Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
             Washington, D.C. 20549             

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

or

¨       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:  0-19599

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

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

108 Frederick Street
Greenville, South Carolina 29607
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large Accelerated Filer ¨
Accelerated Filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ¨

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 October 29, 2010 was 15,649,438.

 

 

WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
Page
     
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):
   
       
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30,
   
 
2010 and March 31, 2010
 
3
       
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and
   
 
six months ended September 30, 2010 and  2009
 
4
       
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and
   
 
Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended March 31, 2010
   
 
and the six months ended September 30, 2010
 
5
       
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
   
 
six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
 
6
       
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
7
       
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
 
 
 
Condition and Results of Operations
 
20
       
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
25
       
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
26
       
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
27
       
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
27
       
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
27
       
Item 5.
Other Information
 
27
       
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
28
       
Signatures
 
30

Introductory Note:  As used herein, the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or similar formulations include World Acceptance Corporation and each of its subsidiaries, except that unless otherwise expressly noted, when used with reference to the Common Stock or other securities described herein and in describing the positions held by management or agreement of the Company, it includes only World Acceptance Corporation.  All references in this report to “fiscal 2011” are to the Company’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

 
2

 
 
WORLD ACCPETANCE CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

   
September 30, 2010
   
March 31, 2010
 
ASSETS
           
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 8,825,282       5,445,168  
Gross loans receivable
    868,192,334       770,265,207  
Less:
               
Unearned interest and fees
    (230,313,533 )     (199,179,293 )
Allowance for loan losses
    (48,343,421 )     (42,896,819 )
Loans receivable, net
    589,535,380       528,189,095  
Property and equipment, net
    23,439,206       22,985,830  
Deferred taxes
    13,315,763       11,642,590  
Other assets, net
    13,693,359       11,559,684  
Goodwill
    5,608,980       5,616,380  
Intangible assets
    7,090,649       7,613,518  
Total assets
  $ 661,508,619       593,052,265  
                 
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
Liabilities:
               
Senior notes payable
    138,850,000       99,150,000  
                 
Convertible senior subordinated notes payable
    77,000,000       77,000,000  
Discount on convertible note
    (3,686,971 )     (5,507,959 )
Junior subordinated note payable
    30,000,000       -  
Income taxes payable
    2,974,103       14,043,486  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    24,278,386       25,418,784  
Total liabilities
    269,415,518       210,104,311  
                 
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 15,648,438 and 16,521,553 shares at September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, respectively
    -       -  
Additional paid in capital
    31,386,790       27,112,822  
Retained earnings
    362,127,432       357,179,568  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (1,421,121 )     (1,344,436 )
Total shareholders' equity
    392,093,101       382,947,954  
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
    $ 661,508,619       593,052,265  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 

 
WORLD ACCPETANCE CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues:
                       
Interest and fee income
  $ 103,717,055       91,540,199       199,787,798       176,607,997  
Insurance commissions and other income
    14,348,036       12,665,568       28,675,457       27,828,135  
Total revenues
    118,065,091       104,205,767       228,463,255       204,436,132  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Provision for loan losses
    27,275,104       25,156,035       46,973,312       45,584,298  
General and administrative expense:
                               
Personnel
    37,350,702       33,911,917       77,084,671       70,203,226  
Occupancy and equipment
    7,893,050       7,113,165       15,081,808       13,816,838  
Advertising
    2,606,815       2,448,594       5,069,131       4,821,094  
Amortization of intangible assets
    510,186       567,688       1,016,822       1,132,458  
Other
    7,729,991       7,713,571       15,135,835       15,114,064  
      56,090,744       51,754,935       113,388,267       105,087,680  
                                 
Interest expense
    4,095,828       3,617,034       7,449,796       6,727,181  
Total expense
    87,461,676       80,528,004       167,811,375       157,399,159  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    30,603,415       23,677,763       60,651,880       47,036,973  
                                 
Income taxes
    10,369,185       9,065,930       21,702,938       17,790,068  
                                 
Net income
  $  20,234,230       14,611,833       38,948,942       29,246,905  
                                 
Net income per common share:
                               
Basic
  $  1.29       0.90       2.45       1.80  
Diluted
  $  1.26       0.89       2.40       1.79  
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    15,653,612       16,235,346       15,890,720       16,230,347  
Diluted
    16,023,071       16,418,257       16,235,868       16,369,820  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 

 
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)

   
Additional Paid-
in Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss),
net
   
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
   
Total
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
                               
Balances at March 31, 2009
  $  17,046,310       283,518,260       (4,229,663 )     296,334,907        
                                       
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  (280,350 shares), including tax benefits of $1,671,344
    7,424,333       -       -       7,424,333        
Common stock repurchases  (38,500 shares)
    (1,434,657 )     -       -       (1,434,657 )      
Issuance of restricted common stock under stock option plan (68,044 shares)
    1,568,600       -       -       1,568,600        
Stock option expense
    3,281,556       -       -       3,281,556        
Repurchase and Cancellation of convertible notes
    (773,320 )     -       -       (773,320 )      
Other comprehensive income
                    2,885,227       2,885,227       2,885,227  
Net income
    -       73,661,308       -       73,661,308       73,661,308  
Total comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       76,546,535  
Balances at March 31, 2010
    27,112,822       357,179,568       (1,344,436 )     382,947,954          
                                         
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  (79,706 shares), including tax benefits of $387,343
    1,853,027       -       -       1,853,027          
Common stock repurchases  (962,821 shares)
    -       (34,001,078 )     -       (34,001,078 )        
Issuance of restricted common stock under stock option plan (10,000 shares)
    1,439,513       -       -       1,439,513          
Stock option expense
    981,428       -       -       981,428          
Other comprehensive loss
    -       -       (76,685 )     (76,685 )     (76,685 )
Net income
    -       38,948,942       -       38,948,942       38,948,942  
Total comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       38,872,257  
                                         
Balances at September 30, 2010
  $  31,386,790       362,127,432       (1,421,121 )     392,093,101          

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 

WORLD ACCPETANCE CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

   
Six months ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 38,948,942       29,246,905  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash  provided by operating activities:
               
                 
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,016,822       1,132,458  
Amortization of loan costs and discounts
    193,429       215,958  
Provision for loan losses
    46,973,312       45,584,298  
Gain on the extinguishment of debt
    -       (2,361,180 )
Amortization of convertible note discount
    1,820,988       1,984,432  
Depreciation
    2,927,274       2,738,254  
Deferred income tax expense
    (1,652,777 )     (724,504 )
Compensation related to stock option and restricted stock plans
    2,420,941       2,442,768  
Unrealized gains on interest rate swap
    (712,313 )     (568,588 )
                 
Change in accounts:
               
Other assets, net
    (1,887,468 )     (1,031,973 )
Income taxes payable
    (11,077,054 )     (6,616,041 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (434,980 )     2,896,712  
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    78,537,116       74,939,499  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Increase in loans receivable, net
    (106,171,603 )     (96,103,452 )
Net assets acquired from office acquisitions, primarily loans
    (2,155,336 )     (628,363 )
Increase in intangible assets from acquisitions
    (514,196 )     (190,559 )
Purchases of property and equipment, net
    (3,394,045 )     (2,628,868 )
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (112,235,180 )     (99,551,242 )
                 
Cash flow from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from senior revolving notes payable, net
    39,700,000       32,090,000  
Repayment of convertible senior subordinated notes
    -       (6,750,000 )
Proceeds from junior subordinated note payable
    30,000,000       -  
Loan cost associated with junior subordinated note payable
    (487,500 )     -  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    1,465,684       140,297  
Repurchase of common stock
    (34,001,078 )     -  
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    387,343       107,369  
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    37,064,449       25,587,666  
                 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    3,366,385       975,923  
                 
Effects of foreign currency fluctuations on cash
    13,729       51,169  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    5,445,168       6,260,410  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $  8,825,282       7,287,502  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
6

 
 
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2010 and 2009
(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements of the Company at September 30, 2010, and for the three and six  months then ended were prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of items of a normal recurring nature) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position at September 30, 2010, and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, 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.

