Marshall Wace LLP Raises Stake in World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD)

Marshall Wace LLP increased its holdings in World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD - Free Report) by 122.3% during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,871 shares of the credit services provider's stock after purchasing an additional 5,980 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP owned 0.19% of World Acceptance worth $1,222,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in WRLD. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS purchased a new stake in shares of World Acceptance in the fourth quarter worth approximately $56,000. Amundi increased its position in shares of World Acceptance by 195.7% during the fourth quarter. Amundi now owns 1,591 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $180,000 after purchasing an additional 1,053 shares in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its stake in 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 valued at $185,000 after buying an additional 539 shares during the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new stake in World Acceptance during the 4th quarter worth approximately $302,000. Finally, ExodusPoint Capital Management LP increased its position in shares of World Acceptance by 63.1% in the 4th quarter. ExodusPoint Capital Management LP now owns 5,130 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $577,000 after acquiring an additional 1,985 shares during the period. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

World Acceptance Price Performance

Shares of NASDAQ:WRLD traded up $0.47 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $133.49. The company had a trading volume of 877 shares, compared to its average volume of 29,173. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 22.46 and a quick ratio of 22.46. The stock has a market cap of $767.16 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.37 and a beta of 1.29. The business's 50-day simple moving average is $126.02 and its 200-day simple moving average is $124.59. World Acceptance Co. has a twelve month low of $101.85 and a twelve month high of $161.63.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The credit services provider reported $8.13 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $6.42 by $1.71. World Acceptance had a net margin of 14.41% and a return on equity of 19.03%. The business had revenue of $165.27 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $154.52 million. On average, research analysts predict that World Acceptance Co. will post 14 earnings per share for the current year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of World Acceptance from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Friday.

Insider Activity at World Acceptance

In other news, SVP Jason E. Childers sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $143.58, for a total transaction of $71,790.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 8,039 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $1,154,239.62. This represents a 5.86 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Scott Mcintyre sold 2,000 shares of the company'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 transaction of $300,440.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 7,183 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,079,030.26. The trade was a 21.78 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 2,988 shares of company stock worth $445,523 in the last three months. 43.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

World Acceptance 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.