Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC) Holdings Decreased by Close Asset Management Ltd

Close Asset Management Ltd trimmed its holdings in Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC - Free Report) by 34.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 439,340 shares of the financial services provider's stock after selling 227,469 shares during the period. Marsh & McLennan Companies accounts for approximately 3.1% of Close Asset Management Ltd's holdings, making the stock its 13th largest holding. Close Asset Management Ltd owned approximately 0.09% of Marsh & McLennan Companies worth $107,210,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Ameriflex Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies in the 4th quarter worth about $37,000. City Holding Co. acquired a new stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies in the 1st quarter worth about $37,000. Transce3nd LLC acquired a new stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies in the 4th quarter worth about $39,000. Garde Capital Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies in the 1st quarter valued at about $42,000. Finally, First Pacific Financial lifted its stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 133.8% in the 1st quarter. First Pacific Financial now owns 187 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. 87.99% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Stock Up 1.0%

Marsh & McLennan Companies stock traded up $2.07 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $210.39. 2,290,058 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,449,143. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 1.20. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $207.21 and a fifty-two week high of $248.00. The company's fifty day moving average price is $219.49 and its 200-day moving average price is $224.61. The company has a market cap of $103.43 billion, a PE ratio of 25.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 0.80.

Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE:MMC - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 17th. The financial services provider reported $2.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.66 by $0.06. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a return on equity of 31.90% and a net margin of 16.00%. The company had revenue of $6.97 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.92 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.41 EPS. Marsh & McLennan Companies's revenue for the quarter was up 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. will post 9.61 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 24th will be issued a dividend of $0.90 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 24th. This is an increase from Marsh & McLennan Companies's previous quarterly dividend of $0.82. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.71%. Marsh & McLennan Companies's payout ratio is currently 43.17%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have recently weighed in on MMC. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $237.00 to $244.00 and gave the company a "hold" rating in a research note on Friday, April 11th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $229.00 to $226.00 and set an "equal weight" rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 18th. Barclays reduced their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $249.00 to $233.00 and set an "equal weight" rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $214.00 to $210.00 and set an "underperform" rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 21st. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $261.00 to $258.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Marsh & McLennan Companies presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $239.79.

About Marsh & McLennan Companies

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc is a professional services firm, which engages in offering clients advice and solutions in risk, strategy, and people. It operates through the Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting segments. The Risk and Insurance Services segment is involved in risk management activities, as well as insurance and reinsurance broking and services.