AlphaQuest LLC Sells 307 Shares of World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD)

AlphaQuest LLC decreased its holdings in shares of World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD) by 8.7% during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 3,212 shares of the credit services provider’s stock after selling 307 shares during the quarter. AlphaQuest LLC’s holdings in World Acceptance were worth $361,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Proficio Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in World Acceptance during the 4th quarter valued at $1,504,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in shares of World Acceptance by 49.6% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 21,774 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $2,569,000 after purchasing an additional 7,223 shares during the last quarter. PDT Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of World Acceptance during the third quarter valued at $830,000. Barclays PLC grew its holdings in shares of World Acceptance by 282.9% in the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 7,657 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $903,000 after purchasing an additional 5,657 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Royce & Associates LP purchased a new position in World Acceptance in the 3rd quarter worth about $627,000. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Insider Activity

In related news, SVP Scott Mcintyre sold 2,000 shares of World Acceptance stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.22, for a total transaction of $300,440.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 7,183 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,079,030.26. This trade represents a 21.78 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Luke J. Umstetter sold 600 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total value of $90,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 15,248 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,287,200. This represents a 3.79 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 4,188 shares of company stock worth $619,409. 43.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

World Acceptance Trading Up 3.9 %

WRLD opened at $121.47 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 22.46, a current ratio of 22.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. The stock’s fifty day moving average is $131.76 and its two-hundred day moving average is $122.01. The company has a market capitalization of $698.09 million, a P/E ratio of 8.48 and a beta of 1.48. World Acceptance Co. has a 52 week low of $101.85 and a 52 week high of $161.63.

World Acceptance (NASDAQ:WRLD) last announced 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 19.03% and a net margin of 14.41%. Analysts forecast that World Acceptance Co. will post 14 earnings per share for the current year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

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

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.