INSURANCE

Prudential Ordered to Pay $25.4 Million: Two Prudential Insurance Co. of America policyholders were awarded $25.4 million by an Alabama jury that found they were defrauded by a life insurance agent operating with delinquent supervision. Newark, N.J.-based Prudential, the nation’s biggest life insurer, said it would appeal the award, which it called “grossly excessive.” The award by the Barbour County, Ala., jury included $17.5 million in punitive damages against Prudential for improper supervision. An Opelika, Ala., couple alleged that Prudential negligently hired and supervised agent Charlie Whatley and misled state regulators about his abuses.