FUKOKU MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE Co has slightly reduced its holdings in MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), now owning 447,028 shares of the financial services provider. This adjustment, detailed in the company’s recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, reflects a decrease of just 200 shares during the first quarter of 2023. MetLife now constitutes approximately 2.7% of FUKOKU’s portfolio, making it the firm’s ninth largest investment, valued at approximately $35.9 million.
Various institutional investors have also changed their positions regarding MetLife. Notably, Ball & Co Wealth Management Inc. and Transce3nd LLC each acquired new stakes in the fourth quarter, valued at $25,000 and $26,000, respectively. Additionally, Quarry LP and Graney & King LLC made similar moves, investing $31,000 and $34,000, respectively. Overall, hedge funds and institutional investors now hold about 94.99% of MetLife’s stock.
Analysts Offer Mixed Ratings on MetLife Shares
Market analysts have provided varying perspectives on MetLife’s stock performance in recent weeks. On April 2, Piper Sandler raised its price target from $92.00 to $94.00, sustaining an “overweight” rating. Following this, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target from $86.00 to $95.00, also maintaining an “overweight” rating. Conversely, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their estimate from $95.00 to $94.00, while Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target to $97.00.
Despite these fluctuations, the general consensus remains positive. According to MarketBeat.com, MetLife holds a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy,” with an average target price of $95.58.
As of the market opening on Friday, NYSE MET was trading at $77.69, reflecting a decrease of 0.9%. MetLife has a market capitalization of $52.15 billion, a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, and a P/E ratio of 12.63. The company’s stock has demonstrated a one-year low of $65.21 and a one-year high of $89.05.
Quarterly Earnings and Upcoming Dividend Announcement
MetLife recently disclosed its quarterly earnings, reporting earnings per share (EPS) of $1.96 for the first quarter, falling short of analyst expectations by $0.04. The company generated $18.57 billion in revenue, surpassing the anticipated $18.06 billion, marking a year-over-year revenue increase of 15.6%. Analysts predict the company will achieve an EPS of $9.65 for the current fiscal year.
Additionally, MetLife announced a quarterly dividend of $0.5675 per share, set to be paid on September 9, 2023. Shareholders on record as of August 5, 2023 will be eligible for this payment, which represents an annualized dividend yield of 2.92% and a payout ratio of 36.91%.
Moreover, on April 30, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan enabling the company to buy back up to $3.00 billion of its outstanding shares, indicating confidence in the stock’s value.
MetLife, Inc. operates globally, offering a range of insurance products and services including life, dental, and disability insurance, among others. With a strong presence across multiple regions, the company continues to adapt to market dynamics while maintaining a robust investment portfolio.
