World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) Stock Rating Lowered by Wall Street Zen

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) was downgraded by Wall Street Zen from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a note issued to investors on Saturday.

World Acceptance Stock Up 2.8%

WRLD stock opened at $159.09 on Friday. The company's 50 day simple moving average is $160.46 and its 200-day simple moving average is $141.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $867.04 million, a PE ratio of 10.73 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 17.83 and a quick ratio of 19.32. World Acceptance has a 12 month low of $101.85 and a 12 month high of $177.25.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 24th. The credit services provider reported $0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.44 by ($2.19). The firm had revenue of $132.45 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $122.38 million. World Acceptance had a return on equity of 18.95% and a net margin of 14.29%. Equities analysts expect that World Acceptance will post 14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Darrell E. Whitaker sold 2,500 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred 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 completion of the sale, the director directly owned 5,074 shares in the company, valued at approximately $790,174.02. The trade was a 33.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Alice Lindsay Caulder sold 1,010 shares of the company's stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total transaction of $151,500.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 10,315 shares of the company's stock, valued at $1,547,250. This trade represents a 8.92% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 3,560 shares of company stock worth $548,875. Insiders own 43.20% of the company's stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Versant Capital Management Inc increased its stake in 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 acquiring an additional 111 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in shares of World Acceptance by 570.9% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 369 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 314 shares during the period. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS acquired a new stake in World Acceptance during the 4th quarter worth approximately $56,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its position 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 worth $104,000 after purchasing an additional 736 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC raised its holdings in World Acceptance by 163.4% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 848 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $140,000 after buying an additional 526 shares during the period. 83.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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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