	616,756	1,122,227	982,420
Share-based compensation related to restricted stock, net of adjustments and exclusive of cancellations	707,352		236,006	1,290,118	423,868
Total share-based compensation related to equity classified awards	$	1,280,268	852,762	2,412,345	1,406,288

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NOTE 7 – ACQUISITIONS

The Company evaluates each set of assets and activities it acquires to determine if the set meets the definition of a business according to FASB ASC Topic 805-10-55. Acquisitions meeting the definition of a business are accounted for as a business combination while all other acquisitions are accounted for as asset purchases.

The following table sets forth the acquisition activity of the Company for the six months ended September 30, 2017.



	Six months ended September 30,
	2017
Acquisitions:
Number of branches acquired through business combinations	3
Number of loan portfolios acquired through asset purchases	24
Total acquisitions	27

Purchase price	$	10,362,455

Tangible assets:
Loans receivable, net	8,563,874
Property and equipment	3,000
Total tangible assets	8,566,874

Excess of purchase prices over carrying value of net tangible assets	1,795,581

Customer lists	1,660,581
Non-compete agreements	135,000
Goodwill	—
Total intangible assets	$	1,795,581

Acquisitions that are accounted for as business combinations typically result in one or more new branches. In such cases, the Company typically retains the existing employees and the branch location from the acquisition. The purchase price is allocated to the tangible assets and intangible assets acquired based upon their estimated fair market values at the acquisition date. The remainder is allocated to goodwill. During the six months ended September 30, 2017 the Company acquired 3 branches through two business combinations, as described below.

Acquisitions that are accounted for as asset purchases are typically limited to acquisitions of loan portfolios. The purchase price is allocated to the tangible assets and intangible assets acquired based upon their estimated fair market values at the acquisition date. In an asset purchase, no goodwill is recorded. During the six months ended September 30, 2017, the Company acquired 24 loan portfolios through four asset purchases, as described below.

The Company’s acquisitions include tangible assets (generally loans and furniture and equipment) and intangible assets (generally non-compete agreements, customer lists, and goodwill), both of which are recorded at their fair values, which are estimated pursuant to the processes described below.

Acquired loans are valued at the net loan balance. Given the short-term nature of these loans, generally eight months, and that these loans are priced at current rates, management believes the net loan balances approximate their fair value.

Furniture and equipment are valued at the specific purchase price as agreed to by both parties at the time of acquisition, which management believes approximates their fair values.

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Non-compete agreements are valued at the stated amount paid to the other party for these agreements, which the Company believes approximates the fair value.

Customer lists are valued with a valuation model that utilizes the Company’s historical data to estimate the value of any acquired customer lists. Customer lists are allocated at a branch level and are evaluated for impairment at a branch level when a triggering event occurs in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360-10-05. If a triggering event occurs, the impairment loss to the customer list is generally the remaining unamortized customer list balance. In most acquisitions, the original fair value of the customer list allocated to an office is less than $100,000, and management believes that in the event a triggering event were to occur, the impairment loss to an unamortized customer list would be immaterial.

In a business combination, the remaining excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the tangible assets, customer lists, and non-compete agreements is allocated to goodwill.

On September 8, 2017, the Company completed an acquisition of one branch and fifteen loan portfolios from Sun Loan Company Tennessee, Inc., Sun Loan Company New Mexico #3, Inc., and Sun Loan Company Oklahoma Number 3, Inc. The acquisition is consistent with the Company's strategy of expansion in areas where demographic profiles and state regulations are attractive. The acquired branch is located in Tennessee, and all acquired loan portfolios are located in the states of Tennessee, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Based on its evaluation of the agreement consistent with the framework described above, the Company accounted for the acquisition of the branch as a business combination and the acquisition of the fifteen loan portfolios as an asset purchase. In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company allocated the purchase price and intangible assets among the acquired branch (and destination branches in the case of loan portfolios) based on the fair values of their respective acquired assets. The Company recorded no goodwill in its accounting for this acquisition.

On August 23, 2017, the Company completed an acquisition of one loan portfolio from Alpha Credit of Rockmart LLC. The acquisition is consistent with the Company's strategy of expansion in areas where demographic profiles and state regulations are attractive. The acquired loan portfolio is located in the state of Georgia. Based on its evaluation of the agreement consistent with the framework described above, the Company accounted for the acquisition of the loan portfolio as an asset purchase. In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company assigned the entire purchase price and intangible assets to the destination branch. The Company recorded no goodwill in its accounting for this acquisition.

On July 7, 2017, the Company completed an acquisition of one loan portfolio from Sun Loan Company Missouri, Inc. The acquisition is consistent with the Company's strategy of expansion in areas where demographic profiles and state regulations are attractive. The acquired loan portfolio is located in the state of Missouri. Based on its evaluation of the agreement consistent with the framework described above, the Company accounted for the acquisition of the loan portfolio as an asset purchase. In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company assigned the entire purchase price and intangible assets to the destination branch. The Company recorded no goodwill in its accounting for this acquisition.

On May 8, 2017, the Company completed an acquisition of two branches and eight loan portfolios from Texan Credit Corporation. The acquisition is consistent with the Company's strategy of expansion in areas where demographic profiles and state regulations are attractive. All acquired branches and loan portfolios are located in the state of Texas. Based on its evaluation of the agreement consistent with the framework described above, the Company accounted for the acquisition of the two branches as a business combination and the acquisition of the eight loan portfolios as an asset purchase. In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company allocated the purchase price and intangible assets among the acquired branches (and destination branches in the case of loan portfolios) based on the fair values of their respective acquired assets. The Company recorded no goodwill in its accounting for this acquisition.

On February 28, 2017, the Company completed an acquisition of fourteen branches from Mathes Management Enterprises, Inc. As of March 31, 2017 the accounting related to this acquisition was preliminary as allowed by FASB ASC Topic 805-10-25. During the six months ended September 30, 2017 the Company made an adjustment to the fair value of the customer lists and goodwill related to the purchase, which resulted in the Company's recording approximately $1.0 million of goodwill and a corresponding reduction of the amount previously allocated to customer lists. The final determination of the fair value of the goodwill and customer lists will be completed within the twelve month measurement period from the date of the acquisition as required by FASB ASC Topic 805-10-25.

The results of all acquisitions have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements since the respective acquisition date. The pro forma impact of these branches as though they had been acquired at the beginning of the periods presented would not have a material effect on the results of operations as reported.

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NOTE 8 – DEBT

At September 30, 2017 the Company's notes payable consisted of a $480.0 million senior revolving credit facility with borrowings of $320.8 million outstanding and $550.0 thousand outstanding in standby letters of credit related to workers compensation. To the extent that the letters of credit are drawn upon, the disbursement will be funded by the credit facility. There are no amounts due related to the letters of credit as of September 30, 2017, and they expire on December 31, 2017. The letters of credit are automatically extended for one year on the expiration date. Subject to a borrowing base formula, the Company may borrow at the rate of LIBOR plus 4.0% with a minimum rate of 5.0%. For the six months ended September 30, 2017 and fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, the Company’s effective interest rate, including the commitment fee and amortization of debt issuance costs, was 5.8% and 5.8%, respectively, and the unused amount available under the revolver at September 30, 2017 was $158.7 million. The revolving credit facility has a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the unused portion of the commitment. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility mature on June 15, 2019.

