Market Update (NYSE:MET): A.M. Best Places Ratings of MetLife Inc. and Its Subsidiaries Under Review with Developing Implications

[Business Wire] – A.M. Best has placed under review with developing implications the financial strength rating of A+ and the issuer credit ratings of “aa-” of the primary life/health insurance subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. Read more on this. MetLife, Inc. (MET) , currently valued at $48.36B, started the session at $43.61. Shares have traded today between $42.39 and $44.00 per share with the price of the stock fluctuating between $40.97 to $58.23 over the last 52 weeks. MetLife (MET) shares are currently priced at 8.55x this year’s forecasted earnings, which makes them relatively inexpensive compared to the industry’s 14.05x earnings multiple for the same period. And for those looking to make a return holding the stock, the company pays shareholders $1.50 per share annually in dividends, yielding 3.57%. According to a consensus of 18 analysts, the earnings estimate of $1.37 per share would be $0.01 worse than the year-ago quarter and a $0.11 sequential decrease. Furthermore, our analysis shows the full-year EPS estimate to be $5.02, which would be a $0.72 setback when compared to the last year’s annual results. The quarterly earnings estimate is predicated on a consensus revenue forecast of $17.60 Billion. If reported, that would be a 3.51% decrease over the year-ago quarter. In terms of ratings, Macquarie upgraded MET from Neutral to Outperform (Jan 14, 2016). Previously, Citigroup downgraded MET from Buy to Neutral. When considering if perhaps the stock is under or overvalued, the average price target is $56.29, which is 29.08% above where the stock opened this morning. See more in (NYSE:MET) Similar Articles: Stock Update: MetLife Inc (NYSE:MET) – A.M. Best Assigns Ratings to MetLife, Inc.’s New Senior Unsecured Notes Market Update: MetLife Inc (NYSE:MET) – MetLife Recognized as Military Friendly Employer for Fourth Year in a Row Market Update: MetLife Inc (NYSE:MET) – MetLife is First U.S. Insurer to Adopt Carbon Neutrality