World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) Shares Gap Up on Strong Earnings

World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD)’s share price gapped up prior to trading on Tuesday following a better than expected earnings announcement. The stock had previously closed at $129.35, but opened at $140.00. World Acceptance shares last traded at $143.34, with a volume of 5,454 shares changing hands.

The credit services provider reported $2.45 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.23 by $1.22. World Acceptance had a return on equity of 19.85% and a net margin of 15.02%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have weighed in on WRLD. Stephens began coverage on World Acceptance in a report on Wednesday, November 13th. They set an “equal weight” rating and a $10.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com raised World Acceptance from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Monday, January 13th.

Insider Buying and Selling at World Acceptance

In other news, insider Luke J. Umstetter sold 600 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total value of $90,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 15,248 shares in the company, valued at $2,287,200. This trade represents a 3.79 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 43.20% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On World Acceptance

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Point72 DIFC Ltd acquired a new stake in World Acceptance during the 2nd quarter valued at $47,000. FMR LLC lifted its holdings in World Acceptance by 19.0% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 822 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $97,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. bought a new stake in World Acceptance in the 2nd quarter valued at $140,000. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its holdings in World Acceptance by 10.0% in the 3rd quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 1,791 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $211,000 after buying an additional 163 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP increased its position in World Acceptance by 53.3% during the 3rd quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 1,997 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $236,000 after buying an additional 694 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 83.63% of the company’s stock.

World Acceptance Stock Down 4.1 %

The company has a quick ratio of 19.53, a current ratio of 19.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $119.01 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $118.50. The company has a market cap of $829.15 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.80 and a beta of 1.44.

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.