Substantially all of the Company’s assets, excluding the assets of the Company's Mexican subsidiaries, are pledged as collateral for borrowings under the revolving credit agreement.

The revolving credit agreement contains events of default including, without limitation, nonpayment of principal, interest or other obligations, violation of covenants, misrepresentation, cross-default to other debt, bankruptcy and other insolvency events, judgments, certain ERISA events, actual or asserted invalidity of loan documentation, invalidity of subordination provisions of subordinated debt, certain changes of control of the Company, and the occurrence of certain regulatory events (including the entry of any stay, order, judgment, ruling or similar event related to the Company’s or any of its subsidiaries’ originating, holding, pledging, collecting or enforcing its eligible finance receivables that is material to the Company or any subsidiary) which remains unvacated, undischarged, unbonded or unstayed by appeal or otherwise for a period of 60 days from the date of its entry and is reasonably likely to cause a material adverse change. If it is determined that a violation of the FCPA or other laws has occurred, as described in Note 10, such violation may give rise to an event of default under the revolving credit agreement if such violation were to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operations, properties, assets, or condition (financial or otherwise) or if the amount of any settlement resulted in the Company failing to satisfy any financial covenants.

NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES

The Company is required to assess whether the earnings of its two Mexican foreign subsidiaries, Servicios World Acceptance Corporation de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“SWAC”) and WAC de México, S.A. de C.V., SOFOM ENR (“WAC de Mexico”), will be permanently reinvested in the respective foreign jurisdiction or if previously untaxed foreign earnings of the Company will no longer be permanently reinvested and thus become taxable in the United States. If these earnings were ever repatriated to the United States, the Company would be required to accrue and pay taxes on the cumulative undistributed earnings. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has determined that approximately $0.8 million of cumulative undistributed net earnings of SWAC and approximately $23.7 million of cumulative undistributed net earnings of WAC de México, as well as the future net earnings and losses of both foreign subsidiaries, will be permanently reinvested. At September 30, 2017, there was an unrecognized deductible temporary difference in the amount of $6,213,175 related to investment in the Mexican subsidiaries.

As of September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017, the Company had $9.2 million and $8.9 million, respectively, of total gross unrecognized tax benefits including interest. Approximately $7.4 million and $7.2 million, respectively, represent the amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that are permanent in nature and, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate. At September 30, 2017, approximately $4.4 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits are expected to be resolved during the next twelve months through the expiration of the statute of limitations and settlement with taxing authorities. The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had approximately $1.8 million accrued for gross interest, of which $205,988 was a current period-end expense for the six months ended September 30, 2017.

The Company is subject to U.S. and Mexican income taxes, as well as various other state and local jurisdictions. With the exception of a few states, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013, although carryforward attributes that were generated prior to 2013 may still be adjusted upon examination by the taxing authorities if they either have been or will be used in a future period.

The Company’s effective income tax rate increased to 40.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 compared to 36.6% for the prior year quarter. The increase for the period relates to a shift of expenses from a higher rate jurisdiction to a lower rate jurisdiction.

NOTE 10 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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See Part 1, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Regulatory Matters - CFPB Investigation,” for information regarding the Company’s previously disclosed receipt of a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) on March 12, 2014 and receipt of a Notice and Opportunity to Respond and Advise letter from the CFPB on August 7, 2015 and the Company’s responses thereto.

Mexico Investigation

As previously disclosed, the Company is conducting an investigation of its operations in Mexico, focusing on the legality under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (“FCPA”), and certain local laws of certain payments related to loans, the maintenance of the Company’s books and records associated with such payments, and the treatment of compensation matters for certain employees.

The investigation continues to address whether and to what extent improper payments, which may violate the FCPA and other local laws, were made approximately between 2010 and 2017 by or on behalf of WAC de Mexico to government officials in Mexico relating to loans made to unionized employees. The Company has voluntarily contacted the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to advise both agencies that an internal investigation is underway and that the Company intends to cooperate with both agencies. The SEC has issued a formal order of investigation. A conclusion cannot be drawn at this time as to what potential remedies these agencies may seek. In addition, although management will seek to avoid disruption to its operations in Mexico, the Company cannot determine at this time the ultimate effect that the investigation or any remedial measures will have on such operations.

If violations of the FCPA or other local laws occurred, the Company could be subject to fines, civil and criminal penalties, equitable remedies, including profit disgorgement and related interest, and injunctive relief. In addition, any disposition of these matters could adversely impact our ability to collect on outstanding loans and result in modifications to our business practices and compliance programs, including significant restructuring or curtailment of our operations in Mexico. Any disposition could also potentially require that a monitor be appointed to review future business practices with the goal of ensuring compliance with the FCPA and other applicable laws. The Company could also face fines, sanctions, and other penalties from authorities in Mexico, as well as third-party claims by shareholders and/or other stakeholders of the Company. In addition, disclosure of the investigation could adversely affect the Company’s reputation and its ability to obtain new business or retain existing business from its current customers and potential customers, to attract and retain employees, and to access the capital markets. If it is determined that a violation of the FCPA has occurred, such violation may give rise to an event of default under the Company’s credit agreement if such violation were to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operations, properties, assets, or condition (financial or otherwise) or if the amount of any settlement resulted in the Company failing to satisfy any financial covenants. Additional potential FCPA violations or violations of other laws or regulations may be uncovered through the investigation.

In addition to the ultimate liability for disgorgement and related interest, the Company believes that it could be further liable for fines and penalties. We are continuing our discussions with the DOJ and SEC regarding the matters under investigation, but the Company cannot reasonably estimate the amount of any fine or penalty that it may have to pay as a part of any possible settlement or assess the potential liability that might be incurred if a settlement is not reached and the government were to litigate the matter. As such, based on the information available at this time, any additional liability related to this matter is not reasonably estimable. The Company will continue to evaluate the amount of its liability pending final resolution of the investigation and any related settlement discussions with the government.

