Alliancebernstein L.P. Trims Stock Holdings in World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD)

Alliancebernstein L.P. lowered its stake in shares of World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD) by 8.7% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 4,070 shares of the credit services provider’s stock after selling 390 shares during the period. Alliancebernstein L.P.’s holdings in World Acceptance were worth $458,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS purchased a new stake in World Acceptance in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $56,000. FMR LLC grew its position in World Acceptance by 19.0% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 822 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $97,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares in the last quarter. Amundi grew its position in World Acceptance by 195.7% in the fourth quarter. Amundi now owns 1,591 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $180,000 after acquiring an additional 1,053 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC increased its stake in World Acceptance by 10.0% in the third quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 1,791 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $211,000 after acquiring an additional 163 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC raised its position in World Acceptance by 282.9% during the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 7,657 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $903,000 after purchasing an additional 5,657 shares in the last quarter. 83.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

World Acceptance Stock Up 2.3 %

NASDAQ:WRLD opened at $124.86 on Monday. World Acceptance Co. has a 1-year low of $101.85 and a 1-year high of $161.63. The firm’s 50-day moving average price is $128.53 and its 200-day moving average price is $123.36. The company has a market capitalization of $717.57 million, a PE ratio of 8.72 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 22.46 and a quick ratio of 22.46.

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

Insider Activity at World Acceptance

In other World Acceptance news, SVP Jason E. Childers sold 500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $143.58, for a total transaction of $71,790.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 8,039 shares in the company, valued at $1,154,239.62. This trade represents a 5.86 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Luke J. Umstetter sold 600 shares of World Acceptance stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total transaction of $90,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 15,248 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,287,200. The trade was a 3.79 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 4,188 shares of company stock worth $619,409. 43.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com lowered shares of World Acceptance from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, April 14th.

About World Acceptance

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.