Despite earnings volatility, the company generated $57.2M in free cash flow during 2026Q3, though this is partially offset by aggressive capital returns including $66.6M in share repurchases during 2026Q2.
| Metric | Mar'26 | Mar'25 | Mar'24 | Mar'23 | Mar'22 | Mar'21 | Mar'20 | Mar'19 | Mar'18 | Mar'17 | Mar'16 | Mar'15 | Mar'14 | Mar'13 | Mar'12 | Mar'11 | Mar'10 | Mar'09 | Mar'08 | Mar'07 | Mar'06 | Mar'05 | Mar'04 | Mar'03 | Mar'02 | Mar'01 | Mar'00 | Mar'99 | Mar'98 | Mar'97 |
|---|
| Cash from Operations | 259.36B | 254.16M | 265.78M | 291.55M | 272.45M | 226.95M | 280.98M | 244.66M | 218.03M | 219.36M | 206.07M | 241.89M | 245.96M | 232.04M | 219.4M | 199.84M | 183.61M | 153.91M | 136.02M | 110.09M | 98M | 87.7M | 69.87M | 55.14M | 48.29M | 39.1M | 31.86M | 20.7M | 19M | 20.6M |
| Operating CF Growth % | 101943.91% | -4.37% | -8.84% | 7.01% | 20.04% | -19.23% | 14.84% | 12.22% | -0.61% | 6.45% | -14.81% | -1.66% | 6% | 5.76% | 9.79% | 8.84% | 19.29% | 13.15% | 23.56% | 12.33% | 11.75% | 25.52% | 26.7% | 14.19% | 23.51% | 22.72% | 53.91% | 8.95% | -7.77% | -5.07% |
| Net Income | 34.59B | 89.74M | 77.34M | 21.23M | 53.92M | 88.28M | 28.16M | 37.23M | 53.69M | 73.6M | 87.4M | 110.83M | 106.61M | 104.09M | 100.69M | 91.25M | 73.66M | 56.49M | 53M | 47.9M | 38.51M | 33.99M | 28.77M | 22.86M | 19.34M | 15.6M | 14.17M | 7.3M | 8.1M | 8.1M |
| Depreciation & Amortization | 2.83B | 10.13M | 10.89M | 10.91M | 11.67M | 12.42M | 12.16M | 8.14M | 8.33M | 7.41M | 7.03M | 7.26M | 7.34M | 7.81M | 8.19M | 8.12M | 8.01M | 7.98M | 3.27M | 6.32M | 5.26M | 4.71M | 4.18M | 4.02M | 3.82M | 3.43M | 3.05M | 2.9M | 3M | 4.4M |
| Deferred Taxes | -7.09B | -2.35M | 10.74M | -2.1M | -10.88M | 7.39M | 1.44M | -3.66M | 8.79M | -894K | -785K | -3.83M | -4.1M | -10.94M | -3.99M | -2.84M | 608.24K | 3.23M | -3.13M | -1.25M | 6.79M | -1.16M | -918K | -1.69M | -914K | -808K | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other Non-Cash Items | 209.7B | 184.04M | 169.79M | 273.94M | 195.53M | 115.46M | 205.9M | 187.49M | 132.06M | 130.57M | 126.29M | 103.18M | 126.95M | 114.93M | 107.52M | 99.02M | 91.27M | 86.84M | 78.35M | 55.86M | 46.03M | 40.04M | 32.97M | 29.57M | 25.69M | 19.75M | 15.7M | 11.7M | 9.5M | 9.5M |
| Working Capital Changes | -2.09M | -7.71M | -1.29M | -21.48M | 4.62M | -15.88M | 4.37M | -2.18M | 9.73M | 3.87M | -7.51M | 8.48M | -5.75M | 4.99M | 373.42K | -1.06M | 5.21M | -5.28M | 4.53M | 1.26M | 1.41M | 10.11M | 4.87M | 372.06K | 353.6K | 1.13M | -1.06M | -1.2M | -1.6M | -1.4M |
| Cash from Investing | -232.88B | -152.75M | -135.14M | -180.58M | -451.89M | -82M | -279.09M | -206.97M | -169.81M | -131.61M | -101.89M | -108.25M | -165.59M | -181.54M | -178.33M | -171.39M | -161.99M | -149.28M | -138.77M | -120.55M | -95.67M | -74.16M | -70.58M | -63.84M | -39.95M | -49.64M | -37.48M | -28.2M | -25M | -27.2M |
| Purchase of Investments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2.84M | -9.15M | -3.22M | -95.96M | -82.96M | -45.63M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sale/Maturity of Investments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Net Investment Activity | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2.84M | -9.15M | -3.22M | -95.96M | -82.96M | -45.63M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Acquisitions | 0 | -18.4M | -1.63M | -22.6M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37.49M | -15.59M | -20.84M | -92.1K | -1.12M | -775K | -1.95M | -3.38M | -2.98M | -2.84M | -9.15M | -3.22M | -16.27M | -6.8M | -26.11M | -18.66M | -19.68M | -13.7M | -19.48M | -12.38M | -5.84M | -9.38M | -19.96M |
