Willis Investment Counsel Q1 2023 vs. Q2 2023: Analyzing Changes in Fund Holdings

The first and second quarters of 2023 have seen some interesting shifts in the holdings of Willis Investment Counsel. In this article, we will delve deeper into the changes in holdings of the fund and explore the reasons behind these fluctuations.

Johnson And Johnson (JNJ), a renowned healthcare company, witnessed a marginal increase in its holdings from 331,429 shares in Q1 2023 to 331,926 shares in Q2 2023. The value also increased from $51,371,000 to $54,940,000, representing a 6.9% change. This can be attributed to the company's robust performance and positive market sentiment towards the healthcare industry.

On the other hand, Microsoft Corp (MSFT) experienced a decrease in its holdings from 179,119 shares in Q1 2023 to 155,455 shares in Q2 2023. The value also declined from $51,640,000 to $52,938,000, indicating a 2.5% change. This decline could be due to various factors, including profit-taking by investors or market concerns about the company's growth prospects.

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO) maintained its holdings at 982,188 shares in both quarters, with a slight decrease in value from $51,343,000 to $50,845,000. This minor decline of 1% may reflect a cautious approach by the fund, as the company navigates through a dynamic market environment.

Accenture PLC (ACN) saw its holdings remain relatively stable, with a minor increase from 164,654 shares in Q1 2023 to 164,668 shares in Q2 2023. The value of the holdings rose from $47,059,000 to $50,813,000, indicating an 8% change. This positive movement can be attributed to Accenture's strong performance and its ability to adapt to the evolving business landscape.

Texas Instruments Inc (TXN) experienced a decrease in holdings from 280,569 shares in Q1 2023 to 271,518 shares in Q2 2023. The value also dropped from $52,188,000 to $48,878,000, representing a decline of 6.3%. This downward movement could be a result of various factors, such as industry-specific challenges or a strategic decision by the fund to reallocate its assets.

Pfizer Inc (PFE) witnessed a notable increase in holdings from 967,202 shares in Q1 2023 to 1,022,934 shares in Q2 2023. The value also showed a slight reduction from $39,461,000 to $37,521,000, indicating a 4.9% change. This increase in holdings can be attributed to positive developments in the pharmaceutical sector and confidence in Pfizer's future growth prospects.

Paychex Inc (PAYX) experienced a significant increase in its holdings, with 276,531 shares in Q1 2023 rising to 316,143 shares in Q2 2023. The value surged from $31,687,000 to $35,366,000, representing an impressive 11.6% change. This noteworthy growth can be attributed to strong financial performance by Paychex Inc and increased investor confidence.

Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT) maintained relatively stable holdings, with 75,563 shares in Q1 2023 and 75,603 shares in Q2 2023. The value also remained steady at $35,720,000 in Q1 2023 and $34,806,000 in Q2 2023, indicating a minor decrease of 2.6%. This stability could be due to the company's consistent performance in the defense sector.

Medtronic Inc (MDT) witnessed marginal changes in holdings, with 387,544 shares in Q1 2023 and 387,455 shares in Q2 2023. The value increased from $31,243,000 to $34,134,000, representing a 9.3% change. This growth can be attributed to positive market sentiment towards Medtronic and the company's efforts in advancing medical technology.

In summary, the first and second quarters of 2023 have showcased a mix of stability and fluctuations in the holdings of Willis Investment Counsel. While some companies experienced marginal changes, others witnessed significant fluctuations in their holdings and values. These changes can be attributed to various factors, including market dynamics, company performance, and investor sentiments. As always, it is crucial for investors and fund managers to keep a close eye on these shifts to make informed decisions and maximize returns.

(Note: The above analysis is based on the provided data and does not constitute investment advice. Please consult with a financial professional for personalized investment guidance.)