WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORP - Quarter Report: 2019 December (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

__________________________________

Form 10-Q

__________________________________

(Mark One)



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

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2019



☐	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)



104 S Main Street
Greenville,	South Carolina	29601
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)



(864)	298-9800
(registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par value	WRLD	The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (NASDAQ Global Select Market)

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 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.



Large Accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	☐

Non-accelerated filer	o	Smaller reporting company	☐

		Emerging growth company	☐

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 January 31, 2020 was 7,932,313.

WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS



Item No.	Contents	Page
	GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS	4

	PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1.	Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):	5
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019	5
	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018	8
	Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018	9
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018	11
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	13
2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	29
3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	39
4.	Controls and Procedures	39

	PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
1.	Legal Proceedings	40
1A.	Risk Factors	40
2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	40
3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	40
4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	41
5.	Other Information	41
6.	Exhibits	41

	EXHIBIT INDEX	41

	SIGNATURES	42

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 2020" are to the Company’s fiscal year ending March 31, 2020; all references in this report to "fiscal 2019" are to the Company's fiscal year ended March 31, 2019; and all references to "fiscal 2018" are to the Company’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.

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GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS

The following terms may be used throughout this Report, including consolidated financial statements and related notes.



Term	Definition
ASU	Accounting Standards Update
CEO	Chief Executive Officer
CFO	Chief Financial Officer
CFPB	U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Compensation Committee	Compensation and Stock Option Committee
DOJ	U.S. Department of Justice
Exchange Act	Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASB	Financial Accounting Standards Board
FCPA	U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended
G&A	General and administrative
GAAP	U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
IRC	Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
IRS	U.S. Internal Revenue Service
LIBOR	London Interbank Offered Rate
Option Measurement Period	The 6.5 year performance period beginning on September 30, 2018 and ending on March 31, 2025 over which the Performance Options are eligible to vest, following certification by the Compensation Committee of achievement
Purchasers	Jointly, Astro Wealth S.A. de C.V. and Astro Assets S.A. de C.V.
Performance Share Measurement Period	The 6.5 year performance period beginning on September 30, 2018 and ending on March 31, 2025 over which the Performance Shares are eligible to vest, following certification by the Compensation Committee of achievement
Performance Options	Performance-based stock options
Performance Shares	Service- and performance-based restricted stock awards
Restricted Stock	Service-based restricted stock awards
SEC	U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Service Options	Service-based stock options
SWAC	Servicios World Acceptance Corporation de México, S. de R.L. de C.V, a former subsidiary of World Acceptance Corporation
WAC de Mexico	WAC de México, S.A. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R., a former subsidiary of World Acceptance Corporation

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)



	December 31, 2019			March 31, 2019
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	12,038,992		$	9,335,433
Gross loans receivable	1,372,768,580			1,127,957,383
Less:
Unearned interest, insurance and fees	(366,034,067		)	(290,813,752		)
Allowance for loan losses	(113,069,641		)	(81,519,624		)
Loans receivable, net	893,664,872			755,624,007
Right-of-use asset (Note 6)	122,841,353			—
Property and equipment, net	28,215,117			25,424,183
Deferred income taxes, net	30,544,941			23,830,899
Other assets, net	23,640,426			18,398,935
Goodwill	7,240,419			7,034,463
Intangible assets, net	24,825,430			15,340,153
Total assets	$	1,143,011,550		$	854,988,073

LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Liabilities:
Senior notes payable	$	583,731,400		$	251,940,000
Income taxes payable	52,274			11,550,197
Lease liability (Note 6)	123,667,502			—
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	43,403,227			39,381,251
Total liabilities	750,854,403			302,871,448

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)	—			—

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 7,932,013 and 9,284,118 shares at December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019, respectively	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	221,172,751			198,125,649
Retained earnings	170,984,396			353,990,976
Total shareholders' equity	392,157,147			552,116,625

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,143,011,550		$	854,988,073

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)



	Three months ended December 31,					Nine months ended December 31,
	2019			2018		2019		2018
Continuing operations
Revenues:
Interest and fee income	$	130,224,337		$	122,998,784	$	379,225,518	$	344,933,259
Insurance income, net and other income	16,854,871			14,640,547		47,868,789		42,611,820
Total revenues	147,079,208			137,639,331		427,094,307		387,545,079

Expenses:
Provision for loan losses	55,219,470			48,943,886		149,478,577		119,893,201
General and administrative expenses:
Personnel	49,375,486			47,284,258		151,445,733		127,984,567
Occupancy and equipment	13,544,378			12,144,964		40,455,146		35,854,545
Advertising	8,181,106			8,929,228		20,560,667		18,884,827
Amortization of intangible assets	1,390,934			372,270		3,603,528		911,218
Other	17,631,727			8,233,451		34,287,303		26,042,217
Total general and administrative expenses	90,123,631			76,964,171		250,352,377		209,677,374

Interest expense	7,130,178			4,637,154		17,861,323		13,020,154
Total expenses	152,473,279			130,545,211		417,692,277		342,590,729

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(5,394,071		)	7,094,120		9,402,030		44,954,350

Income taxes	429,997			833,958		2,397,698		8,997,456

Income (loss) from continuing operations	(5,824,068		)	6,260,162		7,004,332		35,956,894

Discontinued operations (Note 2)
Income from discontinued operations before disposal of discontinued operations and income taxes	—			—		—		2,341,825
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	—			—		—		(38,377,623		)
Income taxes	—			—		—		626,583
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—		—		(36,662,381		)

Net income (loss)	$	(5,824,068	)	$	6,260,162	$	7,004,332	$	(705,487	)

Net income (loss) per common share from continuing operations:
Basic	$	(0.81	)	$	0.69	$	0.89	$	3.96
Diluted	$	(0.81	)	$	0.67	$	0.86	$	3.88
Net loss per common share from discontinued operations:

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Basic	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	(4.04	)
Diluted	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	(3.95	)
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	(0.81	)	$	0.69	$	0.89	$	(0.08	)
Diluted	$	(0.81	)	$	0.67	$	0.86	$	(0.08	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	7,220,938			9,108,516		7,842,689		9,078,576
Diluted	7,220,938			9,278,834		8,163,307		9,275,068

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 December 31,					Nine months ended December 31,
	2019			2018		2019		2018

Net income (loss)	$	(5,824,068	)	$	6,260,162	$	7,004,332	$	(705,487	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—		—		(5,235,838		)
Reclassification of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments due to sale of Mexico business	—			—		—		31,290,918
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(5,824,068	)	$	6,260,162	$	7,004,332	$	25,349,593

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)



	Three months ended December 31, 2019
	Common Stock
	Shares		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net	Total Shareholders' Equity
Balances at September 30, 2019	7,945,842		$	218,135,573	176,808,464		—	394,944,037
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	13,709		935,877		—		—	935,877
Common stock repurchases	—		—		—		—	—
Restricted common stock expense under stock option plan, net of cancellations ($4,229,509)	(27,538	)	933,268		—		—	933,268
Stock option expense	—		1,168,033		—		—	1,168,033
Net income (loss)	—		—		(5,824,068	)	—	(5,824,068	)
Balances at December 31, 2019	7,932,013		$	221,172,751	170,984,396		—	392,157,147



	Three months ended December 31, 2018
	Common Stock
	Shares		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net	Total Shareholders' Equity
Balances at September 30, 2018	9,153,145		$	180,680,619	384,310,056		—	564,990,675
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	20,180		1,000,193		—		—	1,000,193
Common stock repurchases	(38,822	)	—		(3,760,309	)	—	(3,760,309	)
Restricted common stock expense under stock option plan, net of cancellations ($1,348,952)	704,845		4,216,816		—		—	4,216,816
Stock option expense	—		1,361,349		—		—	1,361,349
Net income	—		—		6,260,162		—	6,260,162
Balances at December 31, 2018	9,839,348		$	187,258,977	386,809,909		—	574,068,886

