Visa Enables Near-Instant Crypto-to-Fiat Payouts Through Mercuryo Partnership
Visa has partnered with Mercuryo to enable near real-time crypto-to-fiat payouts through its Visa Direct platform, integrating services across cryptocurrency exchanges. The collaboration expands Visa's digital payment network into crypto markets, potentially increasing transaction volume and diversifying its revenue streams.
1. Belpointe Asset Management Boosts Visa Stake
In the third quarter, Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its position in Visa Inc. by 8.1%, acquiring an additional 1,640 shares to bring its total holdings to 21,852 shares. At the end of the period, that stake was valued at $7.46 million, reflecting the fund’s confidence in the credit-card processor’s growth trajectory and cash flow generation capabilities.
2. Broader Institutional Ownership Trends
Several other institutional investors also adjusted their Visa positions. Brighton Jones LLC expanded its holdings by 50.1%, adding 6,883 shares for a total of 20,635 shares valued at $6.52 million. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC grew its stake by 68.9% to 11,811 shares, worth $3.73 million. Nicholas Hoffman & Company LLC increased its position by 4.6% to 10,941 shares ($3.83 million), while Cove Private Wealth LLC added 320 shares in the second quarter, lifting its holding to 11,432 shares ($4.06 million). Patton Fund Management Inc. initiated a new $233,000 position. Overall, institutional and hedge fund ownership accounts for 82.15% of Visa’s outstanding shares.
3. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets Lifted
Visa has attracted bullish commentary from major research firms. Wells Fargo upgraded the company to a strong-buy, Bank of America raised its rating to buy with a $382 target, Truist set a $374 target, Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage with an overweight rating and a $400 target, and HSBC elevated its view to strong-buy. Four analysts now hold strong-buy ratings, twenty have buy ratings, and four maintain holds, resulting in a consensus buy rating and an average target price of $401.46.
4. Q3 Financial Results Highlight Resilient Growth
In its latest quarter, Visa reported earnings per share of $2.98, marginally beating consensus by $0.01, on revenues of $10.72 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $10.60 billion. Revenue rose 11.5% year-over-year, driven by strong cross-border volume growth and expanding digital payment volumes. The company reported a net margin of 50.15% and a return on equity of 60.31%. Management reaffirmed full-year EPS guidance of approximately $11.30, supported by steady global transaction growth and ongoing investments in security and fraud-prevention technologies.