15 Best Dividend Leaders to Buy Right Now

9. Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 43

On March 11, Barclays lowered its price recommendation on Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) to $119 from $124. It kept an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The firm said it adjusted targets across the life insurance group after reviewing cash flow and private credit exposures to distinguish “perceived from actual risk.”

During the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Andrew Sullivan addressed issues involving employee misconduct within the Japan business. He said acting in the best interests of customers remains a core value for the company and noted that Prudential Financial is treating the situation with the utmost seriousness.

Sullivan said the company decided to voluntarily pause new sales at Prudential of Japan for 90 days. The decision was made in coordination with Japanese regulators and is meant to give the company time to address the root causes behind the misconduct. He said the company is implementing several corrective measures, including “strengthening oversight of sales practices, governance and risk management.”

Prudential is also restructuring compensation structures and strengthening its training and recruitment standards. Sullivan added that the company will not resume distribution through the Life Planner channel until it is confident that its compliance and oversight framework is strong enough to support it. He also noted that the review could result in the suspension extending beyond the initial 90-day period.

Management expects the temporary pause in sales in Japan to reduce 2026 pretax adjusted operating income by about $300M to $350M. That amount represents roughly 5% of the company’s 2025 earnings. The company also plans to introduce a customer reimbursement program as part of its response to the issue.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) is a financial services provider and global investment manager. The company offers a range of financial products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related products and services, mutual funds, and investment management.