Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

þ

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2012

OR

 

¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                      TO                     

Commission file number: 001-15787

 

 

MetLife, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   13-4075851

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

200 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y.   10166-0188

(Address of principal

executive offices)

  (Zip Code)

(212) 578-2211

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer

 

þ

  

Accelerated filer

 

¨

Non-accelerated filer

 

¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  

Smaller reporting company

 

¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ

At May 2, 2012, 1,062,029,784 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

          Page  

Part I — Financial Information

  

Item 1.

   Financial Statements (at March 31, 2012 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2011 and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited))      5   
  

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

     5   
  

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

     6   
  

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity

     7   
  

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     9   
  

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     10   

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      115   

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     175   

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

     184   

Part II — Other Information

     184   

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

     184   

Item 1A. 

  

Risk Factors

     189   

Item 2. 

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     197   

Item 6. 

  

Exhibits

     199   

Signatures

     200   

Exhibit Index

     E-1   

 

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Table of Contents

As used in this Form 10-Q, “MetLife,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999, its subsidiaries and affiliates.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operations and financial results.

Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining the actual future results of MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors that might cause such differences include the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in MetLife, Inc.’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These factors include: (1) difficult conditions in the global capital markets; (2) concerns over U.S. fiscal policy and the trajectory of the national debt of the U.S., as well as rating agency downgrades of U.S. Treasury securities; (3) uncertainty about the effectiveness of governmental and regulatory actions to stabilize the financial system, the imposition of fees relating thereto, or the promulgation of additional regulations; (4) increased volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, which may affect our ability to seek financing or access our credit facilities; (5) impact of comprehensive financial services regulation reform on us; (6) economic, political, legal, currency and other risks relating to our international operations, including with respect to fluctuations of exchange rates; (7) exposure to financial and capital market risk, including as a result of the disruption in Europe and possible withdrawal of one or more countries from the Euro zone; (8) changes in general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates, which may affect our ability to raise capital, generate fee income and market-related revenue and finance statutory reserve requirements and may require us to pledge collateral or make payments related to declines in value of specified assets; (9) potential liquidity and other risks resulting from our participation in a securities lending program and other transactions; (10) investment losses and defaults, and changes to investment valuations; (11) impairments of goodwill and realized losses or market value impairments to illiquid assets; (12) defaults on our mortgage loans; (13) the defaults or deteriorating credit of other financial institutions that could adversely affect us; (14) our ability to address unforeseen liabilities, asset impairments, or rating actions arising from acquisitions or dispositions, including our acquisition of American Life Insurance Company and Delaware American Life Insurance Company (collectively, “ALICO”) and to successfully integrate and manage the growth of acquired businesses with minimal disruption; (15) uncertainty with respect to the outcome of the closing agreement entered into with the United States Internal Revenue Service in connection with the acquisition of ALICO; (16) the dilutive impact on our stockholders resulting from the settlement of common equity units issued in connection with the acquisition of ALICO or otherwise; (17) MetLife, Inc.’s primary reliance, as a holding company, on dividends from its subsidiaries to meet debt payment obligations and the applicable regulatory restrictions on the ability of the subsidiaries to pay such dividends; (18) downgrades in our claims paying ability, financial strength or credit ratings; (19) ineffectiveness of risk management policies and procedures; (20) availability and effectiveness of reinsurance or indemnification arrangements, as well as default or failure of counterparties to perform; (21) discrepancies between actual claims experience and assumptions used in setting prices for our products and establishing the liabilities for our obligations for future policy benefits and claims; (22) catastrophe losses; (23) heightened competition, including

 

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with respect to pricing, entry of new competitors, consolidation of distributors, the development of new products by new and existing competitors, distribution of amounts available under U.S. government programs, and for personnel; (24) unanticipated changes in industry trends; (25) changes in assumptions related to investment valuations, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, value of business acquired or goodwill; (26) changes in accounting standards, practices and/or policies; (27) increased expenses relating to pension and postretirement benefit plans, as well as health care and other employee benefits; (28) exposure to losses related to variable annuity guarantee benefits, including from significant and sustained downturns or extreme volatility in equity markets, reduced interest rates, unanticipated policyholder behavior, mortality or longevity, and the adjustment for nonperformance risk; (29) deterioration in the experience of the “closed block” established in connection with the reorganization of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; (30) adverse results or other consequences from litigation, arbitration or regulatory investigations; (31) inability to protect our intellectual property rights or claims of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others; (32) discrepancies between actual experience and assumptions used in establishing liabilities related to other contingencies or obligations; (33) regulatory, legislative or tax changes relating to our insurance, banking, international, or other operations that may affect the cost of, or demand for, our products or services, or increase the cost or administrative burdens of providing benefits to employees; (34) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to disasters such as terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, other hostilities, or natural catastrophes, including any related impact on our disaster recovery systems, cyber- or other information security systems and management continuity planning; (35) the effectiveness of our programs and practices in avoiding giving our associates incentives to take excessive risks; and (36) other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in MetLife, Inc.’s filings with the SEC.

MetLife, Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if MetLife, Inc. later becomes aware that such statement is not likely to be achieved. Please consult any further disclosures MetLife, Inc. makes on related subjects in reports to the SEC.

Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts

See “Exhibit Index — Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts” for information regarding agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

4


Table of Contents

Part I — Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

March 31, 2012 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2011

(In millions, except share and per share data)

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  

Assets

    

Investments:

    

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $332,981 and $329,811, respectively; includes $3,296 and $3,225, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)

   $ 354,451      $ 350,271   

Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: $3,063 and $3,208, respectively)

     3,043        3,023   

Trading and other securities, at estimated fair value (includes $544 and $473, respectively, of actively traded securities; and $249 and $280, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)

     19,026        18,268   

Mortgage loans:

    

Held-for-investment, principally at amortized cost (net of valuation allowances of $446 and $481, respectively; includes $3,073 and $3,187, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)

     56,641        56,915   

Held-for-sale, principally at estimated fair value (includes $9,204 and $10,716, respectively, under the fair value option)

     11,947        15,178   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, net

     68,588        72,093   

Policy loans

     11,896        11,892   

Real estate and real estate joint ventures (includes $10 and $15, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)

     8,472        8,563   

Other limited partnership interests (includes $242 and $259, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)

     6,487        6,378   

Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value

     11,801        17,310   

Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value (includes $98 and $98, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)

     20,172        23,581   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

     503,936        511,379   

Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value (includes $120 and $176, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)

     18,667        10,461   

Accrued investment income (includes $15 and $16, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)

     4,612        4,344   

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (includes $3 and $12, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)

     23,759        22,481   

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

     25,105        24,619   

Goodwill

     11,903        11,935   

Other assets (includes $5 and $5, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)

     9,647        7,984   

Separate account assets

     221,975        203,023   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 819,604      $ 796,226   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Equity

    

Liabilities

    

Future policy benefits

   $ 184,141      $ 184,275   

Policyholder account balances

     220,813        217,700   

Other policy-related balances

     16,029        15,599   

Policyholder dividends payable

     761        774   

Policyholder dividend obligation

     2,700        2,919   

Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions

     32,496        33,716   

Bank deposits

     10,478        10,507   

Short-term debt

     101        686   

Long-term debt (includes $2,916 and $3,068, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)

     23,389        23,692   

Collateral financing arrangements

     4,647        4,647   

Junior subordinated debt securities

     3,192        3,192   

Current income tax payable

     239        193   

Deferred income tax liability

     6,375        6,395   

Other liabilities (includes $52 and $60, respectively, relating to variable interest entities; and $8,252 and $7,626, respectively, under the fair value option)

     33,144        30,914   

Separate account liabilities

     221,975        203,023   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     760,480        738,232   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 10)

    

Redeemable noncontrolling interests in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries

     114        105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity

    

MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized: 84,000,000 shares issued and outstanding; $2,100 aggregate liquidation preference

     1        1   

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 3,000,000,000 shares authorized; 1,064,057,907 and 1,061,150,915 shares issued at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively; 1,060,864,020 and 1,057,957,028 shares outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively

     11        11   

Additional paid-in capital

     26,920        26,782   

Retained earnings

     24,640        24,814   

Treasury stock, at cost; 3,193,887 shares at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011

     (172     (172

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     7,266        6,083   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity

     58,666        57,519   

Noncontrolling interests

     344        370   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     59,010        57,889   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 819,604      $ 796,226   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share data)

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Revenues

    

Premiums

   $ 9,129      $ 8,554   

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

     2,078        1,889   

Net investment income

     6,200        5,313   

Other revenues

     597        566   

Net investment gains (losses):

    

Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities

     (135     (132

Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)

     2        9   

Other net investment gains (losses)

     23        24   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net investment gains (losses)

     (110     (99

Net derivative gains (losses)

     (1,978     (315
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     15,916        15,908   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

    

Policyholder benefits and claims

     9,104        8,237   

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

     2,557        1,924   

Policyholder dividends

     343        372   

Other expenses

     4,321        4,090   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     16,325        14,623   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax

     (409     1,285   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     (275     361   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax

     (134     924   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax

     14        (40
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     (120     884   

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     24        7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc

     (144     877   

Less: Preferred stock dividends

     30        30   

          Preferred stock redemption premium

            146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders

   $ (174   $ 701   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 1,054      $ 974   

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of income tax

     15        (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc

   $ 1,039      $ 976   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share:

    

Basic

   $ (0.17   $ 0.70   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ (0.17   $ 0.70   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share:

    

Basic

   $ (0.16   $ 0.66   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ (0.16   $ 0.66   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 (Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

                                  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)                    
    Preferred
Stock
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Treasury
Stock
at Cost
    Net
Unrealized
Investment
Gains (Losses)
    Other-Than-
Temporary
Impairments
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Defined
Benefit
Plans
Adjustment
    Total
MetLife, Inc.’s
Stockholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests (1)
    Total
Equity
 

Balance at December 31, 2011

  $ 1      $ 11      $ 26,782      $ 24,814      $ (172   $ 9,115      $ (441   $ (648   $ (1,943   $ 57,519      $ 370      $ 57,889   

Stock-based compensation

        138                    138          138   

Dividends on preferred stock

          (30               (30       (30

Change in equity of noncontrolling interests

                        (41     (41

Net income (loss)

          (144               (144     8        (136

Other comprehensive income (loss),

net of income tax

              814        31        313        25        1,183        7        1,190   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2012

  $ 1      $ 11      $ 26,920      $ 24,640      $ (172   $ 9,929      $ (410   $ (335   $ (1,918   $ 58,666      $ 344      $ 59,010   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests excludes gains (losses) of redeemable noncontrolling interests in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries of $16 million.

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity — (Continued)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

                                  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)                    
    Preferred
Stock
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Treasury
Stock

at Cost
    Net
Unrealized
Investment
Gains (Losses)
    Other-Than-
Temporary
Impairments
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Defined
Benefit
Plans
Adjustment
    Total
MetLife, Inc.’s
Stockholders’

Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests (1)
    Total
Equity
 

Balance at December 31, 2010

  $ 1      $ 10      $ 26,423      $ 21,363      $ (172   $ 3,356      $ (366   $ (541   $ (1,449   $ 48,625      $ 371      $ 48,996   

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax (Note 1)

          (1,917       132          13          (1,772     (6     (1,778
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2011

    1        10        26,423        19,446        (172     3,488        (366     (528     (1,449     46,853        365        47,218   

Redemption of convertible preferred stock

        (2,805                 (2,805       (2,805

Preferred stock redemption premium

          (146               (146       (146

Common stock issuance — newly issued shares

      1        2,949                    2,950          2,950   

Stock-based compensation

        101                    101          101   

Dividends on preferred stock

          (30               (30       (30

Change in equity of noncontrolling interests

                        36        36   

Net income (loss)

          877                  877        (3     874   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax

              (360     27        413        19        99        1        100   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2011

  $ 1      $ 11      $ 26,668      $ 20,147      $ (172   $ 3,128      $ (339   $ (115   $ (1,430   $ 47,899      $ 399      $ 48,298   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests excludes gains (losses) of redeemable noncontrolling interests in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries of $10 million.

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
             2012                     2011          

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 5,758      $ 3,499   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

    

Sales, maturities and repayments of:

    

Fixed maturity securities

     25,815        25,149   

Equity securities

     166        473   

Mortgage loans

     2,160        2,411   

Real estate and real estate joint ventures

     251        106   

Other limited partnership interests

     188        320   

Purchases of:

    

Fixed maturity securities

     (27,657     (32,954

Equity securities

     (108     (271

Mortgage loans

     (1,802     (2,678

Real estate and real estate joint ventures

     (117     (159

Other limited partnership interests

     (278     (211

Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives

     417        1,070   

Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives

     (1,566     (1,916

Net change in securitized reverse residential mortgage loans

     (561       

Net change in policy loans

     (53     (87

Net change in short-term investments

     5,522        774   

Net change in other invested assets

     (170     (66

Other, net

     (40     (53
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     2,167        (8,092
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

    

Policyholder account balances:

    

Deposits

     25,069        25,042   

Withdrawals

     (23,247     (23,363

Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions

     (1,220     1,353   

Net change in bank deposits

     (50     (1,027

Net change in short-term debt

     (585     266   

Long-term debt issued

            280   

Long-term debt repaid

     (349     (249

Net change in liability for securitized reverse residential mortgage loans

     561          

Common stock issued, net of issuance costs

            2,950   

Stock options exercised

     75        47   

Redemption of convertible preferred stock

            (2,805

Preferred stock redemption premium

            (146

Dividends on preferred stock

     (30     (30

Other, net

     16        (56
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     240        2,262   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents balances

     41        93   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     8,206        (2,238

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     10,461        13,046   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 18,667      $ 10,808   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, subsidiaries held-for-sale, beginning of period

   $      $ 89   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, subsidiaries held-for-sale, end of period

   $      $ 116   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, beginning of period

   $ 10,461      $ 12,957   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, end of period

   $ 18,667      $ 10,692   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Net cash paid during the period for:

    

Interest

   $ 266      $ 333   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax

   $ 83      $ 415   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash transactions during the period:

    

Real estate and real estate joint ventures acquired in satisfaction of debt

   $ 123      $   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

9


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1.  Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

“MetLife” or the “Company” refers to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999, its subsidiaries and affiliates. MetLife is a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs throughout the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife offers life insurance, annuities, property & casualty insurance, and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions.

MetLife is organized into six segments: Retail Products; Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits; Corporate Benefit Funding; and Latin America (collectively, “The Americas”); Asia; and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”). See Note 15 for further information on the reorganization of the Company’s segments in the first quarter of 2012, which was applied retrospectively.

Basis of Presentation

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Certain international subsidiaries have a fiscal year-end of November 30. Accordingly, the Company’s interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the assets and liabilities of such subsidiaries as of February 29, 2012 and the operating results of such subsidiaries for the three months ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011.

In applying the Company’s accounting policies, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Closed block assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are combined on a line-by-line basis with the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses outside the closed block based on the nature of the particular item. See Note 9. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in equity securities in which it has a significant influence or more than a 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests in which it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the joint venture’s or partnership’s operations, but does not have a controlling interest and is not the primary beneficiary. The Company uses the cost method of accounting for investments in real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests in which it has a minor equity investment and virtually no influence over the joint venture’s or the partnership’s operations.

Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform with the 2012 presentation as discussed throughout the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See “— Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements” for discussion of an adoption in the first quarter of 2012, which was retrospectively applied.

 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company at March 31, 2012, its consolidated results of operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, its consolidated statements of equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, and its consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2011 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in MetLife, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Annual Report”) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the 2011 Annual Report.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates

See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates. Described below are the significant changes to such policies based on the adoption of new guidance.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired

The Company incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal insurance business. Costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts are deferred as deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”). Such costs include: (1) incremental direct costs of contract acquisition, such as commissions, (2) the portion of an employee’s total compensation and benefits related to time spent selling, underwriting or processing the issuance of new and renewal insurance business only with respect to actual policies acquired or renewed, (3) other direct costs essential to contract acquisition that would not have been incurred had a policy not been acquired or renewed, and (4) in limited circumstances, the costs of direct-response advertising whose primary purpose is to elicit sales to customers who could be shown to have responded specifically to the advertising and that results in probable future benefits. All other acquisition-related costs, including those related to general advertising and solicitation, market research, agent training, product development, unsuccessful sales and underwriting efforts, as well as all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred.

