On Thursday, Piper Sandler reaffirmed its Overweight rating on shares of Virtus Investment Partners (NYSE:NYSE:VRTS) with a steady price target of $264.00. The firm's assessment follows a review of the asset management company's July assets under management (AUM) release and market performance data up to August 22.
Despite observable improvements in market conditions with a 4% market uptick and better-than-expected flows, Piper Sandler has slightly adjusted its model to account for higher compensation ratios, aligning with the midpoint of the management's guidance.
The updated model by Piper Sandler indicates minimal changes to the firm's forecasts for Virtus Investment Partners for the years 2024 and 2025, with less than a 1% variation from previous estimates. The firm's analysis suggests a stable outlook for Virtus, with the financial projections remaining largely unaffected by the recent adjustments.
Furthermore, Virtus Investment Partners announced on August 15 a dividend hike to $2.25 per share, up from $1.90. This increment marks the seventh year in a row that the company has raised its dividend, signaling a consistent approach to shareholder returns. The dividend increase is part of the company's financial developments that Piper Sandler has taken into consideration while reiterating its rating and price target.
The ongoing assessment of Virtus Investment Partners by Piper Sandler reflects the firm's attention to a range of factors, including market trends, company-specific financial releases, and broader industry data. Such evaluations are crucial in maintaining up-to-date investment ratings and price targets for stakeholders in the financial markets.
Piper Sandler's continued confidence in Virtus Investment Partners at a $264.00 price target underscores the asset manager's steady performance and the firm's expectations of its continued financial health. The Overweight rating indicates that Piper Sandler views Virtus as a favorable investment option, with potential market performance and financial outcomes aligning with the firm's strategic forecasts.
In other recent news, Virtus Investment Partners has reported impressive earnings and revenue results. The company's operating margin improved to 32.5%, and earnings per share increased to $6.53. Despite a decrease in total assets to $174 billion due to market performance and net outflows, there was significant growth in their ETF platform, which now manages over $2 billion in assets.
Virtus Investment Partners has also been active in pursuing growth through mergers and acquisitions, specifically in private markets. The firm is further expanding its offerings in ETFs, Retail Separate Accounts, and Global Funds.
In addition, Barclays (LON:BARC) has initiated coverage on shares of Virtus Investment Partners, setting a price target at $206 and rating the stock as Underweight. Barclays highlighted Virtus's limited exposure to high-growth sectors like ETFs and alternative investments, as well as its limited capacity for stock buybacks due to its relatively small market capitalization.
Finally, Virtus Investment Partners has announced an 18% increase in its quarterly common stock cash dividend, marking the seventh consecutive year of dividend growth. This development reflects the firm's solid financial foundation and consistent generation of free cash flow. However, future dividend declarations and the setting of record and payment dates will remain subject to board approval. These are among the recent developments in Virtus Investment Partners.
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