Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU) Hits New 1-Year High After Better-Than-Expected Earnings

Shares of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday following a better than expected earnings announcement. The company traded as high as $127.79 and last traded at $122.9720, with a volume of 337,546 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $118.81.

The financial services provider reported $3.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.34 by $0.43. The business had revenue of $13.49 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.66 billion. Prudential Financial had a return on equity of 16.68% and a net margin of 6.51%. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $4.26 EPS.

Prudential Financial Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 25th were given a dividend of $1.40 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 25th. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.5%. Prudential Financial’s payout ratio is currently 50.72%.

More Prudential Financial News

Here are the key news stories impacting Prudential Financial this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Prudential’s annuity sales reached a 13-year high, signaling strong demand in that business and offering a potential growth bright spot. Prudential annuity sales hit 13-year high as Japan suspension cuts income $191M
• Positive Sentiment: Third-quarter earnings were $3.77 per share, above consensus estimates of about $3.31–$3.34. Prudential Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates
• Negative Sentiment: Revenue of $13.49 billion fell short of the $14.66 billion consensus, while earnings per share declined from $4.26 a year earlier. The shortfall may temper the positive earnings surprise. Prudential misses Q3 2026 revenue estimates
• Negative Sentiment: Japan-related developments are a notable headwind: a suspension cut income by $191 million, and Prudential cited a $1.3 billion Japan cost as it reshapes its Asia and emerging-markets footprint. Prudential counts US$1.3bn Japan cost as it reshapes its Asia and EM footprint
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks added PRU to its Rank #5 (Strong Sell) list, potentially reinforcing near-term caution among investors. New Strong Sell Stocks for November 4th

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently commented on PRU. TD Cowen dropped their price objective on Prudential Financial from $114.00 to $112.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 21st. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Prudential Financial from $104.00 to $103.00 and set an “underweight” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 28th. Bank of America reaffirmed a “neutral” rating on shares of Prudential Financial in a research note on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings lowered Prudential Financial from a “buy (b)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 14th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Prudential Financial from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, September 28th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and six have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Reduce” and a consensus price target of $111.27.

Insider Buying and Selling at Prudential Financial

In other Prudential Financial news, EVP Ann Kappler sold 7,652 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.01, for a total value of $956,576.52. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 14,407 shares in the company, valued at $1,801,019.07. This represents a 34.69% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.05% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Prudential Financial

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Team Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Prudential Financial in the third quarter valued at $27,000. Archer Investment Corp bought a new stake in shares of Prudential Financial during the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Heritage Family Offices LLP bought a new position in Prudential Financial in the 3rd quarter valued at about $33,000. MADDEN SECURITIES Corp acquired a new position in Prudential Financial during the third quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Finally, Center for Financial Planning Inc. boosted its stake in Prudential Financial by 90.4% in the third quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. now owns 339 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 161 shares in the last quarter. 56.83% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Prudential Financial Stock Up 3.9%

The company has a market capitalization of $42.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.16 and a current ratio of 0.16. The firm’s fifty day moving average is $116.83 and its 200-day moving average is $108.81.

About Prudential Financial

Prudential Financial, Inc (NYSE: PRU) is a global financial services company that provides insurance, retirement, investment management and related financial products. Founded in Newark, New Jersey, in 1875, the company serves individuals, businesses and institutional investors through a range of businesses and distribution channels.

In the United States, Prudential offers life insurance, annuities, retirement plans and employee benefits, including group life, disability and dental insurance.