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	Nine months ended December 31, 2019
	Common Stock
	Shares		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net	Total Shareholders' Equity
Balances at March 31, 2019	9,284,118		$	198,125,649	353,990,976		—	$	552,116,625
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	69,181		4,589,974		—		—	4,589,974
Common stock repurchases	(1,392,180	)	—		(190,010,912	)	—	(190,010,912		)
Restricted common stock expense under stock option plan, net of cancellations ($4,476,159)	(29,106	)	14,062,985		—		—	14,062,985
Stock option expense	—		4,394,143		—		—	4,394,143
Net income	—		—		7,004,332		—	7,004,332
Balances at December 31, 2019	7,932,013		$	221,172,751	170,984,396		—	$	392,157,147



	Nine months ended December 31, 2018
	Common Stock
	Shares	Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net		Total Shareholders' Equity
Balances at March 31, 2018	9,119,443	$	175,887,227	391,275,705		(26,055,080	)	$	541,107,852
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	45,456	2,815,599		—		—		2,815,599
Restricted common stock expense under stock option plan, net of cancellations ($1,348,952)	713,271	6,131,165		—		—		6,131,165
Stock option expense	—	2,424,986		—		—		2,424,986
Other comprehensive loss	—	—		—		(5,235,838	)	(5,235,838		)
Reclassification of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments due to sale of Mexico business	—	—		—		31,290,918		31,290,918
Net loss	—	—		(705,487	)	—		(705,487		)
Balances at December 31, 2018	9,839,348	$	187,258,977	386,809,909		—		$	574,068,886

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

Table of Contents



	Nine months ended December 31,
	2019			2018
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	7,004,332		$	(705,487	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss on sale of discontinued operations	—			38,377,623
Amortization of intangible assets	3,603,528			911,218
Amortization of debt issuance costs	389,445			456,568
Provision for loan losses	149,478,577			119,893,201
Depreciation	5,268,517			5,015,745
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment	(106,703		)	50,139
Deferred income tax benefit	(6,714,042		)	(3,606,647		)
Compensation related to stock option and restricted stock plans, net of taxes and adjustments	22,933,287			9,905,103
Change in accounts:
Other assets, net	(3,813,387		)	(3,946,708		)
Income taxes payable	(11,497,923		)	(3,297,313		)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	4,021,976			1,100,829
Net cash provided by operating activities	170,567,607			164,154,271
Cash flows from investing activities:
Increase in loans receivable, net	(244,483,146		)	(239,976,349		)
Net assets acquired from branch acquisitions, primarily loans	(43,105,296		)	(30,232,918		)
Increase in intangible assets from acquisitions	(13,294,761		)	(8,951,592		)
Purchases of property and equipment	(8,037,189		)	(6,973,951		)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	153,441			257,740
Proceeds from sale of Mexico business	—			37,494,505
Net cash used in investing activities	(308,766,951		)	(248,382,565		)
Cash flow from financing activities:
Borrowings from senior notes payable	473,291,400			246,640,000
Payments on senior notes payable	(141,500,000		)	(183,500,000		)
Debt issuance costs associated with senior notes payable	(991,400		)	(240,000		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4,589,974			2,815,599
Payments for taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards	(4,476,159		)	(1,348,952		)
Repurchase of common stock	(190,010,912		)	(3,760,309		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	140,902,903			60,606,338
Effects of foreign currency fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	—			2,667,447
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	2,703,559			(20,954,509		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period from continuing operations	9,335,433			12,473,833
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period from discontinued operations	—			19,612,471
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	12,038,992		$	11,131,795
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period from continuing operations	$	12,038,992		$	11,131,795
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—

Supplemental Disclosures:
Interest paid during the period	$	16,091,487		$	11,865,748
Income taxes paid during the period	$	22,135,053		$	16,976,977

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 December 31, 2019, and for the three and nine 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 December 31, 2019, and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, 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 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, 2019, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, as filed with the SEC.

NOTE 2 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

As previously disclosed, the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding capital stock and equity interest of WAC de Mexico and SWAC to the Purchasers, effective as of July 1, 2018, for a purchase price of approximately $44.36 million. The Company has provided limited ParaData systems and software training to the Purchasers, as requested. The Company has not and will not have any other involvement with the Mexico operations subsequent to the sale's effective date.

There were no assets or liabilities of discontinued operations at December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019.

The following table reconciles the major classes of line items constituting loss from discontinued operations to the amounts presented in the consolidated statements of operations:



	Three months ended December 31,	Nine months ended December 31,
	2018	2018

Revenues	—	$	9,693,367
Provision for loan losses	—	1,809,059
General and administrative expenses	—	5,542,483
Income from discontinued operations before disposal of discontinued operations and income taxes	—	2,341,825
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	—	(38,377,623		)
Income taxes	—	626,583
Loss from discontinued operations	—	$	(36,662,381	)

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The following table presents operating, investing and financing cash flows for the Company’s discontinued operations:



	Nine months ended December 31,
	2019		2018

Cash provided by operating activities:	$	—	$	3,553,854
Cash provided by investing activities:	—		1,138,084
Cash used in financing activities:	$	—	$	(17,126,000	)

NOTE 3 – 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. 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.

Reclassification

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income (loss) or shareholders' equity.

Adjustments subsequent to the release of earnings on January 30, 2020

The Company made certain adjustments to its calculation of diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the three-month period ended December 31, 2019. In accordance with ASC 260-10-45, the adjustments correctly present the effect of anti-dilutive shares on net loss per common share from continuing operations, diluted ("Diluted EPS"). As a result of these adjustments, Diluted EPS for the three months ended December 31, 2019 of $(0.78) was corrected to $(0.81) in this report.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The ASU, as amended by ASU 2018-01, ASU 2018-10, and 2018-11, requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities from 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 are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018.

Upon adoption of this guidance on April 1, 2019 the Company removed its deferred rent expense balance of $0.4 million, recorded a right-of-use asset of $92.3 million, and recorded a lease liability of $92.7 million. Amounts recorded upon adoption of Topic 842 were adjusted from what was reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 due to the Company finalizing its implementation since that filing. In conjunction with adoption the Company made the following elections as outlined in ASU 2016-02 and its amendments:

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•

The Company elected to apply the new guidance retrospectively at the beginning of the period of adoption, and, as a result, the adoption date is the beginning of the reporting period in which the Company first applies the guidance in Topic 842. The Company has not adjusted comparative years in the consolidated financial statements or make the new required disclosures for periods before the adoption date. The new required disclosures are only presented in the period of adoption and subsequently thereafter.


•	The Company elected, by class of underlying asset, to expense short-term leases on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease rather than applying the recognition requirements in Topic 842 according to the following table:



Class of Underlying Asset	Election? Yes/No
Buildings (Office Space)	No
Office Equipment	Yes


•	The Company elected, by class of underlying asset, not to separate non-lease components from lease components and instead account for each separate lease component and the non-lease components associated with those lease components as a single lease component according to the following table:



Class of Underlying Asset	Election? Yes/No
Buildings (Office Space)	Yes
Office Equipment	Yes


•	The Company elected the following practical expedients, which must be elected as a package, when applying Topic 842 to leases that commenced before the adoption date:


1.	Not to reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases;


2.	Not to reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases (that is, all existing leases that were classified as operating leases in accordance with Topic 840 are classified as operating leases, and all existing leases that were classified as capital leases in accordance with Topic 840 are classified as finance leases); and,


3.	Not to reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases.


•	The Company elected to use hindsight in determining the lease term (that is, when considering lessee options to extend or terminate the lease and to purchase the underlying asset) and in assessing impairment of the its right-of-use assets when applying Topic 842 to leases that commenced before the adoption date.

Adoption of the standard did not impact the Company's consolidated statements of operations nor did adoption require the Company to alter its revolving credit facility to remain in compliance with its debt covenants.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. ASU 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 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, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. 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 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, amended in November 2019 (ASU 2019-11). 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

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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. We are in the process of testing and refining our new methodology that will comply with the standard. The results of our preliminary tests, using the new methodology, indicated that our allowance for losses could increase between $10.0 and $20.0 million upon implementation of ASU 2016-13. The ultimate impact on the date of adoption will depend on refinements to our model, methodology and key assumptions.

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.

NOTE 4 – FAIR VALUE

Fair Value Disclosures

The Company may carry certain financial instruments and derivative assets and liabilities measured 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.

Fair value measurements 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 markets that are less active.


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

The Company’s financial instruments 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 amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are summarized below.



