Royce & Associates LP Raises Stock Holdings in World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD)

Royce & Associates LP grew its position in shares of World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD - Free Report) by 60.7% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 8,535 shares of the credit services provider's stock after buying an additional 3,223 shares during the quarter. Royce & Associates LP owned 0.15% of World Acceptance worth $960,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position 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 acquiring an additional 3,141 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC raised its holdings in World Acceptance by 5.0% in the 4th quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 22,497 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $2,530,000 after purchasing an additional 1,067 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in World Acceptance by 49.6% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 21,774 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $2,569,000 after purchasing an additional 7,223 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew 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 valued at $1,774,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the period. Finally, Proficio Capital Partners LLC bought a new stake in World Acceptance during the fourth quarter valued at about $1,504,000. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, StockNews.com raised World Acceptance from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Monday, January 13th.

World Acceptance Price Performance

Shares of NASDAQ WRLD traded up $2.26 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $130.51. The stock had a trading volume of 35,015 shares, compared to its average volume of 28,577. The company has a market capitalization of $750.04 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.11 and a beta of 1.48. World Acceptance Co. has a 12-month low of $101.85 and a 12-month high of $161.63. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $133.67 and a 200-day moving average of $122.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31, a quick ratio of 22.46 and a current ratio of 22.46.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 28th. The credit services provider reported $2.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $1.23 by $1.22. World Acceptance had a return on equity of 19.03% and a net margin of 14.41%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that World Acceptance Co. will post 14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at World Acceptance

In other World Acceptance news, insider Luke J. Umstetter sold 600 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total transaction of $90,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 15,248 shares of the company's stock, valued at $2,287,200. This trade represents a 3.79 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, SVP Jason E. Childers sold 500 shares of the business's stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $143.58, for a total transaction of $71,790.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 8,039 shares in the company, valued at $1,154,239.62. This trade represents a 5.86 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 4,188 shares of company stock valued at $619,409. 43.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

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.