MetLife stock posts record adjusted EPS in third quarter

Published on 11/05/2026 at 13:44 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

MetLife stock follows a strong third quarter with growth across every business segment. Management remains confident in the New Frontier strategy.

Third-quarter growth broadens

Net income rose 187 percent to 2.4 billion US dollars, helped by derivative gains and higher adjusted earnings.
Adjusted premiums, fees and other revenues excluding pension risk transfers increased 8 percent to 13.5 billion US dollars.
MetLife returned approximately 1 billion US dollars to shareholders through buybacks and common dividends.

MetLife Inc., US59156R1086, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

MetLife announced its third-quarter 2026 results on Wednesday, November 4, after the US market close. In its official release, the insurer reported record quarterly adjusted earnings per share of 2.85 US dollars excluding total notable items.

Net income increased 187 percent year over year to 2.4 billion US dollars, or 3.67 US dollars per share. Adjusted earnings rose 12 percent to 1.8 billion US dollars. MetLife said higher variable investment income, broad-based volume growth and favorable underwriting supported the result.

Revenue growth reaches every segment

Premiums, fees and other revenues increased 12 percent to 14.1 billion US dollars. Adjusted premiums, fees and other revenues excluding pension risk transfers rose 8 percent to 13.5 billion US dollars, with growth in all six business segments. The figures point to a broad-based expansion rather than a result driven by a single division.

Total return on equity was 42.7 percent, while adjusted return on equity stood at 19.2 percent. Excluding total notable items, adjusted return on equity reached 19.6 percent. MetLife also reported adjusted book value per share of 59.41 US dollars, up 5 percent, while reported book value per share fell 22 percent to 30.73 US dollars.

Management backs New Frontier strategy

Chief Executive Michel Khalaf said the quarter demonstrated the strength of MetLife's New Frontier strategy and the discipline of its execution. He pointed to revenue growth in every business segment, solid underwriting, volume growth and higher investment returns. Management also said it remained confident that the strategy can deliver repeatable results and confirmed progress toward its full-year free cash flow ratio and direct expense ratio targets.

MetLife returned approximately 1 billion US dollars to shareholders through share repurchases and common stock dividends. Holding-company cash and liquid assets stood at 3.4 billion US dollars at the end of the quarter, within the company's target range.

The real-time quote of MetLife stock was 92.68 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 13:36 CET on Thursday, November 5, 2026.