		December 31, 2019			March 31, 2019
	Input Level	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	12,038,992	12,038,992	$	9,335,433	9,335,433
Loans receivable, net	3	893,664,872		893,664,872	755,624,007		755,624,007

LIABILITIES
Senior notes payable	3	583,731,400		583,731,400	251,940,000		251,940,000

There were no significant assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 or March 31, 2019.

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NOTE 5 – FINANCE RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

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



	December 31, 2019		March 31, 2019		December 31, 2018

Small loans	$	901,610,938	$	736,643,663	$	857,862,767
Large loans	470,962,956		383,686,372		400,936,499
Tax advance loans	194,686		7,627,348		108,639
Total gross loans	$	1,372,768,580	$	1,127,957,383	$	1,258,907,905

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



	Three months ended December 31,						Nine months ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2019			2018

Balance at beginning of period	$	101,469,313		79,310,375			$	81,519,624		$	66,088,139
Provision for loan losses	55,219,470			48,943,886			149,478,577			119,893,201
Loan losses	(46,850,430		)	(40,001,055		)	(128,978,851		)	(105,014,401		)
Recoveries	3,231,288			3,052,628			11,050,291			10,338,895
Balance at end of period	$	113,069,641		$	91,305,834		$	113,069,641		$	91,305,834

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



December 31, 2019	Loans individually evaluated for impairment (impaired loans)			Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		Total

Gross loans in bankruptcy, excluding contractually delinquent	$	5,066,019		—		5,066,019
Gross loans contractually delinquent	80,765,569			—		80,765,569
Loans not contractually delinquent and not in bankruptcy	—			1,286,936,992		1,286,936,992
Gross loan balance	85,831,588			1,286,936,992		1,372,768,580
Unearned interest and fees	(19,140,361		)	(346,893,706	)	(366,034,067	)
Net loans	66,691,227			940,043,286		1,006,734,513
Allowance for loan losses	(61,840,514		)	(51,229,127	)	(113,069,641	)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	$	4,850,713		888,814,159		893,664,872

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March 31, 2019	Loans individually evaluated for impairment (impaired loans)			Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		Total

Gross loans in bankruptcy, excluding contractually delinquent	$	4,644,203		—		4,644,203
Gross loans contractually delinquent	59,633,541			—		59,633,541
Loans not contractually delinquent and not in bankruptcy	—			1,063,679,639		1,063,679,639
Gross loan balance	64,277,744			1,063,679,639		1,127,957,383
Unearned interest and fees	(14,319,795		)	(276,493,957	)	(290,813,752	)
Net loans	49,957,949			787,185,682		837,143,631
Allowance for loan losses	(45,511,124		)	(36,008,500	)	(81,519,624	)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	$	4,446,825		751,177,182		755,624,007



December 31, 2018	Loans individually evaluated for impairment (impaired loans)			Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		Total

Gross loans in bankruptcy, excluding contractually delinquent	$	4,714,475		—		4,714,475
Gross loans contractually delinquent	62,834,979			—		62,834,979
Loans not contractually delinquent and not in bankruptcy	—			1,191,358,451		1,191,358,451
Gross loan balance	67,549,454			1,191,358,451		1,258,907,905
Unearned interest and fees	(14,930,704		)	(323,201,775	)	(338,132,479	)
Net loans	52,618,750			868,156,676		920,775,426
Allowance for loan losses	(48,104,640		)	(43,201,194	)	(91,305,834	)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	$	4,514,110		824,955,482		829,469,592

The average net balance of impaired loans was $56.7 million and $46.3 million, respectively, for the nine month periods ended December 31, 2019, and 2018. 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 of loans for the period indicated:



	December 31, 2019		March 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
Credit risk
Consumer loans- non-bankrupt accounts	$	1,366,079,543	$	1,121,895,834	$	1,252,645,902
Consumer loans- bankrupt accounts	6,689,037		6,061,549		6,262,003
Total gross loans	$	1,372,768,580	$	1,127,957,383	$	1,258,907,905

Consumer credit exposure
Credit risk profile based on payment activity, performing	$	1,255,471,072	$	1,039,774,448	$	1,164,459,600
Contractual non-performing, 61 or more days delinquent ⁽¹⁾	117,297,508		88,182,935		94,448,305
Total gross loans	$	1,372,768,580	$	1,127,957,383	$	1,258,907,905

Credit risk profile based on customer type
New borrower	$	155,284,022	$	138,140,479	$	175,727,060
Former borrower	161,575,535		116,242,182		144,840,392
Refinance	1,031,380,059		854,880,194		917,868,854
Delinquent refinance	24,528,964		18,694,528		20,471,599
Total gross loans	$	1,372,768,580	$	1,127,957,383	$	1,258,907,905

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⁽¹⁾ Loans in non-accrual status.

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



	December 31, 2019			March 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
Contractual basis:
30-60 days past due	$	55,172,208		40,300,574		49,655,289
61-90 days past due	36,531,939			28,549,394		31,613,326
91 days or more past due	80,765,569			59,633,541		62,834,979
Total	$	172,469,716		128,483,509		144,103,594

Percentage of period-end gross loans receivable	12.6		%	11.4	%	11.4	%

Recency basis:
30-60 days past due	$	54,090,162		35,992,122		48,699,068
61-90 days past due	33,295,364			22,393,106		28,067,650
91 days or more past due	62,565,314			42,771,862		46,992,655
Total	$	149,950,840		101,157,090		123,759,373

Percentage of period-end gross loans receivable	10.9		%	9.0	%	9.8	%

NOTE 6 – LEASES

ASU No. 2016-02 Adoption

The Company adopted the new lease accounting standard on April 1, 2019. See Note 3, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” for an overview of the transition to this standard.

Accounting Policies and Matters Requiring Management's Judgment

When determining the economic life of a lease the Company adopts a convention of applying an economic life equal to the useful life as specified in its accounting policy. Refer to Note 1, “Property and Equipment,” to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 for a description of the Company's accounting policy regarding useful lives.

The Company uses its effective annual interest rate as the discount rate when evaluating leases under Topic 842. Management applies its effective annual interest rate to leases entered for the entirety of the subsequent year. For example, fiscal 2019’s annual effective interest rate of 6.7% will be used in the determination of lease type as well as the discount rate when calculating the present value of lease payments for all leases entered into in fiscal 2020 or until a new annual effective interest rate is available for application.

Based on its historical practice, the Company believes it is reasonably certain to exercise a given option associated with a given office space lease. Therefore, the Company classifies all lease options for office space as “reasonably certain” unless it has specific knowledge to the contrary for a given lease. The Company does not believe it is reasonably certain to exercise any options associated with its office equipment leases.

Periodic Disclosures

The Company's leases consist of real estate leases for office space as well as office equipment leases, all of which were classified as operating at December 31, 2019. Both the real estate and office equipment leases range from three years to five years, and generally contain options to extend which mirror the original terms of the lease.

The following table reports information about the Company's lease cost for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019:

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	Three months ended December 31,		Nine months ended December 31,
	2019		2019
Lease Cost
Operating lease cost	$	6,601,472	$	19,163,096
Short-term lease cost	1,800		1,800
Variable lease cost	838,037		2,451,326
Total lease cost	$	7,441,309	$	21,616,222

The following table reports other information about the Company's leases for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019:



	Three months ended December 31,			Nine months ended December 31,
	2019			2019
Other Lease Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	6,491,489		$	18,705,645
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities⁽¹⁾	$	7,415,386		$	43,886,364
Weighted average remaining lease term — operating leases	8.5 years			8.5 years
Weighted-average discount rate — operating leases	6.7		%	6.7		%

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⁽¹⁾ In May 2019 the Company executed a new 10 year lease agreement for its corporate headquarters in Greenville, SC. The lease payments commenced in December 2019; however, execution of the lease agreement triggered recognition of the right-of-use asset in May 2019 for approximately $26.9 million.

The following table reports information about the maturity of the Company's operating leases as of December 31, 2019:



Operating lease liability maturity analysis
FY2020	$	6,690,818
FY2021	25,726,405
FY2022	22,452,247
FY2023	18,304,992
FY2024	14,089,836
FY2025	9,941,949
Thereafter	33,919,064
Total undiscounted lease liability	$	131,125,311
Imputed interest	7,457,809
Total discounted lease liability	$	123,667,502

The Company had no leases with related parties at December 31, 2019.