Shareholder Complaints

As previously disclosed, on April 22, 2014, a shareholder filed a putative class action complaint, Edna Selan Epstein v. World Acceptance Corporation et al., in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina (case number 6:14-cv-01606) (the "Edna Epstein Putative Class Action"), against the Company and certain of its current and former officers on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s common stock between April 25, 2013 and March 12, 2014. Two amended complaints have been filed by the plaintiffs, and several other motions have been filed in the proceedings. The complaint, as currently amended, alleges that (i) the Company made false and misleading statements in various SEC reports and other public statements in violation of federal securities laws preceding the Company’s disclosure in a Form 8-K filed March 13, 2014 that it had received the above-referenced CID from the CFPB (ii) the Company’s loan growth and volume figures were inflated because of a weakness in the Company’s internal controls relating to its accounting treatment of certain small-dollar loan re-financings and (iii) additional allegations regarding, among other things, the Company's receipt of a Notice and Opportunity to Respond and Advise letter from the CFPB on August 7, 2015. The complaint seeks class certification for a class consisting of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's common stock between January 30, 2013 and August 10, 2015, unspecified

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monetary damages, costs and attorneys' fees. The Company denied that the claims had any merit and opposed certification of the proposed class.

On June 7, 2017, during a court-ordered mediation, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle the Edna Epstein Putative Class Action. The parties’ stipulation setting forth the terms of the settlement was filed with the court on August 25, 2017. The court entered an order preliminarily approving the settlement on August 31, 2017. A hearing to determine whether the settlement should be finally approved is scheduled for December 18, 2017. If approved by the court, the settlement will resolve the claims asserted against all defendants in the action. The settlement stipulation provides for a settlement payment to the class of $16 million, all of which will be funded by the Company’s directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance carriers. Neither the Company nor any of its present or former officers have admitted any wrongdoing or liability in connection with the settlement.

As previously disclosed, on July 15, 2015, a shareholder filed a putative derivative complaint, Irwin J. Lipton, et al. v. McLean, et al., in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina (case number 6:15-cv-02796-MGL) (the “Lipton Derivative Action”), on behalf of the Company against certain of its current and former officers and directors. On September 21, 2015, another shareholder filed a putative derivative complaint, Paul Parshall, et al. v. McLean, et al., in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina (case number 6:15-cv-03779-MGL) (the “Parshall Derivative Action”), asserting substantially similar claims on behalf of the Company against certain of its current and former officers and directors. On October 14, 2015, the Court entered an order consolidating the Lipton Derivative Action and the Parshall Derivative Action as In re World Acceptance Corp. Derivative Litigation (Lead Case No. 6:15-cv-02796-MGL). The plaintiffs subsequently filed an amended consolidated complaint, and the amended consolidated complaint alleges, among other things: (i) that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties by disseminating false and misleading information to the Company’s shareholders regarding the Company’s loan growth, loan renewals, allowances for loan losses, revenue sources, revenue growth, compliance with GAAP, and the sufficiency of the Company’s internal controls and accounting procedures; (ii) that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties by failing to ensure that the Company maintained adequate internal controls; (iii) that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties by failing to exercise prudent oversight and supervision of the Company’s officers and other employees to ensure conformity with all applicable laws and regulations; (iv) that the defendants were unjustly enriched as a result of the compensation they received while allegedly breaching their fiduciary duties owed to the Company; (v) that the defendants wasted corporate assets by paying excessive compensation to certain of the Company’s executive officers, awarding self-interested stock options to certain of the Company’s officers and directors, incurring legal liability and legal costs to defend the defendants’ unlawful actions, and authorizing the repurchase of Company stock at artificially inflated prices; (vi) that certain of the defendants breached their fiduciary duty to the Company by selling shares of the Company’s stock at artificially inflated prices while in the possession of material, nonpublic information regarding the Company’s financial condition; (vii) that the defendants violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by making false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s practices regarding loan renewals, loan modifications, and accounting for loans; (viii) that the defendants violated Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by failing to disclose alleged material facts in the Company’s 2014 and 2015 proxy statements; and (ix) allegations similar to those made in connection with the Edna Epstein Putative Class Action described above. The amended consolidated complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified monetary damages and an order directing the Company to take steps to reform and improve its corporate governance and internal procedures to comply with applicable laws and to protect the Company and its shareholders from future wrongdoing such as that described in the consolidated complaint. On February 28, 2017, the Court entered an order dismissing the derivative litigation. The plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on March 27, 2017.

On June 14, 2017, following mediation, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle the derivative litigation. The parties’ stipulation setting forth the terms of the settlement was filed with the court on August 4, 2017. The settlement stipulation provides that the Company will adopt certain corporate governance practices and pay plaintiffs’ attorney’s fees and expenses in an amount approved by the court not to exceed $475,000, which fees and expenses will be funded by the Company’s directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance carriers. The court entered an order preliminarily approving the settlement on August 24, 2017. On November 7, 2017, the court entered a final order and judgment approving the settlement and awarding plaintiffs’ attorney’s fees and expenses in the amount of $475,000. The court’s order approving the settlement resolves the claims asserted against all defendants in the action. Neither the Company nor any of its present or former directors and officers have admitted any wrongdoing or liability in connection with the settlement.

General

In addition, from time to time the Company is involved in routine litigation matters relating to claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business, including matters in which damages in various amounts are claimed.

Estimating an amount or range of possible losses resulting from litigation, government actions and other legal proceedings is inherently difficult and requires an extensive degree of judgment, particularly where the matters involve indeterminate claims for

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monetary damages, may involve fines, penalties or damages that are discretionary in amount, involve a large number of claimants or significant discretion by regulatory authorities, represent a change in regulatory policy or interpretation, present novel legal theories, are in the early stages of the proceedings, are subject to appeal or could result in a change in business practices. In addition, because most legal proceedings are resolved over extended periods of time, potential losses are subject to change due to, among other things, new developments, changes in legal strategy, the outcome of intermediate procedural and substantive rulings and other parties’ settlement posture and their evaluation of the strength or weakness of their case against us. For these reasons, we are currently unable to predict the ultimate timing or outcome of, or reasonably estimate the possible losses or a range of possible losses resulting from, the matters described above. Based on information currently available, the Company does not believe that any reasonably possible losses arising from currently pending legal matters will be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in such matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in any particular reporting period.

NOTE 11 – SEGMENTS

At March 31, 2017 only the U.S. operating segment met one or more of the quantitative thresholds that trigger separately disclosed reporting as outlined in FASB Accounting Standards Codification 280, Segment Reporting. However, management believes separately disclosed information about the Mexico operating segment would be useful to readers of the financial statements. Therefore, the Company has two reportable segments, which are the U.S. and Mexico components.