Certain reclassification entries have been made for fiscal 2010 to conform to fiscal 2011 presentation.  These reclassifications had no impact on shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss) or net income.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, included in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders.

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810-30, “Variable Interest Entities.” FASB ASC Topic 810-30 changes how a reporting entity determines whether an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. The determination of whether a reporting entity is required to consolidate another entity is based on, among other things, the other entity’s purpose and design and the reporting entity’s ability to direct the activities of the other entity that most significantly impact the other entity’s performance. FASB ASC Topic 810-30 is effective for a reporting entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of FASB ASC Topic 810-30 during the six months ended September 30, 2010 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements

In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06 (“ASU 2010-06”), “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements,” which amends FASB ASC Topic 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to require disclosure of transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and gross presentation of items in the Level 3 rollforward. The guidance also clarifies the level of disaggregation required for fair value measurement disclosures and requires disclosure of inputs and valuation techniques used in Levels 2 and 3. With the exception of the gross presentation of items in the Level 3 rollforward (which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010), the Company adopted this guidance effective April 1, 2010 with no significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
7

 

Recently issued Accounting Pronouncements

Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses

Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-20 (“ASU 2010-20”), “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses,” requires companies to provide more information in their disclosures about the credit quality of their financing receivables and the credit reserves held against them. ASU 2010-20 is intended to improve transparency in financial reporting by public and nonpublic companies that hold financing receivables, which include loans, lease receivables, and other long-term receivables. For public companies, the amendments that require disclosures as of the end of a reporting period are effective for periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The amendments that require disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010.

NOTE 3 – FAIR VALUE

Fair Value Disclosures

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

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

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

 
o
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.

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

The following financial liabilities were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010:

   
Fair Value Measurements Using
         
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
         
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Interest rate swaps September 30, 2010
  $ 623,956     $ -     $ 623,956     $ -  
Interest rate swaps March 31, 2010
  $ 1,336,269     $ -     $ 1,336,269     $ -  

The Company’s interest rate swaps were valued using the “income approach” valuation technique.  This method used valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount.  The measurement was based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts.

 
8

 

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

The book value and estimated fair value of our long-term debt was as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30,
   
        March 31,        
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
             
Book value:
           
Senior Note Payable
  $ 138,850       99,150  
Junior Subordinated Note Payable
    30,000       -  
Convertible Notes
    73,313       71,492  
    $ 242,163       170,642  
                 
Estimated fair value:
               
Senior Note Payable
  $ 138,850       99,150  
Junior Subordinated Note Payable
    30,000       -  
Convertible Notes
    76,230       73,389  
    $ 245,080       172,539  

The difference between the estimated fair value of long-term debt compared with its historical cost reported in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010 relates primarily to market quotations for the Company’s 3% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due October 1, 2011.

The carrying value of the senior note payable and the junior subordinated note payable approximated the fair value as the notes payable are at a variable interest rate.

There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non recurring basis during the first six months of fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2010.

NOTE 4 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 220-10 (Prior authoritative literature: Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”).  The following summarizes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
                         
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Balance at beginning of period
  $ (2,229,566 )     (2,616,950 )     (1,344,436 )     (4,229,663 )
Unrealized income (loss) from foreign exchange translation adjustment
    808,445       (632,916 )     (76,685 )     979,797  
Balance at end of period
  $ (1,421,121 )     (3,249,866 )     (1,421,121 )     (3,249,866 )

 
9

 

NOTE 5 ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

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

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 44,105,503       40,786,537       42,896,819       38,020,770  
                                 
Provision for loan losses
    27,275,104       25,156,035       46,973,312       45,584,298  
Loan losses
    (25,167,988 )     (24,228,011 )     (45,737,290 )     (43,943,362 )
Recoveries
    2,061,741       2,009,248       4,211,938       3,958,386  
Translation Adjustment
    69,061       (41,465 )     (1,358 )     62,252  
Balance at end of period
  $ 48,343,421       43,682,344       48,343,421       43,682,344  

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 310, which prohibits carryover or creation of valuation allowances in the initial accounting of all loans acquired in a transfer that are within the scope of this accounting literature.  The Company believes that a loan has shown deterioration if it is over 60 days delinquent.  The Company believes that loans acquired since the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 310 have not shown evidence of  deterioration of  credit  quality  since origination,  and therefore,  are not   within the  scope of FASB ASC Topic 310 because the Company did not pay consideration for, or record, acquired loans over 60 days delinquent.  Loans acquired that are more than 60 days past due are included in the scope of accounting literature and therefore, subsequent refinances or restructures of these loans would not be accounted for as a new loan.

NOTE 6 – AVERAGE SHARE INFORMATION

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

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
                         
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Basic:
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding (denominator)
    15,653,612       16,235,346       15,890,720       16,230,347  
                                 
Diluted:
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    15,653,612       16,235,346       15,890,720       16,230,347  
Dilutive potential common shares
    369,459       182,911       345,148       139,473  
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (denominator)
    16,023,071       16,418,257       16,235,868       16,369,820  

During the three months ended September 30, 2010 there were no anti-dilutive shares. Options to purchase 133,474 shares of common stock at various prices were outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2009 but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) because the options are anti-dilutive. Options to purchase 804 and 183,472 shares of common stock at various prices were outstanding during the six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options were anti-dilutive.  The shares related to the convertible senior notes payable (1,762,519) and related warrants were also not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the effect of such instruments was anti-dilutive.

 
10

 

NOTE 7 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Option Plans

The Company has a 1994 Stock Option Plan, a 2002 Stock Option Plan, a 2005 Stock Option Plan and a 2008 Stock Option Plan for the benefit of certain directors, officers, and key employees.  Under these plans, 4,850,000 shares of authorized common stock have been reserved for issuance pursuant to grants approved by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors.  Stock options granted under these plans have a maximum duration of 10 years and may be subject to certain vesting requirements, which are generally five years.  Restricted stock granted under these plans are generally for directors and certain key officers with vesting requirements of up to three years.  Stock options and restricted stock granted under these plans are priced at the market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant of the option.  At September 30, 2010, there were 525,695 shares 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 (Prior authoritative literature: SFAS No. 123(R), “Share Based Payment”).  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 financial statements based on their fair values. The impact of forfeitures that may occur prior to vesting is also estimated and considered in the amount recognized.  Stock option compensation is recognized as an expense over the unvested portion of all stock option awards granted based on the fair values estimated at grant date in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718-10.  The Company has applied the Black-Scholes valuation model in determining the fair value of the stock option awards.  Compensation expense is recognized only for those options expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated based on historical experience and future expectations.

There were no option grants during the six months ended September 30, 2010 or September 30, 2009.

Option activity for the six months ended September 30, 2010 was as follows:

   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
   
Aggregated
Intrinsic Value
 
                         
Options outstanding, beginning of year
    1,393,350     $ 26.23              
Granted
    -       -              
Exercised
    (79,706 )     18.39              
Forfeited
    (18,900 )     26.26              
Options outstanding, end of period
    1,294,744     $ 26.71       6.64     $ 23,495,381  
Options exercisable, end of period
    481,694     $ 27.38       4.52     $ 8,633,542  

The aggregate intrinsic value reflected in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price on September 30, 2010 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by option holders had all option holders exercised their options  as of  September 30, 2010.  This amount will change as the stock’s market price changes.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was as follows:

   
2010
   
2009
 
Three months ended
  $ 1,353,962       235,131  
Six months ended
  $ 1,810,018       288,897  

As of September 30, 2010, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options amounted to approximately $5.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.2 years.