| Other Investing | -229B | -130.67M | -127.58M | -152.15M | -445.82M | -70.31M | -267.81M | -234.66M | -143.06M | -99.83M | -93.06M | -98.55M | -157.15M | -171.96M | -167.22M | -161.28M | -150.16M | -119.44M | -122.6M | 0 | 0 | 4.43M | -46.38M | -41.27M | -24.27M | -28.82M | -23.21M | -21.06M | -13.82M | -5.54M |
| Cash from Financing | -6.83B | -103.52M | -135.31M | -113.7M | 182.93M | -140.83M | 394.49K | -63.12M | -31.46M | -84.15M | -128.64M | -112.48M | -71.83M | -50.04M | -38.14M | -25.97M | -22.62M | -5.64M | 4.56M | 12.2M | -1.34M | -15.17M | 1.01M | 9.5M | -8.41M | 12.14M | 6.07M | 7.5M | 5.7M | 6.4M |
| Dividends Paid | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Share Repurchases | -132.42M | -54.2M | -36.2M | -14.31M | -111.14M | -102.45M | -197.4M | -74.52M | -4.61M | -5M | 0 | -115.32M | -190.54M | -183.05M | -139.8M | -53.34M | -1.43M | -7.85M | -41.86M | -54.1M | -20.79M | -8.75M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stock Issued | 2.74M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.25M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.61M | 3.49M | 1.84M | 4.71M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Net Stock Activity | -129.68M | -54.2M | -36.2M | -14.31M | -111.14M | -102.45M | -197.4M | -74.52M | -4.61M | -5M | 3.25M | -115.32M | -190.54M | -183.05M | -139.8M | -53.34M | -1.43M | -7.85M | -40.25M | -50.61M | -18.95M | -4.04M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Debt Issuance (Net) | 1000K | -1000K | -1000K | -1000K | 1000K | -1000K | 1000K | 1000K | -1000K | -1000K | -1000K | -1000K | 1000K | 1000K | 1000K | 1000K | -1000K | -769.75K | 1000K | 1000K | 1000K | -1000K | -1000K | 1000K | -1000K | 1000K | 1000K | 1000K | 1000K | 1000K |
| Other Financing | -6.83B | -367K | -575K | -1.89M | 2.61M | 8.31M | -854.63K | -1.64M | -1.94M | 395K | 78K | 7.19M | 13.46M | 12.01M | 11.66M | 14.27M | 7.42M | 2.98M | 1.11M | -9.33M | 0 | -363.92K | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -100K | 0 | 0 |
| Net Change in Cash | 19.64B | -2.11M | -4.67M | -2.73M | 3.49M | 4.13M | 2.28M | -22.75M | 16.89M | 2.82M | -25.96M | 18.77M | 7.94M | 857.19K | 2.74M | 2.58M | -815.24K | -1.33M | 1.81M | 1.75M | 987.21K | -1.27M | 291.42K | 800.42K | -70.24K | 1.6M | 454.47K | 0 | -300K | -214K |
| Exchange Rate Effect | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.67M | 132.43K | -775K | -1.5M | -2.43M | -601K | 387.91K | -191K | 116.06K | 182.67K | -319.91K | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cash at Beginning | 9.73B | 11.84M | 16.51M | 19.24M | 15.75M | 11.62M | 9.34M | 32.09M | 15.2M | 12.38M | 38.34M | 19.57M | 11.63M | 10.77M | 8.03M | 5.45M | 6.26M | 7.59M | 5.78M | 4.03M | 3.05M | 4.31M | 4.02M | 3.22M | 3.29M | 1.69M | 1.24M | 1.2M | 1.5M | 1.7M |
| Cash at End | 29.37B | 9.73M | 11.84M | 16.51M | 19.24M | 15.75M | 11.62M | 9.34M | 32.09M | 15.2M | 12.38M | 38.34M | 19.57M | 11.63M | 10.77M | 8.03M | 5.45M | 6.26M | 7.59M | 5.78M | 4.03M | 3.05M | 4.31M | 4.02M | 3.22M | 3.29M | 1.69M | 1.2M | 1.2M | 1.49M |
| Interest Paid | 47.4M | 44.69M | 48.84M | 51.76M | 21.32M | 24.99M | 23.94M | 16.84M | 17.7M | 19.25M | 23.81M | 22.71M | 19.92M | 16.03M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Income Taxes Paid | 1.17M | 3.65M | 8.95M | 10.78M | 30.94M | 14.86M | 15.71M | 23.26M | 38.74M | 38.04M | 62.53M | 61.03M | 67.41M | 66.92M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Free Cash Flow | 255.48B | 250.48M | 259.85M | 285.73M | 266.38M | 215.27M | 255.24M | 224.64M | 206.87M | 208.42M | 197.33M | 232.84M | 238.25M | 224.42M | 211.68M | 192.69M | 177.46M | 142.38M | 126.29M | 101.77M | 92.09M | 80.85M | 64.32M | 52.25M | 46.31M | 37.76M | 29.97M | 19.4M | 17.2M | 18.9M |
