American Century Companies Inc. Boosts Holdings in World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD)

American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD - Free Report) by 11.0% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 53,014 shares of the credit services provider's stock after buying an additional 5,245 shares during the quarter. American Century Companies Inc. owned approximately 0.92% of World Acceptance worth $5,961,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Royce & Associates LP boosted its position in World Acceptance by 60.7% during the 4th quarter. Royce & Associates LP now owns 8,535 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $960,000 after buying an additional 3,223 shares during the period. Amundi increased its stake in shares of World Acceptance by 195.7% in the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 1,591 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $180,000 after acquiring an additional 1,053 shares in the last quarter. Proficio Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of World Acceptance during the fourth quarter valued at about $1,504,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake 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 valued at $3,675,000 after acquiring an additional 3,141 shares during the period. Finally, Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in World Acceptance by 1.1% during the fourth quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 15,776 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $1,774,000 after buying an additional 176 shares during the last quarter. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

World Acceptance Stock Performance

NASDAQ WRLD traded up $12.55 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $126.18. 29,458 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 29,478. The stock has a market capitalization of $725.16 million, a P/E ratio of 8.81 and a beta of 1.35. The business's 50 day simple moving average is $131.34 and its 200-day simple moving average is $122.87. The company has a quick ratio of 22.46, a current ratio of 22.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. World Acceptance Co. has a 1 year low of $101.85 and a 1 year high of $161.63.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 28th. 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 net margin of 14.41% and a return on equity of 19.03%. On average, equities research analysts expect that World Acceptance Co. will post 14 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Luke J. Umstetter sold 488 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.19, for a total value of $73,292.72. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 14,760 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,216,804.40. The trade was a 3.20 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Alice Lindsay Caulder sold 600 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.81, for a total transaction of $83,886.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 8,524 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $1,191,740.44. The trade was a 6.58 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 4,188 shares of company stock worth $619,409. 43.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com raised World Acceptance from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Sunday.

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.