Visa, Inc. (NYSE:V)

Visa has a good business model with no exposure resulting from the current financial meltdown. As financial institutions consolidate, there is a potential for some pressure on Visa and Mastercard, however, Visa has a strong foothold in all key developed and emerging markets. Should be able to outperform S&P 500 going forward.

P/E of over 50? Crazy, even assuming VISA card usage will double in 10 years.

Watching both Visa and MasterCard is interesting. We are a plastic economy and this is the leader. Having their earnings public could backfire though so it needs to be watched.

Low overhead. Ever seen the megabuilding Visa does business in? Me either, and I'll bet there is very little non-telecom computing infrastructure. The only way this puppy should drop is if everyone starts using cash again, oops Motels require plastic.

Cash will be king again and a debit card is the way cash will flow.

Global brand with no assumed risk on credit transactions.

'cause

Once people start buying again this stock will get rolling.

Visa's high-penetration, high debit-saturation strategy has paid off big and they are processing far more transactions than Mastercard this season because of it. They positioned themselves in a uniquely advantageous space and will come out of 2009 on a high-momentum upswing.

They get a piece of practically every transaction on the planet. This recession may actually present a wonderful buying opportunity. VISA will likely still be going strong long after I'm gone. Disclaimer: long V

A long term play as society continues to move to plastic and away from cash. Soon to be available payments via cellular handsets will only add to the transactions it processes.

Right now people are leaning on their credit cards more than ever. I heard a talk show host the other day comment on how it might be a GOOD thing to look for low or 0% rate cards if you anticipate being out of a job soon. Since the job market is so volatile right now, people are using credit until the next great job comes along. Not sure that I would take that into advisement, but might make this stock price go higher in the months to come.

I don't like P/E > 50.

They process transactions and take a fee, carry no cardholder debt, and less people are carrying cash. I have held MA, and V both since IPO and have added to both positions during these "irratic times" for me these are just "no brainers", as long as management is competent, and the fundementals don't change.

how can they lose. same as mastercard and amex yet less expensive for vendors. more accepted by vendors. decent affinities. near its ipo

All things must pass, as will the current credit crunch. Visa is like death and taxes. Until something else comes along to replace it, go with the #1 800 lb. Gorilla.

Visa is a play on increased credit card transactions by cash-strapped consumers. Visa does not actually carry any credit card receivables but derives its revenue from transaction fees. Credit cards are not only more convenient, but also as a last resort to people with no money.

Cashless payment is a long-term secular trend.

V, along with MA, are the safest financial plays out there in this current market. Consumer spending will definitely and inevitably rebound, especially during the holiday season.