3 Stock Picks: Visa, Roblox, and Altria
Last week, three companies posted quarterly results that reiterate their fundamental strengths.
Credit card firm Visa (V) struggled to hold the $350 share price despite posting an EPS of $2.98 (non-GAAP). Revenue was $10.2 billion (+14.6% Y/Y). The firm beat on the top line and bottom line.
Visa’s Q3 strength is due to lower incentives, higher currency volatility, and strong value-added services. However, operating expenses came in higher than management expected. Personnel costs increased. This suggests that customer service quality rises, improving future returns.
Gaming firm Roblox (RBLX) dipped after posting $0.41 EPS in losses. However, revenue increased by 21% Y/Y to $1.08 billion. Average daily active users were 111.8 million (+41% Y/Y). Unique payers were up by 58%. Share dilution through stock-based compensation is an ongoing risk.
Tobacco firm Altria (MO) reported a -1.8% Y/Y in revenue of $6.1 billion. Net revenue fell after smokeable product sales fell. Oral tobacco product sales offset that decline. Still, Altria increased its 2025 full-year guidance. It lifted its EPS target to $5.35 - $5.45, which represents a 3% - 5% growth rate.
Consumers like the NJOY smokeless product experience. As Altria markets that brand further, expect the company to raise its guidance next quarter.
Income investors may consider Philip Morris (PM) and British American Tobacco (BTI). Although their yield is below 6% compared to Altria’s 6.7% rate, they offer steady, compounded annual growth.
