MetLife Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue
MetLife (NYSE: MET) unveils its next round of earnings this Thursday, October 27, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's third quarter earnings report.
Earnings and Revenue:
Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.14/share and revenues of $16.49 billion. MetLife's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 99 cents/share on revenues of $12.98 billion. We'll know on Thursday whether MetLife has managed the estimated 15.2% increase in EPS and 27% rise in revenues on a year-over-year basis.
Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:
| Quarter | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 |
| EPS Estimate | $1.11 | $1.26 | $1.10 | $1.03 |
| EPS Actual | $1.24 | $1.33 | $1.14 | $0.99 |
Stock Performance:
As of October 21, 2011, MetLife's current share price was $33.51. Shares are down 24.6% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 15.5%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are probably a little upset going into this earnings release.
- Long-term shareholders are already wary of 12-month losses prior to the announcement
Average Stock Rating:
The average rating by analysts for MetLife is a Moderate Buy. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.
Competitors:
Want to check out the performance of MetLife closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the financials sector.
- Conseco (NYSE: CNO): Hold with a $0.20 recent quarter EPS
- Lincoln National (NYSE: LNC): Moderate Buy with a $1.09 recent quarter EPS
The insurance-multiline company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 0.7% during the current fiscal year.
Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: MetLife provides individual insurance, employee benefits, and financial services.
Take Action:
There is your peek into MetLife's upcoming earnings numbers, including some competitors to watch around the time of the announcement. Check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap. In the meantime, here are some links to explore today.
- To see up-to-date news on MetLife, click here
- To see other trading ideas, click here
- To see other company earnings recaps, click here