NOTE 7 – AVERAGE SHARE INFORMATION

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



	Three months ended December 31,		Nine months ended December 31,
	2019	2018	2019	2018
Basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (denominator)	7,220,938	9,108,516	7,842,689	9,078,576

Diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	7,220,938	9,108,516	7,842,689	9,078,576
Dilutive potential common shares ⁽¹⁾	—	170,318	320,618	196,492
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (denominator)	7,220,938	9,278,834	8,163,307	9,275,068

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⁽¹⁾ Dilutive potential common shares have been excluded from the weighted average diluted shares outstanding calculation for the three-month period ended December 31, 2019. In accordance with ASC 260-10-45 shares which would otherwise be considered dilutive are deemed anti-dilutive when the entity incurs a loss from continuing operations in the period reported.

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Options to purchase 643,961 and 701,484 shares of common stock at various prices were outstanding during the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the option exercise price exceeded the market value of the shares.

Options to purchase 660,872 and 552,337 shares of common stock at various prices were outstanding during the nine months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the option exercise price exceeded the market value of the shares.

NOTE 8 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Incentive Plans

The Company has 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 4,350,000 shares of common stock have been authorized and reserved for issuance pursuant to grants approved by the Compensation 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 December 31, 2019, there were a total of 193,070 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.

Long-term Incentive Program and Non-Employee Director Awards

On October 15, 2018, the Compensation Committee and Board approved and adopted a new long-term incentive program that seeks to motivate and reward certain employees and to align management’s interest with shareholders' interest by focusing executives on the achievement of long-term results. The program is comprised of four components: Service Options, Performance Options, Restricted Stock, and Performance Shares.

Pursuant to this program, the Compensation Committee approved certain grants of Service Options, Performance Options, Restricted Stock and Performance Shares under the World Acceptance Corporation 2011 Stock Option Plan and the World Acceptance Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan to certain employee directors, vice presidents of operations, vice presidents, senior vice presidents, and executive officers. Separately, the Compensation Committee approved certain grants of Service Options and Restricted Stock to certain of the Company's non-employee directors.

Under the long-term incentive program, up to 100% of the shares of restricted stock subject to the Performance Shares shall vest, if at all, based on the achievement of two trailing earnings per share performance targets established by the Compensation Committee that are based on earnings per share (measured at the end of each calendar quarter, commencing with the calendar quarter ending September 30, 2019) for the previous four calendar quarters. The Performance Shares are eligible to vest over the Performance Share Measurement Period and subject to each respective employee’s continued employment at the Company through the last day of the applicable Performance Share Measurement Period (or as otherwise provided under the terms of the applicable award agreement or applicable employment agreement).

The Performance Share performance targets are set forth below.



Trailing 4-Quarter EPS Targets for September 30, 2018 through March 31, 2025	Restricted Stock Eligible for Vesting (Percentage of Award)
$16.35	40%
$20.45	60%

The Restricted Stock awards vest in six equal annual installments, beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to each respective employee’s continued employment at the Company through each applicable vesting date or otherwise provided under the terms of the applicable award agreement or applicable employment agreement.

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The Service Options vest in six equal annual installments, beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to each respective employee’s continued employment at the Company through each applicable vesting date or otherwise provided under the terms of the applicable award agreement or applicable employment agreement. The option price is equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date and the Service Options have a 10-year term.

The Performance Options will fully vest if the Company attains the trailing earnings per share target over four consecutive calendar quarters occurring between September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2025 described below. Such performance target was established by the Compensation Committee and will be measured at the end of each calendar quarter commencing on September 30, 2019. The Performance Options are eligible to vest over the Option Measurement Period, subject to each respective employee’s continued employment at the Company through the last day of the Option Measurement Period or as otherwise provided under the terms of the applicable award agreement or applicable employment agreement. The option price is equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date and the Performance Options have a 10-year term. The Performance Option performance target is set forth below.



Trailing 4-Quarter EPS Targets for September 30, 2018 through March 31, 2025	Options Eligible for Vesting (Percentage of Award)
$25.30	100%

Stock Options

The weighted-average fair value at the grant date for options issued during the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $60.43 and $53.13, respectively.

The weighted-average fair value at the grant date for options issued during the nine months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $64.49 and $53.12, respectively. Fair value was estimated at grant date using the weighted-average assumptions listed below:



	Three months ended December 31,		Nine months ended December 31,
	2019	2018	2019	2018

Dividend Yield	—%	—%	—%	—%
Expected Volatility	52.87%	48.95%	52.09%	48.95%
Average risk-free rate	1.64%	3.06%	1.66%	3.06%
Expected Life	6.0 years	6.7 years	6.2 years	6.7 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.

Option activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 was as follows:



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

Options outstanding, beginning of period	704,240		$	85.33
Granted during period	16,421		126.15
Exercised during period	(69,181	)	66.35
Forfeited during period	(10,093	)	98.68
Expired during period	(1,620	)	30.89
Options outstanding, end of period	639,767		$	88.36	6.7 years	$	4,285,681
Options exercisable, end of period	320,479		$	74.84	4.6 years	$	4,217,480

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The aggregate intrinsic value reflected in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price on December 31, 2019 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 December 31, 2019. This amount will change as the market price of the common stock changes. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the periods ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:



	December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018

Three months ended	$	728,193	$	1,159,858
Nine months ended	$	5,078,750	$	2,251,405

As of December 31, 2019, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options amounted to approximately $11.7 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 4.4 years.

Restricted Stock

During the first nine months of fiscal 2020, the Company granted 7,203 shares of restricted stock (which are equity classified) to certain vice presidents, senior vice presidents, executive officers and non-employee directors, with a grant date weighted average fair value of $93.88 per share.

During fiscal 2019, the Company granted 760,420 shares of restricted stock (which are equity classified), to certain vice presidents, senior vice presidents, executive officers, and non-employee directors with a grant date weighted average fair value of $101.61.

During fiscal 2018, the Company granted 24,456 shares of restricted stock (which are equity classified) to certain executive officers, with a grant date weighted average fair value of $107.52 per share. One-third of these awards vest on each anniversary of the grant date over the three years following the grant date.

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 $18.5 million and $7.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which is included as a component of general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

As of December 31, 2019, there was approximately $48.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over the next 3.7 years based on current estimates.

A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock as of December 31, 2019, and changes during the nine months ended December 31, 2019, are presented below:



	Shares		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date

Outstanding at March 31, 2019	783,450		$	100.66
Granted during the period	7,203		93.88
Vested during the period	(89,419	)	92.93
Forfeited during the period	—		—
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	701,234		$	101.57

Total Stock-Based Compensation

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Total stock-based compensation included as a component of net income during the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:



	Three months ended December 31,				Nine months ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Stock-based compensation related to equity classified awards:
Stock-based compensation related to stock options	$	1,168,033	$	1,361,349	$	4,394,143	$	2,424,986
Stock-based compensation related to restricted stock, net of adjustments and exclusive of cancellations	5,162,777		5,565,768		18,539,144		7,480,117
Total stock-based compensation related to equity classified awards	$	6,330,810	$	6,927,117	$	22,933,287	$	9,905,103

NOTE 9 – 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 Company's acquisition activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.



	Nine months ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Acquisitions:
Number of branches acquired through business combinations	37		14
Number of loan portfolios acquired through asset purchases	134		83
Total acquisitions	171		97

Purchase price	$	56,400,058	$	39,184,508

Tangible assets:
Loans receivable, net	43,036,296		30,232,918
Property and equipment	69,000		—
Total tangible assets	43,105,296		30,232,918

Excess of purchase prices over carrying value of net tangible assets	$	13,294,762	$	8,951,590

Customer lists	$	12,233,806	8,456,590
Non-compete agreements	$	855,000	495,000
Goodwill	$	205,956	—

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.

The following table describes the Company's business combination activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2019.

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No.	Acquiree Name	Acquiree State(s)	Date
1	Western Shamrock Corporation (11 branches)	GA	4/29/2019
2	Western Shamrock Corporation (7 branches)	SC	5/9/2019
3	Western Shamrock Corporation (3 branches)	AL	5/14/2019
4	Loyal Loans (7 branches)	UT	8/27/2019
5	Courtesy Loans (1 branch)	IL	8/28/2019
6	Courtesy Loans (8 branches)	MO, LA	9/6/2019

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.

