D. E. Shaw & Co. Inc. Boosts Holdings in World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD)

D. E. Shaw & Co. Inc. increased its holdings in World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD - Free Report) by 14.8% during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 33,632 shares of the credit services provider's stock after buying an additional 4,329 shares during the period. D. E. Shaw & Co. Inc. owned 0.58% of World Acceptance worth $3,782,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of WRLD. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS purchased a new stake in shares of World Acceptance during the fourth quarter worth about $56,000. Amundi raised its holdings 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 buying an additional 1,053 shares during the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its stake in shares of World Acceptance by 48.8% in the fourth 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. Comerica Bank lifted its stake in World Acceptance by 3.8% during the 4th quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 2,513 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $283,000 after acquiring an additional 93 shares during the period. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new stake in World Acceptance in the fourth quarter worth approximately $302,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.63% of the company's stock.

World Acceptance Trading Down 0.6%

NASDAQ WRLD traded down $0.90 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $142.79. 31,033 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 29,201. The stock has a market cap of $820.61 million, a PE ratio of 9.97 and a beta of 1.29. World Acceptance Co. has a 52 week low of $101.85 and a 52 week high of $161.63. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $130.54 and a 200 day moving average price of $126.86. The company has a quick ratio of 22.46, a current ratio of 22.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) last released 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. World Acceptance had a return on equity of 19.03% and a net margin of 14.41%. The business had revenue of $165.27 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $154.52 million. Analysts forecast that World Acceptance Co. will post 14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Wall Street Zen raised shares of World Acceptance from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Sunday.

Insider Buying and Selling at World Acceptance

In related news, SVP Alice Lindsay Caulder sold 1,010 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total transaction of $151,500.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 10,315 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,547,250. This trade represents a 8.92% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 43.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

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.