World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ:WRLD) Shares Acquired by Principal Financial Group Inc.

Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its holdings in World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ:WRLD) by 2.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 16,162 shares of the credit services provider’s stock after acquiring an additional 386 shares during the quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. owned 0.28% of World Acceptance worth $2,045,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in World Acceptance by 570.9% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 369 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $47,000 after acquiring an additional 314 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in World Acceptance by 11.0% in the fourth quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 53,014 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $5,961,000 after purchasing an additional 5,245 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp grew its position in World Acceptance by 13.4% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 64,584 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $7,262,000 after buying an additional 7,622 shares in the last quarter. Amundi grew its position in World Acceptance by 195.7% in the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 1,591 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $180,000 after buying an additional 1,053 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC increased its stake in World Acceptance by 7.3% during the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 8,218 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $924,000 after buying an additional 561 shares during the period. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Insider Buying and Selling at World Acceptance

In related news, Director Darrell E. Whitaker sold 2,500 shares of World Acceptance stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.73, for a total value of $389,325.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 5,074 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $790,174.02. This trade represents a 33.01% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Alice Lindsay Caulder sold 1,010 shares of World Acceptance stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total transaction of $151,500.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 10,315 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,547,250. The trade was a 8.92% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 3,560 shares of company stock valued at $548,875. 43.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of World Acceptance from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Saturday, July 12th.

World Acceptance Trading Down 1.0%

Shares of World Acceptance stock opened at $164.79 on Friday. World Acceptance Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $101.85 and a fifty-two week high of $177.25. The company has a quick ratio of 19.32, a current ratio of 19.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $159.11 and a 200-day simple moving average of $139.52. The firm has a market cap of $875.03 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.07 and a beta of 1.35.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The credit services provider reported $8.13 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $6.42 by $1.71. The firm had revenue of $165.27 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $154.52 million. World Acceptance had a net margin of 15.89% and a return on equity of 21.02%. On average, equities analysts forecast that World Acceptance Corporation will post 14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

World Acceptance Company Profile

World Acceptance Corporation engages in consumer finance business in the United States. The company provides short-term small installment loans, medium-term larger installment loans, related credit insurance, and ancillary products and services to individuals. It offers income tax return preparation and filing services; and automobile club memberships.