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.

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

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.

NOTE 10 – DEBT

Revolving Credit Facility

In June 2019, the Company entered into an amended and restated revolving credit agreement, which amended and restated the prior revolving credit agreement to, among other things: (i) increase the aggregate commitments of the lenders to $685.0 million (from $480.0 million); (ii) permit the Company to purchase its equity securities or make other distributions in respect of its equity securities in the amount of $200 million from June 7, 2019 through June 1, 2020 plus up to 50% of consolidated adjusted net income for the period commencing on January 1, 2019, subject to certain restrictions; (iii) provide for a process to transition to a new benchmark interest rate from LIBOR, if necessary; (iv) extend the maturity date of the amended and restated revolving credit agreement to June 7, 2022; and (v) for clarity and convenience, restate the prior credit agreement, as amended since 2010. Under the amended and restated revolving credit agreement, the administrative agent has the right to set aside reasonable reserves against the available borrowing base in such amounts as it may deem appropriate, including, without limitation, reserves with respect to certain regulatory events or any increased operational, legal, or regulatory risk of the Company and its subsidiaries.

At December 31, 2019 $583.7 million was outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility, not including a $0.3 million outstanding standby letter of credit related to workers compensation. To the extent that the letter of credit is drawn upon, the disbursement will be funded by the credit facility. There are no amounts due related to the letter of credit as of December 31, 2019. Subject to a borrowing base formula, the Company may borrow at the rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin between 3.0% and 4.0% based on certain EBITDA related metrics set forth in the revolving credit agreement, which are determined and adjusted

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on a monthly basis with a minimum rate of 4.0%. The revolving credit facility has a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the unused portion of the commitment. Commitment fees on the unused portion of the borrowing totaled $0.9 million and $0.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2019 and fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, the Company’s effective interest rate, including the commitment fee and amortization of debt issuance costs, was 5.7% annualized and 6.7%, respectively, and the unused amount available under the revolver at December 31, 2019 was $101.0 million. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility mature on June 7, 2022.

Substantially all of the Company’s assets are pledged as collateral for borrowings under the revolving credit agreement.

Debt Covenants

The amended and restated revolving credit agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that generally 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: (i) a minimum consolidated net worth of $375.0 million; (ii) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.75 to 1.0; (iii) a maximum provision for loan losses for any four quarters then ending that meets or exceeds the net loan charge off for the corresponding period; and (iv) a maximum specified level for the collateral performance indicator of 24.0%, which is the sum of (a) a three-month rolling average rate of receivables at least sixty days past due and (b) an eight-month rolling average net charge-off rate. 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.

The Company was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019 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, prohibited payments on or amendment to subordinated debt, bankruptcy and other insolvency events, judgments, certain ERISA events, defaults under certain other agreements, actual or asserted invalidity of loan documentation, invalidity of subordination provisions of subordinated debt, certain changes of control of the Company, other defaults under the agreement that are not remedied within thirty (30) days, invalidity of loan documents related to the agreement, appointment of a custodian, trustee, or receiver, and the occurrence of certain regulatory events (including the entry of any stay, order, judgment, cease and desist order, or other sanction (other than the imposition of a monetary fine), order, or ruling against the Company or any of its subsidiaries related in any way to the originating, holding, pledging, collecting, servicing, 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 12, such violation may give rise to an event of default under the agreement if such violation were to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operations, results of operations, assets, liabilities, or condition (financial or otherwise), or a material impairment of the Company’s and the subsidiaries’ ability to perform their obligations under the agreement or related documents, or if the amount of any settlement, penalties, fines, or other payments resulted in the Company failing to satisfy any financial covenants.

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES

As of December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019, the Company had $5.1 million and $5.8 million, respectively, of total gross unrecognized tax benefits including interest. Approximately $4.7 million and $5.4 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 December 31, 2019, approximately $1.0 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 December 31, 2019, the Company had approximately $1.8 million accrued for gross interest, of which $0.7 thousand was accrued during the nine months ended December 31, 2019.

The Company is subject to U.S. 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

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for years before 2016, although carryforward attributes that were generated prior to 2016 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 for continuing operations totaled (8.0)% for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 compared to 11.8% for the prior year quarter. The difference is primarily due to the recognition of the $8 million non-deductible accrual for the potential Mexico resolution and an increase in disallowed executive compensation under IRC Section 162(m) which was partially offset by tax credits under the Federal Historic Tax Credit program and a reduction in the permanent difference related to non-qualified stock option expense in the current quarter.

NOTE 12 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Mexico Investigation

As previously disclosed, the Company retained outside legal counsel and forensic accountants to conduct an investigation of its operations in Mexico, focusing on the legality under the 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 addressed 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 voluntarily contacted the SEC and the DOJ in June 2017 to advise both agencies that an internal investigation was underway and that the Company intended to cooperate with both agencies. The Company has and will continue to cooperate with both agencies. The SEC issued a formal order of investigation.

We are presently in discussions with the SEC regarding resolution of the previously reported investigation of our Mexico operations. Our factual presentations as part of these discussions are substantially complete. In January 2020, the Company proposed a resolution framework to the SEC that included payment of $8 million, which amount was accrued by the Company at December 31, 2019. In the event that a settlement is reached, there can be no assurance as to the timing or the terms of any such settlement. Until any settlement or other resolution of these matters is reached, we expect to continue to incur potentially significant costs in connection with the investigation of our former Mexico operations, primarily in the form of professional fees and expenses. At this time, we are unable to predict the developments in, outcome of, and economic and other consequences of the investigation or its impact on our earnings, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and ongoing business. The total amount of the Company’s loss incurred in connection with the investigation and any resolution thereof, including those amounts which remain subject to approval by the SEC, may be higher than the amount of the accrual.

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 result in modifications to our business practices and compliance programs. 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 or its ultimate disposition 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 or other laws 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, penalties, fines or other payments 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. The Company is continuing its discussions with the SEC regarding the matters under investigation and has offered $8 million to the SEC in order to resolve the matter as set forth above. It has also accrued $8 million toward the amount of any disgorgement, interest, fine or penalty that it may have to pay as a part of any possible settlement, but the ultimate resolution could be higher than the accrual. Further, in the event that a settlement is reached, there can be no assurance as to the timing or the terms of any such settlement.

Further, under the terms of the stock purchase agreement among the Company and the Purchasers in connection with the sale of our Mexico operations, we are obligated to indemnify the Purchasers for claims and liabilities relating to certain investigations of our former Mexico operations, the Company, and its affiliates by the DOJ or the SEC that commenced prior to July 1, 2018. Any such indemnification claims could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, including liquidity, and results of operations.

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General

In addition, from time to time the Company is involved in litigation matters relating to claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business.

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 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 13 – 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 beliefs 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. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements.

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, including the effect of changes in tax law; the nature and scope of regulatory authority, particularly discretionary authority, that may be exercised by regulators, including, but not limited to, the SEC, DOJ, CFPB, and individual state regulators 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 or the SEC's formal order of investigation; the sale of our Mexico subsidiaries, including claims or litigation resulting therefrom; uncertainties associated with management turnover and the effective succession of senior management; 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; changes in interest rates; risks relating to the acquisition or sale of assets or businesses or other strategic initiatives, including increased loan delinquencies or net charge-offs, integration or migration issues, increased costs of servicing, incomplete records, and retention of customers; risks inherent in making loans, including repayment risks and value of collateral; cybersecurity threats, including the potential misappropriation of assets or sensitive information, corruption of data or operational disruption; 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 I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 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 for continuing operations derived from the Company's consolidated statements of operations and balance sheets (unaudited), as well as operating data and ratios, for the periods indicated:

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	Three months ended December 31,						Nine months ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
Gross loans receivable	$	1,372,769		$	1,258,908		$	1,372,769		$	1,258,908
Average gross loans receivable ⁽¹⁾	1,310,329			1,183,223			1,245,314			1,104,814
Net loans receivable ⁽²⁾	1,006,735			920,775			1,006,735			920,775
Average net loans receivable ⁽³⁾	963,664			867,320			917,938			812,615

Expenses as a percentage of total revenue:
Provision for loan losses	37.5		%	35.6		%	35.0		%	30.9		%
General and administrative	61.3		%	55.9		%	58.6		%	54.1		%
Interest expense	4.8		%	3.4		%	4.2		%	3.4		%
Operating income as a % of total revenue ⁽⁴⁾	1.2		%	8.5		%	6.4		%	15.0		%

Loan volume ⁽⁵⁾	857,976			780,896			2,339,899			2,100,408

Net charge-offs as percent of average net loans receivable	18.1		%	17.0		%	17.1		%	15.5		%

Return on average assets (trailing 12 months)	4.5		%	7.4		%	4.5		%	7.4		%

Return on average equity (trailing 12 months)	9.1		%	11.7		%	9.1		%	11.7		%

Branches opened or acquired (merged or closed), net	6			15			47			27

Branches open (at period end)	1,240			1,204			1,240			1,204

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

⁽²⁾ Net loans receivable is defined as gross loans receivable less unearned interest and deferred fees.

