MetLife (NYSE:MET) Sets New 52-Week High After Strong Earnings

Key Points

• MetLife shares reached a 52-week high after quarterly results topped expectations: EPS was $2.78 versus $2.77 consensus, while revenue of $20.52 billion exceeded estimates and rose 18.2% year over year.
• The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5925 per share, equivalent to a 2.2% yield, and has authorization to repurchase up to $3 billion of shares.
• Analyst sentiment was broadly positive: MetLife had a “Moderate Buy” consensus rating and an average price target of $105.44, with several firms setting targets of $108–$110.

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET - Get Free Report)'s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The stock traded as high as $104.00 and last traded at $105.7040, with a volume of 2,037 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $102.89.

The financial services provider reported $2.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $2.77 by $0.01. MetLife had a return on equity of 23.39% and a net margin of 4.57%. The business had revenue of $20.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.86 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.34 earnings per share. The company's quarterly revenue was up 18.2% compared to the same quarter last year.

MetLife Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 8th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 3rd will be paid a $0.5925 dividend. This represents a $2.37 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 3rd. MetLife's payout ratio is 45.40%.

MetLife declared that its board has approved a share buyback program on Wednesday, August 5th that permits the company to repurchase $3 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the financial services provider to purchase up to 4.8% of its shares through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are generally a sign that the company's management believes its stock is undervalued.

MetLife News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting MetLife this week:

• Positive Sentiment: MetLife reported Q3 EPS of $2.78, slightly above the $2.77 consensus, and revenue of $20.52 billion versus expectations of $19.86 billion. Revenue increased 18.2% year over year, providing a strong top-line signal. MetLife posts better-than-expected sales in Q3 2026
• Positive Sentiment: The company posted record adjusted EPS, with group benefits underwriting running ahead of target—evidence of strong operating performance in that business. MetLife posts record adjusted EPS as group benefits underwriting runs ahead of target
• Positive Sentiment: MetLife Asia earnings rose 17%, supported by investment returns and volume growth, helping offset weaker sales. MetLife Asia earnings rise 17%
• Negative Sentiment: Asia’s sales dip is a sign of uneven regional demand, even though investment returns and volume growth lifted earnings. MetLife Asia earnings rise 17% as investment returns and volume growth offset sales dip

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently commented on the stock. Evercore restated a "mixed" rating on shares of MetLife in a report on Monday, August 24th. Piper Sandler raised MetLife from a "neutral" rating to an "overweight" rating and raised their target price for the stock from $99.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 22nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on MetLife from $105.00 to $108.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 11th. UBS Group increased their price target on MetLife from $105.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a report on Tuesday, October 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on MetLife from $108.00 to $110.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a research report on Thursday, October 15th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, MetLife presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $105.44.

Institutional Trading of MetLife

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in MET. Nvwm LLC boosted its holdings in shares of MetLife by 655.3% in the third quarter. Nvwm LLC now owns 287 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 249 shares during the period. Mowery & Schoenfeld Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in MetLife during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Burk Holdings LLC acquired a new position in MetLife during the second quarter worth about $27,000. Highland Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of MetLife during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Elevation Wealth Partners LLC increased its holdings in MetLife by 123.5% in the third quarter. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC now owns 362 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.99% of the company's stock.

MetLife Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The firm has a market cap of $68.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.37, a P/E/G ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 0.79. The business's 50-day simple moving average is $98.05 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $86.03.

MetLife Company Profile

MetLife, Inc NYSE: MET is a global financial services company that provides insurance, retirement, and employee benefits solutions to individuals, employers, and institutions. Its offerings include life insurance, dental and vision coverage, accident and disability insurance, annuities, retirement savings products, and related financial services.

Through its institutional and workplace businesses, MetLife helps employers provide benefits and retirement programs to their employees. The company also serves individual customers with protection and income products.

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