MetLife beats Q4 adjusted EPS expectations

Overview

• Insurance provider's Q4 revenue missed analyst expectations

• Adjusted EPS for Q4 beat analyst expectations

• Company reported strong volume growth and improved expense margins

Outlook

• MetLife did not provide specific future guidance in the press release

Result Drivers

• PREMIUM GROWTH - Record sales in pension risk transfers and U.K. longevity reinsurance drove a 29% increase in premiums, fees, and other revenues

• INVESTMENT INCOME - Higher variable investment income, particularly from private equity, contributed to a 10% rise in net investment income

• EXPENSE MANAGEMENT - Improved expense margins supported a 13% increase in adjusted earnings

Key Details

Analyst Coverage

• The current average analyst rating on the shares is "buy" and the breakdown of recommendations is 12 "strong buy" or "buy", 5 "hold" and no "sell" or "strong sell"

• The average consensus recommendation for the life & health insurance peer group is "buy"

• Wall Street's median 12-month price target for MetLife Inc is $93.50, about 21.6% above its February 3 closing price of $76.90

• The stock recently traded at 8 times the next 12-month earnings vs. a P/E of 8 three months ago

Press Release: ID:nBw9ZB55Fa

For questions concerning the data in this report, contact Estimates.Support@lseg.com. For any other questions or feedback, contact reuters.support@thomsonreuters.com.