⁽³⁾ Average net loans receivable have been determined by averaging month-end gross loans receivable less unearned interest and deferred fees over the indicated period, excluding tax advances.

⁽⁴⁾ Operating income is computed as total revenue less provision for loan losses and general and administrative expenses.

⁽⁵⁾ Loan volume includes all loans generated by the Company. It does not include loans purchased through acquisitions.

As previously disclosed, we sold our Mexico operations effective July 1, 2018. As a result of the sale, we have classified the Mexico business as discontinued operations on the statements of operations for the applicable periods.

Comparison of three months ended December 31, 2019 versus three months ended December 31, 2018

Gross loans outstanding for continuing operations increased to $1.37 billion as of December 31, 2019, a 9.0% increase from the $1.26 billion of gross loans outstanding as of December 31, 2018. During the three months ended December 31, 2019 our unique borrowers increased by 4.3% compared to an increase of 8.8% during the three months ended December 31, 2018.

Net income from continuing operations for the three months ended December 31, 2019 decreased to a $5.8 million loss, a 193.0% decrease from the $6.3 million reported for the same period of the prior year. Operating income (revenue less provision for loan losses and general and administrative expenses) from continuing operations decreased by $10.0 million, or 85.2%.

Net income for the third quarter was significantly impacted by an accrual of $8 million for potential resolution of the Mexico investigation. We are presently in discussions with the SEC regarding resolution of the previously reported investigation of our Mexico operations. Our factual presentations as part of these discussions are substantially complete. In January 2020, the Company proposed a resolution framework to the SEC that included payment of $8 million, which amount was accrued by the Company at

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December 31, 2019. In the event that a settlement is reached, there can be no assurance as to the timing or the terms of any such settlement. Until any settlement or other resolution of these matters is reached, we expect to continue to incur potentially significant costs in connection with the investigation of our former Mexico operations, primarily in the form of professional fees and expenses. At this time, we are unable to predict the developments in, outcome of, and economic and other consequences of the investigation or its impact on our earnings, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and ongoing business. The total amount of the Company’s loss incurred in connection with the investigation and any resolution thereof, including those amounts which remain subject to approval by the SEC, may be higher than the amount of the accrual.

Revenues from continuing operations for the three months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $9.4 million, or 6.9%, to $147.1 million from $137.6 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average net loans outstanding. Revenues from the 1,154 branches open throughout both three-month periods increased by 4.6%.

Interest and fee income from continuing operations for the three months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $7.2 million, or 5.9%, from the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily due to a corresponding increase in average net loans outstanding. Net loans outstanding at December 31, 2019 increased by 9.3% over the balance at December 31, 2018. Interest and fee income was negatively impacted by the reversal of accrued interest for loans that became 60 days contractually past due during the quarter.

Insurance commissions and other income from continuing operations for the three months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $2.2 million, or 15.1%, from the same period of the prior year. Insurance commissions increased by approximately $1.7 million, or 14.3%, during the three months ended December 31, 2019 when compared to the three months ended December 31, 2018. Other income increased by $0.5 million due to a $0.5 million increase in customer demand for the Company's motor club product.

The Company's allowance for loan losses from continuing operations totaled 11.2% of net loans from continuing operations at December 31, 2019 compared to 9.9% at December 31, 2018. Accounts from continuing operations that were 61 days or more past due on a recency basis increased to 7.0% at December 31, 2019, compared to 6.0% at December 31, 2018. Accounts from continuing operations that were 61 days or more past due on a contractual basis were 8.5% at December 31, 2019 compared to 7.5% at December 31, 2018.

Provision for loan losses from continuing operations for the three months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $6.3 million, or 12.8%, from the same period of the prior year. The increase is primarily due to an increase in net charge-offs from continuing operations of $6.7 million. Net charge-offs from continuing operations as a percentage of average net loans on an annualized basis increased from 17.0% for the three months ended December 31, 2018 to 18.1% for the three months ended December 31, 2019. The general reserve, which is driven by total loans outstanding, accounted for a decrease in the provision of $1.4 million due to slower growth in outstanding loans from continuing operations during the three-month period ended December 31, 2019.

Loan balances of customers who are new borrowers to the company (less than two years since their first origination at the time of their current loan) have grown 14.0% year over year. As a percentage of the total portfolio, balances attributable to these borrowers increased to 35.5% at December 31, 2019 compared to 34.0% at December 31, 2018. These increases are due to both organic customer growth and portfolio acquisitions throughout the year. We anticipate that this increased weighting of new borrowers, our riskiest customer type, in the portfolio will continue to result in increased delinquencies and charge-offs in the future.

G&A expenses from continuing operations for the three months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $13.2 million, or 17.1%, from the corresponding period of the previous year. As a percentage of revenues, G&A expenses increased from 55.9% during the three months ended December 31, 2018 to 61.3% during the three months ended December 31, 2019. G&A expenses per average open branch increased by 13.5% when comparing the two three-month periods. The change in G&A expense is explained in greater detail below.

Personnel expense totaled $49.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019, a $2.1 million, or 4.4%, increase over the three months ended December 31, 2018. Salary and payroll tax expense increased approximately $1.9 million, or 6.9%, year over year mostly due to an increase in headcount. Our headcount as of December 31, 2019 increased 4.1% compared to December 31, 2018, primarily driven by acquisitions during the 12 months ending December 31, 2019. However, our accounts per employee have increased by approximately 2.2% over the same 12 months. Additionally, for branches open for both years, the number of active customers per branch at the end of the third quarter increased 4.2% year over year.

Occupancy and equipment expense totaled $13.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019, a $1.4 million, or 11.5%, increase over the three months ended December 31, 2018. Occupancy and equipment expense is generally a

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function of the number of branches the Company has open throughout the period. For the three months ended December 31, 2019, the average expense per branch increased to $10.9 thousand, up from $10.1 thousand for the three months ended December 31, 2018. The increase in expense per branch is partially due to adding redundant data and voice circuits to our branches to support new technology roll-outs as well as to reduce down time in the branches.

Advertising expense totaled $8.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019, a $0.7 million, or 8.4%, decrease over the three months ended December 31, 2018.

Amortization of intangible assets totaled $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019, a $1.0 million, or 273.6%, increase over the three months ended December 31, 2018, which relates to a corresponding increase in total intangible assets during the comparative periods due to acquisitions.

Other expense totaled $17.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019, a $9.4 million, or 114.1%, increase over the three months ended December 31, 2018. The overall increase is primarily due to an $8.0 million accrual for the potential resolution of the Mexico investigation.

Interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $2.5 million, or 53.8%, from the corresponding three months of the previous year. The increase in interest expense was due to a 108.1% increase in the average debt outstanding, from $260.8 million to $542.6 million. The increase in average debt outstanding was partially offset by a reduction in the interest margin on the credit facility as well as reductions in the LIBOR rate. The Company’s senior debt-to-equity ratio increased from 0.5:1 at December 31, 2018 to 1.5:1 at December 31, 2019.

Other key return ratios for the three months ended December 31, 2019 included a 4.5% return on average assets and a return on average equity of 9.1% (both on a trailing 12-month basis), as compared to a 7.4% return on average assets and a return on average equity of 11.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2018.