Restricted Stock

On April 30, 2010, the Company granted 10,000 shares of restricted stock (which are equity classified) with a grant date fair value of $35.28 per share to its independent directors.  All of the shares granted vested immediately.

 
11

 

On November 9, 2009, the Company granted 41,346 shares of restricted stock (which are equity classified), with a grant date fair value of $26.73 per share, to certain executive officers.  One-third of the restricted stock vested immediately and one-third will vest on the first and second anniversary of the grant.  On that same date, the Company granted an additional 23,159 shares of restricted stock (which are equity classified), with a grant date fair value of $26.73 per share, to the same executive officers.  The 23,159 shares will vest on April 30, 2012 based on the Company’s compounded annual EPS growth according to the following schedule:
 
     
Compounded
 
Vesting
 
Annual
 
Percentage
 
EPS Growth
 
100
%  
15% or higher
 
67
%  
12% - 14.99%
 
33
%  
10% - 11.99%
 
0
%  
Below 10%   
 

On November 10, 2008, the Company granted 50,000 shares of restricted stock (which are equity classified), with a grant date fair value of $16.85 per share, to certain executive officers.  One-third of the restricted stock vested immediately and one-third were scheduled to vest on the first and second anniversaries of the grant.  On that same date, the Company granted an additional 29,100 shares of restricted stock (which are equity classified), with a grant date fair value of $16.85 per share, to the same executive officers.  The 29,100 shares will vest in three years based on the Company’s compounded annual EPS growth according to the following schedule:
 
     
Compounded
 
Vesting
 
Annual
 
Percentage
 
EPS Growth
 
100
%  
15% or higher
 
67
%  
12% - 14.99%
 
33
%  
10% - 11.99%
 
0
%  
Below 10%   
 

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 $316,000 and $221,000, respectively, of compensation expense for the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and recognized $981,000 and $982,000, respectively, for the six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 related to restricted stock, which is included as a component of general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.  All shares are expected to vest.

As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $860,148 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards granted, which is expected to be recognized over the next 1.3 years.

A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock as of September 30, 2010, and changes during the six months ended September 30, 2010, are presented below:

   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average Fair
Value at Grant
Date
 
             
Outstanding at March 31, 2010
    84,227     $ 23.52  
Granted during the period
    10,000       35.28  
Vested during the period
    (10,000 )     35.28  
Cancelled during the period
    -       -  
Outstanding at September 30, 2010
    84,227     $ 23.52  

 
12

 
 
Total share-based compensation included as a component of net income during the three months and six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was as follows:
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Share-based compensation related to equity classified units:
                       
Share-based compensation related to stock options
  $ 718,616       744,159       1,439,513       1,486,500  
Share-based compensation related to restricted stock units
    316,031       221,393       981,428       981,888  
                                 
Total share-based compensation related to equity
                               
classified awards
  $ 1,034,647       965,552       2,420,941       2,468,388  

NOTE 8 – ACQUISITIONS

The following table sets forth the acquisition activity of the Company for the six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Number of offices purchased
    9       2  
Merged into existing offices
    5       2  
                 
Purchase Price
  $ 2,697,175       818,922  
Tangible assets:
               
Net Loans
    2,179,979       628,363  
Furniture, fixtures & equipment
    3,000       -  
                 
Excess of purchase prices over carrying value of
               
net tangible assets
  $ 514,196       190,559  
                 
Customer lists
    453,203       183,559  
Non-compete agreements
    43,000       7,000  
Goodwill
    17,993       -  
                 
Total intangible assets
  $ 514,196       190,559  

The Company evaluates each acquisition to determine if the acquired assets meet the definition of a business.  The acquired assets that meet the definition of a business are accounted for as a business combination under FASB ASC Topic 805-10 (Prior authoritative literature: SFAS 141(R)) and all other acquisitions are accounted for as asset purchases.  All acquisitions have been from independent third parties.

When the acquisition results in a new office, the Company records the transaction as a business combination, since the office acquired will continue to generate loans. The Company typically retains the existing employees and the office location.  The purchase price is allocated to the estimated fair value of the tangible assets acquired and to the estimated fair value of the identified intangible assets acquired (generally non-compete agreements and customer lists).  The remainder is allocated to goodwill.  During the six months ended September 30, 2010, four acquisitions were recorded as business combinations.

When the acquisition is of a portfolio of loans only, the Company records the transaction as an asset purchase. In an asset purchase, no goodwill is recorded.  The purchase price is allocated to the estimated fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired.  During the six months ended September 30, 2010, five acquisitions were recorded as asset acquisitions.

The Company’s acquisitions include tangible assets (generally loans, 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.

 
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Acquired loans are valued at the net loan balance.  Given the short-term nature of these loans, generally four months, and that these loans are subject to continual repricing 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 values. The fair value of the customer lists is based on a valuation model that utilizes the Company’s historical data to estimate the value of any acquired customer lists.  In a business combination the remaining excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the tangible assets, customer list, and non-compete agreements is allocated to goodwill.  The offices the Company acquires are small privately owned offices, which do not have sufficient historical data to determine attrition.  The Company believes that the customers acquired have the same characteristics and perform similarly to its customers.  Therefore, the Company utilized the attrition patterns of its customers when developing the method.  This method is re-evaluated periodically.

Customer lists are allocated at an office level and are evaluated for impairment at an office level when a triggering event occurs, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360-10-05 (Prior authoritative literature: SFAS 144).  If a triggering event occurs, the impairment loss to the customer list is generally the remaining unamortized customer list balance.  In most acquisitions, the original fair value of the customer list allocated to an office is less than $100,000 and management believes that in the event a triggering event were to occur, the impairment loss to an unamortized customer list would be immaterial.

The results of all acquisitions have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the respective acquisition dates.  The pro forma impact of these purchases 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 9 – CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES

On October 10, 2006, the Company issued $110 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.0% convertible senior subordinated notes due October 1, 2011 (the “Convertible Notes”) to qualified institutional brokers in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing April 1, 2007. The Convertible Notes are the Company’s direct, senior subordinated, unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future unsecured senior subordinated debt of the Company, senior in right of payment to all of the Company’s existing and future subordinated debt and junior to all of the Company’s existing and future senior debt.  The Convertible Notes are structurally junior to the liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries.  The Convertible Notes are convertible prior to maturity, subject to certain conditions described below, at an initial conversion rate of 16.0229 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $62.41 per share, subject to adjustment.  Upon conversion, the Company will pay cash up to the principal amount of notes converted and deliver shares of its common stock to the extent the daily conversion value exceeds the proportionate principal amount based on a 30 trading-day observation period.

Holders may convert the Convertible Notes prior to July 1, 2011 only if one or more of the following conditions are satisfied:

·   
During any fiscal quarter commencing after December 31, 2006, if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 120% of the applicable conversion price on such last trading day;
·   
During the five business day period after any ten consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per note for each day of such ten consecutive trading day period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the applicable conversion rate on each such day; or
·   
The occurrence of specified corporate transactions.

If the Convertible Notes are converted in connection with certain fundamental changes that occur prior to October 1, 2011, the Company may be obligated to pay an additional make-whole premium with respect to the Convertible Notes converted.  If the Company undergoes certain fundamental changes, holders of Convertible Notes may require the Company to purchase the Convertible Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes purchased plus accrued interest to, but excluding, the purchase date.

 
14

 

Holders may also surrender their Convertible Notes for conversion anytime on or after July 1, 2011 until the close of business on the third business day immediately preceding the maturity date, regardless of whether any of the foregoing conditions have been satisfied. 

The contingent conversion feature was not required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 815-10-15.