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The following table presents operating results for the Company’s two reportable segments:



	Three months ended September 30,				Six months ended September 30,
	2017			2016	2017			2016
Revenues:
U.S.	$	118,929,051		118,611,404	$	235,567,417		235,677,371
Mexico	12,076,480			10,657,572	24,347,537			20,671,701
Consolidated revenues	131,005,531			129,268,976	259,914,954			256,349,072

Provision for loan losses:
U.S.	$	32,824,398		34,429,489	$	60,534,025		63,347,983
Mexico	6,151,574			1,441,255	9,282,005			4,537,038
Consolidated provision for loan losses	38,975,972			35,870,744	69,816,030			67,885,021

General and administrative expenses:⁽¹⁾
U.S.	$	58,937,002		57,825,252	$	125,145,188		114,931,636
Mexico	11,971,749			5,630,536	18,680,652			11,472,657
Consolidated general and administrative expenses	70,908,751			63,455,788	143,825,840			126,404,293

Interest expense:⁽²⁾
U.S.	$	4,790,744		5,518,878	$	9,037,446		11,105,197
Mexico	—			—	—			—
Consolidated interest expense	4,790,744			5,518,878	9,037,446			11,105,197

Income tax expense (benefit):
U.S.	$	7,984,523		7,788,477	$	15,249,919		17,271,589
Mexico	(1,453,804		)	1,143,624	(881,312		)	1,573,553
Consolidated income tax expense	6,530,719			8,932,101	14,368,607			18,845,142

Net income (loss):
U.S.	$	14,392,384		13,049,308	$	25,600,839		29,020,966
Mexico	(4,593,039		)	2,442,157	(2,733,808		)	3,088,453
Consolidated net income	9,799,345			15,491,465	22,867,031			32,109,419

⁽¹⁾

In accordance with transfer pricing agreements between the segments, the Mexico segment reimburses the U.S. segment for personnel-related and other administrative costs incurred by the U.S. segment for the benefit of the Mexico segment. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 these charges totaled $3.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 these charges totaled $4.1 million and -$0.3 million ($0.8 million in charges net of approximately $1.1 million of expense reversal related to the retirement of the previous Senior Vice President of Mexico), respectively.


⁽²⁾	In accordance with the Company's revolving credit facility, substantially all of the Company’s assets, excluding the Company’s Mexico subsidiaries, are pledged as collateral. Any working capital contributions made by the U.S. segment to the Mexico segment are treated as contributions of capital. Therefore, the Mexico segment incurs no interest expense.

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The following table presents long-lived assets (other than financial instruments, long-term customer relationships of a financial institution, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred tax assets) for the Company’s two reportable segments:



	September 30, 2017		March 31, 2017
Total long-lived assets
U.S.	$	21,101,522	20,724,777
Mexico	3,256,154		3,459,430
Consolidated total long-lived assets	24,357,676		24,184,207

The following table presents total assets for the Company’s two reportable segments:



	September 30, 2017		March 31, 2017
Total assets
U.S.	$	786,140,414	730,985,558
Mexico	70,928,716		69,603,217
Consolidated total assets	857,069,130		800,588,775

NOTE 12 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management is not aware of any significant events occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date that would have a material effect on the financial statements thereby requiring adjustment or disclosure.

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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This report on Form 10-Q, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains various “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are based on management’s belief and assumptions, as well as information currently available to management. Statements other than those of historical fact, as well as those identified by the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” "would," "could," and any variation of the foregoing and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in any such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Any such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual financial results, performance or financial condition may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or expected.

Among the key factors that could cause our actual financial results, performance or condition to differ from the expectations expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements are the following: recently enacted, proposed or future legislation and the manner in which it is implemented; the nature and scope of regulatory authority, particularly discretionary authority, that may be exercised by regulators, including, but not limited to, the SEC, DOJ, and CFPB, having jurisdiction over the Company; the unpredictable nature of regulatory proceedings and litigation; developments in, and the outcome of, our ongoing investigation into certain transactions and payments in Mexico, including any legal proceedings or government enforcement actions which could arise out of the matters under review, and any remedial actions we may take in connection therewith; any determinations, findings, claims or actions made or taken by regulators or other third parties in connection with or resulting from our ongoing investigation, the SEC's formal order of investigation or the civil investigative demand or the notice and opportunity to respond and advise letter from the CFPB that assert or establish that the Company’s lending practices or other aspects of its business violate applicable laws or regulations; the impact of changes in accounting rules and regulations, or their interpretation or application, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s reported consolidated financial statements or necessitate material delays or changes in the issuance of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements; the Company's assessment of its internal control over financial reporting, and the timing and effectiveness of the Company's efforts to remediate the reported material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting, which could lead the Company to report further material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting; changes in interest rates; risks relating to expansion; risks related to foreign operations; risks inherent in making loans, including repayment risks and value of collateral; our dependence on debt and the potential impact of limitations in the Company’s amended revolving credit facility; the timing and amount of revenues that may be recognized by the Company; changes in current revenue and expense trends (including trends affecting delinquency and charge-offs); changes in the Company’s markets and general changes in the economy (particularly in the markets served by the Company). These and other risks are discussed in more detail in Part II, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company's most recent report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 filed with the SEC, and in the Company’s other reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC from time to time. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements it may make.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain information derived from the Company's consolidated statements of operations and balance sheets, as well as operating data and ratios, for the periods indicated (unaudited):

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	Three months ended September 30,						Six months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Average gross loans receivable¹	$	1,136,164		$	1,098,722		$	1,106,183		$	1,086,278
Average net loans receivable²	816,727			792,684			797,325			785,474
Expenses as a % of total revenue:
Provision for loan losses	29.8		%	27.7		%	26.9		%	26.5		%
General and administrative	54.1		%	49.1		%	55.3		%	49.3		%
Total interest expense	3.7		%	4.3		%	3.5		%	4.3		%
Operating income as a % of total revenue³	16.1		%	23.2		%	17.8		%	24.2		%

Return on average assets (trailing 12 months)	7.6		%	9.0		%	7.6		%	9.0		%

Offices opened (merged) or acquired, net	—			(2		)	4			(17		)

Total offices (at period end)	1,331			1,322			1,331			1,322


⁽¹⁾	Average gross loans receivable have been determined by averaging month-end gross loans receivable over the indicated period.


⁽²⁾	Average net loans receivable have been determined by averaging month-end gross loans receivable less unearned interest and deferred fees over the indicated period.


⁽³⁾	Operating income is computed as total revenues less provision for loan losses and general and administrative expenses.

Comparison of three months ended September 30, 2017 versus three months ended September 30, 2016

Net income was $9.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a 36.7% decrease from the $15.5 million earned during the three months ended September 30, 2016. Operating income (revenue less provision for loan losses and general and administrative expenses) decreased by $8.8 million, or 29.5%. Interest expense decreased by $0.7 million, or 13.2%. Income tax expense decreased by $2.4 million, or 26.9%.

Total revenue increased by $1.7 million, or 1.3%, to $131.0 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 from $129.3 million for the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average earning loans.

Interest and fee income for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 increased by $1.4 million, or 1.2%, from the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The increase was primarily due to a corresponding increase in average earning loans. Average net loans outstanding was up 3.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Insurance commissions and other income for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 increased by $0.3 million, or 2.6%, from the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Insurance commissions increased by approximately $0.4 million, or 3.5%, during the three months ended September 30, 2017 when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. Insurance commissions increased primarily due to an increase in loans where our insurance products are available to our customer. Other income remained flat when compared to the prior year quarter.

