Wells Trecaso Reduces Stake in Meta Platforms by 40.9%

Wells Trecaso Financial Group LLC has reduced its investment in Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) by **40.9%** during the third quarter, as detailed in its latest Form 13F filing with the **Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)**. The institutional investor now holds **2,081 shares** of the social media giant after selling **1,438 shares** in the quarter. This adjustment brings the total value of Wells Trecaso’s holdings in Meta to approximately **$1,528,000**.

Several other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in Meta. **Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc**, operating as Bay Colony Advisors, increased its stake by **0.4%** in the second quarter, now owning **3,506 shares** valued at **$2,587,000** after acquiring an additional **13 shares**. Similarly, **Hemington Wealth Management** raised its holdings by **0.6%**, now possessing **2,223 shares** worth **$1,641,000** after purchasing **14 shares**.

Other notable changes include **Trust Co of the South**, which boosted its Meta stake by **0.8%**, now holding **1,850 shares** valued at **$1,359,000**, and **Sentinel Pension Advisors LLC**, which increased its ownership by **1.6%** to **915 shares** valued at **$672,000**. Additionally, **Alpine Bank Wealth Management** raised its stake by **0.3%**, now owning **4,301 shares** worth **$3,159,000**.

As of now, institutional investors collectively own **79.91%** of Meta’s stock.

Meta Platforms Financial Performance

Meta Platforms opened at **$639.77** on the most recent trading day, with a market capitalization of **$1.62 trillion**. The company reports a price-to-earnings ratio of **27.22**, a PEG ratio of **1.11**, and a beta of **1.28**. It maintains a current ratio of **2.60**, a quick ratio of **2.60**, and a debt-to-equity ratio of **0.27**.

Over the last year, Meta’s stock has fluctuated between a low of **$479.80** and a high of **$796.25**. The 50-day moving average stands at **$657.63**, while the 200-day moving average is at **$693.40**.

On **January 28**, Meta reported its quarterly earnings, revealing **$8.88 earnings per share (EPS)**, surpassing the consensus estimate of **$8.16** by **$0.72**. The company achieved **$59.89 billion** in revenue for the quarter, exceeding the expected **$58.33 billion**. This marks a **23.8%** increase in revenue compared to the same period last year when EPS was **$8.02**. Analysts project that Meta Platforms will report an EPS of **26.7** for the current year.

Corporate Developments and Insider Trading

In addition to these financial updates, Meta recently declared a quarterly dividend of **$0.525**, set to be paid on **March 26**. Investors recorded on **March 16** will receive this dividend, leading to an annualized dividend of approximately **$2.10** and a dividend yield of **0.3%**. The company’s dividend payout ratio is **8.94%**.

Recent insider trading activities have also drawn attention. **Robert M. Kimmitt**, a director at Meta, sold **600 shares** on **November 17**, realizing approximately **$365,610** from the transaction, which represents a **7.55%** reduction in his ownership. Following this sale, Kimmitt retains **7,347 shares**, valued at around **$4,476,894.45**.

Additionally, **Andrew Bosworth**, the Chief Technology Officer, sold **11,690 shares** on **November 18** for about **$6,935,793.90**, marking an **82.88%** decrease in his ownership. After the sale, Bosworth holds **2,415 shares** worth approximately **$1,432,843.65**. Over the past three months, insiders sold a total of **24,530 shares**, valued at **$15,150,029**. Currently, insiders own **13.61%** of the company’s stock.

Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, Inc., operates as a global technology leader renowned for its social networking services and immersive computing platforms. Founded in **2004** and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, the company rebranded to Meta in **October 2021** to better reflect its expanded focus on augmented and virtual reality technologies alongside its social media operations. The company’s key products include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, which facilitate social networking and community engagement across various devices.

For additional information on hedge fund holdings and insider trades related to Meta Platforms, investors can refer to platforms such as **HoldingsChannel.com**.