MetLife: Tough Environment But Good Results

MetLife (NYSE:MET) recently reported Q4 and Full-year 2018 results that were not well-received by the market, as shown by the fact that the stock is down by over 5% since the results were released.

While MetLife's operating results definitely left investors wanting more, I believe that the insurer started 2019 with a good earnings report. Moreover, MetLife appears to be well-positioned for 2019 so, in my opinion, investors with a long-term mindset should consider adding MET shares on pullbacks.

The Latest, Tough Environment But Good Results
On February 6, 2019, MetLife reported Q4 2018 results that missed on the top-line but that beat the consensus earnings estimate. The insurer reported adjusted Q4 2018 EPS of $1.35 (beat by $0.07) on revenue of $15.6B (missed by $220M). On an annual basis, MetLife's most recent results were strong across the board when compared to the prior fiscal year.

Source: metlife-announces-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2018-results

The U.S. tax reform bill was a major factor for the YoY earnings growth, but MetLife's management team also had the company well-positioned for 2018, as shown by the highlights: