# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000108385
**File Stem:** 0001437749-26-012282
**Filing Date:** 2026-4
**Character Count:** 89304
**Document Hash:** 3f2ccda519bc78b15ef92439e7b30b36
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001437749-26-012282.hdr.sgml**: 20260415

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001437749-26-012282

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 16

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260410

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Other Events

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260415

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260414

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORP
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000108385
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** PERSONAL CREDIT INSTITUTIONS [6141]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 02 Finance
- **EIN:** 570425114
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** SC
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0331

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 000-19599
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26862159

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 104 S. MAIN STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 400
- **CITY:** GREENVILLE
- **STATE:** SC
- **ZIP:** 29601
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 8642989800

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** P O BOX 6429
- **CITY:** GREENVILLE
- **STATE:** SC
- **ZIP:** 29606

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** WORLD FINANCE CORP
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19700210

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? wrld20260410_8k.htm

**UNITED STATES**

 **SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

 **Washington, D.C. 20549**

 **FORM 8-K**

 **CURRENT REPORT**

 **Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)  | April 10, 2026 |

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|:---|
| WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION |
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| South Carolina | 000-19599 | 57-0425114 |
| (State or other jurisdiction<br> of incorporation) | (Commission<br> File Number) | (IRS Employer<br> Identification No.) |

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

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|:---|:---|
| Registrant's telephone number, including area code | (864) 298-9800 |

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|:---|
| n/a |
| (Former name or former address, if changed since last report.) |

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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which<br> registered |
| Common Stock, No Par Value | WRLD | The Nasdaq Global Select Market |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). |  |
| Emerging growth company | ☐ |
| If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. | ☐  |

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**Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.**

***Resignation of President and Chief Executive Officer***

On April 10, 2026, R. Chad Prashad informed World Acceptance Corporation (the "Company") of his resignation from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Company's Board of Directors, effective April 10, 2026, in order to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Prashad's resignation from the Board is not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices. The Company and Mr. Prashad have agreed that Mr. Prashad's resignation will be treated as a termination by the Company without cause (other than in connection with a change in control) for all purposes under his employment agreement and related equity award agreements with the Company.

In connection with his departure from the Company, Mr. Prashad and the Company entered into a separation agreement and general release (the "Separation Agreement") with an effective separation date of April 10, 2026 (the "separation date"). Consistent with the requirements of Mr. Prashad's employment agreement for a termination by the Company without cause and the Company's customary practices, under the Separation Agreement Mr. Prashad is entitled to receive the following: (i) a lump sum payment of his accrued base salary, vacation pay, and expenses, as well as vested benefits under any Company benefit plans or programs, through the separation date; (ii) severance pay in the amount of $1,260,000, payable over 24 months; (iii) accelerated vesting of his outstanding stock options and equity incentive awards that are subject solely to time-based vesting; (iv) payments under the Company's Supplemental Income Plan; (v) a lump sum payment equal to the total premiums he would be expected to pay for eighteen (18) months of COBRA coverage and (vi) title to his Company car and a mobile phone. Stock options (both time-based and performance-based) that are vested on Mr. Prashad's separation date will be exercisable for one year following the separation date, or until their expiration date if shorter.

The Separation Agreement includes customary waiver and release provisions in favor of the Company, as well as non-competition, confidentiality, and non-disparagement covenants. In addition, certain payments and benefits due to Mr. Prashad under the Separation Agreement are subject to recovery by the Company in accordance with the Company's compensation Clawback Policy and also upon the occurrence of certain specified events.

The foregoing description of the Separation Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

***Appointment of Interim President and Chief Executive Officer***

Until a permanent successor to Mr. Prashad is appointed, the Board has appointed Janet L. Matricciani as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 13, 2026.

Ms. Matricciani, age 58, has served as a business consultant since January 2018 through JLM Consulting LLC. She also served as President and Chief Operating Officer of AHP Servicing LLC, a mortgage loan product and servicing company, from April 2022 until March 2023. Prior to that time Ms. Matricciani was employed with the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer from 2015 until 2018 and also served as a director and as Chief Operating Officer of the Company from 2014 to 2015. From 2010 to 2013, Ms. Matricciani served as the Chief Executive Officer of Antenna International, a leading creator of handheld audio, multimedia and virtual tours for museums, cultural and historic sites, and tourist attractions. From 2008 to 2010, Ms. Matricciani served as senior vice president of corporate development for K12 Inc., a technology-based education company. From 2005 to 2007, Ms. Matricciani served as executive vice president for Countrywide Financial Corporation. From 2001 to 2005, Ms. Matricciani served in various executive-level roles for Capital One Financial Corporation. Earlier in her career, Ms. Matricciani worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Company, and Monitor Company. Ms. Matricciani holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degrees in Engineering from Trinity College at Cambridge University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. There are no transactions in which Ms. Matricciani has an interest requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. Ms. Matricciani has no family relationship with any other director or other executive officer of the Company.

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Ms. Matricciani has entered into an employment agreement, dated April 13, 2026 (the "Employment Agreement") in connection with her service as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Under the terms of the Employment Agreement, Ms. Matricciani will be receive a salary of $83,333 per month 12 months, a $350,000 signing bonus and a stock grant of 7,095 shares based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on April 13, 2026 of $140.95, which shall vest in 12 equal monthly installments during the term of her Employment Agreement. She will also be entitled to the same benefits as the Company's other executive officers, other than a car allowance and participation in the Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Employment Agreement has a twelve-month term and is terminable by either party. In the event the Employment Agreement is terminated by the Company without cause prior to the end of the twelve-month term, Ms. Matricciani will be eligible to receive continued payment of the balance of her unpaid salary up through the end of the twelve-month term of the Employment Agreement. Under the terms of the Employment Agreement, the Company is also required to provide Ms. Matricciani with an indemnification agreement and cover her under its D&O insurance to the same extent it indemnifies its other executive officers for matters arising out of her service as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer.

The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The press release announcing Ms. Matricciani's appointment as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 8.01. Other Events**

***Board Size***

Upon Mr Prashad's departure from the Board, the Board reduced the size of the Board from seven to six directors, as permitted by the Company's bylaws.

**Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.**

(d) Exhibits

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit Number** <br>| **Description**<br>|
| 10.1 | [Separation Agreement, dated April 13, 2026, by and between R. Chad Prashad and World Acceptance Corporation](ex_944528.htm) |
| 10.2 | [Employment Agreement, dated April 13, 2026, by and between Janet L. Matricciani and World Acceptances Corporation](ex_944529.htm) |
| 99.1 | [Press Release, dated April 13, 2026, announcing the resignation of President and Chief Executive Officer and appointment of interim President and Chief Executive Officer](ex_944530.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

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**<u>SIGNATURES</u>**

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 hereunto duly authorized.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION** | **WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION** |
| Date: April 14, 2026 | By:  | /s/ John L. Calmes, Jr. |
|  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;John L. Calmes, Jr. |
|  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Executive VP, Chief Financial & Strategy Officer and<br> Treasurer |

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## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1**

**SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE**

THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE (this "<u>Agreement</u>") is made and entered into and shall be effective as of the 10th day of April 2026, by and between WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION, a South Carolina corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), and R. CHAD PRASHAD, an individual and resident of the State of South Carolina ("<u>Executive</u>"). The Company and Executive are collectively referred to in this Agreement as the "<u>Parties</u>" and individually as a "<u>Party</u>."

