Global Payments Inc. has seen a recent surge in institutional investment holdings, with a number of hedge funds and other investors announcing new stakes or increasing holdings in the company. James Investment Research Inc. invested approximately $26,000 in Global Payments in Q4 2017, while Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. increased its stake by 63.9%, owning 331 shares worth around $33,000. Meanwhile, Atlas Capital Advisors LLC increased its holding in the company by 52.9% to 321 shares valued at $35,000, and Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC invested approximately $36,000 for a new stake in the business services provider last year. Finally, CI Investments Inc.’s holdings grew by over 1,000% in Q3 2017 following an additional purchase of 341 shares worth around $41,000.
As of now, nearly 87.58% of Global Payments’ stock is owned by institutional investors that include various hedge funds and other financial corporations across the world.
Despite such bullish investor activity, the current market value could prove challenging for analysts who have recently weighed in on this fintech firm’s future growth prospects. Global Payment’s share value opened at $101.96 on Friday; meanwhile, Robert W. Baird raised it from neutral to outperform with an increased price target of $156 per share. The sell-side financial advisory firm commended Global Payment’s forward-looking strategy and apprehended a growth potential trajectory citing management commentary based on active clientele engagement.
One analyst disapproved of investing options due to the moderate risk level associated with such investments as custody concerns arise along with financing shortfalls sometimes arising from operational risks this type of advisory business faces.
Subsequently one might also note that although Global Payment’s dividends pay-out ratio remains unchanged during Q2’17 ($0.25 dividend), corporate insiders witnessed offloading movements as David M Sheffield – CAO sold around 1,562 shares during the same quarter, making a total earning of $176,630.96 at an average share value of $113.08. As of now, 1.30% of Global Payment’s stock is owned by corporate insiders, and experts say it is a definite sign to be cautious with investments in this stock going forward.
Leave a Reply