World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD) Short Interest Down 14.1% in December

World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD) was the target of a large decline in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 363,300 shares, a decline of 14.1% from the December 15th total of 422,700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 21,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 17.1 days. Currently, 7.4% of the shares of the company are sold short.

World Acceptance Stock Performance

Shares of NASDAQ WRLD opened at $127.34 on Friday. World Acceptance has a 12-month low of $101.85 and a 12-month high of $149.31. The company has a market cap of $732.21 million, a PE ratio of 8.66 and a beta of 1.44. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $116.71 and a 200-day simple moving average of $118.24. The company has a current ratio of 19.53, a quick ratio of 19.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21.

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Luke J. Umstetter sold 550 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $114.30, for a total value of $62,865.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 11,370 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,299,591. This trade represents a 4.61 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 43.20% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of World Acceptance by 38.0% during the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 40,475 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $5,002,000 after purchasing an additional 11,135 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. grew its position in World Acceptance by 107.2% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 39,580 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $4,891,000 after buying an additional 20,475 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its stake in World Acceptance by 7.9% during the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 34,025 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $4,205,000 after buying an additional 2,500 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC raised its position in shares of World Acceptance by 125.2% during the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 22,184 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $2,741,000 after buying an additional 12,333 shares in the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of World Acceptance by 49.6% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 21,774 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $2,569,000 after acquiring an additional 7,223 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.63% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on WRLD shares. Stephens started coverage on World Acceptance in a research note on Wednesday, November 13th. They issued an “equal weight” rating and a $10.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com upgraded shares of World Acceptance from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Monday, January 13th.

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.