World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) Cut to Buy at StockNews.com

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) was downgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com from a "strong-buy" rating to a "buy" rating in a report issued on Saturday.

World Acceptance Trading Up 4.9%

Shares of NASDAQ WRLD traded up $6.83 on Friday, reaching $147.38. 40,760 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 29,047. The stock has a market capitalization of $846.99 million, a PE ratio of 10.29 and a beta of 1.29. World Acceptance has a fifty-two week low of $101.85 and a fifty-two week high of $161.63. 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 company has a 50 day moving average of $126.75 and a 200 day moving average of $125.44.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data 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 analysts' expectations of $154.52 million. On average, equities research analysts forecast that World Acceptance will post 14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at World Acceptance

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

Institutional Investors Weigh In On World Acceptance

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of World Acceptance by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 349,238 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $44,196,000 after purchasing an additional 7,429 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp lifted its stake in World Acceptance by 13.4% in the fourth quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 64,584 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $7,262,000 after buying an additional 7,622 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of World Acceptance by 11.0% during the fourth quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 53,014 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $5,961,000 after acquiring an additional 5,245 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position in shares of World Acceptance by 84,803.6% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 46,697 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $5,910,000 after acquiring an additional 46,642 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bridgeway Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of World Acceptance by 2.6% in the 4th quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC now owns 42,597 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $4,790,000 after acquiring an additional 1,067 shares during the period. 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.