Empowered Funds LLC Grows Holdings in World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD)

Empowered Funds LLC lifted its stake in shares of World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD) by 5.0% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 22,497 shares of the credit services provider’s stock after acquiring an additional 1,067 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC owned 0.39% of World Acceptance worth $2,530,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of WRLD. FMR LLC lifted its holdings 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 acquiring an additional 131 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its holdings 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 acquiring an additional 163 shares during the period. 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 purchasing an additional 694 shares in the last quarter. ClearAlpha Technologies LP acquired a new stake in World Acceptance during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $265,000. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in World Acceptance during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $275,000. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Insider Buying and Selling at World Acceptance

In other World Acceptance news, SVP Jason E. Childers sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $143.58, for a total value of $71,790.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 8,039 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,154,239.62. This trade represents a 5.86 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Luke J. Umstetter sold 600 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 directly owns 15,248 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,287,200. The trade was a 3.79 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 1,700 shares of company stock valued at $245,676 over the last 90 days. 43.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

World Acceptance Stock Up 3.5 %

Shares of NASDAQ:WRLD opened at $150.09 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 19.53, a current ratio of 22.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. World Acceptance Co. has a 52-week low of $101.85 and a 52-week high of $161.63. The company has a 50 day moving average of $124.04 and a two-hundred day moving average of $118.95. The company has a market capitalization of $863.02 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.48 and a beta of 1.46.

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

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms recently issued reports on WRLD. StockNews.com raised shares of World Acceptance from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Monday, January 13th. Stephens began coverage on shares of World Acceptance in a research report on Wednesday, November 13th. They set an “equal weight” rating and a $10.00 target price for the company.

World Acceptance 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.