Virtu Financial LLC Increases Stake in Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Virtu Financial LLC has significantly increased its investment in Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:VRTX) by 60.6% during the fourth quarter, as reported in its latest Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). After acquiring an additional 2,839 shares during this period, Virtu Financial now holds a total of 7,521 shares in Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which are valued at approximately $3,029,000 according to the latest SEC disclosures.

In addition to Virtu Financial's investment, several other institutional investors have also made changes to their holdings in Vertex Pharmaceuticals. For instance, Dunhill Financial LLC raised its stake by 70.6% in the third quarter, accumulating 58 shares valued at around $27,000 after purchasing 24 additional shares. Meanwhile, Brown Lisle Cummings Inc. initiated a new investment in Vertex Pharmaceuticals during the fourth quarter worth about $30,000. Other firms like Legacy Investment Solutions LLC and Truvestments Capital LLC also established new positions in the same quarter, highlighting a growing interest from institutional investors. Currently, institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own 90.96% of Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ stock.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Stock Overview

The stock of Vertex Pharmaceuticals opened at $503.20 on Friday. Its 50-day simple moving average is listed at $467.89, while the 200-day simple moving average is at $462.69. The company’s stock has experienced a one-year low of $377.85 and a one-year high of $519.88. Vertex Pharmaceuticals has a market capitalization of $129.22 billion, with a PE ratio of -228.73, a PEG ratio of 2.11, and a beta of 0.41. The company’s debt-to-equity ratio stands at a low 0.01, indicating a healthy financial position, along with a current ratio of 2.69 and a quick ratio of 2.35, suggesting strong liquidity.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals last reported its earnings results on February 10, where it announced an earnings per share (EPS) of $3.54 for the quarter. This performance fell short of the consensus estimate of $3.99 by $0.45. The company's net margin was reported to be negative at 4.86%, and it also experienced a negative return on equity of 2.02%. Analysts predict that Vertex Pharmaceuticals will achieve an EPS of 15.63 for the ongoing year.

Insider Trading Activity

Recent insider trading activity at Vertex Pharmaceuticals has also attracted attention. Executive vice president David Altshuler sold 3,231 shares on March 10 at an average price of $500.00, resulting in a total of $1,615,500. Following this transaction, he now owns 26,512 shares valued at approximately $13,256,000, which represents a decline of 10.86% in his holdings. Similarly, EVP Ourania Tatsis sold 310 shares on February 11 at an average price of $459.83, amounting to $142,547.30. Post this sale, she owns 64,021 shares valued at about $29,438,776. Over the last three months, insiders have sold a total of 4,315 shares valued at $2,121,012. Currently, 0.20% of the company’s stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings and Price Targets

Several analysts have weighed in on the future prospects for Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Needham & Company maintained a "hold" rating, while Canaccord Genuity upgraded its outlook from "sell" to "hold" and raised the price target from $408.00 to $424.00. JPMorgan Chase adjusted its target price downward from $503.00 to $500.00 while maintaining an "overweight" rating. HC Wainwright reaffirmed a "buy" rating with a target price of $550.00. Meanwhile, Cantor Fitzgerald also reiterated an "overweight" rating with a price objective of $480.00. According to MarketBeat.com, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has received ten hold ratings, sixteen buy ratings, and one strong buy rating, resulting in an average rating of "Moderate Buy" with a consensus price target set at $506.70.

Company Profile of Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is a biotechnology firm committed to developing and commercializing therapies aimed at treating cystic fibrosis (CF). It markets various treatments, including TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO for individuals with at least one F508del mutation aged two or older, and other medications targeting different age groups with CF.

investment, pharmaceuticals, stock