The Company’s effective income tax rate for continuing operations totaled (8.0)% for the three months ended December 31, 2019 compared to 11.8% for the corresponding period of the previous year. The difference is primarily due to the recognition of the $8 million non-deductible accrual for the potential resolution of the Mexico investigation and an increase in disallowed executive compensation under IRC Section 162(m) which was partially offset by tax credits under the Federal Historic Tax Credit program and a reduction in the permanent difference related to non-qualified stock option expense in the current quarter.

Comparison of nine months ended December 31, 2019 versus nine months ended December 31, 2018

Gross loans outstanding for continuing operations increased to $1.37 billion as of December 31, 2019, a 9.0% increase from the $1.26 billion of gross loans outstanding as of December 31, 2018. During the nine months ended December 31, 2019 our unique borrowers increased by 15.5% compared to an increase of 17.8% during the nine months ended December 31, 2018.

Net income from continuing operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 decreased to $7.0 million, a 80.5% decrease from the $36.0 million reported for the same period of the prior year. Operating income (revenue less provision for loan losses and general and administrative expenses) from continuing operations decreased by $30.7 million, or 53.0%. Net income from continuing operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 was significantly impacted by an accrual of $8 million for potential resolution of the Mexico investigation. We are presently in discussions with the SEC regarding resolution of the previously reported investigation of our Mexico operations. In January 2020, the Company proposed a resolution framework to the SEC that included payment of $8 million, which amount was accrued by the Company at December 31, 2019. The total amount of the Company’s loss incurred in connection with the investigation and any resolution thereof, including those amounts which remain subject to approval by the SEC, may be higher than the amount of the accrual.

Revenues from continuing operations increased by $39.5 million, or 10.2%, to $427.1 million during the nine months ended December 31, 2019 from $387.5 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average net loans outstanding. Revenues from the 1,148 branches open throughout both nine-month periods increased by 8.8%.

Interest and fee income from continuing operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $34.3 million, or 9.9%, from the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily due to a corresponding increase in average net loans outstanding. Net loans outstanding at December 31, 2019 increased by 9.3% over the balance at December 31, 2018. Average net loans outstanding increased by 13.0% for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 compared to the nine-month period ended December 31, 2018.

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Insurance commissions and other income from continuing operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $5.3 million, or 12.3%, from the same period of the prior year. Insurance commissions increased by approximately $3.3 million, or 9.9%, during the nine months ended December 31, 2019 when compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2018. Other income increased by $1.9 million primarily due to a $1.6 million increase due to increased customer demand for the Company's motor club product.

The Company's allowance for loan losses from continuing operations as a percentage of net loans from continuing operations was 11.2% at December 31, 2019 compared to 9.9% at December 31, 2018. Accounts from continuing operations that were 61 days or more past due on a recency basis increased to 7.0% at December 31, 2019, compared to 6.0% at December 31, 2018. Accounts from continuing operations that were 61 days or more past due on a contractual basis were 8.5% at December 31, 2019 compared to 7.5% at December 31, 2018.

Provision for loan losses from continuing operations expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $29.6 million, or 24.7%, from the same period of the prior year. The increase is primarily due to an increase in net charge-offs from continuing operations of $23.3 million. Net charge-offs from continuing operations as a percentage of average net loans on an annualized basis increased from 15.5% for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 to 17.1% for the nine months ended December 31, 2019. The general reserve, which is driven by total loans outstanding, resulted in the provision decreasing $0.4 million due to slower growth in outstanding loans from continuing operations during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2019. The portion of provision expense driven by accounts 91 days or more past due on a recency basis increased $7.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 when compared to the same period of the prior year.

G&A expenses from continuing operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $40.7 million, or 19.4%, from the corresponding period of the previous year. As a percentage of revenues, G&A expenses increased from 54.1% during the first nine months of fiscal 2019 to 58.6% during the first nine months of fiscal 2020. G&A expenses per average open branch increased by 16.0% when comparing the two nine-month periods. The change in G&A expense is explained in greater detail below.

Personnel expense totaled $151.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2019, a $23.5 million, or 18.3%, increase over the nine months ended December 31, 2018. Approximately $13.6 million of the increase was due to additional share-based compensation associated with the long-term incentive program and director equity awards, as previously disclosed. Salary and benefit expense increased approximately $10.6 million, or 10.9%, period over period as a result of an increase in headcount and higher health insurance claims. Our headcount as of December 31, 2019 increased 4.1% compared to December 31, 2018, primarily driven by acquisitions during the 12 months ending December 31, 2019. However, our accounts per employee have increased by approximately 2.2% over the same 12 months. Additionally, for branches open for both years, the number of active customers per store at the end of the second quarter increased 4.2% year over year.

Occupancy and equipment expense totaled $40.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2019, a $4.6 million, or 12.8%, increase over the nine months ended December 31, 2018. Occupancy and equipment expense is generally a function of the number of branches the Company has open throughout the period. For the nine months ended December 31, 2019, the average expense per branch increased to $33.1 thousand, up from $30.2 thousand for the nine months ended December 31, 2018. The increase in expense per branch is partially due to adding redundant data and voice circuits to our branches to support new technology roll-outs as well as to reduce down time in the branches.

Advertising expense totaled $20.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2019, a $1.7 million, or 8.9%, increase over the nine months ended December 31, 2018.

Amortization of intangible assets totaled $3.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2019, a $2.7 million, or 295.5%, increase over the nine months ended December 31, 2018, which relates to a corresponding increase in total intangible assets during the comparative periods due to acquisitions.

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Other expense totaled $34.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2019, a $8.2 million, or 31.7%, increase over the nine months ended December 31, 2018. The overall increase is primarily due to an $8.0 million accrual for the potential resolution of the Mexico investigation.

Interest expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $4.8 million, or 37.2%, from the corresponding nine months of the previous year. The increase in interest expense was due to a 65.8% increase in the average debt outstanding, from $248.5 million to $412.1 million. The increase in average debt outstanding was partially offset by a reduction in the interest margin on the credit facility as well as a reduction in the LIBOR rate. The Company’s senior debt-to-equity ratio increased from 0.5:1 at December 31, 2018 to 1.5:1 at December 31, 2019.

Other key return ratios for the first nine months of fiscal 2020 included a 4.5% return on average assets and a return on average equity of 9.1% (both on a trailing 12-month basis), as compared to a 7.4% return on average assets and a return on average equity of 11.7% for the first nine months of fiscal 2019.

The Company’s effective income tax rate for continuing operations increased to 25.5% for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 compared to 20.0% for the corresponding period of the previous year. The increase is primarily due to the recognition of the $8 million non-deductible accrual for the potential Mexico resolution and an increase in disallowed executive compensation under IRC Section 162(m) which was partially offset by tax credits under the Federal Historic Tax Credit program and a reduction in the permanent difference related to non-qualified stock option expense in the current period.

Regulatory Matters

Mexico Investigation

See Note 12 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the investigation into our operations in Mexico.

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 Company does not believe that the 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. The Company also currently underwrites all its loans (including those secured by a vehicle title that would fall within the scope of these proposals) by reviewing the customer’s ability to repay based on the Company’s standards. However, implementation of the Rule’s payment requirements may require changes to the Company’s practices and procedures for such loans, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to make such loans, the cost of making such loans, the Company’s ability to, or frequency with which it could, refinance any such loans, and the profitability of such loans.

Further, on June 6, 2019, the CFPB amended the Rule to delay the August 19, 2019 compliance date for part of the Rule’s provisions, including the ability to repay requirements. The new compliance date for the ability to repay requirements is November 19, 2020. In addition, on February 6, 2019, the CFPB issued a notice of proposed rulemaking proposing to rescind provisions of the Rule governing the ability to repay requirements. The comment period for this proposed rulemaking closed in May 2019. According to the CFPB’s Fall 2019 rulemaking agenda, the CFPB is reviewing the approximately 190,000 comments it received and expects to take final action in April 2020 with respect to this proposal. Any regulatory changes could have effects beyond those currently contemplated that could further materially and adversely impact our business and operations. Unless rescinded or otherwise amended, the Company will have to comply with the Rule’s payment requirements if it continues to allow consumers to set up future recurring payments online for certain covered loans such that it meets the definition of having a “leveraged payment mechanism” under the Rule. If the payment provisions of the Rule apply, the Company will have to modify its loan payment procedures to comply with the required notices and mandated timeframes set forth in the final rule.