Reference is made to that certain Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive effective as of April 1, 2019 (the "<u>Employment Agreement</u>").

In consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

**1. <u>Separation from Company; Resignation from Offices and Directorships</u>**. The Parties agree that Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate effective April 10, 2026 (the "<u>Separation Date</u>"). Simultaneously with the termination of Executive's employment on the Separation Date, Executive shall and does hereby resign from any and all officer and director positions with the Company and any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including without limitation from Executive's position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, from Executive's position as an officer and member of any board of directors or similar governing body of any entity in which the Company holds an equity interest, and from Executive's position as an officer and member of any board of directors or similar governing body of which Executive serves as a designee or other representative of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. Executive agrees to promptly sign all appropriate documentation, if any, prepared by the Company to facilitate or effectuate Executive's resignations from any such offices, directorships or other positions.

**2. <u>Accrued Obligations and Vested Benefits</u>**. Executive shall be paid all earned salary through the Separation Date, less all applicable deductions and taxes under federal, state and local law, and other deductions which are currently being made. Executive shall be paid for unused vacation in accordance with Company policy. All reasonable and approved expenses incurred through the Separation Date shall be reimbursed in the ordinary course in accordance with Company policy, provided that all such expenses are submitted for reimbursement within twenty (20) days following the Separation Date. Executive's health insurance benefits shall end in accordance with the terms of the applicable benefit plans, except as may be continued at Executive's election under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended ("<u>COBRA</u>"). Executive's vested and unvested stock options and other equity awards (if any) shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Executive's Employment Agreement and the Company's stock option and other equity plans (if any) and subject to the terms and conditions of any related agreements in connection with such options or other equity awards. All other employee benefits, privileges and perquisites shall end as of the Separation Date, except as otherwise set forth in this Separation Agreement or expressly provided under the terms of the applicable benefit plans or equity award documents.

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**3. <u>Separation Payments and Benefits</u>**. In consideration of Executive's promises in this Agreement, and conditioned upon (1) Executive executing and delivering this Agreement within the time frame set forth in Section 13(c), (2) Executive not revoking this Agreement as provided in Section 13(c), and (3) Executive continuing compliance with his covenants and obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation Executive's continuing obligations referenced herein, the Company shall provide Executive with the following separation payments and benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company shall pay to Executive certain separation payments (the "<u>Separation Payments</u>") in the total amount of $1,260,000. The Separation Payments shall be subject to all applicable deductions and taxes under federal, state and local law. The Separation Payments shall be made in twenty-four (24) substantially equal monthly installments on the Company's regular pay dates, with the first installment of the Separation Payments to be made on the first regular pay date after the revocation period provided under Section 13 expires and Executive does not revoke this Agreement, and the remaining installments will be made on Company's regular pay dates each month thereafter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Company shall also pay to Executive, in a single lump sum, a cash payment in the amount of $14,780.52 (the "<u>COBRA Payment</u>"), representing eighteen (18) months of continuation health coverage under COBRA. The COBRA Payment shall be issued on the thirtieth (30th) day following the Separation Date, assuming Executive does not revoke this Agreement and otherwise meets the conditions set forth herein. It shall be Executive's sole obligation to timely elect COBRA continuation coverage, and Executive shall be solely responsible for timely making any applicable premium payments to maintain such coverage should Executive choose to elect COBRA continuation coverage. Coverage premiums are subject to change. Executive is not required to purchase COBRA continuation coverage.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Any of Executive's unvested stock options and other unvested equity incentives or other unvested incentive awards shall fully vest and become exercisable if permitted by and according to the terms of the applicable incentive plans and award documents or the Employment Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, no portion of any equity or incentive award subject to performance-based vesting shall vest under this Section 3(c).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall assign title to Executive's company-owned car to Executive free and clear of all liens, deliverable contemporaneously with the Separation Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Company shall transfer to Executive a new Apple iPhone 17. Executive agrees to immediately return Executive's current company-issued Apple iPhone 17, without removing or deleting any information therefrom, and to provide the Company with all passcodes and passwords necessary to access the information thereon. The Company shall reasonably cooperate with Executive to provide him with a copy of all personal information (including Executive's personal contacts list) from Executive's current cell phone. The Company shall also transfer to Executive Executive's current cell phone number. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall have no obligation whatsoever to pay for any cell phone plan, fees or other charges incurred in connection with Executive's use of such cell phone after the Separation Date.

(f) Executive agrees that Executive shall be entitled to receive the Separation Payments, the COBRA Payment, and the other benefits described in Sections 3(c), 3(c) and 3(d) (collectively, the "<u>Separation Benefits</u>") in consideration of the promises and releases Executive makes in this Agreement, and that if Executive does not sign and return this Agreement in accordance with Section 13(c) or if Executive revokes this Agreement, Executive shall not receive the Separation Benefits set forth in this Section 3. All Separation Benefits shall be subject to all applicable deductions and taxes under federal, state and local law.

