World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) Reaches New 1-Year High - Still a Buy?

World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $176.19 and last traded at $172.67, with a volume of 95891 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $173.28.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Wall Street Zen downgraded 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 company's 50 day moving average price is $155.22 and its 200-day moving average price is $137.22. The company has a market capitalization of $905.89 million, a PE ratio of 10.43 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a current ratio of 19.32, a quick ratio of 19.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 29th. The credit services provider reported $8.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $1.71. World Acceptance had a net margin of 15.89% and a return on equity of 21.02%. The company had revenue of $165.27 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $154.52 million. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that World Acceptance Corporation will post 14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at World Acceptance

In other news, 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 value of $151,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 10,315 shares of the company's stock, valued at $1,547,250. This represents a 8.92% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Darrell E. Whitaker sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.73, for a total transaction of $389,325.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 5,074 shares of the company's stock, valued at $790,174.02. The trade was a 33.01% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 3,560 shares of company stock valued at $548,875 in the last three months. Company insiders own 43.20% of the company's stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On World Acceptance

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its holdings in World Acceptance by 72.1% during the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 265 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in World Acceptance by 570.9% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 369 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 314 shares in the last quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS acquired a new stake in World Acceptance during the 4th quarter valued at $56,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its holdings in World Acceptance by 876.2% during the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 820 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $104,000 after purchasing an additional 736 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Amundi boosted 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 valued at $180,000 after purchasing an additional 1,053 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.63% of the company's stock.

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.