World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) Hits New 52-Week High – Time to Buy?

World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ:WRLD) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $189.80 and last traded at $188.7770, with a volume of 13698 shares. The stock had previously closed at $184.63.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

WRLD has been the subject of several analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c)” rating on shares of World Acceptance in a report on Friday, March 27th. Wall Street Zen upgraded World Acceptance from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Saturday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Hold”.

World Acceptance Stock Up 3.4%

The company has a quick ratio of 22.99, a current ratio of 22.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26. The company has a market capitalization of $885.43 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.79 and a beta of 1.19. The business’s 50-day moving average is $158.67 and its 200-day moving average is $145.09.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 30th. The credit services provider reported $7.70 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $7.74 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $164.31 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $168.40 million. World Acceptance had a return on equity of 9.36% and a net margin of 5.98%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other World Acceptance news, Director Benjamin E. Robinson III sold 180 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.00, for a total value of $28,800.00. Following the sale, the director owned 4,926 shares in the company, valued at approximately $788,160. This represents a 3.53% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Also, SVP Alice Lindsay Caulder sold 609 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $181.00, for a total transaction of $110,229.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 14,682 shares in the company, valued at $2,657,442. The trade was a 3.98% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 1,879 shares of company stock valued at $335,089 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 41.60% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Trading of World Acceptance

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. iSAM Funds UK Ltd purchased a new position in World Acceptance in the third quarter valued at $30,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of World Acceptance by 102.4% during the 1st quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 255 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 129 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its stake in shares of World Acceptance by 241.2% in the 3rd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 331 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $56,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its stake in shares of World Acceptance by 103.2% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 569 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $94,000 after purchasing an additional 289 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Aquatic Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in World Acceptance in the 3rd quarter worth about $138,000. 83.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

World Acceptance Company Profile

World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ: WRLD) is a consumer finance company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. Founded in 1972, the company provides credit solutions to underserved customers who may have limited access to traditional banking services. Over the decades, World Acceptance has built a reputation for tailored lending that emphasizes responsible underwriting and personalized customer service.

The company’s core product offerings include short-term installment loans designed to meet the immediate financial needs of its clients.