The Company’s policies relating to the establishment of value of business acquired (“VOBA”), amortization of DAC and VOBA, review of estimated gross margin and profit projections, and internal replacements are described in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted new guidance regarding comprehensive income that defers the effective date pertaining to reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in this guidance are being made to allow the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) time to re-deliberate whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. All other requirements in the new comprehensive income standard are not affected by this guidance, including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements on an annual basis.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted new guidance regarding comprehensive income that provides companies with the option to present the total of comprehensive income, components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or

 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

in two separate but consecutive statements in annual financial statements. The objective of the standard is to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The standard eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments in this guidance do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified in net income.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted new guidance on goodwill impairment testing that simplifies how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. This new guidance allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value as a basis for determining whether it needs to perform the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test. Only if an entity determines, based on qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value will it be required to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted new guidance regarding fair value measurements that establishes common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP and IFRS. Some of the amendments clarify the FASB’s intent on the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See also expanded disclosures in Note 5.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted new guidance regarding effective control in repurchase agreements. The guidance removes from the assessment of effective control, the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted new guidance regarding accounting for DAC. The guidance specifies that only costs related directly to successful acquisition of new or renewal contracts can be capitalized as DAC; all other acquisition-related costs must be expensed as incurred. Under the new guidance, advertising costs may only be included in DAC if the capitalization criteria in the direct-response advertising guidance in Subtopic 340-20, Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Capitalized Advertising Costs, are met. As a result, certain direct marketing, sales manager compensation and administrative costs previously capitalized by the Company will no longer be deferred.

 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The following table presents the effects of the retrospective application of the adoption of such new accounting guidance to the Company’s previously reported consolidated balance sheet:

 

     December 31, 2011  
     As Previously
Reported
     Adjustment     As Adjusted  
     (In millions)  

Assets

       

Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value

   $ 23,628       $ (47   $ 23,581   

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired (1)

   $ 27,971       $ (3,352   $ 24,619   

Liabilities

       

Future policy benefits

   $ 184,252       $ 23      $ 184,275   

Deferred income tax liability

   $ 7,535       $ (1,140   $ 6,395   

Equity

       

Retained earnings

   $ 27,289       $ (2,475   $ 24,814   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 5,886       $ 197      $ 6,083   

Total MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity

   $ 59,797       $ (2,278   $ 57,519   

Noncontrolling interests

   $ 374       $ (4   $ 370   

Total equity

   $ 60,171       $ (2,282   $ 57,889   

 

 

 

(1)

Value of business acquired was not impacted by the adoption of this guidance.

 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The following table presents the effects of the retrospective application of the adoption of such new accounting guidance to the Company’s previously reported consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income:

 

    Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2011
 
    As Previously
Reported
    Adjustment     As Adjusted  
    (In millions)  

Revenues

     

Net investment income

  $ 5,315 (1)    $ (2   $ 5,313   

Expenses

     

Policyholder benefits and claims

  $ 8,231      $ 6      $ 8,237   

Other expenses

  $ 3,902      $ 188      $ 4,090   

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax

  $ 1,481 (1)    $ (196   $ 1,285   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

  $ 428      $ (67   $ 361   

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax

  $ 1,053 (1)    $ (129   $ 924   

Net income (loss)

  $ 1,013      $ (129   $ 884   

Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc

  $ 1,006      $ (129   $ 877   

Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders

  $ 830      $ (129   $ 701   

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share:

     

Basic

  $ 0.82      $ (0.12   $ 0.70   

Diluted

  $ 0.82      $ (0.12   $ 0.70   

Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share:

     

Basic

  $ 0.78      $ (0.12   $ 0.66   

Diluted

  $ 0.78      $ (0.12   $ 0.66   

 

 

 

(1)

Amounts in the table above differ from the amounts previously reported in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income due to the inclusion of the impact of discontinued real estate operations of $2 million.

The following table presents the effects of the retrospective application of the adoption of such new accounting guidance to the Company’s previously reported consolidated statement of cash flows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2011
 
     As Previously
Reported
    Adjustment     As Adjusted  
     (In millions)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 3,501      $ (2   $ 3,499   

Net change in other invested assets

   $ (68   $ 2      $ (66

Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the FASB issued new guidance regarding balance sheet offsetting disclosures (Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities), effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods

 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

within those annual periods. The guidance should be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The amendments in ASU 2011-11 require an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effects of those arrangements on its financial position. Entities are required to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The objective of ASU 2011-11 is to facilitate comparison between those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of GAAP and those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of IFRS. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In December 2011, the FASB issued new guidance regarding derecognition of in substance real estate (ASU 2011-10 Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Derecognition of in Substance Real Estate — a Scope Clarification (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force), effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after June 15, 2012. The amendments should be applied prospectively to deconsolidation events occurring after the effective date. Under the amendments in ASU 2011-10, when a parent ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of a default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt, the reporting entity should apply the guidance in Subtopic 360-20 to determine whether it should derecognize the in substance real estate. Generally, a reporting entity would not satisfy the requirements to derecognize in substance real estate before the legal transfer of the real estate to the lender and the extinguishment of the related nonrecourse indebtedness. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2011, the FASB issued new guidance on other expenses (ASU 2011-06, Other Expenses (Topic 720): Fees Paid to the Federal Government by Health Insurers), effective for calendar years beginning after December 31, 2013. The objective of this standard is to address how health insurers should recognize and classify in their income statements fees mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act. The amendments in this standard specify that the liability for the fee should be estimated and recorded in full once the entity provides qualifying health insurance in the applicable calendar year in which the fee is payable with a corresponding deferred cost that is amortized to expense using the straight-line method of allocation unless another method better allocates the fee over the calendar year that it is payable. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

2.  Acquisitions and Dispositions

2012 Pending Dispositions

In December 2011, MetLife Bank National Association (“MetLife Bank”) and MetLife, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to sell most of the depository business of MetLife Bank to GE Capital Financial Inc. The transaction is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions (the “Utah DFI”) and to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. GE Capital Financial Inc. has filed applications with the FDIC and the Utah DFI seeking approval of the assumption of the deposits to be transferred to it, and MetLife Bank has filed applications with the OCC seeking approval to change the composition of substantially all of MetLife Bank’s assets and with the FDIC to terminate MetLife Bank’s FDIC deposit insurance contingent upon certification that MetLife Bank has no remaining deposits (which is dependent on the assumption by GE Capital Financial Inc. of the deposits to be transferred to it). The parties have responded to questions on their applications from the staff of the OCC, the FDIC and the Utah DFI, and are awaiting action by these regulators on their applications. In January 2012, MetLife, Inc. announced it is exiting the business of originating forward residential mortgages. In conjunction with these events, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a net gain of

 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

$7 million, net of income tax, which included gains on securities and mortgage loans sold, partially offset by impairments on mortgage loans, lease impairments and other employee-related charges. Additionally, in April 2012, MetLife, Inc. announced that it is exiting the reverse mortgage origination business and that it and MetLife Bank entered into a definitive agreement to sell MetLife Bank’s reverse mortgage servicing portfolio. The transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The Company expects to incur additional charges of $77 million to $115 million, net of income tax, during the remainder of 2012, related to exiting these three businesses. The total assets and liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to these businesses were approximately $19.5 billion and $18.6 billion at March 31, 2012, respectively, and $19.3 billion and $18.2 billion at December 31, 2011, respectively. These businesses did not qualify for discontinued operations accounting treatment under GAAP.

In November 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its insurance operations in the Caribbean region, Panama and Costa Rica (the “Caribbean Business”). The total assets and liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to these insurance operations were $786 million and $625 million at March 31, 2012, respectively, and $859 million and $707 million at December 31, 2011, respectively. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2012, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The results of the Caribbean Business are included in continuing operations.

2010 Acquisition

Contingent Consideration

Related to the 2010 acquisition of American Life Insurance Company (“American Life”), the Company has guaranteed that the fair value of a fund of assets backing certain U.K. unit-linked contracts will have a value of at least £1 per unit on July 1, 2012. If the shortfall between the aggregate guaranteed amount and the fair value of the fund exceeds £106 million (as adjusted for withdrawals), American International Group, Inc. (“AIG”) will pay the difference to the Company and, conversely, if the shortfall at July 1, 2012 is less than £106 million, the Company will pay the difference to AIG. The Company believes that the fair value of the fund will equal or exceed the aggregate guaranteed amount by July 1, 2012. The contingent consideration liability was $121 million at March 31, 2012 and $109 million at December 31, 2011. The increase in the contingent consideration liability amount from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012 was recorded in net derivative gains (losses) in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report.

 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

3.  Investments

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale

Presented below is certain information about fixed maturity and equity securities for the periods shown. The unrealized loss amounts presented below include the noncredit loss component of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses:

 

    March 31, 2012  
    Cost or
Amortized
Cost
    Gross Unrealized     Estimated
Fair
Value
     % of
Total
 
      Gains     Temporary
Losses
    OTTI
Losses
      
    (In millions)  

Fixed Maturity Securities:

            

U.S. corporate securities

  $ 97,827      $ 8,327      $ 881      $      $ 105,273         29.7

Foreign corporate securities

    61,857        4,149        651        1        65,354         18.4   

Foreign government securities

    52,086        3,428        176               55,338         15.6   

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

    37,187        4,316        87               41,416         11.7   

Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”)

    40,487        2,243        805        646        41,279         11.7   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)

    17,980        863        108        3        18,732         5.3   

State and political subdivision securities

    12,425        1,604        113               13,916         3.9   

Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)

    13,132        273        244        18        13,143         3.7   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

  $ 332,981      $ 25,203      $ 3,065      $ 668      $ 354,451         100.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity Securities:

            

Common stock

  $ 2,155      $ 109      $ 22      $      $ 2,242         73.7

Non-redeemable preferred stock

    908        48        155               801         26.3   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

  $ 3,063      $ 157      $ 177      $      $ 3,043         100.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
    December 31, 2011  
    Cost or
Amortized
Cost
    Gross Unrealized     Estimated
Fair
Value
     % of
Total
 
      Gains     Temporary
Losses
    OTTI
Losses
      
    (In millions)  

Fixed Maturity Securities:

            

U.S. corporate securities

  $ 98,621      $ 8,544      $ 1,380      $      $ 105,785         30.2

Foreign corporate securities

    61,568        3,789        1,338        1        64,018         18.3   

Foreign government securities

    49,840        3,053        357               52,536         15.0   

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

    34,132        5,882        2               40,012         11.4   

RMBS

    42,092        2,281        1,033        703        42,637         12.2   

CMBS

    18,565        730        218        8        19,069         5.4   

State and political subdivision securities

    11,975        1,416        156               13,235         3.8   

ABS

    13,018        278        305        12        12,979         3.7   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

  $ 329,811      $ 25,973      $ 4,789      $ 724      $ 350,271         100.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity Securities:

            

Common stock

  $ 2,219      $ 83      $ 97      $      $ 2,205         72.9

Non-redeemable preferred stock

    989        31        202               818         27.1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

  $ 3,208      $ 114      $ 299      $      $ 3,023         100.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The Company held non-income producing fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of $22 million and $62 million with unrealized gains (losses) of ($9) million and ($19) million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Concentrations of Credit Risk — Summary. The Company was not exposed to any concentrations of credit risk of any single issuer within its fixed maturity securities and equity securities greater than 10% of the Company’s equity, other than the government and agency securities summarized in the table below at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Carrying Value (1)  
     (In millions)  

U.S. Treasury and agency securities included in:

     

Fixed maturity securities

   $ 41,416       $ 40,012   

Short-term investments

     10,023         15,775   

Cash equivalents

     3,072         1,748   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury and agency securities

   $ 54,511       $ 57,535   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Japan government and agency securities included in:

     

Fixed maturity securities

   $ 20,562       $ 21,003   

Short-term investments

     62           

Cash equivalents

     395           
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Japan government and agency securities

   $ 21,019       $ 21,003   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents estimated fair value for fixed maturity securities, and for short-term investments and cash equivalents, estimated fair value or amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value.

Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date (excluding scheduled sinking funds), were as follows at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Amortized
Cost
     Estimated
Fair
Value
     Amortized
Cost
     Estimated
Fair
Value
 
            (In millions)         

Due in one year or less

   $ 19,016       $ 19,154       $ 16,747       $ 16,862   

Due after one year through five years

     63,283         65,588         62,819         64,414   

Due after five years through ten years

     82,469         89,080         82,694         88,036   

Due after ten years

     96,614         107,475         93,876         106,274   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

     261,382         281,297         256,136         275,586   

RMBS, CMBS and ABS

     71,599         73,154         73,675         74,685   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

   $ 332,981       $ 354,451       $ 329,811       $ 350,271   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above table in the year of final contractual maturity. RMBS, CMBS and ABS are shown separately in the table, as they are not due at a single maturity.

 

18


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Evaluating Available-for-Sale Securities for Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

As described more fully in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report, the Company performs a regular evaluation, on a security-by-security basis, of its available-for-sale securities holdings, including fixed maturity securities, equity securities and perpetual hybrid securities, in accordance with its impairment policy in order to evaluate whether such investments are other-than-temporarily impaired.

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), were as follows:

 

    March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
    (In millions)  

Fixed maturity securities

  $ 22,011      $ 21,096   

Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    (668     (724
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

    21,343        20,372   

Equity securities

    5        (167

Derivatives

    1,019        1,514   

Other

    9        72   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

    22,376        21,791   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts allocated from:

   

Insurance liability loss recognition

    (3,454     (3,996

DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    41        47   

DAC and VOBA

    (1,820     (1,800

Policyholder dividend obligation

    (2,700     (2,919
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

    (7,933     (8,668

Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    217        236   

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)

    (5,150     (4,694
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

    9,510        8,665   

Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests

    9        9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc

  $ 9,519      $ 8,674   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

19


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The changes in fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), were as follows:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ (724   $ (601

Noncredit OTTI losses recognized (1)

     (2     31   

Securities sold with previous noncredit OTTI loss

     50        125   

Subsequent changes in estimated fair value

     8        (279
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ (668   $ (724
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Noncredit OTTI losses recognized, net of DAC, were ($8) million and $33 million for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2012
 
     (In millions)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 8,674   

Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized

     56   

Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period

     529   

Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:

  

Insurance liability gain (loss) recognition

     542   

DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (6

DAC and VOBA

     (20

Policyholder dividend obligation

     219   

Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (19

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)

     (456
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

     9,519   

Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests

       
  

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 9,519   
  

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)

   $ 845   

Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests

       
  

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc

   $ 845   
  

 

 

 

 

20


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale by Sector

Presented below is certain information about the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities in an unrealized loss position. The unrealized loss amounts presented below include the noncredit component of OTTI loss. Fixed maturity securities on which a noncredit OTTI loss has been recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are categorized by length of time as being “less than 12 months” or “equal to or greater than 12 months” in a continuous unrealized loss position based on the point in time that the estimated fair value initially declined to below the amortized cost basis and not the period of time since the unrealized loss was deemed a noncredit OTTI loss.

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Less than 12 Months      Equal to or Greater
than 12 Months
     Total  
     Estimated
Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Estimated
Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Estimated
Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
     (In millions, except number of securities)  

Fixed Maturity Securities:

                 

U.S. corporate securities

   $ 10,097       $ 293       $ 4,125       $ 588       $ 14,222       $ 881   

Foreign corporate securities

     8,410         265         4,719         387         13,129         652   

Foreign government securities

     4,831         84         1,322         92         6,153         176   

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

     8,512         83         37         4         8,549         87   

RMBS

     4,698         406         4,565         1,045         9,263         1,451   

CMBS

     1,189         33         714         78         1,903         111   

State and political subdivision securities

     352         5         544         108         896         113   

ABS

     3,810         80         1,343         182         5,153         262   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

   $ 41,899       $ 1,249       $ 17,369       $ 2,484       $ 59,268       $ 3,733   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity Securities:

                 

Common stock

   $ 347       $ 22       $ 4       $       $ 351       $ 22   

Non-redeemable preferred stock

     62         9         326         146         388         155   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

   $ 409       $ 31       $ 330       $ 146       $ 739       $ 177   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position

     3,555            1,674            
  

 

 

       

 

 

          

 

21


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

     December 31, 2011  
     Less than 12 Months      Equal to or Greater
than 12 Months
     Total  
     Estimated
Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Estimated
Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Estimated
Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
     (In millions, except number of securities)  

Fixed Maturity Securities:

                 

U.S. corporate securities

   $ 15,642       $ 590       $ 5,135       $ 790       $ 20,777       $ 1,380   

Foreign corporate securities

     12,618         639         5,957         700         18,575         1,339   

Foreign government securities

     11,227         230         1,799         127         13,026         357   

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

     2,611         1         50         1         2,661         2   

RMBS

     4,040         547         4,724         1,189         8,764         1,736   

CMBS

     2,825         135         678         91         3,503         226   

State and political subdivision securities

     177         2         1,007         154         1,184         156   

ABS

     4,972         103         1,316         214         6,288         317   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

   $ 54,112       $ 2,247       $ 20,666       $ 3,266       $ 74,778       $ 5,513   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity Securities:

                 

Common stock

   $ 581       $ 96       $ 5       $ 1       $ 586       $ 97   

Non-redeemable preferred stock

     204         30         370         172         574         202   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

   $ 785       $ 126       $ 375       $ 173       $ 1,160       $ 299   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position

     3,978            1,963            
  

 

 

       

 

 

          

 

22


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Aging of Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale

Presented below is certain information about the aging and severity of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities, including the portion of OTTI loss on fixed maturity securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at:

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Cost or Amortized Cost      Gross Unrealized Losses     Number of Securities  
     Less than
20%
     20% or
more
     Less than
20%
    20% or
more
    Less than
20%
     20% or
more
 
     (In millions, except number of securities)  

Fixed Maturity Securities:

               

Less than six months

   $ 27,651       $ 971       $ 441      $ 258        2,367         118   

Six months or greater but less than nine months

     11,280         1,549         367        452        820         84   

Nine months or greater but less than twelve months

     3,306         791         149        237        292         43   

Twelve months or greater

     15,271         2,182         1,006        823        1,340         162   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total

   $ 57,508       $ 5,493       $ 1,963      $ 1,770        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

Percentage of amortized cost

           3     32     
        

 

 

   

 

 

      

Equity Securities:

               

Less than six months

   $ 139       $ 46       $ 5      $ 14        64         16   

Six months or greater but less than nine months

     233         112         17        32        50         7   

Nine months or greater but less than twelve months

     49                 3               17         1   

Twelve months or greater

     114         223         8        98        20         19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total

   $ 535       $ 381       $ 33      $ 144        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

Percentage of cost

           6     38     
        

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

23


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

     December 31, 2011  
     Cost or Amortized Cost      Gross Unrealized Losses     Number of Securities  
     Less than
20%
     20% or
more
     Less than
20%
    20% or
more
    Less than
20%
     20% or
more
 
     (In millions, except number of securities)  

Fixed Maturity Securities:

               

Less than six months

   $ 49,249       $ 4,736       $ 1,346      $ 1,332        3,260         320   

Six months or greater but less than nine months

     4,104         1,049         279        349        375         63   

Nine months or greater but less than twelve months

     1,160         288         55        93        143         14   

Twelve months or greater

     17,590         2,115         1,216        843        1,523         167   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total

   $ 72,103       $ 8,188       $ 2,896      $ 2,617        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

Percentage of amortized cost

           4     32     
        

 

 

   

 

 

      

Equity Securities:

               

Less than six months

   $ 714       $ 376       $ 64      $ 123        154         42   

Six months or greater but less than nine months

     22         8         2        4        19         3   

Nine months or greater but less than twelve months

     18                 2               8           

Twelve months or greater

     98         223         8        96        24         20   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total

   $ 852       $ 607       $ 76      $ 223        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

Percentage of cost

           9     37     
        

 

 

   

 

 

      

Equity securities with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more for twelve months or greater increased from $96 million at December 31, 2011 to $98 million at March 31, 2012. As shown in the section “— Evaluating Temporarily Impaired Available-for-Sale Securities” below, all of the equity securities with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more for twelve months or greater at March 31, 2012 were financial services industry investment grade non-redeemable preferred stock, of which 72% were rated A or better.

 

24


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Concentration of Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale

The gross unrealized losses related to fixed maturity and equity securities, including the portion of OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were $3.9 billion and $5.8 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The concentration, calculated as a percentage of gross unrealized losses (including OTTI losses), by sector and industry was as follows at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  

Sector:

    

RMBS

     37     30

U.S. corporate securities

     23        24   

Foreign corporate securities

     17        23   

ABS

     7        5   

Foreign government securities

     4        6   

State and political subdivision securities

     3        3   

CMBS

     3        4   

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

     2          

Other

     4        5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Industry:

    

Mortgage-backed

     40     34

Finance

     20        27   

Utility

     8        8   

Asset-backed

     7        5   

Consumer

     5        6   

Foreign government securities

     4        6   

State and political subdivision securities

     3        3   

Communications

     2        3   

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

     2          

Industrial

     2        2   

Other

     7        6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Evaluating Temporarily Impaired Available-for-Sale Securities

The following table presents fixed maturity and equity securities, each with gross unrealized losses of greater than $10 million, the number of securities, total gross unrealized losses and percentage of total gross unrealized losses at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Fixed Maturity
Securities
    Equity
Securities
    Fixed Maturity
Securities
    Equity
Securities
 
     (In millions, except number of securities)  

Number of securities

     59        4        96        8   

Total gross unrealized losses

     1,130      $ 77      $ 1,703      $ 117   

Percentage of total gross unrealized losses

     30     44     31     39

 

25


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Fixed maturity and equity securities, each with gross unrealized losses greater than $10 million, decreased $613 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012. The decline in, or improvement in, gross unrealized losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was primarily attributable to narrowing credit spreads, partially offset by an increase in interest rates. These securities were included in the Company’s OTTI review process.

As of March 31, 2012, $1.5 billion of unrealized losses were from fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater. Of the $1.5 billion, $598 million, or 40%, are related to unrealized losses on investment grade securities. Unrealized losses on investment grade securities are principally related to widening credit spreads or rising interest rates since purchase. Of the $1.5 billion, $914 million, or 60%, are related to unrealized losses on below investment grade securities. Unrealized losses on below investment grade securities are principally related to non-agency RMBS (primarily alternative residential mortgage loans and sub-prime residential mortgage loans), U.S. and foreign corporate securities (primarily utility, financial services and transportation industry securities) and ABS (primarily collateralized debt obligations) and were the result of significantly wider credit spreads resulting from higher risk premiums since purchase, largely due to economic and market uncertainties including concerns over the financial services sector, unemployment levels and valuations of residential real estate supporting non-agency RMBS. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for the factors management considers in evaluating these corporate and structured securities. See “— Aging of Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale” for a discussion of equity securities with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of cost for 12 months or greater.

In the Company’s impairment review process, the duration and severity of an unrealized loss position for equity securities are given greater weight and consideration than for fixed maturity securities. An extended and severe unrealized loss position on a fixed maturity security may not have any impact on the ability of the issuer to service all scheduled interest and principal payments and the Company’s evaluation of recoverability of all contractual cash flows or the ability to recover an amount at least equal to its amortized cost based on the present value of the expected future cash flows to be collected. In contrast, for an equity security, greater weight and consideration are given by the Company to a decline in market value and the likelihood such market value decline will recover.

The following table presents certain information about the Company’s equity securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more at March 31, 2012:

 

          Non-Redeemable Preferred Stock  
    All Equity
Securities
    All Types of
Non-Redeemable
Preferred Stock
    Investment Grade  
        All Industries     Financial Services Industry  
    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    % of All
Equity
Securities
    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    % of All
Non-Redeemable
Preferred Stock
    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    % of All
Industries
    % A
Rated or
Better
 
    (In millions)           (In millions)           (In millions)              

Less than six months

  $ 14      $ 13        93    $ 2        15    $ 2        100      100 

Six months or greater but less than twelve months

    32        32        100      23        72      23        100      30 

Twelve months or greater

    98        98        100      98        100      98        100      72 
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

All equity securities with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more

  $ 144      $ 143        99    $ 123        86    $ 123        100      65 
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

26


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

In connection with the equity securities impairment review process, the Company evaluated its holdings in non-redeemable preferred stock, particularly those in the financial services sector. The Company considered several factors including whether there has been any deterioration in credit of the issuer and the likelihood of recovery in value of non-redeemable preferred stock with a severe or an extended unrealized loss. The Company also considered whether any issuers of non-redeemable preferred stock with an unrealized loss held by the Company, regardless of credit rating, have deferred any dividend payments. No such dividend payments had been deferred.

With respect to common stock holdings, the Company considered the duration and severity of the unrealized losses for securities in an unrealized loss position of 20% or more; and the duration of unrealized losses for securities in an unrealized loss position of less than 20% in an extended unrealized loss position (i.e., 12 months or greater).

Based on the Company’s current evaluation of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its impairment policy, and the Company’s current intentions and assessments (as applicable to the type of security) about holding, selling and any requirements to sell these securities, the Company has concluded that these securities are not other-than-temporarily impaired.

Future OTTIs will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance (including changes in the present value of future cash flows expected to be collected), changes in credit ratings, changes in collateral valuation, changes in interest rates and changes in credit spreads. If economic fundamentals or any of the above factors deteriorate, additional OTTIs may be incurred in upcoming quarters.

Trading and Other Securities

The table below presents certain information about the Company’s trading securities that are actively purchased and sold (“Actively Traded Securities”) and other securities for which the fair value option (“FVO”) has been elected at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Actively Traded Securities

   $ 544      $ 473   

FVO general account securities

     274        267   

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments

     18,119        17,411   

FVO securities held by CSEs

     89        117   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total trading and other securities — at estimated fair value

   $ 19,026      $ 18,268   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actively Traded Securities — at estimated fair value

   $ 544      $ 473   

Short sale agreement liabilities — at estimated fair value

     (169     (127
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net long/short position — at estimated fair value

   $ 375      $ 346   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments pledged to secure short sale agreement liabilities

   $ 624      $ 558   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report, for discussion of FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments and “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”) included in the table above. See “— Net Investment Income” and “— Net Investment Gains (Losses)” for the net investment income recognized on trading and other securities and the related changes in estimated fair value subsequent to purchase included in earnings for securities still held as of the end of the respective periods.

 

27


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Net Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
         2012             2011      
     (In millions)  

Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:

    

Total OTTI losses recognized

   $ (135   $ (132

Less: Noncredit portion of OTTI losses transferred to and recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

     2        9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings

     (133     (123

Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals (1)

     (7     (40
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities

     (140     (163

Other net investment gains (losses):

    

Equity securities

     (9     36   

Trading and other securities — FVO general account securities — changes in estimated fair value subsequent to purchase

     4          

Mortgage loans (1)

     36        47   

Real estate and real estate joint ventures

     (4     1   

Other limited partnership interests

     (2     3   

Other investment portfolio gains (losses)

     (25     4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal — investment portfolio gains (losses)

     (140     (72
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FVO CSEs — changes in estimated fair value:

    

Commercial mortgage loans

     6        18   

Securities

            (40

Long-term debt — related to securities

     (11     47   

Other gains (losses) (2)

     35        (52
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal FVO CSEs and other gains (losses)

     30        (27
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net investment gains (losses)

   $ (110   $ (99
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Net investment gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 includes a net gain of $95 million as a result of the pending disposition of certain operations of MetLife Bank, which is comprised of gains on securities and mortgage loans sold of $102 million, partially offset by impairments on mortgage loans of $7 million. See Note 2.

 

(2)

Other gains (losses) includes a loss of $80 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, related to the sale of the Company’s investment in Mitsui Sumitomo MetLife Insurance Co., Ltd. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report.

See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs included in the table above.

Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions included within net investment gains (losses) were $58 million and $35 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

28


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities resulting in a net investment gain (loss) and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses) are as shown in the table below. Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
         2012             2011             2012             2011         2012     2011  
         Fixed Maturity Securities         Equity Securities     Total  
     (In millions)  

Proceeds

   $ 19,394      $ 16,532      $ 125      $ 316      $ 19,519      $ 16,848   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross investment gains

   $ 325      $ 193      $ 10      $ 48      $ 335      $ 241   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross investment losses

     (332     (233     (4     (6     (336     (239
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:

            

Credit-related

     (73     (43                   (73     (43

Other (1)

     (60     (80     (15     (6     (75     (86
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings

     (133     (123     (15     (6     (148     (129
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment gains (losses)

   $ (140   $ (163   $ (9   $ 36      $ (149   $ (127
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Other OTTI losses recognized in earnings include impairments on equity securities, impairments on perpetual hybrid securities classified within fixed maturity securities where the primary reason for the impairment was the severity and/or the duration of an unrealized loss position and fixed maturity securities where there is an intent-to-sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the decline in estimated fair value.

Fixed maturity security OTTI losses recognized in earnings related to the following sectors and industries within the U.S. and foreign corporate securities sector:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
         2012              2011      
     (In millions)  

Sector:

     

U.S. and foreign corporate securities — by industry:

     

Utility

   $ 38       $ 1   

Finance

     32         1   

Communications

     17         13   

Consumer

     3         2   

Industrial

     1           
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities

     91         17   

CMBS

     30         3   

RMBS (1)

     9         24   

ABS (1)

     2         3   

State and political subdivision securities

     1           

Foreign government securities

             76   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 133       $ 123   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

29


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

 

 

(1)

See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for discussion of a reclassification from the ABS sector to the RMBS sector for securities backed by sub-prime residential mortgage loans.

Equity security OTTI losses recognized in earnings of $15 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were all in the common stock sector.

Credit Loss Rollforward

Presented below is a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
         2012             2011      
     (In millions)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 471      $ 443   

Additions:

    

Initial impairments — credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired

     16        8   

Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired

     6        16   

Reductions:

    

Sales, maturities, pay downs and prepayments during the period of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI

     (104     (29

Securities impaired to net present value of expected future cash flows

     (8     (44

Increases in cash flows — accretion of previous credit loss OTTI

            (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 381      $ 389   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

30


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income were as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
               2012                           2011             
     (In millions)  

Investment income:

     

Fixed maturity securities

   $ 3,808       $ 3,683   

Equity securities

     32         30   

Trading and other securities — Actively Traded Securities and FVO general account securities (1)

     45         28   

Mortgage loans

     830         759   

Policy loans

     158         160   

Real estate and real estate joint ventures

     178         147   

Other limited partnership interests

     182         243   

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

     36         46   

International joint ventures (2)

     3         (21

Other

     41         (32
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

     5,313         5,043   

Less: Investment expenses

     260         245   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal, net

     5,053         4,798   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Trading and other securities — FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments (1)

     1,015         419   

Securitized reverse residential mortgage loans

     85           

FVO CSEs:

     

Commercial mortgage loans

     45         95   

Securities

     2         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

     1,147         515   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $ 6,200       $ 5,313   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Changes in estimated fair value subsequent to purchase for securities still held as of the end of the respective periods included in net investment income were:

 

Actively Traded Securities and FVO general account securities

   $ 29       $ 21   

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments

   $ 877       $ 316   

 

(2)

Amounts are presented net of changes in estimated fair value of derivatives related to economic hedges of the Company’s investment in these equity method international joint venture investments that do not qualify for hedge accounting of $0 and ($23) million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs included in the table above.

 

31


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Securities Lending

As described more fully in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report, the Company participates in a securities lending program whereby blocks of securities are loaned to third parties. These transactions are treated as financing arrangements and the associated cash collateral received is recorded as a liability. The Company is obligated to return the cash collateral received to its counterparties.

Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Securities on loan: (1)

     

Amortized cost

   $ 22,033       $ 20,613   

Estimated fair value

   $ 24,629       $ 24,072   

Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties (2)

   $ 25,265       $ 24,223   

Security collateral on deposit from counterparties

   $ 120       $ 371   

Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value

   $ 25,208       $ 23,940   

 

 

 

(1)

Included within fixed maturity securities, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents.

 

(2)

Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.

Security collateral on deposit from counterparties in connection with the securities lending transactions may not be sold or repledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral

Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented in the table below at estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, and trading and other securities and at carrying value for mortgage loans.

