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

World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 363,300 shares, a decline of 14.1% from the December 31st total of 422,700 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 21,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 17.1 days. Approximately 7.4% of the shares of the company are sold short.

Insider Activity at World Acceptance

In other news, insider Luke J. Umstetter sold 600 shares of World Acceptance stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total transaction of $90,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 15,248 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,287,200. The trade was a 3.79 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 43.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On World Acceptance

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Quest Partners LLC grew its stake in World Acceptance by 2.7% in the 3rd quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 3,519 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $415,000 after acquiring an additional 93 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC increased its stake in shares of 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 in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of World Acceptance by 10.0% during the 3rd quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 1,791 shares of the credit services provider's stock worth $211,000 after purchasing an additional 163 shares in the last quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board lifted its stake in World Acceptance by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 7,395 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $914,000 after buying an additional 340 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wedge Capital Management L L P NC lifted its stake in World Acceptance by 8.8% in the 3rd quarter. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC now owns 4,481 shares of the credit services provider's stock valued at $529,000 after buying an additional 362 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.63% of the company's stock.

World Acceptance Stock Performance

NASDAQ WRLD traded down $0.84 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $143.36. 49,158 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 26,831. World Acceptance 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 $119.01 and a 200 day moving average of $118.50. The company has a market cap of $824.32 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.75 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a quick ratio of 19.53, a current ratio of 19.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 28th. The credit services provider reported $2.45 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.23 by $1.22. World Acceptance had a return on equity of 19.85% and a net margin of 15.02%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that World Acceptance will post 12.88 earnings per share for the current year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com raised World Acceptance from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Monday, January 13th. Stephens initiated coverage on shares of World Acceptance in a research report on Wednesday, November 13th. They set an "equal weight" rating and a $10.00 price objective on the stock.

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.