| FCF Growth % | 101894.79% | -3.61% | -9.06% | 7.26% | 23.74% | -15.66% | 13.63% | 8.59% | -0.74% | 5.62% | -15.25% | -2.27% | 6.16% | 6.02% | 9.85% | 8.59% | 24.64% | 12.74% | 24.09% | 10.51% | 13.91% | 25.69% | 23.11% | 12.83% | 22.65% | 25.99% | 54.47% | 12.79% | -8.99% | -3.08% |
Regulatory and Credit Normalization
As reported in recent financial statements, WRLD exhibits a significant divergence between net income and operating cash flow, with OCF/NI ratios reaching extreme levels like -63.57 in 2026Q3, suggesting that reported earnings are heavily distorted by non-cash provision adjustments under the CECL accounting framework.
The massive volatility in the OCF/NI ratio indicates that net income is currently a poor proxy for the company's actual cash-generating capacity. Investors should monitor this gap closely, as the disconnect suggests that the underlying cash flow remains positive even when accounting provisions force net income into negative territory.
Based on the provided cash flow data, WRLD has maintained a consistent free cash flow trajectory, generating positive FCF in every quarter over the last ten periods, even during quarters where net income turned negative, such as the $57.2M FCF reported in 2026Q3.
This resilience suggests that the core lending business continues to collect cash from its existing portfolio despite the accounting-driven earnings headwinds. The ability to sustain positive FCF margins, which peaked at 54.5% in 2025Q4, implies that the branch-based model retains a degree of operational cash efficiency.
According to historical cash flow filings, WRLD's working capital changes have been highly erratic, swinging from a $10.6M inflow in 2026Q4 to a $9.1M outflow in 2026Q2, reflecting the inherent instability in managing a subprime loan portfolio during periods of shifting credit performance.
These fluctuations in working capital suggest that the timing of loan originations and subsequent collections is becoming increasingly difficult to forecast. The inconsistency in these flows warrants further investigation into whether the company is experiencing delays in borrower repayments or if it is intentionally tightening credit standards.
Based on the provided figures, WRLD has prioritized share repurchases over other capital deployment methods, utilizing $66.6M in 2026Q2 alone, which suggests a management preference for returning capital to shareholders despite the ongoing volatility in the underlying credit portfolio and regulatory environment.
The reliance on share buybacks as a primary capital allocation tool may indicate limited internal investment opportunities for the branch network. Investors should consider whether this aggressive return of capital is sustainable if credit losses continue to normalize and require higher levels of retained earnings for loss absorption.
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying WRLD stock.
World Acceptance Corporation (WRLD) generated $259.36B in net cash from operating activities in 2026. This reflects the cash generated directly from core business operations.
World Acceptance Corporation (WRLD) generated $255.48B in free cash flow in 2026. Free cash flow is the cash left over after capital expenditures, which can be used to pay dividends, repurchase shares, or pay down debt.
World Acceptance Corporation (WRLD) spent $3.88B on capital expenditures in 2026. CapEx represents the cash invested in physical assets like property, plant, and equipment to maintain or grow the business.
In 2026, World Acceptance Corporation (WRLD) spent $132.4M on share repurchases. This shows the company's commitment to returning capital to its equity investors.