The aggregate underwriting commissions and other debt issuance costs incurred with respect to the issuance of the Convertible Notes were approximately $3.6 million and are being amortized over the period the convertible senior notes are outstanding.

Convertible Notes Hedge Strategy

Concurrent and in connection with the sale of the Convertible Notes, the Company purchased call options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the conversion rate as of the date the options are exercised for the Convertible Notes, at a price of $62.41 per share.  The cost of the call options totaled $24.6 million.  The Company also sold warrants to the same counterparties to purchase from the Company an aggregate of 1,762,519 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $73.97 per share and received net proceeds from the sale of these warrants of $16.2 million.  Taken together, the call option and warrant agreements increased the effective conversion price of the Convertible Notes to $73.97 per share.  The call options and warrants must be settled in net shares.  On the date of settlement, if the market price per share of the Company’s common stock is above $73.97 per share, the Company will be required to deliver shares of its common stock representing the value of the call options and warrants in excess of $73.97 per share.

The warrants have a strike price of $73.97 and are generally exercisable at anytime.  The Company issued and sold the warrants in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, by virtue of section 4(2) thereof.  There were no underwriting commissions or discounts in connection with the sale of the warrants.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815-40 (Prior authoritative literature:  EITF. No. 00-19 “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, the Company’s Own Stock”), the Company accounted for the call options and warrants as a net reduction in additional paid in capital, and is not required to recognize subsequent changes in fair value of the call options and warrants in its consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion

On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 470-20 (Prior authoritative literature: FSP APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement).  FASB ASC Topic 470-20 requires the convertible debt to be separated between its liability and equity components, in a manner that reflects the Company’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate, determined to be 8.7% at the time of the issuance of the Convertible Notes, and must be applied retroactively to all periods presented.

The carrying amounts of the debt and equity components are as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30, 2010
   
       March 31, 2010       
 
             
Face value of convertible debt
  $ 77,000       77,000  
Unamortized discount
    (3,687 )     (5,508 )
Net carrying amount of debt component
    73,313       71,492  
                 
Carrying amount of equity component
  $ 22,586       22,586  
 
For the six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the effective interest rate on the liability component was 8.2% and 8.7%, respectively, and interest expense relating to both the contractual interest coupon and amortization of the discount on the liability component was $3.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively.  The remaining discount on the liability component will be amortized over 12 months.

 
15

 

NOTE 10 – DEBT

Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility

On September 17, 2010, the Company entered into an amendment and restatement (the “Amendment”) of the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of July 20, 2005, as amended (as so amended and restated, the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), among the Company, the lenders named therein, and Bank of Montreal, as Administrative Agent.

The Amendment amends the Revolving Credit Agreement by extending its term through August 31, 2012, changing the revolving credit commitment amount to $225.0 million and permitting the Company to incur up to $75.0 million in aggregate principal amount of subordinated indebtedness under a non-revolving line of credit (the “Junior Subordinated Note Payable”) on the terms described below.

In addition, the Amendment modifies the consolidated net worth and fixed charge coverage ratio financial covenants in the Revolving Credit Agreement and adjusts an indebtedness negative covenant in the Revolving Credit Agreement that, as amended, prohibits (i) the Company’s aggregate unpaid principal amount of total debt, on a consolidated basis, to exceed 325% of the Company’s consolidated adjusted net worth, and (ii) the Company’s aggregate unpaid principal amount of subordinated debt to exceed 100% of the Company’s consolidated adjusted net worth.  The Amendment also adds a covenant providing that as of April 1, 2011 and at all times thereafter, so long as any of the Company’s 3% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 (“Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes”) remain outstanding, the Company’s excess borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Junior Subordinated Note Payable shall not be less than the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes.

The Amendment also increases the Company’s ability to make investments in certain Mexican subsidiaries from an aggregate amount not to exceed $45 million up to $60 million.

In connection with the Amendment (i) the Company and its domestic subsidiaries entered into amended and restated security agreements and (ii) the Company’s domestic subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated guaranty agreement.

Junior Subordinated Note Payable

On September 17, 2010, the Company entered into the Junior Subordinated Note Payable with Wells Fargo Preferred Capital, Inc. (“Wells Fargo”) providing for a non-revolving line of credit maturing on September 17, 2015.  Wells Fargo is also a lender under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

The Junior Subordinated Note Payable initially provides a commitment of $75.0 million, which commitment amount will be reduced annually by $5.0 million beginning on the first anniversary of the closing date.  Term loan borrowings under the Junior Subordinated Note Payable are limited to 85% of the eligible accounts receivable of the Company and its subsidiaries, less the sum of (i) all unearned finance charges and unearned insurance premiums and insurance commissions applicable to such eligible accounts receivable, (ii) any principal amounts then outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement, (iii) mark-to-market liability under any hedging agreement, (iv) the aggregate principal amounts then outstanding under the senior subordinated convertible notes, and (v) all other unsecured on-balance sheet indebtedness of the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries (including accrued liabilities and taxes but excluding obligations under the Junior Subordinated Note Payable) as reflected on the Company’s most recent consolidated financial statements.

Interest on borrowed amounts under the Junior Subordinated Note Payable is payable monthly in arrears at a rate per annum equal to the sum of one-month LIBOR, as in effect from time to time, plus 4.875%, provided, however that during each period that the outstanding principal balance of the borrowings under the Junior Subordinated Note Payable is less than $30 million (the “Minimum Balance”), the Company shall pay interest on the Minimum Balance.  The Company is required to pay an unused line fee at a rate between 25 basis points and 37.5 basis points  per annum (based on whether the usage rate for a month is equal to or greater than 65% or less than 65%) on the average daily unused portion of the maximum amount of the commitments under the Junior Subordinated Note Payable.  In addition, the Company has paid Wells Fargo a non-refundable commitment fee of $487,500 in connection with the Junior Subordinated Note Payable.

The proceeds from the borrowing under the Junior Subordinated Note Payable will be used to repay existing debt and for general working capital purposes (including the repayment or purchase of senior subordinated convertible notes and purchase of the Company’s capital stock as approved by the Company’s board of directors).  The Junior Subordinated Note Payable is guaranteed by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries pursuant to a Subordinated Guaranty Agreement and, although initially unsecured, will be, after payment in full of the senior subordinated convertible notes, secured by a second lien on all assets of the Company and each guarantor pursuant to a Subordinated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust signed by the Company (the “Company Security Agreement”) and a Subordinated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust signed by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Security Agreement”).  

 
16

 

The liens created to secure the Junior Subordinated Note Payable after payment in full of the Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes will be subject to the first lien position of the lenders under the Revolving Credit Agreement. The Junior Subordinated Note Payable will be subordinated to the Revolving Credit Agreement and will have the same rank as the Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes until such notes are paid in full.  Thereafter, the Junior Subordinated Note Payable will be subordinate to the Revolving Credit Agreement pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement (the “Subordination Agreement”), dated as of September 17, 2010, among the Company, Wells Fargo, individually and as agent for the lenders party to the Junior Subordinated Note Payable, Bank of Montreal, individually and as agent for the lenders party to the Revolving Credit Agreement, and Harris N.A., as Senior Creditor Collateral Agent.   The Subordination Agreement will require the indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement to be paid in full in a bankruptcy proceeding before the indebtedness under the Junior Subordinated Note Payable can be paid.  In addition, it will provide for customary standstill periods for the Junior Subordinated Note Payable, customary cure periods for the Revolving Credit Agreement, customary restrictions with respect to prepayments of indebtedness under the Junior Subordinated Note Payable and customary restrictions with respect to amending the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Junior Subordinated Note Payable. 

