Investment analysts have recently revised their ratings and price targets for shares of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH), reflecting changes in market sentiment. Alongside these updates, the company has confirmed the payment of a quarterly dividend, enhancing its appeal to investors.
Equitable declared a dividend of $0.27 per share, which was distributed on December 1, 2023. Stockholders who were on record as of November 24, 2023, received this payment, translating to an annualized dividend of $1.08 and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date coincided with the record date. With a dividend payout ratio of -39.13%, this announcement further demonstrates the company’s commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Insider Transactions Raise Eyebrows
Recent insider trading activity has drawn attention, as significant shares were sold by key executives. On December 10, 2023, Chief Accounting Officer William James Iv Eckert sold 4,300 shares at an average price of $47.27, amounting to a total of $203,261. Following this transaction, Eckert retained 15,625 shares valued around $738,593.75, marking a 21.58% decrease in his ownership of the stock. This sale was duly reported in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Similarly, on December 18, 2023, insider Nick Lane sold 30,000 shares at an average price of $47.87, resulting in a total transaction value of $1,436,100. After this sale, Lane held 119,958 shares valued at approximately $5,742,389.46, a reduction of 20.01% in his position. Collectively, insiders sold 173,770 shares worth $8,120,014 over the past quarter, indicating that only 1.10% of the stock is currently held by company insiders.
About Equitable Holdings
Equitable Holdings, Inc. is a prominent provider of life insurance, annuities, and retirement planning services in the United States. Through its subsidiary, AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company, Equitable offers a diverse range of permanent and term life insurance products designed to help individuals and families manage financial risks while building wealth.
Furthermore, Equitable provides an array of annuity solutions—fixed, variable, and indexed—to support income planning for retirement. The company also delivers group retirement and pension plan services tailored for employers and plan sponsors. Beyond insurance and retirement services, Equitable maintains an asset management division that offers investment strategies across various asset classes, including equities, fixed income, and alternatives, catering to both retail and institutional clients.
As Equitable navigates these changes in ratings, dividend announcements, and insider transactions, investors will continue to monitor the company’s performance and strategic direction in the evolving financial landscape.
