Los Angeles Capital Management LLC Reduces Holdings in American Equity Investment Life Holding (NYSE:AEL)

Los Angeles Capital Management LLC cut its position in American Equity Investment Life Holding (NYSE:AEL) by 22.2% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 21,015 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after selling 6,000 shares during the quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC’s holdings in American Equity Investment Life were worth $1,173,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. NBC Securities Inc. purchased a new position in American Equity Investment Life in the 3rd quarter valued at about $30,000. Pathstone Family Office LLC acquired a new stake in American Equity Investment Life during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $230,000. Lido Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in American Equity Investment Life during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $249,000. AlphaMark Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Equity Investment Life in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $267,000. Finally, Paulson Wealth Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of American Equity Investment Life by 10.8% during the 3rd quarter. Paulson Wealth Management Inc. now owns 5,650 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $303,000 after buying an additional 551 shares during the last quarter. 94.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

American Equity Investment Life Trading Up 0.6 %

NYSE AEL opened at $56.47 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a current ratio of 0.34. American Equity Investment Life Holding has a one year low of $37.54 and a one year high of $57.29. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $55.95 and a 200-day simple moving average of $55.34. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.49 billion, a PE ratio of 26.39 and a beta of 0.78.

American Equity Investment Life (NYSE:AEL) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.99 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.75 by $0.24. The company had revenue of $1.06 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $673.53 million. American Equity Investment Life had a return on equity of 25.15% and a net margin of 7.42%. American Equity Investment Life’s quarterly revenue was up 61.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.64 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that American Equity Investment Life Holding will post 7.11 earnings per share for the current year.

American Equity Investment Life Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared an annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, April 29th. Stockholders of record on Monday, April 15th were issued a dividend of $0.38 per share. This is an increase from American Equity Investment Life’s previous annual dividend of $0.02. The ex-dividend date was Friday, April 12th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.68%. American Equity Investment Life’s payout ratio is 17.76%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of American Equity Investment Life in a research note on Monday, March 11th. They issued a “hold” rating for the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on shares of American Equity Investment Life from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a research note on Friday, February 16th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $52.50.

American Equity Investment Life Company Profile

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, through its subsidiaries, provides life insurance products in the United States. The company issues fixed index and rate annuities, as well as single premium immediate annuities. It markets its products through independent agents, including independent marketing organizations, broker/dealers, banks, and registered investment advisors.