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**4. <u>General Release and Waiver of Claims</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In consideration of the promises in this Agreement and the payment of the Separation Benefits set forth herein, Executive voluntarily and of Executive's own free will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, hereby forever releases, waives, discharges and holds harmless, the Company and its former, current and future subsidiaries, joint ventures, affiliates, divisions, parents, equity holders, predecessors, successors and assigns, and all of their current, former and future officers, shareholders, members, partners, principals, investors, owners, directors, trustees, joint venturers, insurers, attorneys, auditors, employees, agents (in their official and individual capacities), employee benefit plans and their administrators and fiduciaries (in their official and individual capacities) and all of their affiliates, predecessors, successors and assigns (the "<u>Released Parties</u>"), from any and all claims, rights, causes of action and demands of whatever nature, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, that Executive had, now has or may have against any of them arising from any act, event or omission which has occurred up through the date Executive signs this Agreement. This general release and waiver of claims includes, but is not limited to, (i) claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act of 1990, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act, all as amended; (ii) all other federal, state and local anti-discrimination, labor or employment laws or regulations or orders to the extent any such claims may legally be waived by private agreement; (iii) claims and potential claims relating to or arising out of any work Executive has done for the Company in any capacity, Executive's employment, the terms and conditions of Executive's employment and/or Executive's separation from employment, including but not limited to statutory claims and claims in common law or in equity, including without limitation claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation for asserting any claims, whistle-blowing, breach of contract (oral or written, express or implied), detrimental reliance, breach of policy or practice, constructive discharge, wrongful discharge, negligence, emotional distress, pain and suffering and all torts, including any intentional torts, such as defamation; (iv) claims and potential claims subject to federal, state and local occupational safety and health laws and regulations; (v) claims or potential claims under any other federal, state or local Constitution, statute, regulation, agreement, order or duty; (vi) claims or potential claims concerning or based on the adequacy of Executive's compensation or remuneration, including incentive payments, commissions, bonuses, expense reimbursements, or claims for benefits, to the extent any and all such claims are legally capable of being waived; and (vii) any claims or potential claims for relief of any kind, including but not limited to claims for back pay, front pay, compensatory or punitive damages, reinstatement or other equitable relief, injunctive or declaratory relief, attorneys' fees, costs, disbursements of any kind.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The foregoing releases do not include any claims or rights (i) that Executive may have under COBRA, (ii) that Executive may have for unemployment insurance or workers' compensation benefits, (iii) to vested benefits under the written terms of the Company's employee pension benefit plans, (iv) to enforce this Agreement, (v) that may arise after the date that Executive signs this Agreement, or (vi) for rights to indemnification that Executive has against the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Executive is aware that he may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to or different from those Executive now knows or believes to exist with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement; however, Executive and Executive's successors and assigns hereby settle and release all of the claims which Executive may have against the Company and the other Released Parties. Executive further represents and warrants that Executive has not assigned or transferred, or purported to assign or transfer to any third party, any claim released by this Agreement, and that Executive shall and does hereby agree to indemnify the Company and the other Released Parties and hold them harmless against any claims, costs or expenses (including attorneys' fees) paid or incurred, arising out of or related to any such transfer or assignment.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) nothing in this Agreement, the Employment Agreement, any undertaking, or any other agreement between the Executive and the Company shall be construed to prohibit Executive from filing a charge with, reporting possible violations of law or regulation to, or participating, communicating, or cooperating with any governmental agency or entity (including but not limited to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, or any agency Inspector General) in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any government agency or entity, including providing documents or other information, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower, anti-discrimination, or anti-retaliation provisions of federal, state or local law or regulation; (ii) Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to take any action described in (i), and Executive is not required to notify the Company that he has taken any action described in (i); and (iii) this Agreement does not limit Executive's right to receive an award for providing information relating to a possible securities law violation to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Further, notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (x) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation or law; or (y) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Additionally, an individual suing an employer for retaliation based on the reporting of a suspected violation of law may disclose a trade secret to his or his attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, so long as any document containing the trade secret is filed under seal and the individual does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order. Except as provided above, Executive knowingly and intentionally waives and releases any right to monetary relief or other individual specific remedy that might be sought on Executive's behalf by any other person, entity, local, state or federal government or agency thereof, including specifically the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Labor, or any state agency, and to the extent Executive receives any personal or monetary relief in connection with any such charge, investigation or proceeding, the Company shall be entitled to an offset for Separation Benefits.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) By signing this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that other than as provided in this Agreement, Executive has received all entitlement due from the Company relating to Executive's employment with the Company, including but not limited to all wages, sick pay, vacation pay, bonus and incentive compensation, overtime pay, and any paid and unpaid personal leave for which Executive is eligible and entitled.

**5. <u>Representations and Warranties</u>**. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases which would be compensable under the applicable state's workers' compensation system, that Executive has been provided and/or has not been denied or retaliated against for requesting or taking any leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or any other federal, state, or local law, and that Executive has not engaged in any unlawful or fraudulent conduct in connection with Executive's employment or duties with the Company. Executive further represents and warrants that Executive has not instituted any legal proceeding or lawsuit of any kind against the Company, and that Executive has not assigned any rights or interests to any claims released or waived in this Agreement to any other person or party. Executive further represents and warrants that Executive has conducted himself at all times in good faith; that (a) when acting in his official capacity for the Company, he reasonably believed that Executive's conduct was in the best interests of the Company, and (b) at all other times he reasonably believed his conduct was at least not opposed to the Company's best interest; and that he had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

**6. <u>Restrictive Covenants</u>**. Executive acknowledges and agrees that, in addition to the provisions of this Agreement, Executive is subject to certain post-employment covenants and restrictions contained in Section X of the Employment Agreement. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that all post-employment covenants and restrictions contained in Section X of the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and are incorporated by reference in this Agreement, and that Executive shall remain subject to such post-employment covenants and restrictions regardless of whether Executive signs or revokes this Agreement.

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**7. <u>Property of Company</u>**. Executive agrees that he shall promptly return to the Company all of the Company's property, including but not limited to all documents, materials, confidential information, keys, access cards, laptop computers, flash drives and memory devices, phones and mobile devices, electronically-stored information, and any other Company property in Executive's possession or control, including all copies and summaries thereof. In addition, Executive represents and warrants that there are no outstanding returnable advances and/or loans that have been made to Executive by the Company prior to the Separation Date. Furthermore, to the extent that Executive made use of Executive's own personal computing devices (including any mobile device or phone, tablet, laptop, flash drives, and other devices and media) during Executive's employment, Executive agrees to deliver such personal computing devices to the Company for review and permit the Company to copy all confidential and/or proprietary information of the Company from such personal computing devices and to permanently remove such information or take such other action as the Company deems necessary in its sole discretion, subject to any litigation hold then in effect. Executive further agrees (a) to notify the Company in writing of any and all confidential and/or proprietary information of the Company contained in any personal email, cloud or other storage device, (b) to permit the Company to copy all such confidential and/or proprietary information of the Company from same, and (c) thereafter, to delete Executive's copies of such confidential and/or proprietary information of the Company therefrom, subject to any litigation hold then in effect.

**8. <u>Non-Disparagement</u>**. Executive agrees not to, whether in writing or orally, malign, denigrate or disparage the Company or any of the other Released Parties, with respect to any of their respective past or present activities, or otherwise publish (whether in writing or orally) statements that tend to portray any of the aforementioned parties in an unfavorable light, subject to Executive's rights to make truthful statements to government agencies as provided in Section 4(d). Likewise, the Company agrees that from and after the date hereof, that it shall not cause or permit any authorized representative of the Company, whether in writing or orally, to malign, denigrate or disparage Executive with respect to any of Executive's past or present activities, or otherwise publish (whether in writing or orally) internal or external statements or communications that tend to portray Executive in an unfavorable light, and upon notice in the event of any such disparagement by any authorized representative of the Company, the Company shall direct such representative to cease any such disparagement, subject to the Company's right to make truthful statements to government agencies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Agreement shall prohibit Executive or the Company from (a) responding publicly to incorrect, disparaging or derogatory public statements to the extent reasonably necessary to correct or refute such public statement or (b) making any truthful statement to the extent (i) necessary with respect to any litigation, arbitration or mediation involving this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the enforcement of this Agreement or (ii) required by law or by any court, arbitrator, mediator or administrative or legislative body (including any committee thereof) with apparent jurisdiction over Executive or the Company. Nothing in this Agreement prohibits or restricts any statement by the Company in reports, filings or information filed with or furnished or otherwise provided to (or published pursuant to rule or regulation of) the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "<u>SEC</u>") or other regulators of the Company (including self-regulatory organizations), any of which may be publicly available (including on the Company's website). Without limiting the foregoing, the Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement may be disclosed in the Company's filings with the SEC.