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Invested assets on deposit (1)

   $ 2,621       $ 1,660   

Invested assets held in trust (2)

     10,936         11,135   

Invested assets pledged as collateral (3)

     26,894         29,899   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral

   $ 40,451       $ 42,694   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

The Company has invested assets on deposit with regulatory agencies consisting primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, fixed maturity securities and equity securities.

 

(2)

The Company held in trust cash and securities, primarily fixed maturity and equity securities, to satisfy requirements under certain collateral financing agreements and certain reinsurance agreements.

 

(3)

The Company has pledged fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans and cash and cash equivalents in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding and advances agreements (see Notes 8 and 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report),

 

32


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

 

collateralized borrowings (see Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report), collateral financing arrangements (see Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report), derivative transactions (see Note 4), and short sale agreements (see “— Trading and Other Securities”).

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Carrying
Value
    % of
Total
    Carrying
Value
    % of
Total
 
     (In millions)           (In millions)        

Mortgage loans held-for-investment:

        

Commercial

   $ 40,329        58.8  %    $ 40,440        56.1  % 

Agricultural

     12,946        18.9        13,129        18.2   

Residential

     788        1.2        689        1.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     54,063        78.9        54,258        75.3   

Valuation allowances

     (446     (0.7     (481     (0.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal mortgage loans held-for-investment, net

     53,617        78.2        53,777        74.6   

Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs

     3,024        4.4        3,138        4.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total mortgage loans held-for-investment, net

     56,641        82.6        56,915        79.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mortgage loans held-for-sale:

        

Residential

     921        1.3        3,064        4.2   

Mortgage loans — lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value

     2,743        4.0        4,462        6.2   

Securitized reverse residential mortgage loans

     8,283        12.1        7,652        10.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total mortgage loans held-for-sale

     11,947        17.4        15,178        21.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total mortgage loans, net

   $ 68,588        100.0  %    $ 72,093        100.0  % 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs included in the table above.

Certain of the Company’s real estate joint ventures have mortgage loans with the Company. The carrying values of such mortgage loans were $284 million and $286 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

33


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The following tables present certain information about mortgage loans held-for-investment and valuation allowances, by portfolio segment, at:

 

     Commercial      Agricultural      Residential      Total  
     (In millions)  

March 31, 2012:

           

Mortgage loans:

           

Evaluated individually for credit losses

   $ 113       $ 157       $ 12       $ 282   

Evaluated collectively for credit losses

     40,216         12,789         776         53,781   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mortgage loans

     40,329         12,946         788         54,063   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Valuation allowances:

           

Specific credit losses

     61         43         1         105   

Non-specifically identified credit losses

     307         32         2         341   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total valuation allowances

     368         75         3         446   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowance

   $ 39,961       $ 12,871       $ 785       $ 53,617   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2011:

           

Mortgage loans:

           

Evaluated individually for credit losses

   $ 96       $ 159       $ 13       $ 268   

Evaluated collectively for credit losses

     40,344         12,970         676         53,990   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mortgage loans

     40,440         13,129         689         54,258   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Valuation allowances:

           

Specific credit losses

     59         45         1         105   

Non-specifically identified credit losses

     339         36         1         376   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total valuation allowances

     398         81         2         481   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowance

   $ 40,042       $ 13,048       $ 687       $ 53,777   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following tables present the changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment:

 

     Mortgage Loan Valuation Allowances  
     Commercial     Agricultural     Residential     Total  
     (In millions)  

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012:

        

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 398      $ 81      $ 2      $ 481   

Provision (release)

     (30     (6     1        (35

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

                            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 368      $ 75      $ 3      $ 446   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011:

        

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 562      $ 88      $ 14      $ 664   

Provision (release)

     (30     (9            (39

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

            (3     (1     (4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 532      $ 76      $ 13      $ 621   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for a discussion of all credit quality indicators presented herein. Recorded investment data presented herein is prior to valuation allowance. Unpaid principal balance data presented herein is generally prior to charge-offs.

 

34


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Commercial Mortgage Loans by Credit Quality Indicators with Estimated Fair Value. Presented below is certain information about the credit quality of the commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment at:

 

     Commercial  
     Recorded Investment     Estimated
Fair Value
     % of
Total
 
     Debt Service Coverage Ratios      Total      % of
Total
      
     > 1.20x      1.00x - 1.20x      < 1.00x             
            (In millions)                   (In millions)         

March 31, 2012:

                   

Loan-to-value ratios:

                   

Less than 65%

   $ 26,167       $ 590       $ 538       $ 27,295         67.7   $ 29,059         69.2

65% to 75%

     7,456         232         280         7,968         19.8        8,354         19.9   

76% to 80%

     1,036         111         226         1,373         3.4        1,197         2.8   

Greater than 80%

     2,516         740         437         3,693         9.1        3,411         8.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 37,175       $ 1,673       $ 1,481       $ 40,329         100.0   $ 42,021         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2011:

                   

Loan-to-value ratios:

                   

Less than 65%

   $ 24,983       $ 448       $ 564       $ 25,995         64.3   $ 27,581         65.5

65% to 75%

     8,275         336         386         8,997         22.3        9,387         22.3   

76% to 80%

     1,150         98         226         1,474         3.6        1,473         3.5   

Greater than 80%

     2,714         880         380         3,974         9.8        3,664         8.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 37,122       $ 1,762       $ 1,556       $ 40,440         100.0   $ 42,105         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Agricultural Mortgage Loans — by Credit Quality Indicator. Presented below is certain information about the credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans held-for-investment. The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans held-for-investment was $13.4 billion and $13.6 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

     Agricultural  
     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Recorded
Investment
     % of
Total
    Recorded
Investment
     % of
Total
 
     (In millions)            (In millions)         

Loan-to-value ratios:

          

Less than 65%

   $ 11,786         91.0    $ 11,802         89.9 

65% to 75%

     778         6.0        874         6.7   

76% to 80%

     13         0.1        76         0.6   

Greater than 80%

     369         2.9        377         2.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 12,946         100.0    $ 13,129         100.0 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

35


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Residential Mortgage Loans — by Credit Quality Indicator. Presented below is certain information about the credit quality of residential mortgage loans held-for-investment. The estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans held-for-investment was $802 million and $737 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

     Residential  
     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Recorded
Investment
     % of
Total
    Recorded
Investment
     % of
Total
 
     (In millions)            (In millions)         

Performance indicators:

          

Performing

   $ 770         97.7  %    $ 671         97.4  % 

Nonperforming

     18         2.3        18         2.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 788         100.0  %    $ 689         100.0  % 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Past Due and Interest Accrual Status of Mortgage Loans. The Company has a high quality, well performing, mortgage loan portfolio, with approximately 99% of all mortgage loans classified as performing at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The Company defines delinquent mortgage loans consistent with industry practice, when interest and principal payments are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days or more and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days or more. Presented below is the recorded investment of past due and interest accrual status of mortgage loans held-for-investment at:

 

    Past Due     Greater than 90 Days Past Due Still
Accruing Interest
    Nonaccrual Status  
     March 31, 2012       December 31, 2011       March 31, 2012       December 31, 2011       March 31, 2012       December 31, 2011   
                (In millions)              

Commercial

  $      $ 63      $      $      $      $ 63   

Agricultural

    151        146        31        29        143        157   

Residential

    10        8                      18        17   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 161      $ 217      $ 31      $ 29      $ 161      $ 237   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

36


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Impaired Mortgage Loans. Presented below is certain information about impaired mortgage loans, included within mortgage loans held-for-investment, including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, by portfolio segment, at:

 

     Impaired Mortgage Loans  
     Loans with a Valuation Allowance      Loans without
a Valuation Allowance
     All Impaired Loans  
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Recorded
Investment
     Valuation
Allowances
     Carrying
Value
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Carrying
Value
 
     (In millions)  

March 31, 2012:

                       

Commercial

   $ 113       $ 113       $ 61       $ 52       $ 100       $ 100       $ 213       $ 152   

Agricultural

     158         157         43         114         84         73         242         187   

Residential

     13         12         1         11         1         1         14         12   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 284       $ 282       $ 105       $ 177       $ 185       $ 174       $ 469       $ 351   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2011:

                       

Commercial

   $ 96       $ 96       $ 59       $ 37       $ 252       $ 237       $ 348       $ 274   

Agricultural

     160         159         45         114         71         69         231         183   

Residential

     13         13         1         12         1         1         14         13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 269       $ 268       $ 105       $ 163       $ 324       $ 307       $ 593       $ 470   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The average recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans held-for-investment, including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, and the related interest income, by portfolio segment, was:

 

     Impaired Mortgage Loans  
     Average
Recorded Investment
     Interest Income Recognized  
            Cash Basis      Accrual Basis  
            (In millions)         

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012:

        

Commercial

   $ 273       $ 3       $   

Agricultural

     229         1           

Residential

     14                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 516       $ 4       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011:

        

Commercial

   $ 242       $ 3       $ 1   

Agricultural

     278         2           

Residential

     19                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 539       $ 5       $ 1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

37


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Mortgage Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring.  See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for a discussion of loan modifications that are classified as troubled debt restructuring and the types of concessions typically granted. The number of mortgage loans and carrying value of mortgage loans modified during the period in a troubled debt restructuring were as follows:

 

     Mortgage Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring  
     March 31, 2012      March 31, 2011  
     Number of
Mortgage
Loans
     Carrying Value after Specific
Valuation Allowance
     Number of
Mortgage
Loans
     Carrying Value after Specific
Valuation Allowance
 
            Pre-
Modification
     Post-
Modification
            Pre-
Modification
     Post-
Modification
 
            (In millions)             (In millions)  

Commercial

           $       $         1       $ 53       $ 55   

Agricultural

                             2         10         11   

Residential

                                               
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           $       $         3       $ 63       $ 66   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, one agricultural mortgage loan with a carrying value after specific valuation allowance of $8 million defaulted, which was modified as a troubled debt restructuring during the previous twelve months. There were no such subsequent payment defaults for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Payment default is determined in the same manner as delinquency status — when interest and principal payments are past due as described above.

Cash Equivalents

The carrying value of cash equivalents, which includes securities and other investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, was $6.6 billion and $5.0 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Purchased Credit Impaired Investments

See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for information about investments acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and for which it was probable at the acquisition date that the Company would be unable to collect all contractually required payments.

 

38


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Variable Interest Entities

The Company holds investments in certain entities that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity. The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities relating to VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Creditors or beneficial interest holders of VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, as the Company’s obligation to the VIEs is limited to the amount of its committed investment.

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Total
Assets
     Total
Liabilities
     Total
Assets
     Total
Liabilities
 
            (In millions)         

CSEs (1)

   $ 3,131       $ 2,944       $ 3,299       $ 3,103   

MRSC collateral financing arrangement (2)

     3,374                 3,333           

Other limited partnership interests

     333         9         360         6   

Trading and other securities

     160                 163           

Other invested assets

     102         1         102         1   

Real estate joint ventures

     11         14         16         18   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,111       $ 2,968       $ 7,273       $ 3,128   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

The Company consolidates former qualified special purpose entities (“QSPEs”) that are structured as CMBS and former QSPEs that are structured as collateralized debt obligations. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in the former QSPEs of $176 million and $172 million at estimated fair value at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The long-term debt presented below bears interest primarily at fixed rates ranging from 2.25% to 5.57%, payable primarily on a monthly basis and is expected to be repaid over the next five years. Interest expense related to these obligations, included in other expenses, was $43 million and $92 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The assets and liabilities of these CSEs, at estimated fair value, were as follows at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Assets:

     

Mortgage loans held-for-investment (commercial mortgage loans)

   $ 3,024       $ 3,138   

Trading and other securities

     89         117   

Accrued investment income

     15         16   

Cash and cash equivalents

     3         21   

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables

             7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 3,131       $ 3,299   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

     

Long-term debt

   $ 2,916       $ 3,068   

Other liabilities

     28         35   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 2,944       $ 3,103   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

39


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

(2)

See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for a description of the MetLife Reinsurance Company of South Carolina (“MRSC”) collateral financing arrangement. These assets consist of the following, at estimated fair value, except for mortgage loans, which are presented at carrying value, at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:

     

ABS

   $ 1,491       $ 1,356   

U.S. corporate securities

     806         833   

RMBS

     509         502   

CMBS

     324         369   

Foreign corporate securities

     126         126   

State and political subdivision securities

     40         39   

Mortgage loans

     49         49   

Cash and cash equivalents

     29         59   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,374       $ 3,333   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs for which the Company holds significant variable interests but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Carrying
Amount
     Maximum
Exposure
to Loss (1)
     Carrying
Amount
     Maximum
Exposure
to Loss (1)
 
            (In millions)         

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:

           

RMBS (2)

   $ 41,279       $ 41,279       $ 42,637       $ 42,637   

CMBS (2)

     18,732         18,732         19,069         19,069   

ABS (2)

     13,143         13,143         12,979         12,979   

U.S. corporate securities

     2,846         2,846         2,911         2,911   

Foreign corporate securities

     2,053         2,053         2,087         2,087   

Other limited partnership interests

     4,391         6,003         4,340         6,084   

Other invested assets

     839         1,203         799         1,194   

Trading and other securities

     708         708         671         671   

Mortgage loans

     356         356         456         456   

Real estate joint ventures

     103         119         61         79   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 84,450       $ 86,442       $ 86,010       $ 88,167   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

The maximum exposure to loss relating to the fixed maturity and trading and other securities is equal to their estimated fair value. The maximum exposure to loss relating to the other limited partnership interests, real estate joint ventures and mortgage loans is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments of the Company. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer, borrower or investee. For certain of its investments in other invested assets, the Company’s return is in the form of income tax credits which are guaranteed by a creditworthy third party. For such investments, the maximum exposure to loss is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments, reduced by income tax credits guaranteed by third parties of $360 million and $267 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

40


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

(2)

For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor.

As described in Note 10, the Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. Excluding these commitments, the Company did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs during the three months ended March 31, 2012 or 2011.

4. Derivative Financial Instruments

Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. The Company uses a variety of derivatives, including swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts, to manage various risks relating to its ongoing business operations. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps and structured interest rate swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash market. The Company also purchases certain securities, issues certain insurance policies and investment contracts and engages in certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives.

Freestanding derivatives are carried in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value as determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives and interest rate forwards to sell certain to be announced securities or through the use of pricing models for OTC derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value of freestanding derivatives, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that management believes are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing the instruments. Derivative valuations can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, default risk, nonperformance risk, volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models.

Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. However, accruals that are not expected to settle within one year are included with the derivative carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities.

The Company does not offset the fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.

If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses) except for those (i) in policyholder benefits and claims for economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits; (ii) in net investment income for (a) economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures, (b) all derivatives held in relation to the trading portfolios, and (c) derivatives held within contractholder-directed unit-linked investments; (iii) in other revenues for derivatives held in connection with the Company’s mortgage banking activities; and (iv) in other expenses for economic hedges of foreign currency exposure related to the Company’s international subsidiaries. The fluctuations in estimated fair value of derivatives which have not been designated for hedge accounting can result in significant volatility in net income.

To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its

 

41


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

designation of the hedge as either (i) a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability (“fair value hedge”); (ii) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”); or (iii) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. In this documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method which will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of ineffectiveness are also subject to interpretation and estimation and different interpretations or estimates may have a material effect on the amount reported in net income.

The accounting for derivatives is complex and interpretations of the primary accounting guidance continue to evolve in practice. Judgment is applied in determining the availability and application of hedge accounting designations and the appropriate accounting treatment under such accounting guidance. If it was determined that hedge accounting designations were not appropriately applied, reported net income could be materially affected.

Under a fair value hedge, changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging derivative, including amounts measured as ineffectiveness, and changes in the estimated fair value of the hedged item related to the designated risk being hedged, are reported within net derivative gains (losses). The estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item.

Under a cash flow hedge, changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging derivative measured as effective are reported within other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity, and the deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. Changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging instrument measured as ineffectiveness are reported within net derivative gains (losses). The estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item.

In a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging derivative that are measured as effective are reported within other comprehensive income (loss) consistent with the translation adjustment for the hedged net investment in the foreign operation. Changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging instrument measured as ineffectiveness are reported within net derivative gains (losses).

