MetLife Inc (MET) is not a strong buy at this moment for a beginner investor with a long-term focus. While the company has a strong dividend history and is expected to increase dividends, the financial performance in the latest quarter shows declining net income and EPS. Additionally, hedge funds are selling, and technical indicators are neutral. The options data indicates bearish sentiment, and analysts have been lowering price targets. Given the lack of strong positive catalysts and the current market sentiment, it is better to hold off on buying this stock right now.
The MACD histogram is positive at 0.379, indicating a bullish trend, but it is contracting, which suggests weakening momentum. RSI is neutral at 50.797, and moving averages are converging, showing no clear trend. The stock is trading near its pivot level of 76.149, with support at 74.09 and resistance at 78.208.

MetLife has a strong dividend history, with a 4.29% dividend growth rate over the past five years. The company is expected to announce a dividend increase soon, which may attract income-focused investors.
Hedge funds are selling significantly, with a 119,940.49% increase in selling activity over the last quarter. Analysts have been lowering price targets, reflecting concerns about the life insurance sector. The latest financials show declining net income and EPS, which may weigh on investor sentiment.
In Q4 2025, revenue increased by 26.69% YoY to $23.67 billion. However, net income dropped by 37.21% YoY to $778 million, and EPS fell by 34.27% YoY to $1.17. This indicates revenue growth but declining profitability.
Analysts have mixed views. While some maintain Buy or Outperform ratings, most have lowered price targets recently. The average price target remains above the current price, but the downward adjustments reflect concerns about the life insurance sector and economic uncertainty.