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**9. <u>Clawback</u>**. In the event (a) Executive files any claim, suit or legal proceeding which is released by Executive pursuant to Section 4, or (b) the Company determines that Executive has breached or otherwise failed to comply with Sections 6 and/or 10 of this Agreement and Executive has not remedied such breach or failure within five (5) days of receipt of written notice from the Company of its determination that Executive has breached or otherwise failed to comply with any of such Sections, or (c) Executive is convicted of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude which conviction or plea relates to or arises from Executive's service with the Company, the Company may terminate all payments and benefits to Executive otherwise due pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement, and require Executive, no later than ten (10) days after receipt of a written request for repayment from the Company, to repay to the Company all payments made and to return or reimburse the Company for all awards issued and benefits provided to Executive pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement. Executive acknowledges and agrees that all compensation recovery, forfeiture and clawback related provisions in any policy, plan, program, award or award notice of the Company and which apply to Executive or any agreement between Company and Executive shall continue in full force and effect after the Separation Date, including to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law as such may be adopted or modified after the Separation Date. To the extent permitted by law, the Separation Payments may be reduced to enforce any repayment obligation of Executive to the Company.

**10. <u>Cooperation</u>**. Following the Separation Date, Executive agrees to cooperate fully with the Company in the defense, prosecution, or conduct of any claims, actions, investigations, or reviews now in existence or which may be initiated in the future against, involving, or on behalf of the Company which relate to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed by the Company ("<u>Matters</u>"). Executive's cooperation in connection with such Matters shall include, but not be limited to, being available for telephone conferences with outside counsel and/or personnel of the Company, being available for interviews, depositions and/or to act as a witness on behalf of the Company, if reasonably requested. The Company shall pay all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a request made by the Company pursuant to this Section. Subject to Section 4(d), Executive further agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Company or its attorneys, Executive shall not communicate with any person who is pursuing, or may be pursuing, any claims against the Company, or any attorneys for such persons, about such claims or potential claims, and Executive shall promptly inform the Company or its counsel of any efforts by such persons or their attorneys to speak with Executive.

**11. <u>Section 409 Compliance</u>**. It is intended that the Separation Benefits shall be exempt from Internal Revenue Code Section 409A ("<u>Section 409A</u>") due to the "short-term deferral" exception set forth in Treasury Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), or such other exemption as may apply. Each payment or benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). In the event that any of the Separation Benefits are considered nonqualified deferred compensation as defined in Section 409A and such amounts are payable during a period in which Executive is a "Specified Employee" under Section 409A and the 6-month mandatory delay applies, then, amounts that would otherwise be payable during the six-month period immediately follow the Separation Date shall be accumulated through and paid on the first day of the seventh month following the Separation Date (or if Executive dies during such period, within 30 days after Executive's death). The normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments or distributions shall resume at the end of the six-month period. To the extent a provision of the Agreement is contrary to or fails to address the requirements of Section 409A and related Treasury Regulations, the Agreement shall be construed and administered as necessary to comply with such requirements to the extent allowed under applicable Treasury Regulations until the Agreement is appropriately amended to comply with such requirements.

**12. <u>Denial of Wrongdoing</u>**. The Parties understand and agree that this Agreement shall not be considered an admission of liability or wrongdoing by any Party, or an accusation thereof, and that the Parties deny any liability or wrongdoing and nothing in this Agreement can or will be used by or against any Party with respect to claims, defenses or issues in any litigation or proceeding except to enforce the Agreement itself. Each of the Company and Executive denies committing any wrongdoing or violating any legal duty with respect to Executive's employment or the termination of Executive's employment. The language of this Agreement shall not be construed strictly for or against any Party, and the Parties shall be considered equal drafters hereof.

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**13. <u>Miscellaneous Provisions</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) This Agreement, which incorporates any undertaking and any applicable confidentiality agreement and post-employment restrictive covenants contained in the Employment Agreement, sets forth the entire understanding and agreement of the Parties as to the subject matter of this Agreement and fully supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between the Parties pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be modified, altered or changed except in a written document signed by Executive and an authorized representative of the Company. Executive agrees that no Company representative has made any representation to Executive relating to this Agreement which is not contained in the express terms of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Any failure of either Party to enforce any provision of this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of that Party's right to subsequently enforce such provision or any other provision of this Agreement. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and cannot be modified to be enforceable, such provision shall immediately become null and void leaving the remainder of this Agreement in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Executive acknowledges that the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act ("<u>OWBPA</u>") requires the Company to provide Executive with the following disclosures to ensure Executive's release and waiver of claims under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act is knowing and voluntary and Executive acknowledges and agrees as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Executive has read this entire document, and Executive fully understands it. Executive understands its legal and binding effect. Executive is acting voluntarily and of Executive's own free will in signing this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The Separation Benefits the Company is providing Executive in return for signing and not revoking this Agreement are in addition to anything of value to which Executive already is entitled. Specifically, Executive acknowledges that Executive is not entitled to the Separation Benefits from the Company under Section 3 if Executive does not sign this Agreement or if Executive signs this Agreement, but then revokes this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Executive has had the opportunity to seek, and the Company hereby advises Executive in writing to seek legal counsel prior to signing this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Executive has had up to twenty-one (21) calendar days from Executive's receipt of this Agreement within which to consider whether to sign this Agreement. If Executive chooses to sign this Agreement before the 21-day period has elapsed, Executive does so knowingly and voluntarily, and will be deemed to have waived the remaining portion of such 21-day period. This Agreement will be void if Executive does not sign it within twenty-one (21) calendar days after Executive has received it. Executive agrees that any changes to this Agreement, whether material or immaterial, do not restart the running of the 21-day consideration period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) Executive has seven (7) calendar days following Executive's signing of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement by delivering such revocation to the Company within the seven (7) day period. Such revocation shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given and delivered if transmitted by email and sent in paper form mailed by certified mail (return receipt requested) or sent by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service to the Company to the attention of Ken R. Bramlett, Jr. at the Company's headquarters. This Agreement shall not be effective until the seven-day revocation period has expired and Executive does not exercise his right to revoke.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) This Agreement is made and shall be governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina, without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. Any disputes under or challenges to this Agreement must be decided by an appropriate state or federal court in Greenville, South Carolina. Executive expressly consents to the personal jurisdiction of the South Carolina state and federal courts in Greenville for purposes of challenging or enforcing this Agreement and waives any objections or defenses to personal or subject matter jurisdiction or venue in any such proceeding before any such court.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[signature page follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| COMPANY: | COMPANY: |
| WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION | WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION |
| By:  |  |
| Name: Ken R. Bramlett | Name: Ken R. Bramlett |
| Title: Chairman, Board of Directors | Title: Chairman, Board of Directors |
| EXECUTIVE: | EXECUTIVE: |
| By: |  |
|  | R. Chad Prashad |

---

## Exhibit 10.2

**Exhibit 10.2**

**EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT**

This Agreement is effective as of April 13, 2026 (the "***Effective Date***") by and between World Acceptance Corporation (the "***Company***"), a South Carolina corporation, and Janet Lewis Matricciani (the "***Executive***"), an individual residing at Greenville, South Carolina.

