Stocks

James Hambro & Partners LLP Purchases 31,589 Shares of Visa Inc. (NYSE:V)

Published October 22, 2024

James Hambro & Partners LLP has increased its stake in Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) by 7.0% during the third quarter, according to the latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company now holds a total of 480,453 shares of Visa after acquiring an additional 31,589 shares during this period. This significant investment underscores the firm's confidence in Visa's performance and future growth prospects.

Visa is a globally recognized payment technology company that operates its services through a vast transaction processing network known as VisaNet. This network allows for the efficient authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions worldwide. The company is well-positioned in the financial technology sector and continues to innovate, offering a range of payment solutions including credit, debit, and prepaid cards.

Visa’s Institutional Ownership

This recent increase in holdings by James Hambro & Partners LLP is part of a broader trend where various institutional investors are adjusting their positions in Visa. Whittier Trust Co., for instance, reduced its stake in Visa by 4.4% during the same quarter. After selling 20,001 shares, Whittier Trust Co. now owns 435,435 shares of Visa, which constitutes about 1.6% of their total holdings. Their investment in Visa is valued at approximately $119.7 million.

Several other firms have also modified their investments in Visa. For example, Whitaker Myers Wealth Managers Ltd. began a new position, investing around $332,000 during the first quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC increased its stake by 14.5%, acquiring additional shares to total 2,026, worth about $565,000. Other firms such as Strategic Planning Group LLC and Salvus Wealth Management LLC have also raised their holdings significantly, reflecting considerable institutional interest in Visa. Overall, approximately 82.15% of Visa’s stock is owned by institutional investors.

Analysts and Price Targets

Analyst opinions on Visa vary, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" among investment analysts. Several firms have issued new price targets for Visa shares. Citigroup recently lowered its target from $321.00 to $319.00 but maintained a "buy" rating. Morgan Stanley reiterated its "overweight" rating with a target price of $322.00. In contrast, Bank of America raised its price target from $279.00 to $308.00 while still issuing a "neutral" rating. Overall, 23 analysts have assigned a buy rating, indicating strong market confidence in Visa's continued growth and performance.

Visa Trading Performance

As of the latest trading data, Visa shares opened at $286.85, with a 50-day and 200-day simple moving average of $277.45 and $272.97, respectively. The company has demonstrated stability in its financial metrics, with a market capitalization of about $524.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.05, and a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54.

The company's recent earnings report revealed robust fiscal health. Visa reported earnings of $2.42 per share, meeting analyst expectations, with revenues reaching $8.90 billion for the quarter. This performance indicates a year-over-year revenue growth of 9.6% and reflects Visa's strong position in the payment processing industry.

Conclusion

The continued investment in Visa by institutional investors like James Hambro & Partners LLP signals confidence in the company's long-term strategy and market position. As Visa expands its service offerings and navigates market challenges, investor support may play a pivotal role in its future trajectory.

investment, Visa, financial