The Junior Subordinated Note Payable contains financial covenants requiring the Company to (a) maintain a minimum net worth, which is defined as (i) for the fiscal quarter of the Company ending June 30, 2010, $275,000,000, and (ii) for each fiscal quarter thereafter, the sum of the minimum net worth for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter plus 50% of consolidated net income for such fiscal quarter (but without deduction in the case of any deficit of consolidated net income for such fiscal quarter); and (b) maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter.

The Junior Subordinated Note Payable contains restrictive covenants that limit the ability of the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries to incur indebtedness, create or assume liens, prepay certain indebtedness, acquire, sell or dispose of all or a substantial part of their assets, engage in certain mergers or consolidations, engage in transactions with affiliates, and make investments.  These covenants in the Junior Subordinated Note Payable are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions.  In addition, the Junior Subordinated Note Payable requires the Company to maintain Wells Fargo as a lender under the Revolving Credit Agreement and any other senior revolving credit facility, in each case with a commitment in an amount of a least 20% of the total commitments thereunder unless Wells Fargo, in its sole discretion, agrees to providing a lesser percentage of the total commitments.

The Junior Subordinated Note Payable also contains representations and warranties and events of default that are customary for this type of transaction.

On September 17, 2010, the Company borrowed $30 million under the Junior Subordinated Note Payable and used the proceeds from such borrowing to repay a portion of the Revolving Credit Agreement.  These borrowings left the Company with borrowing capacity of $45.0 million under the Junior Subordinated Note Payable, subject to the terms and conditions described above.

NOTE 11 – EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT

In May 2009, the Company repurchased, in a privately negotiated transaction, $10 million of its Convertible Notes at an average discount to face value of approximately 32.5%.  The Company paid approximately $6.8 million and recorded a gain of approximately $2.4 million in other income, which was partially offset by the write-off of $165,000 of pre-tax deferred financing costs associated with the repurchase and cancellation of the Convertible Notes.  As of September 30, 2010, $77.0 million principal amount of the Convertible Notes was outstanding.

NOTE 12 – DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

On December 8, 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $20 million to economically hedge a portion of the cash flows from its floating rate revolving credit facility.  Under the terms of the interest rate swap, the Company pays a fixed rate of 2.4% on the $20 million notional amount and receives payments from a counterparty based on the 1 month LIBOR rate for a term ending December 8, 2011.  Interest rate differentials paid or received under the swap agreement are recognized as adjustments to interest expense.

 
17

 
 
On October 5, 2005, the Company entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $30 million to economically hedge a portion of the cash flows from its floating rate revolving credit facility.  Under the terms of the interest rate swap, the Company paid a fixed rate of 4.755% on the $30 million notional amount and received payments from a counterparty based on the 1 month LIBOR rate for the term  that ended October 5, 2010.

The fair value of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:

   
Interest
 
   
Rate Swaps
 
September 30, 2010:
     
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 623,956  
Fair value of derivative instrument
  $ 623,956  
         
March 31, 2010:
       
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 1,336,269  
Fair value of derivative instrument
  $ 1,336,269  

Both of the interest rate swaps are currently in liability positions, and as a result there is no significant risk of loss related to counterparty credit risk.

The gains (losses) recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of the interest rate swaps are as follows:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Realized gains (losses)
                       
Interest rate swaps - included as a component
                       
of interest expense
  $ (447,812 )     (451,064 )     (893,623 )     (880,376 )
                                 
Unrealized gains (losses)
                               
Interest rate swaps - included as a component
                               
of other income
  $ 346,823       93,625       712,313       568,588  

The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  The purpose of these instruments is to reduce the exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to a portion of its LIBOR-based borrowings.  The Company is currently not accounting for these derivative instruments using the cash flow hedge accounting provisions of FASB ASC Topic 815-10-15; therefore, the changes in fair value of the swaps are included in earnings as other income or expenses.

By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk.  Credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty to a derivative instrument will fail to perform, exists to the extent of the fair value gain in a derivative.  Market risk is the adverse effect on the financial instruments from a change in interest rates.  The Company manages the market risk associated with interest rate contracts by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken.  The market risk associated with derivatives used for interest rate risk management activities is fully incorporated in the Company’s market risk sensitivity analysis.

NOTE 13 – INCOME TAXES

The Company is required to assess whether the earnings of our two Mexican foreign subsidiaries, Servicios World Acceptance Corporation de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“SWAC”) and WAC de México, S.A. de C.V., SOFOM ENR (“WAC”), will be permanently reinvested in the respective foreign jurisdiction or if previously untaxed foreign earnings of the Company will no longer be permanently reinvested and thus become taxable in the United States.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company has determined that approximately $500,000 of cumulative undistributed net earnings of SWAC and approximately $85,000 of cumulative undistributed net earnings of WAC, as well as the future net earnings and losses of both foreign subsidiaries will be permanently reinvested.

 
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The Company adopted the provision of FASB ASC Topic 740-10 on April 1, 2007.   As of September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, the Company had $2.3 million and $5.8 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits including interest, respectively.  Approximately $728,000 and $3.2 million, respectively, represents the amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that are permanent in nature and, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate.  The decrease in the total gross unrecognized tax benefit during the quarter ending September 30, 2010 is primarily attributable to the release of reserves related to settlement of the South Carolina examination for tax years March 31, 1997 through March 31, 2006. On August 12, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with the state of South Carolina which settled all issues related to tax years March 31, 1997 through March 31, 2006.  The settlement resulted in the Company recognizing a net tax benefit of $919,000.  At September 30, 2010, approximately $446,000 of gross unrecognized tax benefits are expected to be resolved during the next 12 months through the expiration of the statute of limitations.

The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company had $351,000 accrued for gross interest, of which $125,000 was a current period expense. 

The Company is subject to U.S. and Mexican income taxes, as well as various other state and local jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2005, although carryforward attributes that were generated prior to 2004 may still be adjusted upon examination by the taxing authorities if they either have been or will be used in a future period.  

NOTE 14 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

Subsequent events have been evaluated through October 29, 2010, the date these unaudited consolidated financial statements were issued.

NOTE 15 – LITIGATION

At September 30, 2010, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants or are otherwise involved in various legal actions and proceedings arising from their normal business activities, including matters in which damages in various amounts are claimed.  In view of the inherent difficulty in predicting the outcome of legal matters, particularly where the claimants seek very large or indeterminate damages, the matters present novel legal theories, potentially involve a large number of parties or are in the early stages, the Company generally cannot predict the eventual outcome of these pending matters, nor the timing of the ultimate resolution of such matters or the eventual loss, fines, penalties, settlement or other impact, if any, related to such matters.  Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that losses arising from pending matters, including those described below, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition taken as a whole.  However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in such matters, there can be no assurance that an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters will not be material to the Company or will not materially and adversely affect its results of operations or cash flows in any particular reporting period.

On September 2, 2010, the Company and World Finance Corporation of Georgia were served with a summons and complaint in the case of Mary A. Rawls vs. World Acceptance Corporation; World Finance Corporation of Georgia; Fortegra Financial Corporation, f/k/a Life of the South; and Life of the South Insurance Company, pending in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia (case number 2010CV190522), alleging violations of Georgia and  other potentially applicable state’s laws in connection with the sale of non-file insurance products and seeking class certification and unspecified monetary damages, injunctive relief and attorney’s fees.  On September 15, 2010, Ms. Rawls, through her attorneys, filed her Dismissal Without Prejudice with the Court.

On September 27, 2010, the Company and World Finance Corporation of Georgia were served with a summons and complaint in the case of Rita Hopkins vs. World Acceptance Corporation; World Finance Corporation of Georgia; Fortegra Financial Corporation, f/k/a Life of the South; and Life of the South Insurance Company, pending in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia (case number 2010CV191370), alleging violations of Georgia and other potentially applicable state’s laws in connection with the sale of non-file insurance products and seeking class certification and unspecified monetary damages, injunctive relief and attorney’s fees.  The Company intends to defend itself vigorously in this matter.

