World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) Trading Down 4.5% – Here’s Why

Shares of World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ:WRLD) fell 4.5% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $139.57 and last traded at $138.8950. 72,697 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 45% from the average session volume of 50,191 shares. The stock had previously closed at $145.49.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

WRLD has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “hold (c)” rating on shares of World Acceptance in a research note on Monday. Zacks Research raised shares of World Acceptance from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, World Acceptance currently has an average rating of “Hold”.

World Acceptance Trading Down 3.5%

The company has a current ratio of 24.16, a quick ratio of 24.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.60. The stock has a market capitalization of $707.57 million, a P/E ratio of 13.43 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $142.40 and a 200 day moving average price of $159.47.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The credit services provider reported ($0.38) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.87 by ($2.25). World Acceptance had a return on equity of 13.65% and a net margin of 10.00%.The firm had revenue of $120.12 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $127.85 million. On average, research analysts forecast that World Acceptance Corporation will post 14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at World Acceptance

In other news, insider Daniel Clinton Dyer sold 8,857 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.00, for a total transaction of $1,319,693.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 33,640 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,012,360. This represents a 20.84% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider John L. Calmes, Jr. sold 1,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.21, for a total value of $149,210.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 54,395 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $8,116,277.95. The trade was a 1.81% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 9,946 shares of company stock valued at $1,482,253. 41.60% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On World Acceptance

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Mariner LLC grew its stake in shares of World Acceptance by 58.8% during the third quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 2,036 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $344,000 after acquiring an additional 754 shares during the last quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV purchased a new stake in World Acceptance during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $253,000. Millennium Management LLC acquired a new position in World Acceptance during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $1,466,000. Brevan Howard Capital Management LP acquired a new position in World Acceptance during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $215,000. Finally, Aquatic Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of World Acceptance in the third quarter worth $138,000. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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.