Analysts Recommend 'Reduce' for Brighthouse Financial

Eleven brokerages cover the insurance company, with three 'sell' ratings and eight 'hold' ratings.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:40am

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An extreme close-up of intricate, industrial banking equipment and machinery in shades of steel gray, conveying a sense of institutional power and financial security.As Brighthouse Financial navigates a challenging market, the company's heavy financial infrastructure and institutional machinery remain the foundation of its operations.Charlotte Today

Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) has received an average recommendation of 'Reduce' from the eleven brokerages covering the company, according to MarketBeat.com. Three equity research analysts have rated the stock with a 'sell' rating, and eight have given it a 'hold' rating.

Why it matters

Brighthouse Financial's stock performance and analyst recommendations are closely watched as the company continues to navigate the competitive life insurance and annuities market following its 2017 spin-off from MetLife. The 'Reduce' rating indicates analysts see limited upside potential for the stock in the near term.

The details

The average 12-month price target among the brokerages covering Brighthouse Financial is $60.86. Several recent research reports have highlighted the company's challenges, with Zacks Research cutting its rating to 'strong sell' and Barclays downgrading the stock to 'equal weight'.

  • Brighthouse Financial reported its latest quarterly results on March 26, 2026.
  • The company's stock hit a 52-week high of $66.33 on June 5, 2025.

The players

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

A U.S.-based life insurance company that specializes in retirement income solutions and annuity products. The company was spun off from MetLife in 2017 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods

An investment banking firm that covers Brighthouse Financial and maintained a 'hold' rating on the stock with a $67 price target.

Zacks Research

An equity research firm that cut its rating on Brighthouse Financial to 'strong sell'.

Barclays

An investment bank that downgraded Brighthouse Financial from 'overweight' to 'equal weight' and set a $65 price target.

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What they’re saying

“Brighthouse Financial has faced headwinds as the company continues to establish itself in the competitive life insurance and annuities market.”

— Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Analyst, Equity Research Analyst

“The 'Reduce' rating from analysts reflects concerns about Brighthouse Financial's near-term growth prospects.”

— Zacks Research Analyst, Equity Research Analyst

What’s next

Brighthouse Financial is scheduled to report its next quarterly earnings on July 25, 2026, which will provide further insight into the company's performance and outlook.

The takeaway

Brighthouse Financial's 'Reduce' rating from analysts highlights the challenges the company faces as it works to establish itself in the crowded life insurance and annuities market following its spin-off from MetLife. Investors will be closely watching the company's upcoming earnings report for signs of progress.