 
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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

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

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
         
(Dollars in thousands)
       
                         
Average gross loans receivable ¹
  $ 850,622       744,099       823,330       719,910  
Average net loans receivable ²
    625,104       547,482       606,448       530,906  
                                 
Expenses as a % of total revenue:
                               
Provision for loan losses
    23.1 %     24.1 %     20.6 %     22.3 %
General and administrative
    47.5 %     49.7 %     49.6 %     51.4 %
Total interest expense
    3.5 %     3.5 %     3.3 %     3.3 %
                                 
Operating margin ³
    29.4 %     26.2 %     29.8 %     26.3 %
                                 
Return on average assets (trailing 12 months)
    13.4 %     11.7 %     13.4 %     11.7 %
                                 
Offices opened or acquired, net
    24       17       44       22  
                                 
Total offices (at period end)
    1,034       966       1,034       966  
  

(1)  Average gross loans receivable have been determined by averaging month-end gross loans receivable over the indicated period.
(2)  Average loans receivable have been determined by averaging month-end gross loans receivable less unearned interest and deferred fees over the indicated period.
(3)  Operating margin is computed as total revenues less provision for loan losses and general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of total revenue.

Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2010, Versus
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

Net income increased to $20.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, or 38.5%, from the three month period ended September 30, 2009.  Operating income (revenues less provision for loan losses and general and administrative expenses) increased, approximately $7.4 million, or 27.1%, interest expense increased by approximately $500,000, or 13.1%, and income tax expense increased by $1.3 million, or 14.4%.

Total revenues rose to $118.1 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2010, a 13.3% increase over the $104.2 million for the corresponding quarter of the previous year.  This increase was attributable to new offices and an increase in revenues from offices open throughout both quarterly periods.  Revenues from the 937 offices open throughout both quarterly periods increased by approximately 11.0%.  At September 30, 2010, the Company had 1,034 offices in operation, an increase of 44 offices from March 31, 2010.

Interest and fee income for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 increased by $12.2 million, or 13.3%, over the same period of the prior year.  This increase resulted from a $77.6 million increase, or 14.2%, in average net loans receivable over the two corresponding periods.

 
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Insurance commissions and other income increased by approximately $1.7 million, or 13.3%, between the two quarterly periods.  Insurance commissions increased by approximately $1.1 million, or 12.0%, during the most recent quarter when compared to the prior year quarter due to the increase in loans in those states where credit insurance is sold in conjunction with the loan.  Other income increased by approximately $612,000, or 16.2%, of which $253,000 of the increase was attributed to the interest rate swaps’ mark to market adjustment.

The provision for loan losses during the three months ended September 30, 2010 increased by $2.1 million, or 8.4%, from the same quarter last year.  The Company continued to see improvement in its delinquencies and charge-offs during the second quarter in spite of the ongoing difficult economic environment. Accounts that were 61+ days past due decreased from 3.3% to 2.9% on a recency basis and from 4.6% to 4.2% on a contractual basis when comparing the two quarter end statistics. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average net loans decreased from 16.2% (annualized) during the prior year second quarter to 14.8% (annualized) during the most recent quarter. This is the sixth straight quarter where the charge-off ratios declined from the corresponding quarter of the previous year and current loss percentages are back in line with historical levels. Over the last ten years charge-off ratios during the second fiscal quarter have ranged from a high of 17.0% in fiscal 2008 to a low of 14.0% in fiscal 2006.

Management’s close monitoring of the Company’s loan portfolio credit risk has served the Company well during the current economic environment. Management believes that our underwriting standards help to mitigate the credit risk.  One requirement in the underwriting process is that the customer must have enough free income to support his/her monthly living expense and to support the monthly loan payment.  In addition, due to the short term nature of our loans and our aggressive charge-off policies, any deterioration in our loan quality is quickly reflected in our provision.

In addition, loans over 90 days past due on a recency basis are fully reserved.  Generally, loans are charged off at the earlier of when such loans are deemed to be uncollectible or when six months have elapsed since the date of the last full contractual payment. The Company continues to monitor closely the loan portfolio in light of current economic conditions and believes that the loss ratios are within acceptable ranges in light of these conditions.

General and administrative expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 increased by $4.3 million, or 8.4% over the same quarter of fiscal 2010.  Overall, general and administrative expenses, when divided by average open offices, increased by approximately 1.6% when comparing the two periods.  The total general and administrative expense as a percent of total revenues was 47.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and was 49.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Interest expense increased by approximately $500,000 when comparing the two corresponding quarterly periods as a result of an increase in the average outstanding debt balance.

The Company’s effective income tax rate decreased to 33.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 from 38.3% for the prior year quarter.  The decrease was primarily the result of the settlement with the state of South Carolina for tax years March 31, 1997 through March 31, 2006, which represented a discrete event in the current quarter.  This settlement resulted in the Company recognizing a tax benefit of $919,000 and reduction in the effective tax rate of approximately 4.5% during the quarter.

Comparison of Six Months Ended September 30, 2010, Versus
Six Months Ended September 30, 2009

Net income increased to $38.9 million for the six months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 33.2%, from the six month period ended September 30, 2009.  Operating income (revenues less provision for loan losses and general and administrative expenses) increased approximately $14.3 million, or 26.7%, interest expense increased by 10.7% and income taxes increased by 22.0%.

Total revenues rose to $228.5 million during the six ended September 30, 2010, an 11.8% increase over the $204.4 million for the corresponding six months of the previous year.  This increase was attributable to new offices and an increase in revenues from offices open throughout both quarterly periods.  Revenues from the 937 offices open throughout both quarterly periods increased by approximately 9.9%.

Interest and fee income for the six months ended September 30, 2010 increased by $23.2 million, or 13.1%, over the same period of the prior year.  This increase resulted from a $75.5 million increase, or 14.2%, in average net loans receivable over the two corresponding periods.

 
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Insurance commissions and other income increased by approximately $847,000, or 3.0%, between the two six months period.  Insurance commissions increased by approximately $2.6 million, or 15.1%, during the most recent six months when compared to the same period in the prior year due to the increase in loans in those states where credit insurance is sold in conjunction with the loan.  Other income decreased by approximately $1.8 million, or 16.8%, over the corresponding six months primarily due to the repurchase and cancellation in the first six months of fiscal 2010 of $10.0 million face value of the Convertible Notes, which resulted in a $2.4 million pre-tax gain in that six months.  During the first six months of fiscal 2011, the Company did not repurchase any of the Convertible Notes.

The provision for loan losses during the six months ended September 30, 2010 increased by $1.4 million, or 3.0%, from the same period of the prior year.  Accounts that were 61 days or more past due decreased from 3.3% to 2.9% on a recency basis and decreased from 4.6% to 4.2% on a contractual basis when comparing the two period end statistics.  Net charge-offs as a percentage of average net loans decreased from 15.1% (annualized) during the prior year first six months to 13.7% (annualized) during the most recent six months.

Management’s close monitoring of the Company’s loan portfolio credit risk has served the Company well during the current economic environment. Management believes that our underwriting standards help to mitigate the credit risk.  One requirement in the underwriting process is that the customer must have enough free income to support his/her monthly living expense and to support the monthly loan payment.  In addition, due to the short term nature of our loans and our aggressive charge-off policies, any deterioration in our loan quality is quickly reflected in our provision.

General and administrative expenses for the six months ended September 30, 2010 increased by $8.3 million, or 7.9% over the same period of fiscal 2010.  Overall, general and administrative expenses, when divided by average open offices, increased by approximately 1.7% when comparing the two periods.  During the first six months of fiscal 2011, the Company opened or acquired 44 branches compared to 22 branches opened or acquired in the first six months of fiscal 2010.  The total general and administrative expense as a percent of total revenues decreased from 51.4% for the six months ended September 30, 2009 to 49.6% for the six  months ended September 30, 2010.

