Strategic Financial Concepts LLC Makes New Investment in Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC)

Strategic Financial Concepts LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC - Free Report) during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 65,847 shares of the financial services provider's stock, valued at approximately $13,987,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. AMF Tjanstepension AB raised its stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 16.8% during the 3rd quarter. AMF Tjanstepension AB now owns 132,205 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $29,507,000 after purchasing an additional 19,024 shares during the period. Creative Planning raised its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 6.3% in the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 98,579 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $21,992,000 after acquiring an additional 5,857 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Vermont boosted its stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 14.4% in the third quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 437 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $97,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Claro Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $191,000. Finally, Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 6.8% in the 3rd quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,925 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $653,000 after purchasing an additional 185 shares during the period. 87.99% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Price Performance

Shares of NYSE MMC traded up $0.99 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $231.13. 2,042,519 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,162,435. The stock has a market capitalization of $113.51 billion, a PE ratio of 28.22, a PEG ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $196.17 and a 52 week high of $235.50. The company's 50 day moving average price is $217.29 and its 200 day moving average price is $222.03.

Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE:MMC - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 30th. The financial services provider reported $1.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $1.75 by $0.12. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a net margin of 16.60% and a return on equity of 32.60%. Sell-side analysts forecast that Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. will post 9.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 14th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 30th were given a dividend of $0.815 per share. This represents a $3.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.41%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 30th. Marsh & McLennan Companies's payout ratio is 39.80%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have issued reports on MMC shares. Raymond James reissued an "outperform" rating and issued a $250.00 target price (up from $240.00) on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies in a research report on Thursday, February 6th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $212.00 to $223.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a research note on Friday, January 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $230.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research report on Friday, January 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada raised shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from a "sector perform" rating to an "outperform" rating and boosted their price target for the company from $242.00 to $250.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $217.00 to $228.00 and gave the stock a "market perform" rating in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $230.44.

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.