Prudential (NYSE:PUK) Raised to "Buy" at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft

Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Prudential (NYSE:PUK - Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note released on Friday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports.

PUK has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Barclays reissued an "overweight" rating on shares of Prudential in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Wall Street Zen upgraded Prudential from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Friday, May 30th. 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. Six analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Buy".

Prudential Stock Up 0.6%

Shares of NYSE PUK traded up $0.15 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $23.88. The company had a trading volume of 661,167 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,030,817. Prudential has a one year low of $14.39 and a one year high of $24.01. The firm's fifty day moving average price is $21.58 and its 200-day moving average price is $18.85. The stock has a market cap of $31.09 billion, a PE ratio of 10.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 1.02.

Prudential Increases Dividend

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

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Prudential

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Prudential by 417.0% in the 4th quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 1,856 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 1,497 shares in the last quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Prudential during the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Advisors Preferred LLC bought a new position in shares of Prudential during the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its holdings in shares of Prudential by 52.6% during the 4th quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 3,042 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $48,000 after buying an additional 1,049 shares during the period. Finally, Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Prudential by 70.4% during the 1st quarter. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC now owns 2,759 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $59,000 after buying an additional 1,140 shares during the period. 1.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Prudential Company Profile

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.