Interest expense increased by approximately $723,000 when comparing the two corresponding six month periods as a result of an increase in the average interest rate, which increased from 6.4% during the prior year first six months to 7.0% for the six months ended September 30, 2010.  The average debt outstanding for the six monthswas relatively flat between the two periods.

The Company’s effective income tax rate decreased to 35.8% for the six months ended September 30, 2010 from 37.8% for the first six months of the prior year.  The decrease was primarily the result of the settlement with the state of South Carolina as described above.

Critical Accounting Policies
 
The Company’s accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles 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, revenues, 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 policies 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 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations - Credit Quality” in the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.
 
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 grant date, 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. In addition, the estimation of share-based awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from the Company’s current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. The Company considers many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class, and historical experience. Actual results, and future changes in estimates, may differ substantially from the Company’s current estimates.

 
22

 

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 by the U.S. Tax Court, changes in the tax code, or assessments made by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or state 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 amounts currently considered deductible either now or in future periods, and the dependency on the generation of future taxable income, including capital gains, in order to ultimately realize deferred income tax assets.

The Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 740 on April 1, 2007. Under FASB ASC Topic 740, the Company includes 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 that considers 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. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has financed its operations, acquisitions and office expansion through a combination of cash flow from operations and borrowings from its institutional lenders.  The Company's primary ongoing cash requirements relate to the funding of new offices and acquisitions, the overall growth of loans outstanding, the repayment of indebtedness and the repurchase of its common stock.  As the Company's gross loans receivable increased from $671.2 million at March 31, 2009 to $770.3 million at March 31, 2010, net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $183.6 million, $153.9 million and $136.0, respectively.

The Company believes stock repurchases to be a viable component of the Company’s long-term financial strategy and an excellent use of excess cash when the opportunity arises. As of October 29, 2010, the Company has $19.6 million in aggregate remaining repurchase capacity under all of the Company’s outstanding stock repurchase authorizations.

The Company plans to open or acquire at least 55 branches in the United States and 15 branches in Mexico during fiscal 2011.  Expenditures by the Company to open and furnish new offices averaged approximately $25,000 per office during fiscal 2010.  New offices have also required from $100,000 to $400,000 to fund outstanding loans receivable originated during their first 12 months of operation.

      The Company acquired four offices and five loan portfolios from seven competitors in five states during the first six months of fiscal 2011. Net loans receivable purchased in these transactions were approximately $2.2 million in the aggregate at the dates of purchase.  The Company believes that attractive opportunities to acquire new offices or receivables from its competitors or to acquire offices 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 $225.0 million base credit facility with a syndicate of banks.  The credit facility will expire on August 31, 2012.  Funds borrowed under the revolving credit facility bear interest, at the Company's option, at either the agent bank's prime rate per annum or the LIBOR rate plus 3.0% per annum with a minimum 4.0% interest rate.  At September 30, 2010, the interest rate on borrowings under the revolving credit facility was 4.25%.   The Company pays a commitment fee equal to 0.375% per annum of the daily unused portion of the revolving credit facility.  Amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility may not exceed specified percentages of eligible loans receivable.  On September 30, 2010, $138.9 million was outstanding under this facility, and there was $86.1 million of unused borrowing availability under the borrowing base limitations.

 
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The Company has a $75 million junior subordinated note payable with a bank, which will mature on September 17, 2015.  Funds borrowed under the junior subordinated note payable bear interest at LIBOR plus 4.875% per annum.  At September 30, 2010, the interest rate on borrowings under the junior subordinated note payable was 5.1325%.   The Company is required to pay an unused line fee at a rate between 25 basis points and 37.5 basis points  per annum (based on whether the usage rate for a month is equal to or greater than 65% or less than 65%) on the average daily unused portion of the maximum amount of the commitments under the junior subordinated note payable. Amounts outstanding under the junior subordinated note payable may not exceed specified percentages of eligible loans receivable.  On September 30, 2010, $30.0 million was outstanding and there was $45 million of unused borrowing availability under the borrowing base limitations.  The initial $30.0 million draw on the junior subordinated note payable was used to pay down the outstanding balance on the revolving credit facility.  Beginning September 17, 2011 the maximum available borrowings will be reduced by $5.0 million annually. 

The Company's credit agreements contain a number of financial covenants, including minimum net worth and fixed charge coverage requirements.  The credit agreements also contain certain other covenants, including covenants that impose limitations on the Company with respect to (i) declaring or paying dividends or making distributions on or acquiring common or preferred stock or warrants or options; (ii) redeeming or purchasing or prepaying principal or interest on subordinated debt; (iii) incurring additional indebtedness; and (iv) entering into a merger, consolidation or sale of substantial assets or subsidiaries.  The Company believes that it was in compliance with these agreements as of September 30, 2010, and does not believe that these agreements will materially limit its business and expansion strategy.

The Company believes that cash flow from operations and borrowings under its revolving credit facility, junior subordinated note payable, or other sources will be adequate to fund the expected cost of opening or acquiring new offices, including funding initial operating losses of new offices and funding loans receivable originated by those offices and the Company's other offices and the scheduled repayment of the other notes payable (for the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future beyond that).  Except as otherwise discussed in this report and in Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2010, management is not currently aware of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that it believes will or could result in, or are or could be reasonably likely to result in, the Company’s liquidity increasing or decreasing in any material way.  From time to time, the Company has needed and obtained, and expects that it will continue to need on a periodic basis, an increase in the borrowing limits under its revolving credit facility.

Inflation

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

Quarterly Information and Seasonality

The Company's loan volume and corresponding loans receivable historically follow seasonal trends.  The Company's highest loan demand occurs each year from October through December, its third fiscal quarter.  Loan demand is historically the lowest and loan repayment is highest from January to March, its fourth fiscal quarter.  Loan volume and average balances remain relatively level during the remainder of the year.  This seasonal trend causes fluctuations in the Company's cash needs and quarterly operating performance through corresponding fluctuations in interest and fee income and insurance commissions earned, since unearned interest and insurance income are accreted to income on a collection method.  Consequently, operating results for the Company's third fiscal quarter are historically significantly lower than in other quarters and operating results for its fourth fiscal quarter are generally higher than in other quarters.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 2 to our accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
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Forward-Looking Information

This report on Form 10-Q, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” may contain various “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that are based on management’s belief and assumptions, as well as information currently available to management.  Statements other than those of historical fact, as well as those identified by the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “expect,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” and “should” any variation of the foregoing and similar expressions are forward-looking statements.    Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in any such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.  Any such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual financial results, performance or financial condition may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or expected.  Among the key factors that could cause the Company’s 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; changes in interest rates; risks inherent in making loans, including repayment risks and value of collateral; the timing and amount of revenues that may be recognized by the Company; changes in current revenue and expense trends (including trends affecting delinquencies and charge-offs); changes in the Company’s markets and general changes in the economy (particularly in the markets served by the Company);  the unpredictable nature of litigation; and other matters discussed in this report and in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and 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 makes.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s financial instruments consist of the following:  cash, loans receivable, senior notes payable, convertible senior subordinated notes payable, junior subordinated note payable, and interest rate swaps.  Fair value approximates carrying value for all of these instruments, except the convertible notes payable, for which the fair value of $76.2 million represents the quoted market price.  Loans receivable are originated at prevailing market rates and have an average life of approximately four 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 $138.9 million at September 30, 2010.  At September 30, 2010, interest on borrowings under this facility was based, at the Company’s option, on the prime rate or LIBOR plus 3.0%, with a minimum of 4.0% per annum. The Company’s outstanding debt under its junior subordinated note payable was $30.0 million at September 30, 2010.  At September 30, 2010, interest on borrowings under this facility was based on LIBOR plus 4.875%.

