World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) Sees Strong Trading Volume - Here's What Happened

Shares of World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Monday . Approximately 104,222 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 250% from the previous session's volume of 29,760 shares.The stock last traded at $158.56 and had previously closed at $162.99.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of World Acceptance from a "strong-buy" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 3rd.

World Acceptance Price Performance

The firm's 50-day moving average is $139.67 and its 200-day moving average is $130.68. 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 company has a market capitalization of $817.70 million, a P/E ratio of 10.76 and a beta of 1.35.

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

Insider Buying and Selling at World Acceptance

In other news, Director Darrell E. Whitaker sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.73, for a total value of $389,325.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 5,074 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $790,174.02. This represents a 33.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Alice Lindsay Caulder sold 1,010 shares of the 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 completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 10,315 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,547,250. This represents a 8.92% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 3,560 shares of company stock valued at $548,875 over the last 90 days. 43.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in WRLD. Empowered Funds LLC grew its holdings in World Acceptance by 5.0% during the 4th quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 22,497 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $2,530,000 after acquiring an additional 1,067 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in World Acceptance by 1.1% in the 4th 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 in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in World Acceptance by 10.6% in the 4th quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 32,681 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $3,675,000 after purchasing an additional 3,141 shares in the last quarter. Proficio Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in World Acceptance in the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,504,000. Finally, Amundi raised its position 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 buying an additional 1,053 shares during the last quarter. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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.