World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) Sees Strong Trading Volume – Time to Buy?

Shares of World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ:WRLD) saw an uptick in trading volume on Wednesday . 142,524 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 31% from the previous session’s volume of 108,409 shares.The stock last traded at $139.7810 and had previously closed at $139.49.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c)” rating on shares of World Acceptance in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research raised World Acceptance from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Hold”.

World Acceptance Stock Up 0.4%

The business’s fifty day simple moving average is $134.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is $148.93. The stock has a market cap of $674.64 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.61 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a current ratio of 25.01, a quick ratio of 25.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The credit services provider reported ($0.19) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.58 by ($0.77). World Acceptance had a return on equity of 10.80% and a net margin of 7.46%.The company had revenue of $128.47 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $133.49 million. Equities analysts forecast that World Acceptance Corporation will post 14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at World Acceptance

In other news, insider John L. Calmes, Jr. sold 1,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $141.88, for a total transaction of $141,880.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 50,334 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,141,387.92. The trade was a 1.95% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Daniel Clinton Dyer sold 8,857 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $149.00, for a total value of $1,319,693.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 33,640 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $5,012,360. This trade represents a 20.84% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 10,946 shares of company stock worth $1,624,133. Company insiders own 41.60% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On World Acceptance

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. iSAM Funds UK Ltd acquired a new position in shares of World Acceptance in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its stake in World Acceptance by 241.2% during the 3rd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 331 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 234 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its holdings in World Acceptance by 103.2% during the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 569 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $94,000 after acquiring an additional 289 shares in the last quarter. Aquatic Capital Management LLC bought a new position in World Acceptance during the third quarter worth about $138,000. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in World Acceptance in the third quarter valued at about $215,000. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

World Acceptance Company Profile

World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ: WRLD) is a consumer finance company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. Founded in 1972, the company provides credit solutions to underserved customers who may have limited access to traditional banking services. Over the decades, World Acceptance has built a reputation for tailored lending that emphasizes responsible underwriting and personalized customer service.

The company’s core product offerings include short-term installment loans designed to meet the immediate financial needs of its clients.