MetLife reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.58 for the fourth quarter, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.38. Revenue for the period reached $18.61 billion, marking a 27.6% increase from the prior‐year quarter. Strong volume growth in Asia, Group Benefits, Retirement & Income Solutions (RIS) and EMEA was the primary driver of the outperformance, although results were partly offset by a one-time value-added tax impact in Mexico that reduced operating earnings by an estimated $40 million.

During the third quarter, Principal Financial Group reduced its stake in MetLife by 3.2%, selling 20,017 shares and ending the period with 609,132 shares (approximately 0.09% of the company). Other notable moves included Blue Trust Inc. increasing its position by 3.6% to 3,585 shares and Cornerstone Wealth Group boosting its stake by 4.9% to 2,790 shares. As of the latest filings, institutional investors collectively hold 94.99% of MetLife’s shares.

Five major brokerages have recently updated their views: Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered its target from 92 to 90 with an outperform rating; UBS trimmed its target from 95 to 94 with a buy rating; Morgan Stanley maintained an overweight rating with a 101 target; Evercore ISI set an in-line rating with a 97 target; and Wells Fargo raised its target from 94 to 97 with an overweight rating. The consensus among 13 analysts is a Buy, with an average price objective of 95.27. MetLife also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5675 per share (annualized $2.27), representing a 2.9% yield and a payout ratio of 42.75%, payable March 10 to holders of record as of February 3.