The provision for loan losses during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 increased by $3.1 million, or 8.7% from the corresponding quarter of the previous year. This is primarily due to an increase in net charge-offs and delinquent accounts in Mexico. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average net loans on an annualized basis decreased from 15.6% to 14.0% when comparing the two quarters. Consolidated net charge-offs decreased by $2.4 million when comparing the two quarters. The portion of the provision related to an increase in loans outstanding increased $1.2 million quarter-over-quarter due to gross loans outstanding increasing $37.3 million over the course of the second quarter of fiscal 2018 versus $8.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 increased by $7.5 million, or 11.7% from the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Personnel expense increased $3.8 million primarily due to an increase in part-time employees, which the Company hired to enable our branch offices to extend their hours without significant overtime or hiring additional full-time employees, the expense associated with equity awards granted during October 2016, and higher branch-level

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bonuses as the branch-level performance improved. Advertising expense increased $1.2 million due a significant increase in our direct marketing program relative to the same quarter last year. Legal and professional expense increased by $1.9 million primarily due to fees related to the previously disclosed investigation related to our operations in Mexico. See Note 10 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding the investigation.

Interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 decreased by $0.7 million, or 13.2% from the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The decrease in interest expense was due to a 14.0% decrease in the average debt outstanding, from $365.0 million to $313.8 million.

Comparison of six months ended September 30, 2017 versus six months ended September 30, 2016

Net income was $22.9 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017, a 28.8% decrease from the $32.1 million earned during the six months ended September 30, 2016. Operating income (revenue less provision for loan losses and general and administrative expenses) decreased by $15.8 million, or 25.4%. Interest expense decreased by $2.1 million, or 18.6%. Income tax expense decreased by $4.5 million, or 23.8%.

Total revenue increased by $3.6 million, or 1.4%, to $259.9 million during the six months ended September 30, 2017 from $256.3 million for the corresponding period of the previous year.

Interest and fee income for the six months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $3.0 million, or 1.3%, from the corresponding period of the previous year. The increase was primarily due to a corresponding increase in average earning loans. Average net loans outstanding was up 1.5% for the six months ended September 30, 2017 when compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Insurance commissions and other income for the six months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $0.6 million, or 2.2%, from the corresponding period of the previous year. Insurance commissions increased by approximately $0.3 million, or 1.5%, during the six months when compared to the same period in the prior year. Insurance commissions increased primarily due to an increase in loans where our insurance products are available to the customer. Other income increased by approximately $0.3 million, or 5.2%.

The provision for loan losses during the six months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $1.9 million, or 2.8% from the corresponding period of the previous year. This is primarily due to an increase in net charge-offs and delinquent accounts in Mexico. Consolidated net charge-offs decreased by $4.4 million. Consolidated net charge-offs as a percentage of average net loans on an annualized basis decreased from 15.3% to 13.9% when comparing the two periods. The portion of the provision related to an increase in loans outstanding increased $2.0 million over the prior year period due to gross loans outstanding increasing $87.8 million over the course of the six month period versus $28.6 million in the prior year period.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses for the six months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $17.4 million, or 13.8% from the corresponding period of the previous year. Overall, general and administrative expenses, when divided by average open offices, increased by approximately 13.6% when comparing the two periods. The total general and administrative expense as a percent of total revenue was 55.3% for the six months ended September 30, 2017 and was 49.3% for the six months ended September 30, 2016. Personnel expenses increased by $6.8 million, or 8.2% from the corresponding period of the previous year. Advertising expense increased $3.8 million due a significant increase in our direct marketing program relative to the same period in the previous year. Legal and professional expense increased by $4.4 million primarily due to fees related to the previously disclosed investigation related to our operations in Mexico. See Note 10 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding the investigation.

Interest expense for the six months ended September 30, 2017 decreased by $2.1 million, or 18.6% from the corresponding period of the previous year. The decrease is the result of a 17.2% decrease in the average debt outstanding, from $366.2 million to $303.2 million for the periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

The Company’s effective income tax rate increased to 38.6% for the six months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 37.0% for the corresponding period of the previous year. The increase for the period relates to a shift of expenses from a higher rate jurisdiction to a lower rate jurisdiction.

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Regulatory Matters

Mexico Investigation

The investigation continues to address whether and to what extent improper payments, which may violate the FCPA and other local laws, were made approximately between 2010 and 2017 by or on behalf of WAC de México, S.A. de C.V., SOFOM ENR, a subsidiary of the Company (“WAC de Mexico”), to government officials in Mexico relating to loans made to unionized employees. The Company has voluntarily contacted the SEC and the DOJ to advise both agencies that an investigation is underway and that the Company intends to cooperate with both agencies. The SEC has issued a formal order of investigation. A conclusion cannot be drawn at this time as to what potential remedies these agencies may seek. In addition, although management will seek to avoid disruption to its operations in Mexico, the Company cannot determine at this time the ultimate effect that the investigation or any remedial measures will have on such operations.

CFPB Investigation

As previously disclosed, on March 12, 2014, the Company received a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”). The stated purpose of the CID is to determine whether the Company has been or is “engaging in unlawful acts or practices in connection with the marketing, offering, or extension of credit in violation of Sections 1031 and 1036 of the Consumer Financial Protection Act, 12 U.S.C. §§ 5531, 5536, the Truth in Lending Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1601, et seq., Regulation Z, 12 C.F.R. pt. 1026, or any other Federal consumer financial law” and “also to determine whether Bureau action to obtain legal or equitable relief would be in the public interest.” The Company responded, within the deadlines specified in the CID, to broad requests for production of documents, answers to interrogatories and written reports related to loans made by the Company and numerous other aspects of the Company’s business.

Also as previously disclosed, on August 7, 2015, the Company received a letter from the CFPB’s Enforcement Office notifying the Company that, in accordance with the CFPB’s discretionary Notice and Opportunity to Respond and Advise (“NORA”) process, the staff of CFPB’s Enforcement Office is considering recommending that the CFPB take legal action against the Company (the “NORA Letter”). The NORA Letter states that the staff of the CFPB’s Enforcement Office expects to allege that the Company violated the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, 12 U.S.C. §5536. The NORA Letter confirms that the Company has the opportunity to make a NORA submission, which is a written statement setting forth any reasons of law or policy why the Company believes the CFPB should not take legal action against it. The Company understands that a NORA Letter is intended to ensure that potential subjects of enforcement actions have the opportunity to present their positions to the CFPB before an enforcement action is recommended or commenced.

