Is Visa (V) The Best Payments and Finance Stock to Buy for 2026? Analyst Comments

Core Insights - Visa Inc (NYSE:V) is highlighted as a top AI and non-tech stock to watch amid the latest earnings season, with a positive outlook extending into 2026 due to a strong consumer environment and rising transaction volumes [1] - Analysts suggest that Visa is currently undervalued compared to Mastercard, making it an attractive investment in the current macroeconomic environment [2] Group 1: Company Performance - Visa operates the world's largest retail electronic payment network, and despite a decline in share prices due to market selloffs, the company is expected to benefit from stablecoin proliferation, which could expand its addressable market [3] - The guidance for U.S. volumes is projected to improve by approximately 100 basis points, with expectations of high single-digit to low double-digit growth on an FX-neutral basis by 2026 [2] Group 2: Market Position and Competitive Landscape - Visa's value proposition in consumer-to-merchant payments remains strong, offering rewards, liquidity, and buyer protections, which are unlikely to be disrupted by stablecoins [3] - The company is seen as a key player in enhancing stablecoin adoption by providing necessary rules and protections for broader use [3]