MetLife Beats Q4 EPS Estimates

Shares of MetLife MET are bid higher in the after-hours following the release of the company's Q4 earnings results. Currently, shares are bid $37.43 at $37.75; they ended the regular session lower by 0.96%, at $37.32. MetLife reported Q4 EPS of $1.31 on revenues of $16.75 billion; the Street was looking for $1.24 per share. Revenues increased 8% year over year. MET's year-end book value was $54.59, up 24% over 2010. "MetLife had a solid year and a strong fourth quarter, even in the face of some significant market pressures," said Steven A. Kandarian, chairman, president and chief executive officer of MetLife, Inc. "We delivered higher earnings per share over 2010. Our capital position is strong and getting stronger. And our ability to grow operating earnings in the face of low interest rates remains intact. In short, we think we're the best-positioned company in the life insurance sector to deliver shareholder value." MetLife, Inc. is a provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers in over 60 countries. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife operates in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.