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated

 

42


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

fair value of derivatives recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in net derivative gains (losses).

In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses).

The Company issues certain products and purchases certain investments that contain embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. If the instrument would not be accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value and it is determined that the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, and that a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative. Such embedded derivatives are carried in the consolidated balance sheets at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses) except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”). If the Company is unable to properly identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income. Additionally, the Company may elect to carry an entire contract on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation.

See Note 5 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.

 

43


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Primary Risks Managed by Derivative Financial Instruments and Non-Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk and equity market risk. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivative instruments. The following table presents the gross notional amount, estimated fair value and primary underlying risk exposure of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, excluding embedded derivatives, held at:

 

         March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  

Primary Underlying
Risk Exposure

       Notional
Amount
    Estimated Fair
Value  (1)
    Notional
Amount
    Estimated Fair
Value  (1)
 
  

Instrument Type

      Assets         Liabilities           Assets         Liabilities    
         (In millions)  

Interest rate

  

Interest rate swaps

  $ 90,460      $ 6,595      $ 1,994      $ 79,733      $ 8,241      $ 2,199   
  

Interest rate floors

    23,866        1,043        143        23,866        1,246        165   
  

Interest rate caps

    43,665        92               49,665        102          
  

Interest rate futures

    14,781        20        43        14,965        25        19   
  

Interest rate options

    16,051        516        79        16,988        896        6   
  

Interest rate forwards

    3,189        119        5        14,033        286        91   
  

Synthetic GICs

    4,484                      4,454                 

Foreign currency

  

Foreign currency swaps

    16,995        1,032        1,064        16,461        1,172        1,060   
  

Foreign currency forwards

    10,301        64        295        10,149        200        60   
  

Currency futures

    827        1               633                 
  

Currency options

    1,446        22        2        1,321        6          

Credit

  

Credit default swaps

    12,599        173        51        13,136        326        113   
  

Credit forwards

                         20        4          

Equity market

  

Equity futures

    6,498        26        8        7,053        26        10   
  

Equity options

    23,575        2,563        251        17,099        3,263        179   
  

Variance swaps

    19,108        178        181        18,801        397        75   
  

Total rate of return swaps

    2,117        3        91        1,644        10        34   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

  Total

  $ 289,962      $ 12,447      $ 4,207      $ 290,021      $ 16,200      $ 4,011   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position is reported within other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position is reported within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). In an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional principal amount. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by the counterparty at each due date. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps in fair value, cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships.

The Company also enters into basis swaps to better match the cash flows from assets and related liabilities. In a basis swap, both legs of the swap are floating with each based on a different index. Generally, no cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract and no principal payments are made by either party. A single net payment is usually made by one counterparty at each due date. Basis swaps are included in interest rate swaps in the preceding table. The Company utilizes basis swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

 

44


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Inflation swaps are used as an economic hedge to reduce inflation risk generated from inflation-indexed liabilities. Inflation swaps are included in interest rate swaps in the preceding table. The Company utilizes inflation swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Implied volatility swaps are used by the Company primarily as economic hedges of interest rate risk associated with the Company’s investments in mortgage-backed securities. In an implied volatility swap, the Company exchanges fixed payments for floating payments that are linked to certain market volatility measures. If implied volatility rises, the floating payments that the Company receives will increase, and if implied volatility falls, the floating payments that the Company receives will decrease. Implied volatility swaps are included in interest rate swaps in the preceding table. The Company utilizes implied volatility swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

The Company uses structured interest rate swaps to synthetically create investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and a cash instrument such as a U.S. Treasury, agency, or other fixed maturity security. Structured interest rate swaps are included in interest rate swaps in the preceding table. Structured interest rate swaps are not designated as hedging instruments.

The Company purchases interest rate caps and floors primarily to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level, and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches), as well as to protect its minimum rate guarantee liabilities against declines in interest rates below a specified level, respectively. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased caps and floors by entering into offsetting written caps and floors. The Company utilizes interest rate caps and floors in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

In exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of interest rate securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures are used primarily to hedge mismatches between the duration of assets in a portfolio and the duration of liabilities supported by those assets, to hedge against changes in value of securities the Company owns or anticipates acquiring and to hedge against changes in interest rates on anticipated liability issuances by replicating Treasury or swap curve performance. The Company utilizes exchange-traded interest rate futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Swaptions are used by the Company to hedge interest rate risk associated with the Company’s long-term liabilities and invested assets. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased swaptions by entering into offsetting written swaptions. The Company pays a premium for purchased swaptions and receives a premium for written swaptions. Swaptions are included in interest rate options in the preceding table. The Company utilizes swaptions in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

The Company writes covered call options on its portfolio of U.S. Treasury securities as an income generation strategy. In a covered call transaction, the Company receives a premium at the inception of the contract in exchange for giving the derivative counterparty the right to purchase the referenced security from the Company at a predetermined price. The call option is “covered” because the Company owns the referenced security over the term of the option. Covered call options are included in interest rate options in the preceding table. The Company utilizes covered call options in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

 

45


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The Company enters into interest rate forwards to buy and sell securities. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made at a specified future date. The Company also uses interest rate forwards to sell to be announced securities as economic hedges against the risk of changes in the fair value of mortgage loans held-for-sale and interest rate lock commitments. The Company utilizes interest rate forwards in cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Interest rate lock commitments are short-term commitments to fund mortgage loan applications in process (the pipeline) for a fixed term for a fixed rate or spread. During the term of an interest rate lock commitment, the Company is exposed to the risk that interest rates will change from the rate quoted to the potential borrower. Interest rate lock commitments to fund mortgage loans that will be held-for-sale are considered derivative instruments. Interest rate lock commitments are included in interest rate forwards in the preceding table. Interest rate lock commitments are not designated as hedging instruments.

A synthetic GIC is a contract that simulates the performance of a traditional guaranteed interest contract through the use of financial instruments. Under a synthetic GIC, the policyholder owns the underlying assets. The Company guarantees a rate return on those assets for a premium. Synthetic GICs are not designated as hedging instruments.

Foreign currency derivatives, including foreign currency swaps, foreign currency forwards, currency options, and currency futures contracts, are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. The Company also uses foreign currency forwards and options to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with certain of its net investments in foreign operations.

In a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a fixed exchange rate, generally set at inception, calculated by reference to an agreed upon principal amount. The principal amount of each currency is exchanged at the inception and termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company utilizes foreign currency swaps in fair value, cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships.

In a foreign currency forward transaction, the Company agrees with another party to deliver a specified amount of an identified currency at a specified future date. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made in a different currency at the specified future date. The Company utilizes foreign currency forwards in fair value, net investment in foreign operations and non-qualifying hedging relationships.

In exchange-traded currency futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by referenced currencies, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded currency futures are used primarily to hedge currency mismatches between assets and liabilities. The Company utilizes exchange-traded currency futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

The Company enters into currency option contracts that give it the right, but not the obligation, to sell the foreign currency amount in exchange for a functional currency amount within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts may also be net settled in cash, based on differentials in the foreign exchange rate and the strike price. The Company uses currency options to hedge against the foreign currency exposure inherent in certain of its variable annuity products. The Company also uses currency options as an economic hedge of foreign currency exposure related to the Company’s international subsidiaries. The Company utilizes currency options in net investment in foreign operations and non-qualifying hedging relationships.

 

46


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The Company uses certain of its foreign currency denominated funding agreements to hedge portions of its net investments in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. Such contracts are included in non-derivative hedging instruments.

Swap spreadlocks are used by the Company to hedge invested assets on an economic basis against the risk of changes in credit spreads. Swap spreadlocks are forward transactions between two parties whose underlying reference index is a forward starting interest rate swap where the Company agrees to pay a coupon based on a predetermined reference swap spread in exchange for receiving a coupon based on a floating rate. The Company has the option to cash settle with the counterparty in lieu of maintaining the swap after the effective date. The Company utilizes swap spreadlocks in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Certain credit default swaps are used by the Company to hedge against credit-related changes in the value of its investments. In a credit default swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party, at specified intervals, to pay a premium to hedge credit risk. If a credit event, as defined by the contract, occurs, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the delivery of par quantities of the referenced investment equal to the specified swap notional in exchange for the payment of cash amounts by the counterparty equal to the par value of the investment surrendered. The Company utilizes credit default swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Credit default swaps are also used to synthetically create investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and one or more cash instruments such as U.S. Treasury securities, agency securities or other fixed maturity securities. The Company also enters into certain credit default swaps held in relation to trading portfolios for the purpose of generating profits on short-term differences in price. These credit default swaps are not designated as hedging instruments.

The Company enters into forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of certain securities. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for the contract is made at a specified future date. When the primary purpose of entering into these transactions is to hedge against the risk of changes in purchase price due to changes in credit spreads, the Company designates these as credit forwards. The Company utilizes credit forwards in cash flow hedging relationships.

In exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of equity securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to hedge liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded equity futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices, the Company enters into contracts to sell the equity index within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts will be net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. Certain of these contracts may also contain settlement provisions linked to interest rates. In certain instances, the Company may enter into a combination of transactions to hedge adverse changes in equity indices within a pre-determined range through the purchase and sale of options. Equity index options are included in equity options in the preceding table. The Company utilizes equity index options in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

 

47


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Equity variance swaps are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. In an equity variance swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange amounts in the future, based on changes in equity volatility over a defined period. Equity variance swaps are included in variance swaps in the preceding table. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Total rate of return swaps (“TRRs”) are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), calculated by reference to an agreed notional principal amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by the counterparty at each due date. The Company uses TRRs to hedge its equity market guarantees in certain of its insurance products. TRRs can be used as hedges or to synthetically create investments. The Company utilizes TRRs in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Hedging

The following table presents the gross notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments by type of hedge designation at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Notional
Amount
     Estimated Fair Value      Notional
Amount
     Estimated Fair Value  

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

      Assets      Liabilities         Assets      Liabilities  
     (In millions)  

Fair value hedges:

                 

Foreign currency swaps

   $ 3,249       $ 540       $ 80       $ 3,220       $ 500       $ 98   

Foreign currency forwards

     1,380                 69         1,830         2         10   

Interest rate swaps

     4,835         1,615         85         4,580         1,884         92   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

     9,464         2,155         234         9,630         2,386         200   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

                 

Foreign currency swaps

     6,529         244         306         6,370         352         306   

Interest rate swaps

     3,775         614                 3,230         947           

Interest rate forwards

     1,160         111                 965         210           

Credit forwards

                             20         4           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

     11,464         969         306         10,585         1,513         306   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foreign operations hedges:

                 

Foreign currency forwards

     2,405         34         26         1,689         53         12   

Currency options

     750         6         2                           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

     3,155         40         28         1,689         53         12   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total qualifying hedges

   $ 24,083       $ 3,164       $ 568       $ 21,904       $ 3,952       $ 518   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

48


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The following table presents the gross notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives that were not designated or do not qualify as hedging instruments by derivative type at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  

Derivatives Not Designated or Not

Qualifying as Hedging Instruments

   Notional
Amount
     Estimated Fair Value      Notional
Amount
     Estimated Fair Value  
      Assets      Liabilities         Assets      Liabilities  
                   (In millions)                

Interest rate swaps

   $ 81,850       $ 4,366       $ 1,909       $ 71,923       $ 5,410       $ 2,107   

Interest rate floors

     23,866         1,043         143         23,866         1,246         165   

Interest rate caps

     43,665         92                 49,665         102           

Interest rate futures

     14,781         20         43         14,965         25         19   

Interest rate options

     16,051         516         79         16,988         896         6   

Interest rate forwards

     2,029         8         5         13,068         76         91   

Synthetic GICs

     4,484                         4,454                   

Foreign currency swaps

     7,217         248         678         6,871         320         656   

Foreign currency forwards

     6,516         30         200         6,630         145         38   

Currency futures

     827         1                 633                   

Currency options

     696         16                 1,321         6           

Credit default swaps

     12,599         173         51         13,136         326         113   

Equity futures

     6,498         26         8         7,053         26         10   

Equity options

     23,575         2,563         251         17,099         3,263         179   

Variance swaps

     19,108         178         181         18,801         397         75   

Total rate of return swaps

     2,117         3         91         1,644         10         34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-designated or non-qualifying derivatives

   $ 265,879       $ 9,283       $ 3,639       $ 268,117       $ 12,248       $ 3,493   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Derivative Gains (Losses)

The components of net derivative gains (losses) were as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
         2012             2011      
     (In millions)  

Derivatives and hedging gains (losses) (1)

   $ (3,802   $ (1,258

Embedded derivatives

     1,824        943   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net derivative gains (losses)

   $ (1,978   $ (315
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships, which are not presented elsewhere in this note.

 

49


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The following table presents earned income on derivatives for the:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
         2012             2011      
     (In millions)  

Qualifying hedges:

    

Net investment income

   $ 24      $ 22   

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

     45        61   

Other expenses

     (1     (1

Non-qualifying hedges:

    

Net investment income

     (1     (1

Other revenues

     18        15   

Net derivative gains (losses)

     (11     (27

Policyholder benefits and claims

     (62     2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 12      $ 71   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair Value Hedges

The Company designates and accounts for the following as fair value hedges when they have met the requirements of fair value hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate investments to floating rate investments; (ii) interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate liabilities to floating rate liabilities; (iii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated investments and liabilities; and (iv) foreign currency forwards to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated fixed rate investments.

 

50


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The Company recognizes gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges within net derivative gains (losses). The following table represents the amount of such net derivative gains (losses):

 

Derivatives in Fair Value

Hedging Relationships

  

Hedged Items in Fair Value

Hedging Relationships

  Net Derivative
Gains (Losses)
Recognized
for Derivatives
    Net Derivative
Gains (Losses)
Recognized for
Hedged Items
    Ineffectiveness
Recognized in
Net Derivative
Gains (Losses)
 
         (In millions)  

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012:

     

Interest rate swaps:

  

Fixed maturity securities

  $ 6      $ (6   $   
   Policyholder account balances (“PABs”) (1)     (300     301        1   

Foreign currency swaps:

   Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities     2        (2       
  

Foreign-denominated PABs (2)

    57        (63     (6

Foreign currency forwards:

   Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities     (58     56        (2
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (293   $ 286      $ (7
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011:

     

Interest rate swaps:

  

Fixed maturity securities

  $ 11      $ (10   $ 1   
  

PABs (1)

    (114     116        2   

Foreign currency swaps:

   Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities     (1     1          
  

Foreign-denominated PABs (2)

    77        (87     (10

Foreign currency forwards:

   Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities                     
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (27   $ 20      $ (7
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Fixed rate liabilities.

 

(2)

Fixed rate or floating rate liabilities.

For the Company’s foreign currency forwards, the change in the fair value of the derivative related to the changes in the difference between the spot price and the forward price is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. For all other derivatives, all components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, an insignificant amount of the change in fair value of derivatives was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, no component of the change in fair value of derivatives was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges when they have met the requirements of cash flow hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate investments to fixed rate investments; (ii) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate liabilities to fixed rate liabilities; (iii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency cash flow exposure of foreign currency denominated investments and liabilities; (iv) interest rate forwards and credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of investments; (v) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge the forecasted purchases of fixed-rate investments; and (vi) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge forecasted fixed-rate borrowings.

 

51


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions did not occur on the anticipated date, within two months of that date, or were no longer probable of occurring. The net amounts reclassified into net derivative gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 related to such discontinued cash flow hedges were $3 million and ($13) million, respectively.

At both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed nine years.

The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax, related to cash flow hedges:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
         2012             2011      
     (In millions)  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at beginning of period

   $ 1,514      $ (59

Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges

     (485     (185

Amounts reclassified to net derivative gains (losses)

     (12     4   

Amounts reclassified to net investment income

            1   

Amounts reclassified to other expenses

     2        2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at end of period

   $ 1,019      $ (237
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At March 31, 2012, $10 million of deferred net gains (losses) on derivatives in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) was expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months.

