World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) Sees Unusually-High Trading Volume – Here’s What Happened

World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ:WRLD) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Friday . Approximately 25,499 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 48% from the previous session’s volume of 48,578 shares.The stock last traded at $147.0340 and had previously closed at $147.82.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “hold (c)” rating on shares of World Acceptance in a research report on Monday. Zacks Research upgraded World Acceptance from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, World Acceptance currently has an average rating of “Hold”.

World Acceptance Price Performance

The company’s 50 day moving average is $145.26 and its 200-day moving average is $159.87. The firm has a market capitalization of $747.16 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.18 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a current ratio of 24.16, a quick ratio of 24.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.60.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The credit services provider reported ($0.38) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.87 by ($2.25). The business had revenue of $120.12 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $127.85 million. World Acceptance had a net margin of 10.00% and a return on equity of 13.65%. Equities research analysts anticipate that World Acceptance Corporation will post 14 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at World Acceptance

In related news, insider Daniel Clinton Dyer sold 8,857 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $149.00, for a total value of $1,319,693.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 33,640 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,012,360. This represents a 20.84% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider John L. Calmes, Jr. sold 1,000 shares of World Acceptance stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.21, for a total transaction of $149,210.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 54,395 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $8,116,277.95. This trade represents a 1.81% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 9,946 shares of company stock valued at $1,482,253 over the last 90 days. 41.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On World Acceptance

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. iSAM Funds UK Ltd acquired a new stake in World Acceptance during the third quarter worth approximately $30,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its position in World Acceptance by 241.2% during the third quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 331 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $56,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its stake in World Acceptance by 103.2% during the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 569 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $94,000 after buying an additional 289 shares in the last quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS increased its holdings in World Acceptance by 60.0% in the 2nd quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 800 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $132,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. Finally, Aquatic Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of World Acceptance in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $138,000. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About World Acceptance

World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ: WRLD) is a consumer finance company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. Founded in 1972, the company provides credit solutions to underserved customers who may have limited access to traditional banking services. Over the decades, World Acceptance has built a reputation for tailored lending that emphasizes responsible underwriting and personalized customer service.

The company’s core product offerings include short-term installment loans designed to meet the immediate financial needs of its clients.