PDT Partners LLC Cuts Holdings in World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD)

PDT Partners LLC cut its holdings in World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD - Free Report) by 31.5% during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 4,816 shares of the credit services provider's stock after selling 2,219 shares during the period. PDT Partners LLC owned about 0.08% of World Acceptance worth $542,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of WRLD. Principal Financial Group Inc. lifted its stake in World Acceptance by 1.1% during the fourth quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 15,776 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $1,774,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the last quarter. Barclays PLC boosted its holdings in shares of World Acceptance by 282.9% in the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 7,657 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $903,000 after buying an additional 5,657 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its position in shares of World Acceptance by 11.0% in the 4th quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 53,014 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $5,961,000 after buying an additional 5,245 shares during the last quarter. Amundi raised its stake in World Acceptance by 195.7% during the 4th 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. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in World Acceptance by 10.6% in the fourth quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 32,681 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $3,675,000 after acquiring an additional 3,141 shares during the last quarter. 83.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of World Acceptance from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Friday, May 2nd.

World Acceptance Stock Performance

Shares of NASDAQ WRLD traded up $0.91 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $132.41. 5,853 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 29,104. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $125.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of $124.74. The company has a current ratio of 22.46, a quick ratio of 22.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. The stock has a market cap of $760.93 million, a P/E ratio of 9.27 and a beta of 1.29. World Acceptance Co. has a 1 year low of $101.85 and a 1 year high of $161.63.

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

Insider Buying and Selling at World Acceptance

In related news, insider Luke J. Umstetter sold 488 shares of World Acceptance stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.19, for a total transaction of $73,292.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 14,760 shares in the company, valued at $2,216,804.40. The trade was a 3.20 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP Scott Mcintyre sold 2,000 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction 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 transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 7,183 shares of the company's stock, 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 90 days, insiders have sold 2,988 shares of company stock valued at $445,523. 43.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

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.