Aegon (NYSE:AEG) Rating Increased to Hold at Zacks Research

Zacks Research upgraded shares of Aegon (NYSE:AEG) from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report published on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports.

Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Citigroup reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Aegon in a research report on Tuesday, August 18th. Weiss Ratings upgraded Aegon from a “buy (b+)” rating to a “buy (a-)” rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut Aegon from an “overweight” rating to an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Friday, May 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Aegon has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $10.00.

Aegon Trading Up 0.1%

Shares of NYSE AEG opened at $9.22 on Tuesday. The company’s 50 day simple moving average is $9.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is $8.24. Aegon has a fifty-two week low of $6.75 and a fifty-two week high of $9.61. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.50 billion, a P/E ratio of -57.62 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.12 and a quick ratio of 0.07.

Aegon Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 24th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 3rd will be paid a $0.2455 dividend. This represents a yield of 544.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 3rd. Aegon’s dividend payout ratio is presently -256.25%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Aegon

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of AEG. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC bought a new position in shares of Aegon during the fourth quarter worth $33,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd increased its position in shares of Aegon by 321.2% in the 4th quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 4,511 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 3,440 shares in the last quarter. Eastern Bank bought a new stake in shares of Aegon in the 2nd quarter valued at $55,000. Quantessence Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Aegon during the 4th quarter worth $78,000. Finally, Baron Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Aegon during the 1st quarter worth $82,000. 4.32% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Aegon

Aegon N.V. is a multinational financial services company headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, specializing in life insurance, pensions and asset management. Established in 1983 through the merger of AGO and Ennia, Aegon has built a reputation for offering retirement solutions, savings products and protection plans aimed at helping customers secure their financial futures. The company operates under well-known brands, including Transamerica in the United States, and serves both individual and corporate clients.

Throughout its history, Aegon has pursued strategic acquisitions and partnerships to strengthen its market position and broaden its service offerings.