The Company has made NORA submissions to the CFPB’s Enforcement Office. The Company expects that there will continue to be additional requests or demands for information from the CFPB and ongoing interactions between the CFPB, the Company and Company counsel as part of the investigation. We are currently unable to predict the ultimate timing or outcome of the CFPB

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investigation. While the Company believes its marketing and lending practices are lawful, there can be no assurance that the CFPB's ongoing investigation or future exercise of its enforcement, regulatory, discretionary or other powers will not result in findings or alleged violations of federal consumer financial protection laws that could lead to enforcement actions, proceedings or litigation and the imposition of damages, fines, penalties, restitution, other monetary liabilities, sanctions, settlements or changes to the Company’s business practices or operations that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations or eliminate altogether the Company's ability to operate its business profitably or on terms substantially similar to those on which it currently operates. See Part I, Item 1, “Business - Government Regulation - Federal legislation” and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 for a further discussion of these matters and federal regulations to which the Company’s operations are subject.

CFPB Rulemaking Initiatives

On October 5, 2017, the CFPB issued a final rule (the “Rule”) imposing limitations on (i) short-term consumer loans, (ii) longer-term consumer installment loans with balloon payments, and (iii) higher-rate consumer installment loans repayable by a payment authorization. The Rule requires lenders originating short-term loans and longer-term balloon payment loans to evaluate whether each consumer has the ability to repay the loan along with current obligations and expenses (“ability to repay requirements”). The Rule also curtails repeated unsuccessful attempts to debit consumers’ accounts for short-term loans, balloon payment loans, and installment loans that involve a payment authorization and an Annual Percentage Rate over 36% (“payment requirements”). The final Rule has significant differences from the CFPB’s proposed rules announced on June 2, 2016, relating to payday, vehicle title, and similar loans. The Company does not believe that the CFPB's final rule will have a material impact on the Company’s existing lending procedures, because the Company currently does not make short-term consumer loans or longer-term consumer installment loans with balloon payments that would subject the Company to the Rule’s ability to repay requirements. To the extent that the Rule’s payment requirements would apply to the Company’s loans, the Company does not believe that these requirements would have a material impact on the Company’s lending procedures.

The CFPB also has stated that it expects to conduct separate rulemaking to identify larger participants in the installment lending market for purposes of its supervision program. Though the timing of any such rulemaking is uncertain, the Company believes that the implementation of such rules would likely bring the Company’s business under the CFPB’s supervisory authority which, among other things, would subject the Company to reporting obligations to, and on-site compliance examinations by, the CFPB.

See Part I, Item 1, “Business - Government Regulation - Federal legislation” and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2017 for a further discussion of these matters and federal regulations to which the Company’s operations are subject.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has financed and continues to finance its operations, acquisitions and office expansion through a combination of cash flows from operations and borrowings from its institutional lenders. The Company has generally applied its cash flows from operations to fund its loan volume, fund acquisitions, repay long-term indebtedness, and repurchase its common stock. As the Company's gross loans receivable decreased from $1,112.3 million at March 31, 2014 to $1,059.8 million at March 31, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $219.4 million, $206.1 million, and $241.9 million, respectively.

The Company continues to believe repurchases of common stock are a viable component of the Company’s long-term financial strategy and an excellent use of excess cash when the opportunity arises. However, the Company's amended credit facility limits share repurchases to 50% of consolidated adjusted net income in any fiscal year commencing with the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017.

The Company plans to open or acquire 25 branches in the United States during fiscal 2018. Expenditures by the Company to open and furnish new offices averaged approximately $35,000 per branch during fiscal 2017. New branches have also required from $100,000 to $400,000 to fund outstanding loans receivable originated during their first 12 months of operation. During the six months ended September 30, 2017, the Company opened 10 new branches and 9 branches were merged into existing branches.

The Company acquired 3 branches through four business combinations during the first six months of fiscal 2018. The Company may acquire new branches or receivables from its competitors or acquire offices in communities not currently served by the Company if attractive opportunities arise as conditions in local economies and the financial circumstances of owners change.

The Company has a revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks. The revolving credit facility provides for revolving borrowings of up to the lesser of (1) the aggregate commitments under the facility or (2) a borrowing base, and includes a $550.0

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thousand outstanding letter of credit subfacility. At September 30, 2017, the aggregate commitments under the credit facility were $480.0 million. The borrowing base limitation is equal to the product of (a) the Company’s eligible finance receivables, less unearned finance charges, insurance premiums and insurance commissions, and (b) an advance rate percentage that ranges from 79% to 85% based on a collateral performance indicator, as more completely described below. Further, the administrative agent under the revolving credit facility has the right at any time, and from time to time in its permitted discretion (but without any obligation), to set aside reasonable reserves against the borrowing base in such amounts as it may deem appropriate, including, without limitation, reserves with respect to regulatory events or any increased operational, legal or regulatory risk. In May 2017, the credit facility was amended to, among other things: (i) extend the maturity date from June 15, 2018 to June 15, 2019; (ii) increase the commitments from $370.0 million to $480.0 million; (iii) reduce the maximum permissible ratio of total debt to consolidated adjusted net worth from 2.75 to 1.0 to 2.0 to 1.0; (iv) further narrow the definition of “Eligible Finance Receivables;” (v) expand the circumstances under which the Company may make restricted payments by allowing for certain share repurchases in an aggregate amount of up to 50% of consolidated adjusted net income in any fiscal year, commencing with the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017; and (vi) restrict certain bulk purchases of finance receivables by the Company. In addition, pursuant to the amendment, Bank United, N.A. became a lender under the revolving credit facility.

Funds borrowed under the revolving credit facility bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus 4.0% per annum, with a minimum rate of 5.0%. During the six months ended September 30, 2017, the effective interest rate, including the commitment fee and amortization of debt issuance costs, on borrowings under the revolving credit facility was 5.8%. The Company pays a commitment fee equal to 0.50% per annum of the daily unused portion of the commitments. On September 30, 2017, $320.8 million was outstanding under this facility, and there was $158.7 million of unused borrowing availability under the borrowing base limitations.

The Company’s obligations under the revolving credit facility, together with treasury management and hedging obligations owing to any lender under the revolving credit facility or any affiliate of any such lender, are required to be guaranteed by each of the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The obligations of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors under the revolving credit facility, together with such treasury management and hedging obligations, are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors.

The agreement governing the Company’s revolving credit facility contains affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur or guarantee indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends and repurchase or redeem capital stock, dispose of assets, engage in mergers and consolidations, make acquisitions or other investments, redeem or prepay subordinated debt, amend subordinated debt documents, make changes in the nature of its business, and engage in transactions with affiliates. The agreement also contains financial covenants, including a minimum consolidated net worth of $330.0 million, plus 50% of the borrower's consolidated net income for each fiscal year beginning with 2017, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.5 to 1.0, a maximum ratio of total debt to consolidated adjusted net worth of 2.0 to 1.0, and a maximum ratio of subordinated debt to consolidated adjusted net worth of 1.0 to 1.0. The agreement allows the Company to incur subordinated debt that matures after the termination date for the revolving credit facility and that contains specified subordination terms, subject to limitations on amount imposed by the financial covenants under the agreement.

