The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE:THG) Given New $190.00 Price Target at Morgan Stanley

The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE:THG) had its target price cut by Morgan Stanley from $194.00 to $190.00 in a research report sent to investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the insurance provider’s stock.

Several other equities analysts have also commented on THG. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price target on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $207.00 to $208.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 25th. Weiss Ratings restated a “buy (b)” rating on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Saturday, February 28th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $199.50.

The Hanover Insurance Group Stock Down 0.5%

THG stock opened at $175.28 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 0.44 and a quick ratio of 0.44. The Hanover Insurance Group has a 1-year low of $147.76 and a 1-year high of $188.18. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $174.17 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $176.95. The firm has a market cap of $6.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.65 and a beta of 0.29.

The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE:THG) last released its earnings results on Friday, February 20th. The insurance provider reported $5.46 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $1.67 billion during the quarter. The Hanover Insurance Group had a net margin of 10.05% and a return on equity of 21.00%. Research analysts predict that The Hanover Insurance Group will post 14.37 EPS for the current year.

The Hanover Insurance Group Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 27th. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th were given a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, March 13th. The Hanover Insurance Group’s dividend payout ratio is currently 20.91%.

Insider Transactions at The Hanover Insurance Group

In related news, Director Jane D. Carlin sold 1,200 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $180.91, for a total value of $217,092.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 2,423 shares in the company, valued at $438,344.93. This represents a 33.12% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Richard W. Lavey sold 24,420 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.92, for a total transaction of $4,369,226.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 32,174 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $5,756,572.08. This represents a 43.15% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 2.50% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On The Hanover Insurance Group

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of THG. JPL Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in The Hanover Insurance Group in the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. Community Bank N.A. acquired a new stake in The Hanover Insurance Group in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. McMillan Office Inc. acquired a new stake in The Hanover Insurance Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Entrust Financial LLC acquired a new stake in The Hanover Insurance Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in The Hanover Insurance Group by 300.0% in the 3rd quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 200 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.61% of the company’s stock.

About The Hanover Insurance Group

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc (NYSE: THG) is a property and casualty insurance company that provides a range of commercial and personal insurance products. Through its subsidiary companies, Hanover offers coverage for businesses of all sizes, including workers’ compensation, general liability, commercial auto, and professional liability. On the personal lines side, the company underwrites homeowners, personal auto, flood, and umbrella policies designed to meet the needs of individuals and families.

In addition to its core commercial and personal insurance offerings, Hanover maintains a specialty arm that focuses on niche markets through tailored product solutions.