**<u>W I T N E S S E T H</u>**

**WHEREAS,** the Board of Directors of the Company (the "***Board***") has determined that it would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to secure the services of the Executive for the Period of Employment (as defined in Section 3.1 below) and upon the terms provided in this Agreement;

**WHEREAS**, the Company contemplates conducting a search for a permanent President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, for which Executive shall be a candidate;

**WHEREAS**, the parties contemplate that this Agreement may be replaced and/or amended should Executive be selected for such position during or following the Period of Employment;

**NOW THEREFORE**, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained in this Agreement, the parties hereby agree as follows:

***SECTION I*** <br> ***EMPLOYMENT***

The Company agrees to employ the Executive and the Executive agrees to be employed by the Company for the Period of Employment, subject to the other terms and conditions provided in the Agreement.

***SECTION II***<br> ***POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES***

The Executive agrees to serve on an interim basis as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer reporting directly to the Board and to be responsible for the duties and responsibilities commonly attributed to such positions and as assigned to the Executive from time to time by the Board. The Executive also agrees to serve during the Period of Employment as an officer and director of any subsidiary, affiliate, or parent corporation (the "***Affiliates***") of the Company which the Board feels is appropriate. The Executive's primary work location will be the Company's headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina.

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***SECTION III***<br> ***TERMS AND DUTIES***

***3.1. Period of Employment***

Executive's employment shall commence on the Effective Date and shall end one (1) year thereafter, unless sooner terminated as provided herein (the "***Period of Employment***"**)**. The Period of Employment shall end upon the effective date of the termination of the Executive's employment as provided in Sections VI, VII, and/or VIII (the "***Date of Termination***").

***3.2. Duties***

The Executive shall serve under the direction of the Board and shall exercise all duties commonly performed by an executive of a publicly traded company with the same or a comparable position. The Executive shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as all applicable Company policies and procedures, including the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and shall faithfully serve the best interests of the Company during the Period of Employment. During the Period of Employment and except for illness, incapacity, reasonable vacation and holiday periods, and as provided below, the Executive shall devote the Executive's full business time, attention and skill to the business and affairs of the Company and its Affiliates. This provision shall not prohibit Executive from engaging in charitable, civic or industry activities or managing personal investments, so long as such activities do not interfere with the performance of her duties hereunder. The Board shall periodically review the performance of the Executive. The Executive will not engage in any other business activity that is inconsistent with the foregoing, and will perform faithfully the duties which may be assigned to the Executive from time to time by the Board that are consistent with the provisions of this Agreement.

.

***SECTION IV***<br> ***COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND PERQUISITES***

For all services rendered by the Executive in any capacity during the Period of Employment, including services as an executive, officer, director or committee member, the Executive shall be compensated as follows:

***4.1. Base Salary***

The Company shall pay the Executive an annual base salary ("***Base Salary***") of $1,000,000 in consecutive monthly installments of $83,333.33.

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***4.2. Inducement Grants***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Within thirty (30) days following the Effective Date, the Company shall pay Executive a cash lump sum equal to $350,000 (the "***Cash Inducement Award***"). If (a) Executive voluntarily resigns her employment with the Company or (b) the Company terminates Executive's employment with Cause, in either case prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, Executive shall be obligated to repay the Company the net amount of the Cash Inducement Award within twenty (20) days following the Date of Termination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) On or as soon as administratively practicable after the Effective Date, the Company shall grant to Executive an award of Restricted Stock ("***Inducement Shares***") with an aggregate value of $1,000,000. One twelfth of the Inducement Shares shall vest, subject to Executive's continued employment with the Company, at the end of each month during the Period of Employment. The number of Inducement Shares shall be determined based on the closing price of the Company's stock on the Effective Date, and the award shall be subject to the vesting, settlement and other terms and conditions as set forth in the award agreement, consistent with the terms generally applicable to restricted stock granted to other senior executive officers of the Company. In the event (a) Executive voluntarily resigns her employment with the Company or (b) the Company terminates Executive's employment, in either case prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, any unvested Inducement Shares shall be forfeited.

***4.3. Benefits and Perquisites***

The Executive will be entitled to participate in all compensation, health, welfare, perquisite and other employee benefit plans and programs for which similarly situated salaried employees of the Company are generally eligible under any plan or program now or later established by the Company, on the same terms and conditions as such plans and programs are provided to other similarly situated salaried employees. All Company coverage, benefits and plans are subject to the right of the Company to amend or terminate such coverage, benefits and plans from time to time, and subject to the specific eligibility and participation requirements of each such plan. Such benefits will not include participation in the Supplemental Income Plan or provision of a Company vehicle.

***4.4 Indemnity***

To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing directors' and officers' liability insurance, Executive shall be covered by such policy or policies, in accordance with its or their terms, to the maximum extent of the coverage available thereunder for any Company director or officer. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Executive for acts undertaken during the Period of Employment on the same terms and conditions provided to other executive officers of the Company, subject to the execution of any agreements and/or undertakings by Executive in connection therewith.

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***SECTION V***<br> ***BUSINESS EXPENSES***

The Company will reimburse the Executive, according to Company policy, for all reasonable travel, entertainment, business and other expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of the Executive's duties and obligations under this Agreement.

***SECTION VI***<br> ***DISABILITY***

The Company and the Executive acknowledge that regular attendance, in-person management and leadership, the ability to travel and performance of duties commensurate with the Executive's office are essential functions of the Executive's position, subject to any reasonable accommodations required by law. Therefore, the Company may terminate the Executive's employment if the Executive experiences a Disability during the Period of Employment. In the event of a termination of Employment due to Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date set forth in a written notice to the Executive. In the event the Company terminates the employment of the Executive pursuant to this Section VI, the Company will continue to pay the Executive her Base Salary through the end of the Period of Employment ("***Disability Severance***").

"***Disability***," as used herein, shall mean the existence of either (i) a physical or mental impairment that prevents the Executive, with or without reasonable accommodation, from performing for a period of 90 days within the Period of Employment any of the essential functions of the Executive's position or (ii) any impairment that qualifies as a disability under the terms of any group long-term disability plan of which the Executive is a participant.

