MetLife (MET) Stock Downgraded at Deutsche Bank

MetLife (MET) stock was downgraded to "hold" from "buy" at Deutsche Bank this morning as a result of the 'absence of near-term catalysts.'
By Natalie Walters ,

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- MetLife's (MET) - Get Report stock rating was downgraded to "hold" from "buy" at Deutsche Bank on Wednesday morning. The firm also lowered its price target to $44 from $47.   

The downgrade comes as Deutsche expects 10 year yields are "resetting lower as well as the absence of near-term catalysts." 

Additionally, the company's plan to separate a "substantial portion of its U.S. Retail segment" is a "clear long-term positive," but Deutsche doesn't expect it to happen before year-end, so investors shouldn't expect buybacks before 2017. 

MetLife's low yields combined with preparing for a large separation also enhance balance sheet risks, the firm wrote.   

Shares of MetLife are up by 2.46% to $40.76 in pre-market trading. 

Separately, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author. TheStreet Ratings has this to say about the recommendation:

We rate METLIFE INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. This is driven by a number of strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its increase in net income, attractive valuation levels, growth in earnings per share and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had somewhat disappointing return on equity.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: MET

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