World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) Shares Down 7.7% Following Weak Earnings

World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) shares dropped 7.7% on Thursday after the company announced weaker than expected quarterly earnings. The stock traded as low as $147.44 and last traded at $158.16. Approximately 32,872 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 10% from the average daily volume of 36,458 shares. The stock had previously closed at $171.30.

The credit services provider reported $0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $2.44 by ($2.19). The business had revenue of $132.45 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $122.38 million. World Acceptance had a return on equity of 21.02% and a net margin of 15.89%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Wall Street Zen raised shares of World Acceptance from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Saturday, July 12th.

Insider Activity at World Acceptance

In other news, SVP Alice Lindsay Caulder sold 1,010 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred 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 owned 10,315 shares of the company's stock, 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 SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Darrell E. Whitaker sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.73, for a total transaction of $389,325.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 5,074 shares in the company, valued at $790,174.02. This trade represents a 33.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 3,560 shares of company stock valued at $548,875. Company insiders own 43.20% of the company's stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On World Acceptance

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its position in shares of World Acceptance by 4.0% during the fourth quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 1,966 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $221,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. PDT Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of World Acceptance by 1.6% during the first quarter. PDT Partners LLC now owns 4,894 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $619,000 after purchasing an additional 78 shares in the last quarter. Comerica Bank boosted its position in shares of World Acceptance by 3.8% during the fourth quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 2,513 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $283,000 after purchasing an additional 93 shares in the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its position in shares of World Acceptance by 72.1% during the first quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 265 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wedge Capital Management L L P NC raised its holdings in shares of World Acceptance by 6.1% during the first quarter. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC now owns 4,743 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $600,000 after acquiring an additional 273 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 83.63% of the company's stock.

World Acceptance Trading Down 8.0%

The company has a quick ratio of 19.32, a current ratio of 19.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. The business's fifty day moving average is $159.72 and its 200 day moving average is $140.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $836.78 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.63 and a beta of 1.35.

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.

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