MetLife (NYSE:MET) Stock Rating Upgraded by Wall Street Zen

MetLife (NYSE:MET) was upgraded by equities researchers at Wall Street Zen from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report issued on Sunday, Wall Street Zen reports.

A number of other research firms also recently commented on MET. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on MetLife from $105.00 to $108.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Tuesday, August 11th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of MetLife from $101.00 to $109.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Wednesday, August 19th. Mizuho raised their price objective on shares of MetLife from $95.00 to $102.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, July 9th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of MetLife from $102.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of MetLife from $103.00 to $111.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, August 24th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $104.31.

MetLife Stock Performance

NYSE MET opened at $95.74 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $61.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.34, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.77. The business’s 50 day moving average is $96.42 and its two-hundred day moving average is $86.06. MetLife has a 12-month low of $67.33 and a 12-month high of $100.93. The company has a current ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52.

MetLife (NYSE:MET) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 5th. The financial services provider reported $2.43 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.30 by $0.13. MetLife had a return on equity of 23.39% and a net margin of 4.57%.The business had revenue of $13.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $19.67 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.02 EPS. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that MetLife will post 9.8 EPS for the current year.

MetLife declared that its board has initiated a stock repurchase program on Wednesday, August 5th that permits the company to buyback $3.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the financial services provider to reacquire up to 4.8% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often a sign that the company’s leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On MetLife

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MET. Mowery & Schoenfeld Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of MetLife during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Burk Holdings LLC acquired a new stake in MetLife during the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Highland Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in MetLife during the second quarter worth $30,000. Gunpowder Capital Management LLC dba Oliver Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of MetLife in the fourth quarter worth $31,000. Finally, Virtus Advisers LLC acquired a new position in shares of MetLife in the second quarter worth $37,000. 94.99% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Trending Headlines about MetLife

Here are the key news stories impacting MetLife this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Wall Street Zen reportedly upgraded MetLife to “Buy,” potentially supporting investor sentiment toward the shares. However, the article does not provide detailed changes to earnings estimates or valuation. MetLife Stock Bumped Up to Buy by Wall Street Zen
• Neutral Sentiment: A comparison of Kingstone Companies and MetLife discusses the two insurers as investment alternatives, but the headline does not indicate a material change in MetLife’s business outlook or fundamentals. Financial Contrast: Kingstone Companies and MetLife
• Neutral Sentiment: Several reports describe a Nor’easter bringing heavy rain and high winds to MetLife Stadium, including portable toilets being blown across the parking lot and potential disruptions to the Giants-Titans game. These events concern the stadium and local sporting events, not MetLife, Inc.’s insurance operations. Nor’easter NFL Chaos at MetLife Stadium
• Neutral Sentiment: Additional coverage focuses on stadium weather forecasts, event cancellations, viral videos, and historical injuries at the venue. None of these reports presents a direct catalyst for MetLife, Inc.’s earnings, capital position, or valuation. Nor’easter Impact on New York Events

MetLife Company Profile

MetLife, Inc is a global financial services company that provides insurance, employee benefits and retirement solutions. Its products and services include life insurance, dental and vision coverage, disability insurance, accident and health benefits, annuities, and savings and retirement products.

The company serves individuals, employers and institutions through group benefits, workplace solutions and individual insurance offerings. MetLife also provides investment and retirement services designed to help employers and employees prepare for long-term financial needs.

Founded in 1868, MetLife is headquartered in New York City and operates through businesses in the United States and international markets, including regions across Latin America, Asia and Europe.