***SECTION VII***<br> ***DEATH***

In the event of the death of the Executive during the Period of Employment, the Date of Termination shall be the date of the Executive's death. The Company's obligation to make payments under this Agreement shall cease as of the date of death, except for (i) Accrued Compensation (as defined in Section 8.1.1); and (ii) vested amounts owed under the Company's benefit plans. The Accrued Compensation shall be paid thirty (30) days from the Date of Termination. The Executive's designated beneficiary will be entitled to receive the proceeds of any life or other insurance or other death benefit programs provided in this Agreement, according to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

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***SECTION VIII***<br> ***EFFECT OF OTHER TERMINATIONS OF EMPLOYMENT***

Except as otherwise set forth herein:

***8.1.*** If the Executive's employment terminates due to a Without Cause Termination (as such terms are hereafter defined in this Agreement), the Company will pay the Executive, or in the event of the Executive's death, the Executive's beneficiary or beneficiaries:

***8.1.1.*** in a lump sum in cash thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination, the sum of (a) the Executive's accrued Base Salary then in effect and any accrued vacation pay through the Date of Termination and (b) the Executive's business expenses that have not been reimbursed by the Company as of the Date of Termination that were incurred by the Executive prior to the Date of Termination in accordance with applicable Company policy and Section V herein (the "***Accrued Compensation***"); and

***8.1.2.*** severance payments in the form of her continued Base Salary through the end of the first anniversary of the Effective Date in accordance with the Company's normal payroll policies, but not less frequently than once per calendar month; and

***8.1.3.*** a single lump sum cash payment equal to the total premiums the Executive would be required to pay for COBRA continuation coverage under the Company's health benefit plans through the end of the first anniversary of the Effective Date, determined using the COBRA premium rate in effect for the level of coverage that the Executive has in place immediately prior to the Date of Termination (the "***COBRA Payment***"). The Executive shall not be required to purchase COBRA continuation coverage in order to receive the COBRA Payment, nor shall the Executive be required to apply the COBRA Payment towards any payment of applicable premiums for COBRA continuation coverage. The payment shall be made on the thirtieth (30th) day following the Date of Termination.

***8.2.*** If the Executive's employment terminates due to a Termination for Cause, as hereinafter defined, the Company will pay the Executive the Accrued Compensation defined in Section 8.1.1 within the time period described therein. No other payments will be made and the Company will not be obligated to provide any other benefits to or on behalf of the Executive. If the Company terminates the Executive for Cause and it is later determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable judgment that the Company did not have Cause, the Executive's termination shall be construed as being Without Cause, and the Executive's remedies shall be limited to the payments and benefits set forth in Section 8.1 herein.

***8.3.*** If the Executive quits, abandons employment or otherwise resigns from employment with the Company during the Period of Employment, the Company will pay the Accrued Compensation defined in Section 8.l.1 within the time period described therein. No other payments will be made and the Company will not be obligated to provide any other benefits to or on behalf of the Executive, except any benefits payable under plans or programs to the extent then vested and in accordance with the terms of such other plans or programs.

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***8.4.*** Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, upon termination of the Executive's employment hereunder, the Company's obligation to make any payments or provide any compensation benefits under this Agreement will cease.

The Company acknowledges that the amounts and benefits afforded to the Executive pursuant to Sections VI, VII and VIII shall not be treated as damages but as severance compensation and benefits to which the Executive is entitled by reason of termination of the Executive's employment for the reasons set forth above. Accordingly, the Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in such Sections by seeking employment or otherwise, nor (other than as provided in Section X) shall the Company be entitled to set off against the amounts and benefits payable to the Executive hereunder any amounts or benefits earned by the Executive in other employment after the Date of Termination or any amounts or benefits that might have been earned by the Executive in other employment had she sought such other employment.

***SECTION IX***<br> ***DEFINITIONS***

For this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

***9.1.*** "***Termination for Cause***" means termination of the Executive's employment by the Company due to (i) the Executive's failure to substantially perform the Executive's duties hereunder (other than as a result of death or Disability or absence due to temporary illness or incapacity protected by law); (ii) the Executive's dishonesty in the performance of the Executive's duties (other than de minimis acts or omissions); (iii) the Executive's indictment, conviction or entering of a plea of any type (including, but not limited to, a plea of nolo contendere) for a crime constituting a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; (iv) the Executive's willful malfeasance or willful misconduct in connection with the performance of the Executive's duties hereunder (other than de minimis acts or omissions); (v) any illicit or unauthorized act or omission which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company; (vi) the Executive's breach of any of the Executive's duties and obligations set forth in Section X; (vii) conduct by the Executive which violates the Company's then existing internal policies or procedures, including, but not limited to, the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; (viii) the Executive's knowing and intentional failure to comply with applicable laws; (ix) the Executive's falsification of Company records or engaging in theft, fraud, embezzlement or other conduct which is detrimental to the business, reputation, character or standing of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (x) the Executive's failure to comply with reasonable written directives of the Board; (xi) the Executive's failure to reasonably cooperate with any investigation authorized by the Board; or (xii) the Executive's engaging in any conduct that is or could be materially damaging to the Company or any of its Affiliates; provided, however, that termination of the Executive's employment by the Company pursuant to clauses (i), (vi), (vii) or (x) will not constitute a "Termination for Cause" unless the Executive has received written notice from the Company stating the nature of such breach and affording the Executive an opportunity to correct fully the act(s) or omission(s), if such breach is capable of correction, described in such notice within ten (10) days following the Executive's receipt of such notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) no conduct shall be considered "willful" or "intentional" if the Executive acted in good faith and in a manner she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company and had no reasonable cause to believe that the Executive's conduct was in violation of the relevant policy, directive, regulation or law; and (b) any act or failure to act that is based upon a directive of the Board, or the advice of counsel for the Company, shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.

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***9.2.*** "***Without Cause Termination***" means termination of the Executive's employment by the Company other than due to death or Disability and other than Termination for Cause. The Date of Termination for a Without Cause Termination shall be the effective date of termination of employment as set forth in a written notice to the Executive.

***SECTION X***<br> ***OTHER DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE DURING AND*** <br> ***AFTER THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT***

***10.1.*** During the Period of Employment, the Executive will comply with all Company policies (including, but not limited to, the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics) and with all applicable laws.

***10.2.*** For a period not to exceed two (2) years following the Date of Termination, the Executive will cooperate with and provide assistance to the Company and its legal counsel in connection with any litigation (including arbitration or administrative hearings) or investigation affecting the Company, in which, in the reasonable judgment of the Company's counsel, the Executive's assistance or cooperation is needed or desirable. The Executive shall, when requested by the Company, provide testimony or other assistance and shall travel at the Company's request in order to fulfill this obligation; provided, however, that, in connection with such litigation or investigation, the Company shall reasonably accommodate the Executive's schedule, shall provide the Executive with reasonable notice in advance of the times in which the Executive's cooperation or assistance is requested, and shall reimburse the Executive for any reasonable expenses incurred in connection with such matters unless prohibited by law or ethical rule. Unless the Company has paid the Executive severance benefits pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall compensate the Executive for the Executive's time at customary and prevailing rates, unless prohibited by law or ethical rule.