Based on the outstanding balance and terms of the notes payable at September 30, 2010, a change of 1.0% in the interest rates would cause a change in interest expense of approximately $0.5 million on an annual basis.

In December 2008, the Company entered into a $20 million interest rate swap to convert a variable rate of one month LIBOR to a fixed rate of 2.4%.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815-10-15, the Company records derivatives at fair value, as other assets or liabilities, on the consolidated balance sheets.  Since the Company is not utilizing hedge accounting under FASB ASC Topic 815-10-15, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are included in other income.  As of September 30, 2010 the fair value of the interest rate swaps were a liability of approximately $624,000 and is included in other liabilities.  The change in fair value from the beginning of the fiscal year, recorded as an unrealized gain in other income, was approximately $712,000.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

In September 2005 the Company began opening offices in Mexico, where its local businesses utilize the Mexican peso as their functional currency.  The consolidated financial statements of the Company are denominated in U.S. dollars and are therefore subject to fluctuation as the U.S. dollar and Mexican peso foreign exchange rates change.  International revenues from our non-U.S. operations accounted for approximately 5.2% and 4.1% of total revenues during the six month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. There have been, and there may continue to be, period-to-period fluctuations in the relative portions of our international revenues to total consolidated revenues. Net loans denominated in Mexican pesos were approximately $26.9 million (USD) and $17.9 million (USD) at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 
25

 

 Our international operations are subject to risks, including but not limited to differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, differing tax structures, other regulations and restrictions, and foreign exchange rate volatility when compared to the United States. Accordingly, our future consolidated financial position as well as our consolidated results of operations results could be adversely affected by changes in these or other factors. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact our financial position as the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars in preparing our consolidated balance sheet. Our exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations arises in part from balances in our intercompany accounts included on our subsidiary balance sheets. These intercompany accounts are denominated in the functional currency of the foreign subsidiaries and are translated to US dollars at each reporting period end. Additionally, foreign exchange rate fluctuations may impact our consolidated results from operations as exchange rate fluctuations will impact the amounts reported in our consolidated statement of income. The effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our consolidated financial position is recognized within stockholders’ equity through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The net translation adjustment for the six months ended September 30, 2010 was a loss of approximately $77,000. The Company’s foreign currency exchange rate exposures may change over time as business practices evolve and could have a material effect on the Company’s financial results. 

Because its earnings are affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, the Company has performed an analysis assuming a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Mexican peso in which the Company’s transactions in Mexico are denominated.   At September 30, 2010, the analysis indicated that such market movements would not have had a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  The actual effects on the consolidated financial statements in the future may differ materially from results of the analysis for the six months ended September 30, 2010. The Company will continue to monitor and assess the effect of currency fluctuations and may institute hedging strategies in the future.

Item 4.     Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2010.  Based on that evaluation, the Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, has concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2010. During the first six months of fiscal 2011, there was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 
26

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. 
Legal Proceedings

From time to time the Company is involved in routine litigation relating to claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business.  See “Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for discussion of current litigation.

Item 1A. 
Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed under Part I, Item 1A (page 12) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2010, except for the passage by the United States Congress and the signing into law by the President of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 4173).  Although this legislative action by the U.S. Congress has been anticipated for some time, it remains impossible to predict the impact, if any, that (1) this law, (2) the bureau that is to be created, or (3) the regulations that may be promulgated by that bureau may have on the Company’s operations or its financial condition in the future.

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

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

On August 4, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $20 million of the Company’s common stock.  This repurchase authorization follows, and is in addition to, a similar repurchase authorization of $20 million announced May 11, 2010.  After taking into account all shares repurchased through October 29, 2010, the Company has $19.6 million in aggregate remaining repurchase capacity under all of the company’s outstanding repurchase authorizations.  The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including the stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements and other market and economic conditions.  Although the repurchase authorizations above have no stated expiration date, the Company’s stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.  The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by the Company of shares of the Company’s common stock during the three month period ended September 30, 2010:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price per
Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares That May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
 
                         
July 1 through July 31, 2010
    -     $ -       -     $ 2,016,143  
August 1 through August 31, 2010
    63,200       38.80       63,200       19,564,265 *
September 1 through September 30, 2010
    -       -       -       19,564,265  
                                 
Total for the quarter
    63,200     $ 38.80       63,200          

* On August 4, 2010 the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $20 million of the Company’s common stock.  This repurchase authorization follows, and is in addition to, a similar repurchase authorization of $20 million announced May 11, 2010.

Item 5. 
Other Information

None.

 
27

 
 
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION, CONTINUED

Item 6.
Exhibits
       
Previous
 
Company
Exhibit
     
Exhibit
 
Registration 
Number
   
Description
   
Number
   
No. or Report
             
3.1
 
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
 
3.1
 
333-107426
   
Company, as amended
       
             
3.2
 
Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company
 
99.1
 
8-03-07 8-K
             
4.1
 
Specimen Share Certificate
 
4.1
 
33-42879
             
4.2
 
Articles 3, 4 and 5 of the Form of Company's Second
 
3.1
 
333-107426
   
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (as amended)
       
             
4.3
 
Article II, Section 9 of the Company’s Fourth Amended
 
99.1
 
8-03-07 8-K
   
and Restated Bylaws
       
             
4.4
 
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated
 
10.1
 
9-21-10 8-K
   
September 17, 2010
       
             
4.5
 
Amended and Restated Company Security Agreement Pledge
 
10.2
 
9-21-10 8-K
   
and Indenture of Trust, dated as of September 17, 2010
       
             
4.6
 
Amended and Restated Subsidiary
 
10.3
 
9-21-10 8-K
   
Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust
       
   
(i.e. Subsidiary Security Agreement)
       
             
4.7
 
Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement dated as of
 
10.4
 
9-21-10 8-K
   
September 17, 2010 (i.e., Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement)
       
             
4.8
 
Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of
 
10.5
 
9-21-10 8-K
   
September 17, 2010, among World Acceptance Corporation,
       
   
Wells Fargo Preferred Capital, Inc., individually and as agent, and
       
   
Bank of Montreal, individually and as agent, and Harris N.A., as
       
   
senior collateral agent.
       
             
4.9
 
Subordinated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2010,
 
10.6
 
9-21-10 8-K
   
between World Acceptance Corporation and Wells Fargo
       
   
Preferred Capital, Inc., as Agent and as Bank.
       
             
4.10
 
Subordinated Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement, dated as of
 
10.7
 
9-21-10 8-K
   
September 17, 2010, by the subsidiaries of World Acceptance
       
   
Corporation party thereto in favor of Wells Fargo Preferred Capital,
       
   
Inc., as Collateral Agent.
       
             
4.11
 
Form of 3.00% Convertible Senior Subordinated Note due
 
4.1
 
10-12-06 8-K
   
October 2011
       
             
4.12
 
Indenture, dated October 10, 2006 between the Company
 
4.2
 
10-12-06 8-K
   
and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee
       


 
28

 
 
       
Previous
 
Company
Exhibit
     
Exhibit
 
Registration
Number
 
Description
 
Number
 
No. or Report
             
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
*
   
             
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
*
   
             
32.1
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
*
   
             
32.2
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
*
   

*      Filed or furnished herewith.

 
29

 

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/ A. Alexander McLean, III
   
A. Alexander McLean, III, Chief
   
Executive Officer
   
Date:  October 29, 2010
     
   
By:
   /s/ Kelly M. Malson
   
Kelly M. Malson, Senior Vice President and
   
Chief Financial Officer
   
Date:  October 29, 2010
 
 
30