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. This initiative was classified as “inactive” on the CFPB’s Spring 2018 rulemaking agenda and has remained inactive since, but the CFPB indicated that such action was not a decision on the merits. Though the likelihood and timing of any such rulemaking is uncertain, the Company believes that the implementation of such rules would

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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, 2019 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 branch 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. Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 was $170.6 million.

The Company continues to believe that repurchases of common stock are a viable component of the Company’s long-term financial strategy and an efficient use of excess cash when the opportunity arises. However, the Company's amended and restated revolving credit agreement limits share repurchases to the aggregate of $200 million from June 7, 2019 through June 1, 2020 plus up to 50% of consolidated adjusted net income for the period commencing on January 1, 2019. The Company can repurchase additional amounts of shares with prior written consent from lenders. However, our first priority is to ensure we have enough capital to fund loan growth. As of December 31, 2019, the Company's debt outstanding was $583.7 million and its shareholders' equity was $392.2 million, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.5:1.0. Management will continue to monitor the Company's senior debt-to-equity ratio and is committed to maintaining a debt level that will allow the Company to continue to execute its business objectives, while not putting undue stress on its consolidated balance sheet.

Expenditures by the Company to open and furnish new branches averaged approximately $44,000 per new branch during fiscal 2019. New branches have also required from $150,000 to $500,000 to fund outstanding loans receivable originated during their first 12 months of operation. During the nine months ended December 31, 2019, the Company opened 15 new branches, acquired 37 branches, and merged 5 branches into existing ones.

The Company believes that attractive opportunities to acquire new branches or receivables from its competitors or to acquire branches in communities not currently served by the Company will continue to become available as conditions in local economies and the financial circumstances of owners change.

The Company has a revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks. In June 2019, the Company entered into an amended and restated revolving credit agreement, which amended and restated the prior revolving credit agreement to, among other things: (i) increase the aggregate commitments of the lenders to $685.0 million (from $480.0 million); (ii) permit the Company to purchase its equity securities or make other distributions in respect of its equity securities in the amount of $200 million from June 7, 2019 through June 1, 2020 plus up to 50% of consolidated adjusted net income for the period commencing on January 1, 2019, subject to certain restrictions; (iii) provide for a process to transition to a new benchmark interest rate from LIBOR, if necessary; (iv) extend the maturity date of the amended and restated revolving credit agreement to June 7, 2022; and (v) for clarity and convenience, restate the prior credit agreement, as amended since 2010.

The revolving credit facility provides for revolving borrowings of up to the lesser of (a) the aggregate commitments under the facility and (b) a borrowing base, and includes a $0.3 million letter of credit subfacility. At December 31, 2019, the aggregate commitments under the credit facility were $685.0 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 certain regulatory events or any increased operational, legal, or regulatory risk of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company does not believe that this right will materially limit its business and strategic initiatives.

The agreement establishes a maximum specified level for the collateral performance indicator of 24.0%. The collateral performance indicator is equal to the sum of (a) a three-month rolling average rate of receivables at least sixty days past due and (b) an eight-month rolling average net charge-off rate.

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Subject to a borrowing base formula, the Company may borrow at the rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin between 3.0% and 4.0% based on certain EBITDA related metrics set forth in the revolving credit agreement, which are determined and adjusted on a monthly basis with a minimum rate of 4.0%. The revolving credit facility has a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the unused portion of the commitment. Commitment fees on the unused portion of the borrowing totaled $0.9 million and $0.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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 amended and restated revolving credit agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that generally 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: (i) a minimum consolidated net worth of $375.0 million; (ii) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.75 to 1.0; (iii) a maximum ratio of total debt to consolidated adjusted net worth of 2.0 to 1.0; (iii) a maximum provision for loan losses for any four quarters then ending that meets or exceeds the net loan charge off for the corresponding period; and (iv) a maximum specified level for the collateral performance indicator of 24.0%, which is the sum of (a) a three-month rolling average rate of receivables at least sixty days past due and (b) an eight-month rolling average net charge-off rate. 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.

The Company was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019 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, prohibited payments on or amendment to subordinated debt, bankruptcy and other insolvency events, judgments, certain ERISA events, defaults under certain other agreements, actual or asserted invalidity of loan documentation, invalidity of subordination provisions of subordinated debt, certain changes of control of the Company, other defaults under the agreement that are not remedied within thirty (30) days, invalidity of loan documents related to the agreement, appointment of a custodian, trustee, or receiver, and the occurrence of certain regulatory events (including the entry of any stay, order, judgment, cease and desist order, or other sanction (other than the imposition of a monetary fine), order, or ruling against the Company’ or any of its subsidiaries related in any way to the originating, holding, pledging, collecting, servicing, 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 above in "—Regulatory Matters—Mexico Investigation" and in Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings—Mexico Investigation" in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, 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, results of operations, assets, liabilities, or condition (financial or otherwise), or a material impairment of the Company’s and the subsidiaries’ ability to perform their obligations under the agreement or related documents, or if the amount of any settlement, penalties, fines, or other payments resulted in the Company failing to satisfy any financial covenants. See Note 10 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s debt.

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 March 31, 2019, 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

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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

Since 1996, the Company has repurchased approximately 20.3 million shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.1 billion. On June 7, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $200.0 million of its outstanding common stock. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had $10.0 million in repurchase capacity remaining under this authorization, which does not have a stated expiration date. 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, restrictions under the revolving credit facility and other market and economic conditions.

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. We 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 3 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 3 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with 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, 2019.

Share-Based Compensation

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.

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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 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 December 31, 2019, 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 $583.7 million at December 31, 2019. Interest on borrowing under this facility is based on the greater of 4.0% or one month LIBOR plus an applicable margin between 3.0% and 4.0% based on certain EBITDA related metrics. Based on the outstanding balance at December 31, 2019, a change of 1.0% in the interest rate would cause a change in interest expense of approximately $5.8 million on an annual basis.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under 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 CEO and 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, are 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.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 12 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.

Although we are working to resolve the previously reported investigation of our Mexico operations, there can be no assurance that our efforts to reach settlements will be successful, or if they are, what the timing or terms of any such settlements would be.

In January 2020, the Company proposed a resolution framework to the SEC that included payment of $8 million, which amount was accrued by the Company at December 31, 2019. Until any settlement or other resolution of these matters is reached, we expect to continue to incur potentially significant costs in connection with the investigation of our former Mexico operations, primarily in the form of professional fees and expenses. At this time, we are unable to predict the developments in, outcome of, and economic and other consequences of the investigation or its impact on our earnings, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and ongoing business. While we have made an accrual related to the proposed framework, the discussions are continuing with the SEC, and there can be no assurance as to the timing or the terms of the final resolution of these matters. Although we do not presently believe that these matters, including the accrual (and the payment of the accrual at some point-in-time in the future) will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows, given the inherent uncertainties in such situations, we can provide no assurance that these matters will not be material to our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows in the future.

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

The Company's credit agreements contain certain limits on share repurchases. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources."



	(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
October 1 through October 31, 2019	—	$	—	—	$	10,030,853
November 1 through November 30, 2019	—	—		—	10,030,853
December 1 through December 31, 2019	—	—		—	10,030,853
Total for the quarter	—	$	—	—

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

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None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

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
10.01	First Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility dated December 20, 2019			8-K	10.1	12-23-19
31.01	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer		*
31.02	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial and Strategy Officer		*
32.01	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer		*
32.02	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer		*
101.01	The following materials from the Company's Quarterly Report for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL:		*
	(i)	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019;
	(ii)	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018;
	(iii)	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018;
	(iv)	Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018;
	(v)	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018; and
	(vi)	Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
104.01	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)		*



*	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/ R. Chad Prashad
	R. Chad Prashad
	President and Chief Executive Officer
	Signing on behalf of the registrant and as principal executive officer
	Date:	February 7, 2020

	By: /s/ John L. Calmes, Jr.
	John L. Calmes, Jr.
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
	Signing on behalf of the registrant and as principal financial officer
	Date:	February 7, 2020

	By: /s/ Scott McIntyre
	Scott McIntyre
	Senior Vice President of Accounting
	Signing on behalf of the registrant and as principal accounting officer
	Date:	February 7, 2020