The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG) Shares Sold by Wedge Capital Management L L P NC

Wedge Capital Management L L P NC reduced its position in The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG) by 3.8% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 323,520 shares of the insurance provider’s stock after selling 12,753 shares during the period. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC owned about 0.11% of The Hartford Financial Services Group worth $35,393,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. DT Investment Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group during the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. grew its holdings in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 3,342.9% in the fourth quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 241 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares during the period. Clean Yield Group acquired a new position in The Hartford Financial Services Group during the third quarter worth approximately $33,000. Quest Partners LLC raised its stake in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 2,750.0% during the second quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 285 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 275 shares during the period. Finally, BNP Paribas purchased a new stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group during the 3rd quarter valued at $35,000. 93.42% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Adin M. Tooker sold 6,865 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.04, for a total value of $803,479.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 25,820 shares in the company, valued at $3,021,972.80. This represents a 21.00 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.60% of the company’s stock.

The Hartford Financial Services Group Stock Down 0.5 %

NYSE:HIG opened at $111.96 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.45 billion, a PE ratio of 11.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 0.98. The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $81.87 and a 52 week high of $124.90. The company has a current ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $114.14 and a 200-day moving average of $112.48.

The Hartford Financial Services Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 3rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 2nd were given a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 2nd. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.86%. This is a positive change from The Hartford Financial Services Group’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.47. The Hartford Financial Services Group’s dividend payout ratio is currently 20.84%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts recently weighed in on HIG shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $122.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Friday, October 25th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from $113.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 9th. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from $134.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from $121.00 to $124.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 10th. Finally, Barclays upgraded shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating and lifted their target price for the company from $130.00 to $135.00 in a report on Monday, January 6th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $122.28.

The Hartford Financial Services Group Company Profile

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, property, automobile, general and professional liability, package business, umbrella, fidelity and surety, marine, livestock, accident, health, and reinsurance through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers.