Prudential plc (NYSE:PUK) Shares Purchased by BNP Paribas Financial Markets

BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its holdings in Prudential plc (NYSE:PUK - Free Report) by 267.4% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 141,532 shares of the financial services provider's stock after acquiring an additional 103,005 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Financial Markets' holdings in Prudential were worth $2,256,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in PUK. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Prudential by 575.1% during the 4th quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 72,470 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $1,155,000 after acquiring an additional 61,735 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp grew its holdings in Prudential by 2.0% in the fourth quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 1,733,772 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $27,636,000 after purchasing an additional 34,344 shares during the period. Optiver Holding B.V. increased its position in Prudential by 93.2% during the fourth quarter. Optiver Holding B.V. now owns 629,567 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $10,035,000 after purchasing an additional 303,783 shares during the last quarter. Aquatic Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Prudential during the fourth quarter worth approximately $277,000. Finally, Hsbc Holdings PLC purchased a new position in Prudential during the fourth quarter worth approximately $4,312,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 1.90% of the company's stock.

Prudential Trading Up 0.0%

PUK traded up $0.01 during trading on Thursday, hitting $22.75. 95,783 shares of the company's stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,024,040. The firm has a market cap of $29.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 0.98. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $21.13 and a 200 day moving average price of $18.27. Prudential plc has a 1 year low of $14.39 and a 1 year high of $23.35.

Prudential Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 28th were given a dividend of $0.3258 per share. This is a boost from Prudential's previous dividend of $0.24. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, March 28th. Prudential's payout ratio is presently 28.02%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently issued reports on PUK shares. StockNews.com raised shares of Prudential from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Saturday, March 22nd. Citigroup reiterated a "buy" rating on shares of Prudential in a report on Tuesday, April 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an "overweight" rating on shares of Prudential in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy".

About Prudential

Prudential plc, through its subsidiaries, provides life and health insurance, and asset management solutions to individuals in Asia and Africa. The company was founded in 1848 and is headquartered in Central, Hong Kong.