Fox Run Management L.L.C. Invests $1.42 Million in Verisk Analytics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSK)

Fox Run Management L.L.C. has recently established a new investment position in Verisk Analytics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSK) during the fourth quarter, as indicated by their latest disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 5,164 shares of this business services company, with an estimated total value of about $1,422,000.

Other institutional investors have also made recent transactions involving Verisk Analytics. For example, Manchester Capital Management LLC increased its holdings by 468.8% in the fourth quarter, now owning 91 shares worth $25,000 after buying an additional 75 shares. Similarly, Sugarloaf Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake valued at $28,000, while Roxbury Financial LLC acquired a position worth $29,000 during the same period. Centricity Wealth Management LLC and SBI Securities Co. Ltd. also joined in, buying shares worth $28,000 and $30,000, respectively. Currently, approximately 90.00% of Verisk Analytics' stock is held by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Stock Performance of Verisk Analytics

The stock of Verisk Analytics opened at $285.16 on Friday, and over the past year has fluctuated between a low of $217.34 and a high of $306.10. The company boasts a market capitalization of $40.00 billion, a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 44.49, a PEG ratio of 3.37, and a beta of 0.89. Their current ratio and quick ratio both stand at 0.82, while the debt-to-equity ratio is notably high at 8.36. The firm’s average price over the last 50 days is $289.28, and its 200-day average is $280.71.

In its latest quarterly earnings report, released on February 26th, Verisk Analytics announced earnings per share (EPS) of $1.61, which slightly exceeded analysts' predictions of $1.60. The company reported a return on equity of 274.13% along with a net margin of 32.65%. During the quarter, Verisk's revenue reached $735.60 million, surpassing forecasts of $733.55 million. Analysts are projecting an EPS of 6.63 for the current fiscal year.

Dividend Increase and Stock Repurchase Program

Verisk Analytics has also revealed plans to increase its quarterly dividend, which is set to be paid on March 31st. Stockholders who are on record as of March 14th will receive a dividend of $0.45 per share. This announcement represents a shift from their previous dividend of $0.39 and results in an annual dividend total of $1.80, yielding a 0.63% return. The company’s dividend payout ratio is currently 26.87%.

Additionally, on February 26th, Verisk’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program, allowing the company to buy back $1.00 billion worth of shares, equivalent to 2.5% of its stock. This often signifies the board's perception that the company's shares are undervalued.

Analyst Predictions for Growth

Several financial analysts have recently shared their insights regarding Verisk Analytics. BMO Capital Markets raised its price target from $280.00 to $297.00, maintaining a "market perform" rating in a research note dated February 27th. Wells Fargo & Company also adjusted its forecast, reducing its target from $325.00 to $321.00 while rating the stock as "overweight." Morgan Stanley increased its estimate from $283.00 to $300.00 and assigned an "equal weight" rating. Royal Bank of Canada repeated its "outperform" rating with a $300.00 target, while Robert W. Baird revised its projection from $298.00 to $320.00, also giving it an "outperform" designation. In total, six analysts regard the stock as a hold, while three recommend it as a buy, leading to a consensus rating of "Hold" with an average price target of $299.33.

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Kathy Card Beckles sold 2,111 shares of Verisk stock on January 17th, fetching an average price of $282.06 for a transaction totaling $595,428.66. Following this sale, Beckles holds 9,066 shares valued at approximately $2,557,155.96. This transaction marked an 18.89% decrease in ownership. Additionally, Director Bruce Edward Hansen sold 1,179 shares on January 7th at an average price of $272.81, resulting in a value of $321,642.99. Post-sale, Hansen directly owns 13,786 shares worth around $3,760,958.66, also reflecting a 7.88% decrease in his stake. Within the last ninety days, insiders have sold a total of 5,648 shares, valued at $1,613,047, with insiders owning approximately 0.40% of the company's stock.

About Verisk Analytics

Verisk Analytics, Inc. is a provider of data analytics and technology solutions, primarily servicing the insurance markets in both the United States and internationally. Their offerings include various solutions for risk assessment, underwriting, and pricing, among others. Verisk enables clients to effectively understand, evaluate, manage, and mitigate potential losses associated with various risks.

Investment, Shares, Stock