NEW YORK, June 20 (Reuters) - MetLife Inc shares could rise into the $50 range over the next two years from about $41 now as its profits rise, Barron's said on Sunday.
The business newspaper said MetLife's pending acquisition of American International Group's American Life Insurance unit could add as much as 55 cents per share to the company's earnings next year and boost its return on equity.
Investors currently value the life insurance company at about 7.6 times estimated earnings for next year, Barron's said, noting that the company's faster growth rate, good brand and vast distribution network deserve a price-to-earnings ratio of at least 10, or $54 a share.
(Reporting by Martinne Geller; Editing by Marguerita Choy) Keywords: METLIFE (Reuters Messaging: martinne.geller.reuters.com@reuters.net; (646) 223-6023) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
The business newspaper said MetLife's pending acquisition of American International Group's American Life Insurance unit could add as much as 55 cents per share to the company's earnings next year and boost its return on equity.
Investors currently value the life insurance company at about 7.6 times estimated earnings for next year, Barron's said, noting that the company's faster growth rate, good brand and vast distribution network deserve a price-to-earnings ratio of at least 10, or $54 a share.
(Reporting by Martinne Geller; Editing by Marguerita Choy) Keywords: METLIFE (Reuters Messaging: martinne.geller.reuters.com@reuters.net; (646) 223-6023) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.