World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) Raised to Strong-Buy at Wall Street Zen

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) was upgraded by stock analysts at Wall Street Zen from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a report released on Monday.

World Acceptance Trading Up 1.0%

Shares of World Acceptance stock traded up $1.48 on Monday, hitting $152.60. 33,808 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 29,184. The stock's 50 day moving average price is $132.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $127.61. The company has a current ratio of 22.46, a quick ratio of 22.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. World Acceptance has a 52 week low of $101.85 and a 52 week high of $161.63. The company has a market cap of $876.99 million, a PE ratio of 10.66 and a beta of 1.29.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) last issued 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. The company had revenue of $165.27 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $154.52 million. World Acceptance had a net margin of 14.41% and a return on equity of 19.03%. Equities research analysts predict that World Acceptance will post 14 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity at World Acceptance

In related news, SVP Alice Lindsay Caulder sold 1,010 shares of World Acceptance 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 transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 10,315 shares of the company's stock, valued at $1,547,250. This trade represents a 8.92% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 43.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On World Acceptance

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in World Acceptance by 1.1% in the fourth 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 during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in World Acceptance by 11.0% in the fourth quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 53,014 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $5,961,000 after purchasing an additional 5,245 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp grew its holdings 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 worth $7,262,000 after purchasing an additional 7,622 shares during the last quarter. Amundi grew 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 worth $180,000 after purchasing an additional 1,053 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in World Acceptance by 10.6% in the fourth 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 during the last quarter. 83.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other 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.