StockNews.com Downgrades World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) to Buy

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) was downgraded by stock analysts at StockNews.com from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday.

World Acceptance Price Performance

Shares of WRLD opened at $120.20 on Monday. The business’s fifty day moving average is $130.58 and its 200 day moving average is $123.03. World Acceptance has a 12-month low of $101.85 and a 12-month high of $161.63. The company has a quick ratio of 22.46, a current ratio of 22.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. The stock has a market cap of $690.79 million, a P/E ratio of 8.39 and a beta of 1.35.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 28th. The credit services provider reported $2.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.23 by $1.22. World Acceptance had a net margin of 14.41% and a return on equity of 19.03%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that World Acceptance will post 14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at World Acceptance

In other World Acceptance news, insider Luke J. Umstetter sold 600 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total value of $90,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 15,248 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,287,200. This trade represents a 3.79 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Scott Mcintyre sold 2,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.22, for a total value of $300,440.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 7,183 shares in the company, valued at $1,079,030.26. The trade was a 21.78 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 4,188 shares of company stock worth $619,409. Corporate insiders own 43.20% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On World Acceptance

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its holdings in shares of World Acceptance by 72.1% in the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 265 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 111 shares during the last quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS bought a new stake in World Acceptance in the fourth quarter worth about $56,000. FMR LLC boosted its stake in World Acceptance by 19.0% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 822 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $97,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. Amundi grew its position in shares of World Acceptance by 195.7% during the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 1,591 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $180,000 after acquiring an additional 1,053 shares during the period. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company MN increased its stake in shares of World Acceptance by 48.8% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 1,643 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $185,000 after purchasing an additional 539 shares during the last quarter. 83.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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.