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***10.3.*** The Executive agrees to maintain the confidentiality of Confidential Information, as defined below, at all times during and after the Executive's employment with the Company and will not, at any time (a) use any Confidential Information for the Executive's own benefit or for the benefit of any other person, firm or entity; (b) reveal, publish or disclose any Confidential Information to any person other than authorized representatives of the Company; or (c) remove or aid in the removal from the Company's premises, retain, transmit, download or save any copy or copies of Confidential Information in either written, digital, electronic, voice or other electronic media data form, except (i) in the performance of the Executive's authorized duties in the furtherance of the business of the Company, (ii) with the prior written consent of the Board, or (iii) as necessary to comply with law. "***Confidential Information***" means any nonpublic information used in the Company's business and from which the Company derives commercial value from not being generally known to the public or industry, including without limitation, information marked or designated as confidential, privileged or secret; financial information (including budgets, forecasting, projections, costs, margins and pricing); employee information (including payroll and benefits information and personnel records); marketing plans, proposals and data; customer information; regulated or private information concerning employees, customers or consumers, including, without limitation, financial, account, tax or health information; trade secrets; inventions; intellectual property; attorney-client privileged information and work product; patents; copyrights and trademarks; computerized information or data (including programs, networks, databases, information technology architecture and infrastructure, hardware and software) (all or any portion of which, and the materials on which they are used, whether or not specifically labeled or identified as "confidential"); and information received from third parties subject to a duty on the Company's or its Affiliates' part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. The Executive's obligations under this Section 10.3 shall survive the termination of the Executive's employment for any reason for a period of two (2) years following the Date of Termination with respect to Confidential Information that does not rise to the level of a trade secret under applicable law, and, with respect to Confidential Information that constitutes a trade secret under applicable law, the Executive's obligations shall continue for so long as the information constitutes a trade secret under applicable law. Information of the Company that constitutes attorney-client privileged information or information protected by the work product doctrine may not be disclosed at any time without the Company's prior written consent.

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***10.4.*** Nothing herein shall prevent the Executive from cooperating with any investigation or inquiry conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding any employment practice or policy of the Company. In addition, pursuant to Section 7 of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (which added 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b)), the Executive acknowledges that she shall not have criminal or civil liability under any federal or state trade secret law for, and nothing herein prohibits, the disclosure of a trade secret or Confidential Information that (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such Section. Further, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) nothing in this Agreement, including but not limited to any release, or other agreement prohibits the Executive from reporting violations of law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress and any agency Inspector General (the "***Government Agencies***"), or communicating with Government Agencies or otherwise participating in any investigation or proceedings that may be conducted by Government Agencies, including providing documents or other information; (ii) the Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to take any action described in (i), and the Executive is not required to notify the Company that she has taken any action described in (i); and (iii) neither this Agreement nor any release limits the Executive's right to receive an award for providing information relating to a possible securities law violation to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

***10.5.*** If the Company in good faith believes that the Executive has breached the Executive's obligations described in Section X, the Company may withhold future payments due to the Executive under this Agreement until a court of competent jurisdiction has determined whether the Executive has breached such obligations. If a court of competent jurisdiction, in a final, non-appealable judgment, determines that the Executive has not breached such provisions, the Company shall within ten (10) business days of such determination pay to the Executive the amount of such withheld payments (less any damage award in favor of the Company, if applicable) plus interest accruing from the time each payment was due to the Executive at the legal pre-judgment interest rate. If following the Date of Termination the Company fails without good faith, reasonable justification to make a payment or provide a benefit to the Executive when due, the Company shall have ten (10) days after receiving written notice from the Executive to cure such failure. If the Company does not cure such failure within such 10-day period, the Executive shall no longer be bound by the obligations described in this Section X.

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***10.6.*** Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if, at any time during or after the Period of Employment (regardless of whether the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company or by the Executive and whether the Executive's employment is terminated due to a Termination for Cause or a Without Cause Termination), (i) the Executive files any claim, suit or legal proceeding which has been released by the Executive pursuant to Section XVI, or (ii) the Executive has breached or otherwise failed to comply with the covenants contained in Sections 10.1, 10.2, or 10.3 of this Agreement and, if such breach or failure is capable of being remedied, the Executive has not remedied such breach or failure to the satisfaction of the Company within ten (10) days of receipt of written notice from the Company of its determination that the Executive has breached or otherwise failed to comply with any of such Sections, or (iii) the Executive materially violates any of the Company's policies, as determined by the Board in its discretion, or (iv) the Executive violates any federal, state or other law, rule or regulation which is detrimental to the business, reputation, character or standing of the Company and/or any of its Affiliates, as determined by the Board in its discretion, or (v) the Executive is indicted or convicted of, or enters a plea of any type (including, but not limited to, a plea of nolo contendere) for, a crime constituting a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, which involves or relates in any way to the Executive's actions or omissions during the Period of Employment and/or to events affecting the Company (and/or any of its Affiliates) that occur during the Period of Employment, or (vi) the Executive falsifies Company records or engages in theft, fraud, embezzlement or other criminal conduct detrimental to the business, reputation, character or standing of the Company and/or any of its Affiliates, as determined by the Board in its discretion, or (vii) the Executive commits any illicit or unauthorized act or omission which is detrimental to the business, reputation, character or standing of the Company and/or any of its Affiliates, as determined by the Board in its discretion, then, unless the Board determines otherwise, and in addition to any other remedy available to the Company (on a non-exclusive basis): (a) any Equity Awards shall immediately be terminated and forfeited in their entirety; (b) any shares of stock subject to the Equity Awards (whether vested or unvested) shall immediately be forfeited and returned to the Company (without the payment by the Company of any consideration for such shares); (c) all payments and benefits to the Executive otherwise due pursuant to Section IV or Section VIII of this Agreement shall immediately terminate; and (d) no later than ten (10) days after receipt of a written request for repayment from the Company, the Executive shall repay to the Company all payments made and to return or reimburse the Company for all awards or shares issued and benefits provided to the Executive pursuant to Section IV and/or VIII of this Agreement. To the extent permitted by law, the payments otherwise payable pursuant to Section IV and/or VIII of the Agreement may be reduced to enforce any repayment obligation of Executive to the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, in each and every instance the Board shall have the sole and absolute discretion to determine if any of the activities described in clauses (i) through (vii) of this Section 10.6 has occurred.

***10.7.*** The parties desire that the provisions of Section X be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in the jurisdictions in which enforcement is sought, and agree that the Company may specifically enforce the terms hereof by obtaining injunctive relief without the necessity of posting bond or damages as permitted by law. If any portion of Section X is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the invalid or unenforceable terms shall be redefined or a new enforceable term provided, such that the intent of the Company and the Executive in agreeing to the provisions hereof will not be impaired and the provision in question shall be enforceable to the fullest extent of the applicable laws.

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***10.8*** Amounts payable to Executive hereunder shall be subject to any clawback, forfeiture, recoupment or similar provisions that may apply under applicable laws, stock exchange listing standards or written Company policies that are applicable to similarly situated senior executives.

***SECTION XI***<br> ***WITHHOLDING TAXES; TAX MATTERS***

The Company may directly or indirectly withhold from any payments under this Agreement amounts authorized by the Executive and all federal, state, local or other taxes that are required to be withheld pursuant to any law or governmental regulation. The Executive acknowledges that the Company has made no representation or warranty regarding the tax consequences associated with the benefits described in the Agreement, that the Executive agrees to pay any federal, state, local or other taxes for which she may be personally liable as a result of the benefits conferred under the Agreement, and that the Company has no obligation to achieve any certain tax results for the Executive.

