AMG National Trust Bank Purchases Shares of 9,747 Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. $MRSH

Key Points

• AMG National Trust Bank acquired 9,747 shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies worth approximately $1.625 million, while institutional investors overall own 87.99% of the stock.
• Marsh & McLennan exceeded quarterly earnings expectations, reporting $2.96 in EPS versus the $2.89 consensus, with revenue rising 6.2% year over year to $7.28 billion.
• The company raised its quarterly dividend from $0.90 to $0.99 per share, producing an annualized dividend of $3.96 and a 2.1% yield; analysts maintain a consensus “Hold” rating with a $201.94 price target.

AMG National Trust Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH - Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 9,747 shares of the financial services provider's stock, valued at approximately $1,625,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Solstein Capital LLC acquired a new position in Marsh & McLennan Companies during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Asset Dedication LLC bought a new stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies during the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. SHP Wealth Management acquired a new stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. KERR FINANCIAL PLANNING Corp bought a new position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Finally, Golden State Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $27,000. 87.99% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Trading Down 0.0%

MRSH stock opened at $187.75 on Monday. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has a one year low of $156.60 and a one year high of $213.80. The firm's 50-day moving average price is $177.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $89.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.95, a PEG ratio of 2.69 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.22.

Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE:MRSH - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 21st. The financial services provider reported $2.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $2.89 by $0.07. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a net margin of 14.24% and a return on equity of 32.67%. The business had revenue of $7.28 billion for the quarter. The business's quarterly revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. will post 10.43 earnings per share for the current year.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 14th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 23rd were issued a $0.99 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 23rd. This is an increase from Marsh & McLennan Companies's previous quarterly dividend of $0.90. This represents a $3.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Marsh & McLennan Companies's dividend payout ratio is currently 48.41%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have issued reports on MRSH. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $186.00 to $188.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 22nd. Cantor Fitzgerald upped their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $210.00 to $218.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a report on Thursday, July 9th. Citigroup cut Marsh & McLennan Companies from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $200.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, July 22nd. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from a "hold (c-)" rating to a "hold (c)" rating in a research report on Friday, August 7th. Finally, Mizuho raised their price objective on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $197.00 to $201.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Marsh & McLennan Companies currently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $201.94.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Lloyd M. Yates sold 12,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $175.65, for a total value of $2,107,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 12,001 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $2,107,975.65. This represents a 50.00% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO John Q. Doyle sold 16,656 shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $161.71, for a total value of $2,693,441.76. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 116,811 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,889,506.81. This trade represents a 12.48% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 36,469 shares of company stock worth $6,291,345. 0.38% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Profile

Marsh & McLennan Companies NYSE: MMC is a global professional services firm headquartered in New York City that provides advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy and people. Founded in 1905, the company has grown into a diversified group of businesses focused on insurance brokerage and risk management, reinsurance, human capital and investment consulting, and management consulting. Its long history and scale position it as a prominent adviser to corporations, governments and other institutions seeking to manage risk and optimize human and financial capital.

The firm operates through several well-known subsidiaries and business units that specialize in distinct services.

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