MetLife, Inc.

(New York Stock Exchange)
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Bullish +58

MetLife stock posts record adjusted EPS as legal exposure lingers

Earnings report Legal settlement AI-generated analysis

πŸ“ˆ MetLife reported record third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.85 excluding notable items, a 22 percent increase year-over-year.

πŸ’° Total premiums, fees, and other revenues rose 12 percent to $14.1 billion, with Group Benefits adjusted earnings up 15 percent to $523 million.

🌍 International segments including Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa all reported higher adjusted earnings in Q3 2026.

βš–οΈ An Ontario court approved a $213.5 million Canadian dollar settlement covering approximately 70,000 legacy policyholders originally sold by MetLife agents.

πŸ“‰ The annual actuarial assumption review reduced adjusted earnings by $46 million for the quarter ended September 30.

πŸ’Έ MetLife returned approximately $1 billion to shareholders through stock repurchases and common stock dividends during the quarter.

πŸ“Š Adjusted earnings excluding notable items reached $1.826 billion, up from $1.566 billion in the prior-year quarter.

Bullish Signals
  • MetLife reported record third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.85 excluding notable items, representing a 22 percent year-over-year increase.
  • Premiums, fees, and other revenues grew 12 percent to $14.1 billion, demonstrating strong top-line momentum across all six business segments.
  • Group Benefits adjusted earnings rose 15 percent to $523 million, highlighting robust performance in the core group insurance business.
  • International operations including Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa all reported higher adjusted earnings during the quarter.
  • MetLife returned approximately $1 billion to shareholders through stock repurchases and common stock dividends, signaling confidence in capital allocation.
  • Retirement and Income Solutions achieved a 12 percent increase in adjusted earnings excluding notable items, reaching $478 million despite reported headwinds.
Risk Factors
  • An Ontario Superior Court of Justice approved a $213.5 million Canadian dollar settlement related to legacy life insurance policies originally sold by MetLife agents.
  • The annual actuarial assumption review reduced adjusted earnings by $46 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026.
  • Retirement and Income Solutions reported adjusted earnings of $413 million, which was down 6 percent on a reported basis compared to the prior year.
Full Analysis
MetLife Inc. reported record third-quarter adjusted earnings per share and broad revenue growth across all six business segments for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. Adjusted earnings rose 12 percent to $1.8 billion, while adjusted earnings per share excluding notable items increased 22 percent to $2.85. Premiums, fees, and other revenues grew 12 percent to $14.1 billion, driven by volume growth in underwriting and investment income. Group Benefits adjusted earnings climbed 15 percent to $523 million, and MetLife Investment Management reported higher adjusted earnings alongside growth in Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa regions. Retirement and Income Solutions saw a reported decline of 6 percent but achieved a 12 percent increase in adjusted earnings excluding notable items, reaching $478 million. The company also returned approximately $1 billion to shareholders through stock repurchases and common stock dividends. Separately, an Ontario Superior Court of Justice approved a $213.5 million Canadian dollar settlement on October 27 regarding legacy life insurance policies originally sold by MetLife agents in Canada. The agreement covers approximately 70,000 current and former policyholders and includes compensation and limits on selected policy charges. While Sun Life administers the policies and seeks recovery under an indemnity arrangement, this legal exposure keeps historical obligations in focus for investors. The annual actuarial assumption review reduced adjusted earnings by $46 million, yet excluding total notable items, adjusted earnings reached $1.826 billion compared with $1.566 billion in the prior-year quarter. MetLife stock traded at 88.19 euros on November 7, 2026, as investors weigh strong operating performance against legacy-policy obligations. The results highlight momentum from core business segments while maintaining attention on regulatory and legal settlements.