***SECTION XII***<br> ***EFFECT OF PRIOR AGREEMENTS***

This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the Company and the Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior agreement, statements or understanding related to the subject matter hereof, including, but not limited to, any employment or similar agreement between the Company and the Executive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any payments, benefits, or entitlements are owed to the Executive pursuant to any prior employment agreement between the Company and the Executive (the "Prior Agreement Obligations"), such Prior Agreement Obligations shall not be deemed, waived, superseded or extinguished by this Agreement and the Company shall continue to honor and satisfy all such Prior Agreement Obligations in accordance with their terms.

***SECTION XIII***<br> ***MODIFICATION; ASSIGNMENT***

This Agreement may not be modified or amended except in writing signed by both parties. No term or condition of this Agreement will be deemed to have been waived except in writing by the party charged with waiver. A waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and will not constitute a waiver for the future or act on anything other than that which is specifically waived. Neither the Agreement nor any right or interest under the Agreement shall be assignable by the Executive, the Executive's beneficiaries or the Executive's legal representatives without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that nothing in this Section XIII shall preclude (a) the Executive from designating a beneficiary to receive any benefits payable hereunder upon the Executive's death or (b) the executors, administrators or other legal representatives of the Executive or the Executive's estate from assigning any rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto. The Company may assign the Agreement without the consent of the Executive or any other person.

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***SECTION XIV***<br> ***COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 409A***

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the extent applicable, this Agreement is intended to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations (or similar guidance) thereunder. To the extent any provision of this Agreement is contrary to or fails to address the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, this Agreement shall be construed and administered as necessary to comply with such requirements. If the Executive is considered a "specified employee" (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and related Treasury Regulations) at the time of any "separation from service" (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and related Treasury Regulations) under Section 8.1 of this Agreement, a portion of the amount payable to the Executive under Section 8.1 shall be delayed for six (6) months following the Executive's Date of Termination to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A or an exemption therefrom. Any amounts payable to the Executive during such six (6) month period that are delayed due to the limitation in the preceding sentence shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum during the seventh (7th) month following the Executive's Date of Termination (or, if earlier, upon the Executive's death). If, under this Agreement, an amount is to be paid in two or more installments, for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, each installment shall be treated as a separate payment. To the extent not otherwise specified in the Agreement, all reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under this Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, including, where applicable, the requirement that (a) any reimbursement is for expenses incurred during the Executive's lifetime (or during a short period specified in this Agreement); (b) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in kind benefits to be provided, during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year; (c) the reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense is incurred; and (d) the right to reimbursement or in kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. In the event that this Agreement or payments hereunder shall be deemed not to be exempt from or to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, neither the Company, the Board, nor its or their designees or agents shall be liable to the Executive or any other persons for actions, decisions or determinations made in good faith.

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***SECTION XV***<br> ***GOVERNING LAW***

This Agreement has been executed and delivered in the State of South Carolina and its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement shall be governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina. The parties hereto hereby agree that the exclusive and convenient forum and venue for any disputes between any of the parties hereto arising out of this Agreement shall be any proper state or federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, and each of the parties hereto hereby submits to the personal jurisdiction of any such court. The foregoing shall not limit the rights of any party to obtain execution of judgment in any other jurisdiction.

***SECTION XVI***<br> ***WAIVER AND RELEASE***

In consideration for the payments and benefits provided hereunder, the Executive agrees that Executive will, upon termination of employment and in no event later than sixty (60) days after the Date of Termination, as a condition to the Company's obligation to pay any severance benefits under this Agreement, deliver to the Company a fully executed release, in form acceptable to the Company, that fully and irrevocably releases and discharges the Company, its Affiliates and each of their directors, officers, agents and employees from any and all claims, charges, complaints, liabilities of any kind, known or unknown, owed to the Executive, except for obligations arising under the provisions of this Agreement, vested benefits under the Company's benefit plans, obligations arising under stock option, restricted stock or other equity compensation agreements, rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage, any claims for breach of this Agreement or the release itself, or such claims that may not be released by law.

***SECTION XVII*** <br> ***MISCELLANEOUS***

The parties agree that there shall be no presumption that any ambiguity in this Agreement is to be construed against the drafter. No provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in favor of, or against, any of the parties hereto by reason of the extent to which any such party or the Executive's or its counsel participated in the drafting thereof or by reason of the extent to which any such provision is inconsistent with any prior draft hereof or thereof. The Executive acknowledges and confirms that she has reviewed this Agreement in its entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel, and fully understands all provisions of this Agreement.

*[Signature Page To Follow]*

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the 13<sup>th</sup> day of April, 2026 by its duly authorized officer and the Executive has hereunto set the Executive's hand.

COMPANY: WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION By: _______________________ Title: <u>Chairman of the Board</u> EXECUTIVE: __________________________ Janet Lewis Matricciani

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1**

![logomed.jpg](logomed.jpg)

Contact: John L. Calmes, Jr. Executive VP, Chief Financial & Strategy Officer, and Treasurer (864) 298-9800

**World Acceptance Corporation Names Janet Matricciani Interim CEO**

*<u>Former company CEO with extensive experience returns to serve company through transition</u>*

GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 13, 2026) - World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ: WRLD) today announced that its board of directors has appointed Janet Matricciani as interim president and chief executive officer effective April 13, 2026. Ms. Matricciani's hiring follows the resignation of R. Chad Prashad as president and CEO and a member of the board to pursue other opportunities. The board has initiated a search to identify a permanent replacement.

Janet previously served as our CEO and led a period of significant transformation for the Company, implementing systems and improving operations," said Board Chair Ken Bramlett, Jr. "We are delighted to welcome her back. Her proven leadership, deep knowledge of the business, and track record of driving results make her well suited to guide the Company through this next phase."

Ms. Matricciani brings extensive leadership experience across multiple industries, including financial services, technology-enabled tourism, and education. Since her prior tenure as CEO, she has served in senior executive and advisory roles, with a focus on driving operational improvement and strategic growth.

**About World Acceptance Corporation**

Founded in 1962, World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ: WRLD) is a people-focused finance company that provides personal installment loan solutions and personal tax preparation and filing services to over one million customers each year. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the Company operates more than 1,000 community-based World Finance branches across 16 states. The Company primarily serves a segment of the population that does not have ready access to credit; however, unlike many other lenders in this segment, the Company strives to work with its customers to understand their broader financial situations, ensure they have the ability and stability to make payments, and help them achieve their financial goals. For more information, visit www.loansbyworld.com.

**Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information**

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expectations related to Ms. Matricciani's appointment. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

Statements other than those of historical fact, as well as those identified by words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "expect," "project," "believe," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "probable," and any variation of the foregoing and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and you should not place undue reliance on them. Important factors that could cause actual results or performance to differ from the expectations expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, among others, changes in Ms. Matricciani's plans and the Company's ability to attract or retain key personnel. These and other factors are discussed in greater detail in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, as filed with the SEC, and in the Company's other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC from time to time.

World Acceptance Corporation undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, except as required by law. The Company is not responsible for changes made to this document by wire or Internet services.

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