In addition, the agreement establishes a maximum specified level for the collateral performance indicator. The collateral performance indicator is equal to the sum of (1) a three-month rolling average rate of receivables at least sixty days past due and (2) an eight-month rolling average net charge-off rate. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at September 30, 2017 and does not believe that these covenants will materially limit its business and expansion strategy.

The agreement contains events of default including, without limitation, nonpayment of principal, interest or other obligations, violation of covenants, misrepresentation, cross-default to other debt, bankruptcy and other insolvency events, judgments, certain ERISA events, actual or asserted invalidity of loan documentation, invalidity of subordination provisions of subordinated debt, certain changes of control of the Company, and the occurrence of certain regulatory events (including the entry of any stay, order, judgment, ruling or similar event related to the Company’s or any of its subsidiaries’ originating, holding, pledging, collecting or enforcing its eligible finance receivables that is material to the Company or any subsidiary) which remains unvacated, undischarged, unbonded or unstayed by appeal or otherwise for a period of 60 days from the date of its entry and is reasonably likely to cause a material adverse change. If it is determined that a violation of the FCPA or certain other laws has occurred, as described above, such violation may give rise to an event of default under our credit agreement if such violation were to have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, properties, assets, or condition (financial or otherwise) or if the amount of any settlement resulted in the Company failing to satisfy any financial covenants.

The Company believes that cash flow from operations and borrowings under its revolving credit facility or other sources will be adequate to fund the expected cost of opening or acquiring new branches, including funding initial operating losses of new branches and funding loans receivable originated by those branches and the Company's other branches (for the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future beyond that). Except as otherwise discussed in this report and in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended

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March 31, 2017, including, but not limited to, any discussions in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" (as supplemented by any subsequent disclosures in information the Company files with or furnishes to the SEC from time to time), management is not currently aware of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that it believes will or could result in, or are or could be reasonably likely to result in, any material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity.

Share Repurchase Program

On March 10, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $25.0 million of the Company’s common stock. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has $1.9 million in aggregate remaining repurchase capacity under the March 10, 2015 repurchase authorization. The timing and actual number of shares of common stock repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including the stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements and other market and economic conditions. Although the repurchase authorization above has no stated expiration date, the Company’s stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

The Company continues to believe common stock repurchases to be a viable component of the Company’s long-term financial strategy and an excellent use of excess cash when the opportunity arises. However, our amended credit facility limits share repurchases to 50% of consolidated adjusted net income in any fiscal year commencing with the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017. Our first priority is to ensure we have enough capital to fund loan growth. To the extent we have excess capital, we may continue repurchasing common stock, if appropriate and as authorized by our Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2017 our debt outstanding was $320.8 million and our shareholders' equity was $490.2 million, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.7:1.0. We will continue to monitor our debt-to-equity ratio and are committed to maintaining a debt level that will allow us to continue to execute our business objectives, while not putting undue stress on our consolidated balance sheet.

Inflation

The Company does not believe that inflation, within reasonably anticipated rates, will have a material, adverse effect on its financial condition. Although inflation would increase the Company’s operating costs in absolute terms, the Company expects that the same decrease in the value of money would result in an increase in the size of loans demanded by its customer base. It is reasonable to anticipate that such a change in customer preference would result in an increase in total loans receivable and an increase in absolute revenue to be generated from that larger amount of loans receivable. That increase in absolute revenue should offset any increase in operating costs. In addition, because the Company’s loans have a relatively short contractual term, it is unlikely that loans made at any given point in time will be repaid with significantly inflated dollars.

Quarterly Information and Seasonality

See Note 2 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with U.S. GAAP and conform to general practices within the finance company industry. Certain accounting policies involve significant judgment by the Company’s management, including the use of estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. As a result, changes in these estimates and assumptions could significantly affect the Company’s financial position and results of operations. The Company considers its policies regarding the allowance for loan losses, share-based compensation and income taxes to be its most critical accounting policies due to the significant degree of management judgment involved.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company has developed processes and procedures for assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses that take into consideration various assumptions and estimates with respect to the loan portfolio. The Company’s assumptions and estimates may be affected in the future by changes in economic conditions, among other factors. Additional information concerning the allowance for loan losses is discussed under Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Credit Quality” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017.

Share-Based Compensation

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The Company measures compensation cost for share-based awards at fair value and recognizes compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of restricted stock is based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the Company’s common stock at the time of grant, and the fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The Black-Scholes model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected life, changes to which can materially affect the fair value estimate. Actual results and future changes in estimates may differ substantially from the Company’s current estimates.

Income Taxes

Management uses certain assumptions and estimates in determining income taxes payable or refundable, deferred income tax liabilities and assets for events recognized differently in its financial statements and income tax returns, and income tax expense. Determining these amounts requires analysis of certain transactions and interpretation of tax laws and regulations. Management exercises considerable judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting income tax liabilities and assets. These judgments and estimates are re-evaluated on a periodic basis as regulatory and business factors change.

No assurance can be given that either the tax returns submitted by management or the income tax reported on the Consolidated Financial Statements will not be adjusted by either adverse rulings, changes in the tax code, or assessments made by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), state, or foreign taxing authorities. The Company is subject to potential adverse adjustments, including but not limited to: an increase in the statutory federal or state income tax rates, the permanent non-deductibility of amounts currently considered deductible either now or in future periods, and the dependency on the generation of future taxable income in order to ultimately realize deferred income tax assets.

Under FASB ASC Topic 740, the Company will include the current and deferred tax impact of its tax positions in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (likelihood of greater than 50%) that such positions will be sustained by taxing authorities, with full knowledge of relevant information, based on the technical merits of the tax position. While the Company supports its tax positions by unambiguous tax law, prior experience with the taxing authority, and analysis of what it considers to be all relevant facts, circumstances and regulations, management must still rely on assumptions and estimates to determine the overall likelihood of success and proper quantification of a given tax position.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

As of September 30, 2017, the Company’s financial instruments consisted of the following: cash and cash equivalents, loans receivable and senior notes payable. Fair value approximates carrying value for all of these instruments. Loans receivable are originated at prevailing market rates and have an average life of approximately eight months. Given the short-term nature of these loans, they are continually repriced at current market rates.

The Company’s outstanding debt under its revolving credit facility was $320.8 million at September 30, 2017. Interest on borrowing under this facility is based on the greater of 5.0% or one month LIBOR plus 4.0%. Based on the outstanding balance at September 30, 2017, a change of 1.0% in the interest rates would cause a change in interest expense of approximately $2.5 million on an annual basis.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The Company operates offices in Mexico, where its local businesses utilize the Mexican peso as their functional currency. The consolidated financial statements of the Company are denominated in U.S. dollars and are, therefore, subject to fluctuation as the U.S. dollar and Mexican peso foreign exchange rates change. International revenue from our non-U.S. operations accounted for approximately 9.4% and 8.1% of consolidated revenue during the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. There have been, and there may continue to be, period-to-period fluctuations in the relative portions of our international revenue to total consolidated revenue.

