MetLife Stock Price, News & Analysis

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) has announced that its board of directors has declared a fourth quarter 2024 common stock dividend of $0.545 per share. The dividend will be payable on Dec. 16, 2024, to shareholders of record as of Nov. 5, 2024.

MetLife is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management. Founded in 1868, the company operates in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.

MetLife (NYSE: MET) has been recognized by Seramount for its inclusive culture and diversity efforts. The company received accolades for its employee programs, leadership accountability, and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). MetLife was named to several Seramount lists and indexes, including:

1. Global Inclusion Index: Recognized in 16 markets
2. U.S. Inclusion Index: Named a Leading Inclusion Index Company
3. Top Companies for Executive Women: Maintained position in Hall of Fame
4. Best Companies for Multicultural Women: Recognized for the 7th year

MetLife's initiatives, such as its global employee-driven networks (MOMENTUM) and team-learning experience (INDEAVOR), were highlighted for fostering trust, inclusion, and collaboration. Dr. Cindy Pace, MetLife's Global Chief DEI Officer, emphasized the importance of an inclusive culture for employee well-being and business performance.

MetLife's 2024 Pension Risk Transfer Poll reveals a growing trend in pension de-risking. The percentage of companies planning to completely divest their defined benefit pension plan liabilities has increased to 93%, up from 89% in 2023. About 52% plan to divest within 2-5 years, with an average of 3.8 years.

The main catalysts for de-risking are rising interest rates (47%), rising inflation (45%), and increased market volatility (44%). Plan sponsors are taking preparatory steps, including improving data quality (56%) and increasing plan contributions (52%).

66% of plan sponsors are likely to use an annuity buyout for de-risking, up from 46% in 2015. 68% will secure a group annuity for a retiree lift-out. 90% of plan sponsors are closely tracking market pricing for annuity buyouts, with 82% concerned about missing competitive rates.

MetLife (NYSE: MET) has announced its upcoming third quarter 2024 earnings conference call, scheduled for Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 9-10 a.m. (ET). The call will follow the release of MetLife's third quarter 2024 earnings news release and Financial Supplement on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, after market close.

The conference call will be available live via the internet, with registration required for participation. A replay of the call will be accessible via telephone and internet from October 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. (ET) until November 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (ET). Interested parties can access the replay by dialing 800-770-2030 (U.S.) or 647-362-9199 (outside the U.S.) using the Conference ID 79508.

MetLife's Upwise, a proprietary solution designed to help employees choose and use benefits wisely, will be available to nearly one million U.S. employees this open enrollment season. Upwise addresses the growing demand for diverse benefits options and the lack of benefit comprehension among employees. The platform offers personalized benefit recommendations, including AI-powered major medical benefit suggestions, based on individual needs and preferences.

Key features of Upwise include:

• Utilization of permissioned personal medical information and financial data
• Recommendations across various health and nonmedical insurance plans
• Regular engagement nudges to promote benefit usage throughout the year

Early results show that Upwise has yielded solid double-digit growth in benefits enrollment during the open enrollment period, potentially leading to a healthier, more productive workforce and supporting key business imperatives.

MetLife's annual TTX report reveals a significant increase in women's interest in STEM careers, with 60% finding such careers appealing. This trend emerges as 90% of STEM employers express concerns about talent scarcity and the need to bridge this gap. The report highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive culture to attract more female talent.

The upcoming 6th annual Triangle Tech X (TTX) conference, titled 'The Disruption Advantage: Powering Inclusion and Innovation in STEM,' will address these issues. The free, virtual event on October 1-2 will feature notable speakers like Katie Ledecky, Mick Ebeling, and Sallie Krawcheck.

The survey also found that 66% of women view disruption as advantageous in the workplace. However, challenges remain, including a lack of female role models and mentors in STEM fields. Increasing women's participation in STEM could drive greater disruptive thinking and address talent shortages, according to 65% of employees.

MetLife is actively supporting pollinator health through partnerships with Bee Downtown and The Best Bees Company. At their Cary, North Carolina campus, bees produced an impressive 311 pounds of honey in 2023, doubling the state average. These bees flew an estimated 17 million miles in the process. MetLife maintains beehives at multiple office locations, including Tampa, Florida, and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

These initiatives not only promote sustainable agriculture and pollinator health but also drive employee engagement. MetLife and MIM are further supporting biodiversity through strategic investments. This commitment to environmental stewardship aligns with MetLife's broader efforts to protect nature and biodiversity.

MetLife has announced its third consecutive sponsorship of the Toyota HBCUNY Classic presented by Walmart, featuring a football game between Howard University and Morehouse College at MetLife Stadium on September 14, 2024. This event marks the start of HBCU homecoming week and will include drumline performances and a battle of the bands.

The sponsorship aligns with MetLife's long-standing commitment to supporting HBCU students through partnerships with organizations like UNCF and TMCF. MetLife Foundation has recently granted $2.5 million to various HBCU-related initiatives, including scholarships, technology training, internships, and innovation programs. During the game's broadcast on CNBC, MetLife will highlight its 78-year partnership with UNCF and showcase the impact of supporting HBCU students on their futures and communities.

MetLife Foundation grantees Reading Partners and Brooklyn Book Bodega have joined forces to address the literacy crisis in New York City. Their collaboration, supported by MetLife Foundation, aims to empower young readers, foster a love for reading, promote book ownership, and bridge literacy gaps across the city.

The initiative highlights the transformational power of reading and its importance in addressing educational disparities. MetLife Foundation's support enables these organizations to expand their reach and impact, contributing to improved literacy rates among young people in New York City.