Our international operations are subject to risks, including but not limited to potential FCPA compliance risks, differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, social unrest, labor union dynamics that can affect the collectability of our payroll deduct product, differing tax structures, other regulations and restrictions, and foreign exchange rate volatility. Accordingly, our future consolidated financial position as well as our consolidated results of operations could be adversely affected by changes in these or other factors. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact our financial position as the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars in preparing our consolidated balance sheet. Our exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations arises in part from balances in our intercompany accounts included on our subsidiary balance sheets. These intercompany accounts are denominated in the functional currency of the foreign subsidiaries and are translated to U.S. dollars at each reporting period end. Additionally, foreign exchange rate fluctuations may impact our consolidated results from operations as exchange rate fluctuations will impact the amounts reported in our consolidated statement of income. The effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our consolidated financial position is recognized within shareholders’ equity through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The net translation adjustment for the six months ended September 30, 2017 resulted in income of approximately $1.7 million. The Company’s foreign currency exchange rate exposures may change over time as business practices evolve and could have a material effect on the Company’s financial results. The Company will continue to monitor and assess the effect of foreign currency fluctuations and may institute hedging strategies.

The Company performs a foreign exchange sensitivity analysis on a quarterly basis which assumes a hypothetical 10% increase and decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Mexican peso. The foreign exchange risk sensitivity of both net loans receivable and consolidated net income is assessed using hypothetical scenarios and assumes that earnings in Mexican pesos are recognized evenly throughout a period. The actual results may differ from the results noted in the tables below particularly due to assumptions utilized or if events occur that were not included in the methodology.

The foreign exchange risk sensitivity of net loans denominated in Mexican pesos and translated into U.S. dollars, which were approximately $71.1 million and $59.7 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, on the reported consolidated net loans receivable amount is summarized in the following table:



Foreign Exchange Sensitivity Analysis of Loans Receivable, Net Amounts
	As of September 30, 2017
Foreign exchange spot rate, U.S. dollars to Mexican pesos	-10%			0%			10%
Loans receivable, net of unearned	$	819,735,844		$	826,201,243		$	834,103,415
% change from base amount	(0.78		)%	—		%	0.96		%
$ change from base amount	$	(6,465,399	)	$	—		$	7,902,172

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	As of September 30, 2016
Foreign exchange spot rate, U.S. dollars to Mexican pesos	-10%			0%			10%
Loans receivable, net of unearned	$	785,073,263		$	790,497,608		$	797,127,383
% change from base amount	(0.69		)%	—		%	0.84		%
$ change from base amount	$	(5,424,345	)	$	—		$	6,629,775

The following table summarizes the results of the foreign exchange risk sensitivity analysis on reported consolidated net income as of the dates indicated below:



Foreign Exchange Sensitivity Analysis of Net Income
	For the six months ended September 30, 2017
Foreign exchange spot rate, U.S. dollars to Mexican pesos	-10%			0%			10%
Net Income	$	23,115,555		$	22,867,031		$	22,563,280
% change from base amount	1.09		%	—		%	(1.33		)%
$ change from base amount	$	248,524		$	—		$	(303,751	)



	For the six months ended September 30, 2016
Foreign exchange spot rate, U.S. dollars to Mexican pesos	-10%			0%			10%
Net Income	$	31,828,649		$	32,109,419		$	32,452,583
% change from base amount	(0.87		)%	—		%	1.07		%
$ change from base amount	$	(280,770	)	$	—		$	343,164

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Other than the remediation efforts described herein under "Remediation Plan," there were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on management’s evaluation, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as of the end of the period covered by this report, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, were not effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In this regard, we cannot conclude that the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting due to control design gaps in our accounts payable environment related to vendor management and payments processes in Mexico and in our entity level control environment related to adherence to U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including the FCPA, and corporate governance of our Mexico subsidiary, as described in Part II, Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, has been fully remediated as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Remediation Plan

As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, we cannot yet estimate when the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting will be fully remediated as our internal investigation is ongoing. However, we are actively remediating the identified material weaknesses and have identified the following preliminary steps:


•	identify and make appropriate personnel changes;

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•	implement a new accounts payable system for the management of vendors and payments in Mexico, including requiring dual approval for all payments for legitimate and legal union commissions and fees, with the assistance of an expert third-party contractor;


•	implement a new vendor management policy, with the assistance of outside counsel in Mexico;


•	revamp, update, and expand our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and overall compliance policies and procedures, including implementing new internal controls around key laws and regulations related to our foreign subsidiaries to require review of employee training on an annual basis to verify that it is up to date and designed appropriately;


•	develop and implement new and/or additional policies and trainings for compliance with anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering laws and regulations;


•	reorganize the organizational structure of non-operational Mexico management; and


•	include the Finance Manager-Mexico as a member of the Disclosure Committee and require periodic certifications that the signer is not aware of any inappropriate payments to government officials.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 10 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Other than as set forth in Part II, Item 1A of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017, there have been no material changes to the risk factors included in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The Company's credit agreements contain certain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends on its capital stock. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources."

Since 1996, the Company has repurchased approximately 18.2 million shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $858.8 million. On March 10, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $25.0 million of the Company’s common stock. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has $1.9 million in repurchase capacity remaining under this authorization. The following table details purchases of the Company's common stock, if any, made by the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2017:



	(a) Total number of shares purchased	(b) Average price paid per share		(c) Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs	(d) Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
July 1 through July 31, 2017	—	$	—	—	$	1,906,179
August 1 through August 31, 2017	—	—		—	1,906,179
September 1 through September 30, 2017	—	—		—	1,906,179
Total for the quarter	—	$	—	—

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

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Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits listed in the accompanying exhibit index are filed as part of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description		Filed Herewith	Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description		Filed Herewith	Form or Registration Number	Exhibit	Filing Date
3.1	Sixth Amended and Restated Bylaws of World Acceptance Corporation (File No. 001-37794)			8-K	3.1	9-1-17
10.1	Eleventh Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2017, among World Acceptance Corporation, the lender parties thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent			8-K	10.1	5-8-17
10.2⁺	World Acceptance Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan			S-8	99	9-8-17
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer		*
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer		*
32.1	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer		*
32.2	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer		*
101.1	The following materials from the Company's Quarterly Report for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, formatted in XBRL:		*
	(i)	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017;
	(ii)	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016;
	(iii)	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016;
	(iv)	Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity for the year ended March 31, 2017 and the six months ended September 30, 2017;
	(v)	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016; and
	(vi)	Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



*	Submitted electronically herewith.
+	Management Contract or other compensatory plan required to be filed under Item 6 of this report and Item 601 of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

	By: /s/ Janet Lewis Matricciani
	Janet Lewis Matricciani
	Chief Executive Officer
	Date:	November 8, 2017

	By: /s/ John L. Calmes, Jr.
	John L. Calmes, Jr.
	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	Date:	November 8, 2017