 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and the interim condensed consolidated statements of equity:

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow

Hedging Relationships

  Amount of Gains
(Losses) Deferred in
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive  Income
(Loss) on Derivatives
    Amount and Location
of Gains (Losses)
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss) into Income (Loss)
    Amount and Location of
Gains (Losses)

Recognized in Income (Loss)
on Derivatives
 
    (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)     (Ineffective Portion and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 
          Net Derivative
Gains (Losses)
    Net Investment
Income
    Other
Expenses
    Net Derivative
Gains (Losses)
 
                (In millions)              

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012:

  

     

Interest rate swaps

  $ (293   $ 1      $ 1      $ (2   $ 4   

Foreign currency swaps

    (104     11        (1            (1

Interest rate forwards

    (88                          1   

Credit forwards

                                  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (485   $ 12      $      $ (2   $ 4   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011:

  

     

Interest rate swaps

  $ (63   $      $      $ (2   $   

Foreign currency swaps

    (104     (4     (2            (1

Interest rate forwards

    (15            1               2   

Credit forwards

    (3                            
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (185   $ (4   $ (1   $ (2   $ 1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations

The Company uses foreign exchange contracts, which may include forwards and options, to hedge portions of its net investments in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The Company measures ineffectiveness on these contracts based upon the change in forward rates. In addition, the Company may also use non-derivative financial instruments to hedge portions of its net investments in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The Company measures ineffectiveness on non-derivative financial instruments based upon the change in spot rates.

When net investments in foreign operations are sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations, while a pro rata portion will be reclassified upon partial sale of the net investments in foreign operations.

 

53


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The following table presents the effects of derivatives and non-derivative financial instruments in net investment hedging relationships in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and the interim condensed consolidated statements of equity:

 

Derivatives and Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments in Net

Investment Hedging Relationships (1), (2)

   Amount of Gains (Losses)
Deferred in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Effective Portion)
 
     (In millions)  

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012:

  

Foreign currency forwards

   $ (52

Foreign currency options

     1   

Non-derivative hedging instruments

       
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (51
  

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011:

  

Foreign currency forwards

   $ (56

Foreign currency options

       

Non-derivative hedging instruments

     6   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (50
  

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

There were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings during the periods presented.

 

(2)

There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company’s hedges of net investments in foreign operations. All components of each derivative and non-derivative hedging instrument’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to hedges of net investments in foreign operations was ($135) million and ($84) million, respectively.

Non-Qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging

The Company enters into the following derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting or for purposes other than hedging: (i) interest rate swaps, implied volatility swaps, caps and floors and interest rate futures to economically hedge its exposure to interest rates; (ii) foreign currency forwards, swaps, option contracts and future contracts to economically hedge its exposure to adverse movements in exchange rates; (iii) credit default swaps to economically hedge exposure to adverse movements in credit; (iv) equity futures, equity index options, interest rate futures, TRRs and equity variance swaps to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products; (v) swap spreadlocks to economically hedge invested assets against the risk of changes in credit spreads; (vi) interest rate forwards to buy and sell securities to economically hedge its exposure to interest rates; (vii) credit default swaps, TRRs and structured interest rate swaps to synthetically create investments; (viii) basis swaps to better match the cash flows of assets and related liabilities; (ix) credit default swaps held in relation to trading portfolios; (x) swaptions to hedge interest rate risk; (xi) inflation swaps to reduce risk generated from inflation-indexed liabilities; (xii) covered call options for income generation; (xiii) interest rate lock commitments; (xiv) synthetic GICs; and (xv) equity options to economically hedge certain invested assets against adverse changes in equity indices.

 

54


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments:

 

     Net
Derivative
Gains (Losses)
    Net
Investment
Income (1)
    Policyholder
Benefits and
Claims (2)
    Other
Revenues (3)
 
           (In millions)        

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012:

        

Interest rate swaps

   $ (799   $      $      $ (48

Interest rate floors

     (180                     

Interest rate caps

     (11                     

Interest rate futures

     (121                     

Equity futures

     (646     9        (248       

Foreign currency swaps

     (83                     

Foreign currency forwards

     (240                     

Currency futures

     (29                     

Currency options

     10                        

Equity options

     (942     (2     (31       

Interest rate options

     (358                     

Interest rate forwards

     10                      (66

Variance swaps

     (336            16          

Credit default swaps

     (84     (9              

Total rate of return swaps

     (14                     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (3,823   $ (2   $ (263   $ (114
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011:

        

Interest rate swaps

   $ (270   $ (1   $      $ (48

Interest rate floors

     (125                     

Interest rate caps

     (9                     

Interest rate futures

     (2     1                 

Equity futures

     54        (7     (102       

Foreign currency swaps

     (121                     

Foreign currency forwards

     (169     (9              

Currency futures

     9                        

Currency options

     (32                     

Equity options

     (419     (7              

Interest rate options

     (27                   (9

Interest rate forwards

                          (8

Variance swaps

     (77     (3              

Credit default swaps

     (45                     

Total rate of return swaps

     (2                     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (1,235   $ (26   $ (102   $ (65
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures; changes in estimated fair value related to derivatives held in relation to trading portfolios; and changes in estimated fair value related to derivatives held within contractholder-directed unit-linked investments.

 

(2)

Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits.

 

(3)

Changes in estimated fair value related to derivatives held in connection with the Company’s mortgage banking activities.

 

55


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Credit Derivatives

In connection with synthetically created investment transactions and credit default swaps held in relation to the trading portfolio, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. Such credit derivatives are included within the non-qualifying derivatives and derivatives for purposes other than hedging table. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation. The Company’s maximum amount at risk, assuming the value of all referenced credit obligations is zero, was $7.8 billion and $7.7 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The Company can terminate these contracts at any time through cash settlement with the counterparty at an amount equal to the then current fair value of the credit default swaps. At March 31, 2012, the Company would have received $57 million to terminate all of these contracts, and at December 31, 2011, the Company would have paid $41 million to terminate all of these contracts.

The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at:

 

    March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  

Rating Agency Designation of Referenced

Credit Obligations (1)

  Estimated
Fair Value
of Credit
Default
Swaps
    Maximum
Amount
of Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps (2)
    Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity (3)
    Estimated
Fair Value
of Credit
Default
Swaps
    Maximum
Amount
of Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps (2)
    Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity (3)
 
    (In millions)           (In millions)        

Aaa/Aa/A

           

Single name credit default swaps (corporate)

  $ 9      $ 682        3.2      $ 5      $ 737        3.5   

Credit default swaps referencing indices

    37        2,813        2.8        (1     2,813        3.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

    46        3,495        2.8        4        3,550        3.1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Baa

           

Single name credit default swaps (corporate)

    1        1,219        3.9        (17     1,234        4.0   

Credit default swaps referencing indices

    13        2,931        5.1        (26     2,847        4.9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

    14        4,150        4.7        (43     4,081        4.6   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Ba

           

Single name credit default swaps (corporate)

           40        3.6               25        3.5   

Credit default swaps referencing indices

                                         
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

           40        3.6               25        3.5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

B

           

Single name credit default swaps (corporate)

                                    

Credit default swaps referencing indices

    (3     150        5.2        (2     25        4.8   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

    (3     150        5.2        (2     25        4.8   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

  $ 57      $ 7,835        3.9      $ (41   $ 7,681        3.9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

(1)

The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.

 

(2)

Assumes the value of the referenced credit obligations is zero.

 

(3)

The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average notional amounts.

 

56


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The Company has also entered into credit default swaps to purchase credit protection on certain of the referenced credit obligations in the table above. As a result, the maximum amounts of potential future recoveries available to offset the $7.8 billion and $7.7 billion from the table above were $125 million and $115 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Credit Risk on Freestanding Derivatives

The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivative contracts is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivative contracts at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements and any collateral received pursuant to credit support annexes.

The Company manages its credit risk related to OTC derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination. Because exchange-traded futures and options are effected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivative instruments. See Note 5 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivative instruments.

The Company enters into various collateral arrangements which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its OTC derivative instruments. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company was obligated to return cash collateral under its control of $7.2 billion and $9.5 billion, respectively. This cash collateral is included in cash and cash equivalents or in short-term investments and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions in the consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had received collateral consisting of various securities with a fair market value of $1.6 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, which were held in separate custodial accounts. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral, but at March 31, 2012, none of the collateral had been sold or repledged.

The Company’s collateral arrangements for its OTC derivatives generally require the counterparty in a net liability position, after considering the effect of netting agreements, to pledge collateral when the fair value of that counterparty’s derivatives reaches a pre-determined threshold. Certain of these arrangements also include credit-contingent provisions that provide for a reduction of these thresholds (on a sliding scale that converges toward zero) in the event of downgrades in the credit ratings of the Company and/or the counterparty. In addition, certain of the Company’s netting agreements for derivative instruments contain provisions that require the Company to maintain a specific investment grade credit rating from at least one of the major credit rating agencies. If the Company’s credit ratings were to fall below that specific investment grade credit rating, it would be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments that are in a net liability position after considering the effect of netting agreements.

The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s OTC derivatives that are in a net liability position after considering the effect of netting agreements, together with the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the collateral pledged. The table also presents the incremental collateral that the Company would be required to provide if there was a one notch downgrade in the Company’s credit rating at the reporting date or if the Company’s credit rating sustained a downgrade to a level that triggered full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position at the reporting date. Derivatives that are not subject to collateral agreements are not included in the scope of this table.

 

57


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

 

          Estimated Fair Value of
Collateral Provided:
    Fair Value of Incremental
Collateral Provided Upon:
 
    Estimated
Fair Value of
Derivatives in Net
Liability Position  (1)
    Fixed Maturity
Securities (2)
    Cash (3)     One Notch
Downgrade
in the
Company’s
Credit
Rating
    Downgrade in the
Company’s Credit Rating
to a Level that Triggers
Full Overnight
Collateralization or
Termination of
the Derivative Position
 
    (In millions)  

March 31, 2012:

         

Derivatives subject to credit-contingent provisions

  $ 568      $ 481      $ 3      $ 59      $ 125   

Derivatives not subject to credit-contingent provisions

    91               61                 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 659      $ 481      $ 64      $ 59      $ 125   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2011:

         

Derivatives subject to credit-contingent provisions

  $ 447      $ 405      $ 4      $ 48      $ 104   

Derivatives not subject to credit-contingent provisions

    28        11        4                 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 475      $ 416     $ 8        48      $ 104  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.

 

(2)

Included in fixed maturity securities in the consolidated balance sheets. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral.

 

(3)

Included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets.

Without considering the effect of netting agreements, the estimated fair value of the Company’s OTC derivatives with credit-contingent provisions that were in a gross liability position at March 31, 2012 was $934 million. At March 31, 2012, the Company provided collateral of $484 million in connection with these derivatives. In the unlikely event that both: (i) the Company’s credit rating was downgraded to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of all derivative positions; and (ii) the Company’s netting agreements were deemed to be legally unenforceable, then the additional collateral that the Company would be required to provide to its counterparties in connection with its derivatives in a gross liability position at March 31, 2012 would be $450 million. This amount does not consider gross derivative assets of $366 million for which the Company has the contractual right of offset.

The Company also has exchange-traded futures and options, which require the pledging of collateral. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company pledged securities collateral for exchange-traded futures and options of $40 million and $42 million, respectively, which is included in fixed maturity securities. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company provided cash collateral for exchange-traded futures and options of $484 million and $680 million, respectively, which is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables.

Embedded Derivatives

The Company issues certain products or purchases certain investments that contain embedded derivatives that are required to be separated from their host contracts and accounted for as freestanding derivatives. These host

 

58


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

contracts principally include: variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits, including guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”) and certain GMIBs; ceded reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMABs and certain GMIBs; assumed reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs and GMABs; funding agreements with equity or bond indexed crediting rates; funds withheld on assumed and ceded reinsurance; and options embedded in debt or equity securities.

The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s embedded derivatives at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts:

    

Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits

   $ 296      $ 327   

Funds withheld on assumed reinsurance

     33        35   

Options embedded in debt or equity securities

     (74     (70

Other

     1        1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts

   $ 256      $ 293   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts:

    

Direct guaranteed minimum benefits

   $ 559      $ 2,104   

Funds withheld on ceded reinsurance

     119        122   

Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits

     2,064        2,340   

Other

     16        18   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts

   $ 2,758      $ 4,584   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In millions)  

Net derivative gains (losses) (1)

   $         1,824     $         943  

Policyholder benefits and claims

   $ (47   $ (18

 

 

(1)

The valuation of guaranteed minimum benefits includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses), in connection with this adjustment, were ($1.2) billion and ($74) million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

5. Fair Value

Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

 

59


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, were determined as described below. These estimated fair values and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy are summarized as follows:

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using         
     Quoted Prices  in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets

and Liabilities
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
     Total
Estimated
Fair

Value
 
            (In millions)         

Assets:

           

Fixed maturity securities:

           

U.S. corporate securities

   $       $ 97,968       $ 7,305       $ 105,273   

Foreign corporate securities

             60,708         4,646         65,354   

Foreign government securities

             53,125         2,213         55,338   

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

     20,804         20,588         24         41,416   

RMBS

             39,033         2,246         41,279   

CMBS

             17,970         762         18,732   

State and political subdivision securities

             13,834         82         13,916   

ABS

             10,945         2,198         13,143   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

     20,804         314,171         19,476         354,451   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities:

           

Common stock

     902         1,072         268         2,242   

Non-redeemable preferred stock

             355         446         801   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

     902         1,427         714         3,043   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Trading and other securities:

           

Actively Traded Securities

             531         13         544   

FVO general account securities

             244         30         274   

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments

     8,536         8,346         1,237         18,119   

FVO securities held by CSEs

             89                 89   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total trading and other securities

     8,536         9,210         1,280         19,026   

Short-term investments (1)

     5,602         5,243         462         11,307   

Mortgage loans:

           

Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs

             3,024                 3,024   

Mortgage loans held-for-sale (2)

             7,496         1,708         9,204   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mortgage loans

             10,520         1,708         12,228   

Other invested assets:

           

MSRs

                     727         727   

Other investments

     322         120                 442   

Derivative assets: (3)

           

Interest rate contracts

     23         8,197         165         8,385   

Foreign currency contracts

     1         1,059         59         1,119   

Credit contracts

             132         41         173   

Equity market contracts

     31         2,165         574         2,770   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets

     55         11,553         839         12,447   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other invested assets

     377         11,673         1,566         13,616   

Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4)

             1         329         330   

Separate account assets (5)

     31,103         189,490         1,382         221,975   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 67,324       $ 541,735       $ 26,917       $ 635,976   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Derivative liabilities: (3)

           

Interest rate contracts

   $ 46       $ 2,195       $ 23       $ 2,264   

Foreign currency contracts

             1,356         5         1,361   

Credit contracts

             48         3         51   

Equity market contracts

     11         339         181         531   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

     57         3,938         212         4,207   

Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4)

             16         2,742         2,758   

Long-term debt of CSEs

             2,834         82         2,916   

Liability related to securitized reverse residential mortgage loans (6)

             6,747         1,505         8,252   

Trading liabilities (6)

     167         2                 169   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 224       $ 13,537       $ 4,541       $ 18,302   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

60


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

     December 31, 2011  
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using         
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
and Liabilities
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
     Total
Estimated
Fair

Value
 
            (In millions)         

Assets:

           

Fixed maturity securities:

           

U.S. corporate securities

   $       $ 99,001       $ 6,784       $ 105,785   

Foreign corporate securities

             59,648         4,370         64,018   

Foreign government securities

     76         50,138         2,322         52,536   

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

     19,911         20,070         31         40,012   

RMBS

             41,035         1,602         42,637   

CMBS

             18,316         753         19,069   

State and political subdivision securities

             13,182         53         13,235   

ABS

             11,129         1,850         12,979   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

     19,987         312,519         17,765         350,271   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities:

           

Common stock

     819         1,105         281         2,205   

Non-redeemable preferred stock

             380         438         818   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

     819         1,485         719         3,023   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Trading and other securities:

           

Actively Traded Securities

             473                 473   

FVO general account securities

             244         23         267   

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments

     7,572         8,453         1,386         17,411   

FVO securities held by CSEs

             117                 117   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total trading and other securities

     7,572         9,287         1,409         18,268   

Short-term investments (1)

     8,150         8,120         590         16,860   

Mortgage loans:

           

Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs

             3,138                 3,138   

Mortgage loans held-for-sale (2)

             9,302         1,414         10,716   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mortgage loans

             12,440         1,414         13,854   

Other invested assets:

           

MSRs

                     666         666   

Other investments

     312         124                 436   

Derivative assets: (3)

           

Interest rate contracts

     32         10,426         338         10,796   

Foreign currency contracts

     1         1,316         61         1,378   

Credit contracts

             301         29         330   

Equity market contracts

     29         2,703         964         3,696   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets

     62         14,746         1,392         16,200   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other invested assets

     374         14,870         2,058         17,302   

Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4)

             1         362         363   

Separate account assets (5)

     28,191         173,507         1,325         203,023   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 65,093       $ 532,229       $ 25,642       $ 622,964   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Derivative liabilities: (3)

           

Interest rate contracts

   $ 91         2,351         38       $ 2,480   

Foreign currency contracts

             1,103         17         1,120   

Credit contracts

             85         28         113   

Equity market contracts

     12         211         75         298   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

     103         3,750         158         4,011   

Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4)

             19         4,565         4,584   

Long-term debt of CSEs

             2,952         116         3,068   

Liability related to securitized reverse residential mortgage loans (6)

             6,451         1,175         7,626   

Trading liabilities (6)

     124         3                 127   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 227       $ 13,175       $ 6,014       $ 19,416   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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(1)

Short-term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets because certain short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis.

 

(2)

Mortgage loans held-for-sale are comprised of securitized reverse residential mortgage loans and other mortgage loans held-for-sale. The amounts in the preceding tables differ from the amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets as these tables do not include mortgage loans that are stated at lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value.

 

(3)

Derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation in the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables.

 

(4)

Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented primarily within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets. Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented primarily within PABs in the consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2012, fixed maturity securities and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of $0 and ($74) million, respectively. At December 31, 2011, fixed maturity securities and equity securities included embedded derivatives of $2 million and ($72) million, respectively.

 

(5)

Separate account assets are measured at estimated fair value. Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets.

 

(6)

The liability related to securitized reverse residential mortgage loans and trading liabilities are presented within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Valuation Process

On behalf of the Company’s chief investment officer and chief financial officer, a pricing and valuation committee, that is independent of the trading and investing functions and comprised of senior management, provides oversight of control systems and valuation policies for securities, derivatives, and mortgage loans. This committee reviews and approves new transaction types and markets, ensures that observable market prices and market-based parameters are used for valuation, wherever possible, and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time, provides oversight of the selection of independent third party pricing providers and the controls and procedures to evaluate pricing from such pricing providers. Periodically the chief accounting officer reports to the audit committee on compliance with fair value accounting standards.

The Company reviews its valuation methodologies on an ongoing basis and revises those methodologies when necessary based on changing market conditions. Assurance is gained on the overall reasonableness and consistent application of input assumptions, valuation methodologies and compliance with accounting standards for fair value determination through controls designed to ensure that the financial assets and financial liabilities are appropriately valued and represent an exit price. Several controls are utilized, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns,

 

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comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, comparing fair value estimates to management’s knowledge of the current market, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple pricing sources and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters for valuation. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. The Company ensures that prices received from independent brokers, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by reviewing such pricing with the Company’s knowledge of the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments. While independent non-binding broker quotations are utilized, they are not used for a significant portion of the portfolio. For example, fixed maturity securities priced using independent non-binding broker quotations represent less than 0.5% of the total estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and represent only 7% of the total estimated fair value of Level 3 fixed maturity securities.

The Company also applies a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotes are obtained, or an internally developed valuation is prepared for use in financial reporting. Internally developed valuations of current estimated fair value, which reflect internal estimates of liquidity and non-performance risks, compared with pricing received from the independent pricing services, did not produce material differences in the estimated fair values for the majority of the portfolio, accordingly, overrides have not been material. This is, in part, because internal estimates of liquidity and non-performance risks are generally based on available market evidence and estimates used by other market participants. In the absence of such market-based evidence, management’s best estimate is used. As a result, the prices provided by the independent pricing services are typically used.

Guaranteed minimum benefits accounted for as embedded derivatives are calculated within the Company’s actuarial department. The calculation is based on in-force business, and is performed using standard actuarial valuation software which projects future cash flows from the embedded derivative over multiple risk neutral stochastic scenarios. The embedded derivative asset or liability is calculated as the average present value of future cash flows less the present value of future premiums associated with the embedded derivative, over multiple scenarios. The premium associated with the embedded derivative is assumed to be the fees in the contract, multiplied by a ratio which is locked in upon issuance of the insurance contract, such that the value of the embedded derivative at issuance is zero.

Capital market assumptions, such as risk free rates and implied volatilities, are based on market prices for publicly traded instruments to the extent that prices for such instruments are observable. Implied volatilities beyond the observable period are extrapolated based on observable implied volatilities and historical volatilities. Actuarial assumptions, including mortality, lapse, withdrawal and utilization, are unobservable and are reviewed at least annually based on actuarial studies of historical experience.

Valuation Methods and Assumptions

The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the most significant financial instruments are summarized as follows:

Securities, Short-term Investments, Other Investments, Long-term Debt of CSEs and Trading Liabilities

When available, the estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities, trading and other securities and short-term investments are based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. Generally, these are the most liquid of the Company’s securities holdings and valuation of these securities does not involve management’s judgment.

 

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When quoted prices in active markets are not available, the determination of estimated fair value is based on market standard valuation methodologies, giving priority to observable inputs. The market standard valuation methodologies utilized include: discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodologies, matrix pricing or other similar techniques. The inputs in applying these market standard valuation methodologies include, but are not limited to: interest rates, credit standing of the issuer or counterparty, industry sector of the issuer, coupon rate, call provisions, sinking fund requirements, maturity and management’s assumptions regarding estimated duration, liquidity and estimated future cash flows. Accordingly, the estimated fair values are based on available market information and management’s judgments about financial instruments.

The significant inputs to the market standard valuation methodologies for certain types of securities with reasonable levels of price transparency are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Such observable inputs include benchmarking prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market.

When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation methodologies for determining the estimated fair value of certain types of securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little or no price transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management’s judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though these inputs are unobservable, management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities and are considered appropriate given the circumstances.

The estimated fair value of FVO securities held by CSEs, other investments, long-term debt of CSEs and trading liabilities is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described herein for securities. The Company consolidates certain securitization entities that hold securities that have been accounted for under the FVO and classified within trading and other securities.

The use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s securities holdings.

Mortgage Loans, Mortgage Servicing Rights (“MSRs”) and Liability Related to Securitized Reverse Residential Mortgage Loans

The Company has elected the FVO for commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs, residential mortgage loans held-for-sale, securitized reverse residential mortgage loans, MSRs and the liability related to securitized reverse residential mortgage loans. Although MSRs are not financial instruments, the Company has included them in the preceding table as a result of its election to carry them at estimated fair value. See “— Valuation Techniques and Inputs” below for a discussion of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.

Derivatives

The estimated fair value of derivatives is determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives and interest rate forwards to sell certain to be announced securities, or through the use of pricing models for OTC derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that management believes are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Derivative valuations can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, default risk, nonperformance risk, volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models.

 

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The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Significant inputs that are observable generally include: interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rate curves, credit curves and volatility. However, certain OTC derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Significant inputs that are unobservable generally include references to emerging market currencies and inputs that are outside the observable portion of the interest rate curve, credit curve, volatility or other relevant market measure. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.

The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its derivative positions using the standard swap curve which includes a spread to the risk free rate. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with the standard swap curve. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties consistently execute trades at such pricing levels, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.

Most inputs for OTC derivatives are mid market inputs but, in certain cases, bid level inputs are used when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income.

Embedded Derivatives Within Asset and Liability Host Contracts

Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity guarantees and equity or bond indexed crediting rates within certain funding agreements. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income.

The Company issues and assumes certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs are embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within PABs in the consolidated balance sheets.

The fair value of these guarantees is estimated using the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior. A risk neutral valuation methodology is used under which the cash flows from the guarantees are projected under multiple capital market scenarios using observable risk free rates.

The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes adjustments for nonperformance risk and for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs.

The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for MetLife, Inc.’s debt, including related credit default swaps. These

 

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observable spreads are then adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the priority of these liabilities and the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries compared to MetLife, Inc.

Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees. These guarantees may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates; changes in nonperformance risk; and variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, mortality and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs, may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the guarantees that could materially affect net income.

The Company ceded the risk associated with certain of the GMIBs and GMABs previously described. These reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives which are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses) or policyholder benefits and claims depending on the statement of operations classification of the direct risk. The value of the embedded derivatives on the ceded risk is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company with the exception of the input for nonperformance risk that reflects the credit of the reinsurer.

The estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance is determined based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying assets held by the Company in a reference portfolio backing the funds withheld liability. The estimated fair value of the underlying assets is determined as previously described in “— Securities, Short-term Investments and Other Investments.” The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with their funds withheld hosts, in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in the credit spreads on the underlying assets, interest rates and market volatility may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income.

The estimated fair value of the embedded equity and bond indexed derivatives contained in certain funding agreements is determined using market standard swap valuation models and observable market inputs, including an adjustment for nonperformance risk. The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives are included, along with their funding agreements host, within PABs with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in equity and bond indices, interest rates and the Company’s credit standing may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income.

Separate Account Assets

Separate account assets are carried at estimated fair value and reported as a summarized total on the consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of separate account assets is based on the estimated fair value of the underlying assets. Assets within the Company’s separate accounts include: mutual funds, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, hedge funds, other limited partnership interests, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. See “— Valuation Techniques and Inputs” below for a discussion of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.

 

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Valuation Techniques and Inputs

A description of the significant valuation techniques and inputs to the determination of estimated fair value for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis and categorized within Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy is as follows:

The Company determines the estimated fair value of its investments using primarily the market approach and the income approach. The use of quoted prices for identical assets and matrix pricing or other similar techniques are examples of market approaches, while the use of DCF methodologies is an example of the income approach. The Company attempts to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in selecting whether the market or income approach is used.

Level 2 Measurements:

Securities, Short-term Investments and Other Investments

This level includes fixed maturity securities and equity securities priced principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs. Trading and other securities, short-term investments and other investments within this level are of a similar nature and class to the Level 2 securities described below. Contractholder-directed unit-linked investments reported within trading and other securities include mutual fund interests without readily determinable fair values given prices are not published publicly. Valuation of these mutual funds is based upon quoted prices or reported net asset values (“NAVs”) provided by the fund managers, which were based on observable inputs.

U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market and income approaches. Valuations are based primarily on quoted prices in markets that are not active, or using matrix pricing or other similar techniques that use standard market observable inputs such as benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, new issuances, issuer rating, duration, and trades of identical or comparable securities. Investment grade privately placed securities are valued using DCF methodologies using standard market observable inputs, and inputs derived from, or corroborated by, market observable data including market yield curve, duration, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer. This level also includes certain below investment grade privately placed fixed maturity securities priced by independent pricing services that use observable inputs.

Structured securities comprised of RMBS, CMBS and ABS.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach and income approach. Valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing, DCF methodologies or other similar techniques using standard market inputs including spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, rating, weighted average coupon, weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates, geographic region, debt-service coverage ratios and issuance-specific information including, but not limited to: collateral type, payment terms of the underlying assets, payment priority within the tranche, structure of the security, deal performance and vintage of loans.

U.S. Treasury and agency securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on quoted prices in markets that are not active, or using matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard market observable inputs such as benchmark U.S. Treasury yield curve, the spread off the U.S. Treasury curve for the identical security and comparable securities that are actively traded.

 

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Foreign government and state and political subdivision securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard market observable inputs including benchmark U.S. Treasury or other yields, issuer ratings, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads and reported trades of similar securities, including those within the same sub-sector or with a similar maturity or credit rating.

Common and non-redeemable preferred stock.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach where market quotes are available but are not considered actively traded. Valuation is based principally on observable inputs including quoted prices in markets that are not considered active.

Commercial Mortgage Loans Held by CSEs

These commercial mortgage loans are principally valued using the market approach. The principal market for these commercial loan portfolios is the securitization market. The Company uses the quoted securitization market price of the obligations of the CSEs to determine the estimated fair value of these commercial loan portfolios. These market prices are determined principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs.

Mortgage Loans Held-For-Sale

Residential mortgage loans held-for-sale are principally valued using the market approach. For securitized reverse residential mortgage loans, valuation is based primarily on readily available observable pricing for securities backed by similar fixed-rate loans. For other residential mortgage loans held-for-sale, valuation is based primarily on readily available observable pricing for securities backed by similar loans. The unobservable adjustments to such prices are insignificant.

Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities

This level includes all types of derivative instruments utilized by the Company with the exception of exchange-traded derivatives and interest rate forwards to sell certain to-be-announced securities included within Level 1 and those derivative instruments with unobservable inputs as described in Level 3. These derivatives are principally valued using the income approach.

Interest rate contracts.

Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve and LIBOR basis curves.

Option-based — Valuations are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves and interest rate volatility.

Foreign currency contracts.

Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, currency spot rates and cross currency basis curves.

Option-based — Valuations are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, currency spot rates, cross currency basis curves and currency volatility.

Credit contracts.

Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, credit curves and recovery rates.

 

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Equity market contracts.

Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels and dividend yield curves.

Option-based — Valuations are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, dividend yield curves and equity volatility.

Separate Account Assets

These assets are comprised of investments that are similar in nature to the securities, short-term investments, other investments and derivative assets referred to above. Also included are certain mutual funds and hedge funds without readily determinable fair values given prices are not published publicly. Valuation of the mutual funds and hedge funds is based upon quoted prices or reported NAVs provided by the fund managers.

Long-term Debt of CSEs

The estimated fair value of the long-term debt of CSEs is based on quoted prices when traded as assets in active markets or, if not available, based on market standard valuation methodologies, consistent with the Company’s methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of comparable fixed maturity securities.

Liability Related to Securitized Reverse Residential Mortgage Loans

The estimated fair value of the liability related to securitized reverse residential mortgage loans, is based on quoted prices when traded as assets in active markets or, if not available, based on market standard valuation methodologies consistent with the Company’s methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of comparable financial instruments.

Level 3 Measurements:

In general, investments classified within Level 3 use many of the same valuation techniques and inputs as described in Level 2 Measurements. However, if key inputs are unobservable, or if the investments are less liquid and there is very limited trading activity, the investments are generally classified as Level 3. The use of independent non-binding broker quotations to value investments generally indicates there is a lack of liquidity or a lack of transparency in the process to develop the valuation estimates generally causing these investments to be classified in Level 3.

Securities and Short-term Investments

This level includes fixed maturity securities and equity securities priced principally using market standard valuation methodologies, including matrix pricing and DCF methodologies, using inputs that are not market observable or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data; inputs including quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2; and to a much lesser extent, independent non-binding broker quotations. Trading and other securities and short-term investments within this level are of a similar nature and class to the Level 3 securities described below; accordingly, the valuation techniques and significant market standard observable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described below.

U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities.  These securities, including financial services industry hybrid securities classified within fixed maturity securities, are principally valued using the market approach.

 

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Valuations are based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques that utilize unobservable inputs or inputs that cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data, including illiquidity premium, delta spread adjustments or spreads over below investment grade curves to reflect industry trends or specific credit-related issues; and inputs including quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2. Certain valuations are based on independent non-binding broker quotations.

Structured securities comprised of RMBS, CMBS and ABS.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach and income approach. Valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing, DCF methodologies or other similar techniques that utilize inputs that are unobservable or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data including spreads over below investment grade curves to reflect industry trends on specific credit-related issues. Below investment grade securities, alternative residential mortgage loan RMBS and RMBS supported by sub-prime mortgage loans included in this level are valued based on inputs including quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2. Certain of these valuations are based on independent non-binding broker quotations.

Foreign government and state and political subdivision securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on independent non-binding broker quotations and inputs including quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2.

Common and non-redeemable preferred stock.  These securities, including privately held securities and financial services industry hybrid securities classified within equity securities, are principally valued using the market and income approaches. Valuations are based primarily on matrix pricing, DCF methodologies or other similar techniques using inputs such as comparable credit rating and issuance structure. Certain of these securities are valued based on inputs including quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2 and independent non-binding broker quotations.

Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale

For both securitized reverse residential mortgage loans held-for-sale and other residential mortgage loans held-for-sale, for which pricing for securities backed by similar adjustable-rate loans is not observable, the estimated fair value is determined using unobservable independent broker quotations or valuation models using significant unobservable inputs.

MSRs

MSRs, which are valued using an income approach, are carried at estimated fair value and have multiple significant unobservable inputs including assumptions regarding estimates of discount rates, loan prepayments and servicing costs. Sales of MSRs tend to occur in private transactions where the precise terms and conditions of the sales are typically not readily available and observable market valuations are limited. As such, the Company relies primarily on a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of the MSRs. The model requires inputs such as type of loan (fixed vs. variable and agency vs. other), age of loan, loan interest rates and current market interest rates that are generally observable. The model also requires the use of unobservable inputs including assumptions regarding estimates of discount rates, loan prepayments and servicing costs.

 

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Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities

These derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models. These valuation methodologies generally use the same inputs as described in the corresponding sections above for Level 2 measurements of derivatives. However, these derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

Interest rate contracts.

Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include pull through rates on interest rate lock commitments and the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve and LIBOR basis curves.

Option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves and interest rate volatility.

Foreign currency contracts.

Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves and cross currency basis curves. Certain of these derivatives are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.

Option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include currency correlation and the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, cross currency basis curves and currency volatility.

Credit contracts.

Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include credit spreads, repurchase rates and the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve and credit curves. Certain of these derivatives are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.

Equity market contracts.

Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of dividend yield curves.

Option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of dividend yield curves, equity volatility and unobservable correlations between model inputs. Certain of these derivatives are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.

Direct and Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefits

These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations are based on option pricing techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include swap yield curve, currency exchange rates and implied volatilities. These embedded derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Significant unobservable inputs generally include: the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve and implied volatilities, actuarial assumptions for policyholder behavior and mortality and the potential variability in policyholder behavior and mortality, nonperformance risk and cost of capital for purposes of calculating the risk margin.

 

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Reinsurance Ceded on Certain Guaranteed Minimum Benefits

These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. The valuation techniques and significant market standard unobservable inputs used in their valuation are similar to those previously described under “Direct and Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefits” and also include counterparty credit spreads.

Separate Account Assets

These assets are comprised of investments that are similar in nature to the securities and derivative assets referred to above. Separate account assets within this level also include other limited partnership interests. Other limited partnership interests are valued giving consideration to the value of the underlying holdings of the partnerships and by applying a premium or discount, if appropriate, for factors such as liquidity, bid/ask spreads, the performance record of the fund manager or other relevant variables which may impact the exit value of the particular partnership interest.

Liability Related to Securitized Reverse Residential Mortgage Loans

The estimated fair value of the liability related to securitized reverse residential mortgage loans is based on quoted prices when traded as assets in less active markets or, if not available, based on market standard valuation methodologies using unobservable inputs, consistent with the Company’s methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of comparable financial instruments.

 

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The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

 

   

Valuation

Techniques

 

Significant Unobservable Inputs

  Range   Weighted
Average
 

Fixed maturity securities:

           

U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities

 

•   Matrix pricing

 

•   Delta spread adjustments (1)

  (100)   -   420     52   
   

•   Illiquidity premium (1)

  30   -   30  
   

•   Spreads from below investment grade curves (1)

    -   889     395   
   

•   Offered quotes (2)

    -   136  
 

•   Market pricing

 

•   Quoted prices (2)

  54   -   133     94   
 

•   Consensus pricing

 

•   Offered quotes (2)

  58   -   148  
 

 

 

Foreign government securities

 

•   Market pricing

 

•   Quoted prices (2)

  43   -   155     102   
 

•   Consensus pricing

 

•   Offered quotes (2)

  10   -   267  
 

 

 

RMBS

 

•   Matrix pricing and DCF

 

•   Spreads from below investment grade curves (1)

  30   -   5,493     888   
 

•   Market pricing

 

•   Quoted prices (2)

  92   -   108     103   
 

•   Consensus pricing

 

•   Offered quotes (2)

  59   -   106  
 

 

 

CMBS

 

•   Matrix pricing and DCF

 

•   Spreads from below investment grade curves (1)

    -   8,127     3,566   
 

•   Consensus pricing

 

•   Offered quotes (2)

  13   -   107  
 

 

 

ABS

 

•   Matrix pricing and DCF

 

•   Spreads from below investment grade curves (1)

  404   -   8,094     1,961   
 

•   Market pricing

 

•   Quoted prices (2)

  97   -   101     100   
 

•   Consensus pricing

 

•   Offered quotes (2)

  16   -   108  
 

 

 

Derivatives:

           

Interest rate contracts

 

•   Present value techniques

 

•   Swap yield (1)

  241   -   388  
 

 

 

Foreign currency contracts

 

•   Present value techniques

 

•   Swap yield (1)

  187   -   240  
 

•   Consensus pricing

 

•   Offered quotes (3)

       
 

 

 

Credit contracts

 

•   Present value techniques

 

•   Credit spreads (1)

    -   100  
 

•   Consensus pricing

 

•   Offered quotes (3)

       
 

 

 

Equity market contracts

 

•   Present value techniques or option pricing models

 

•   Volatility

  17%   -   36%  
 

•   Consensus pricing

 

•   Offered quotes (4)

       
 

 

 

Embedded derivatives:

           

Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits

 

•   Option pricing techniques

 

•   Mortality rates:

       
   

Ages 0 - 40

  0%   -   0.13%  
   

Ages 41 - 60

  0.05%   -   0.88%  
   

Ages 61 - 115

  0.26%   -   100%  
   

•   Lapse rates:

       
   

Durations 1 - 10

  1%   -   36%  
   

Durations 11 - 20

  5%   -   30%  
   

Durations 21 - 116

  5%   -   65%  
   

•   Utilization rates (5)

  20%   -   50%  
   

•   Withdrawal rates

  0.07%   -   20%  
   

•   Long-term equity volatilities

  14.70%   -   40%  
   

•   Nonperformance risk spread

  0.24%   -   2.32%  
 

 

 

 

 

(1)

For this unobservable input, range and weighted average are presented in basis points.

 

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(2)

For this unobservable input, range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par.

 

(3)

At March 31, 2012, excluding equity market contracts, independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of less than 1% of the total net derivative estimated fair value.

 

(4)

The Company holds certain purchased options that are valued using term structure models dependent upon an unobservable market correlation input. This input is highly specific to the particular markets referenced by the option and is subjectively estimated by derivatives broker/dealers. The Company has elected to use independent non-binding broker quotations to value these positions, which are validated against the Company’s internal models using proprietary correlation assumptions. The correlation inputs used to validate the estimated fair values of these options provided by broker quotations range from 40% to 85%.

 

(5)

This range is attributable to certain GMIB and lifetime withdrawal benefits.

The following is a summary of the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement for other types of financial instruments classified within Level 3. These financial instruments are subject to the controls described in the above “— Valuation Process” section. Generally, equity securities, trading and other securities, short-term investments and securities included within separate account assets classified within Level 3 use the same valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs as previously described for fixed maturity securities. This includes matrix pricing and DCF methodologies, inputs such as quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2, as well as independent non-binding broker quotations. Mortgage loans held-for-sale classified within Level 3 are valued using independent non-binding broker quotations and internal models such as DCF methodologies using current interest rates. MSRs, which are classified within Level 3, are valued using DCF methodologies using inputs such as discount rates, loan prepayments and servicing costs. The long-term debt of CSEs classified within Level 3 is valued using independent non-binding broker quotations and internal models including matrix pricing and DCF methodologies using current interest rates. The liability related to securitized reverse residential mortgage loans, which is classified within Level 3 is valued using quoted prices. The sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in the significant unobservable inputs for these other types of financial instruments is similar in nature to that described below.

A description of the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in the significant unobservable inputs for certain of the major asset and liability classes described above is as follows:

U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities.  Significant spread widening in isolation will adversely impact the overall valuation, while significant spread tightening will lead to substantial valuation increases. Significant increases (decreases) in illiquidity premiums in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations. Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations. Significant increases (decreases) in offered quotes in isolation would result in substantially higher (lower) valuations.

Foreign government securities.  Significant spread widening in isolation will adversely impact the overall valuation, while significant spread tightening will lead to substantial valuation increases. Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations. Significant increases (decreases) in offered quotes in isolation would result in substantially higher (lower) valuations.

Structured securities comprised of RMBS, CMBS and ABS.  Significant spread widening in isolation will adversely impact the overall valuation, while significant spread tightening will lead to substantial valuation increases. Significant increases (decreases) in offered quotes in isolation would result in substantially higher

 

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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

(lower) valuations. In general, changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.

Interest rate contracts.  Significant increases (decreases) in the unobservable portion of the swap yield curve in isolation will result in substantial valuation changes.

Foreign currency contracts.  Significant increases (decreases) in the unobservable portion of the swap yield curve in isolation will result in substantial valuation changes. Significant increases (decreases) in offered quotes in isolation will result in substantially higher (lower) valuations. 

Credit contracts.  Credit contracts with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of credit default swaps written by the Company. Significant credit spread widening in isolation will result in substantially higher adverse valuations, while significant spread tightening will result in substantially lower adverse valuations. Significant increases (decreases) in offered quotes in isolation will result in substantially higher (lower) valuations.

Equity market contracts.  Significant decreases in the equity volatility in isolation will adversely impact overall valuation, while significant increases in equity volatility will result in substantial valuation increases. Significant increases (decreases) in offered quotes in isolation will result in substantially higher (lower) valuations. 

Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits.  For any increase (decrease) in mortality and lapse rates, the fair value of the guarantees will decrease (increase). For any increase (decrease) in utilization and volatility, the fair value of the guarantees will increase (decrease). Specifically for guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits, for any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates, the fair value of the guarantees will increase (decrease). Specifically for guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum income benefits, for any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates, the fair value of the guarantees will decrease (increase).

Transfers between Levels:

Overall, transfers between levels occur when there are changes in the observability of inputs and market activity. Transfers into and/or out of any level are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.

Transfers between Levels 1 and 2:

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, transfers between Levels 1 and 2 were $37 million for fixed maturity securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for fixed maturity securities.

Transfers into or out of Level 3:

Transfers into and or out of Level 3 are presented in the tables which follow. Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable.

 

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Transfers into Level 3 for fixed maturity securities and separate account assets were due primarily to a lack of trading activity, decreased liquidity and credit ratings downgrades (e.g., from investment grade to below investment grade) which have resulted in decreased transparency of valuations and an increased use of independent non-binding broker quotations and unobservable inputs to determine estimated fair value.

Transfers out of Level 3 for fixed maturity securities and separate account assets resulted primarily from increased transparency of both new issuances that subsequent to issuance and establishment of trading activity, became priced by independent pricing services and existing issuances that, over time, the Company was able to obtain pricing from, or corroborate pricing received from, independent pricing services with observable inputs or increases in market activity and upgraded credit ratings. With respect to derivatives, transfers out of Level 3 resulted primarily from increased transparency related to the observable portion of the swap yield curve or the observable portion of the equity volatility surface.

The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), including realized and unrealized gains (losses) of all assets and (liabilities) and realized and unrealized gains (losses) of all assets and (liabilities) still held at the end of the respective periods:

 

    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Fixed Maturity Securities:  
    U.S.
Corporate
Securities
    Foreign
Corporate
Securities
    Foreign
Government

Securities
    U.S.
Treasury
and Agency
Securities
    RMBS     CMBS     State and
Political
Subdivision
Securities
    ABS     Other
Fixed
Maturity
Securities
 
    (In millions)  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012:

                 

Balance, beginning of period

  $ 6,784      $ 4,370      $ 2,322      $ 31      $ 1,602      $ 753      $ 53      $ 1,850      $   

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:

                 

Earnings: (1), (2)

                 

Net investment income

    2        5        3               7        6               6          

Net investment gains (losses)

    (1     (41     (1            (1     (18            1          

Net derivative gains (losses)

                                                              

Other revenues

                                                              

Policyholder benefits and claims

                                                              

Other expenses

                                                              

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    2        107        34        (1     8        4        3        (18       

Purchases (3)

    730        435        256               794        66        26        542          

Sales (3)

    (313     (112     (141     (6     (128     (57            (135       

Issuances (3)

                                                              

Settlements (3)

                                                              

Transfers into Level 3 (4)

    118        44        36                      8                        

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)

    (17     (162     (296            (36                   (48       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

  $ 7,305      $ 4,646      $ 2,213      $ 24      $ 2,246      $ 762      $ 82      $ 2,198      $   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2012 included in earnings:

                 

Net investment income

  $ 2      $ 5      $ 3      $      $ 7      $ 6      $      $ 6      $   

Net investment gains (losses)

  $ (1   $ (30   $ (1   $      $      $ (15   $      $      $   

Net derivative gains (losses)

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Other revenues

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Policyholder benefits and claims

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Other expenses

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

 

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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Equity Securities:     Trading and Other Securities:                    
    Common
Stock
    Non-
redeemable

Preferred
Stock
    Actively
Traded

Securities
    FVO
General
Account

Securities
    FVO
Contractholder-
directed

Unit-linked
Investments
    Short-
term
Investments
    Mortgage
Loans  Held-
for-sale
    MSRs (5)  
    (In millions)  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012:

  

           

Balance, beginning of period

  $ 281      $ 438      $      $ 23      $ 1,386      $ 590      $ 1,414      $ 666   

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:

               

Earnings: (1), (2)

               

Net investment income

    1                      7        17        2                 

Net investment gains (losses)

    (1     (3                                          

Net derivative gains (losses)

                                                       

Other revenues

                                              32        45   

Policyholder benefits and claims

                                                       

Other expenses

                                                       

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    6        28                             2                 

Purchases (3)

    20               13               870        213                 

Sales (3)

           (17                   (1,037     (100              

Issuances (3)

                                              277        59   

Settlements (3)

                                              (18     (43

Transfers into Level 3 (4)

    15                             4               12          

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)

    (54                          (3     (245     (9       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

  $ 268      $ 446      $ 13      $ 30      $ 1,237      $ 462      $ 1,708      $ 727   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2012 included in earnings:

               

Net investment income

  $      $      $      $ 7      $ 26      $ 2      $      $   

Net investment gains (losses)

  $      $ (3   $      $      $      $      $      $   

Net derivative gains (losses)

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Other revenues

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $ 32      $ 47   

Policyholder benefits and claims

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Other expenses

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

 

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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Net Derivatives: (6)     Net
Embedded
Derivatives (7)
    Separate
Account
Assets (8)
    Long-term
Debt of
CSEs
    Liability Related
to Securitized
Reverse
Residential
Mortgage  Loans
 
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Market
Contracts
         
    (In millions)  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012:

               

Balance, beginning of period

  $ 300      $ 44      $ 1      $ 889      $ (4,203   $ 1,325      $ (116   $ (1,175

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:

               

Earnings: (1), (2)

               

Net investment income

                                                       

Net investment gains (losses)

                                       55        (10       

Net derivative gains (losses)

    1        17        43        (508     1,873                        

Other revenues

    (63                                               (2

Policyholder benefits and claims

                         16        (47                     

Other expenses

                                                       

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    (86                   (4     103                        

Purchases (3)

                                       139                 

Sales (3)

                                       (143              

Issuances (3)

                  (3                   1               (340

Settlements (3)

    (10     (7     (3            (139     (4     44        12   

Transfers into Level 3 (4)

                                       26                 

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)

                                       (17              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

  $ 142      $ 54      $ 38      $ 393      $ (2,413   $ 1,382      $ (82   $ (1,505
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2012 included in earnings:

               

Net investment income

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Net investment gains (losses)

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $ (10   $   

Net derivative gains (losses)

  $ 2      $ 7      $ 41      $ (507)      $ 1,864      $      $      $   

Other revenues

  $ 3      $      $      $      $      $      $      $ (3

Policyholder benefits and claims

  $      $      $      $ 16      $ (46   $      $      $   

Other expenses

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Fixed Maturity Securities:  
    U.S.
Corporate
Securities
    Foreign
Corporate
Securities
    Foreign
Government
Securities
    U.S.
Treasury

and Agency
Securities
    RMBS (9)     CMBS     State and
Political
Subdivision
Securities
    ABS (9)     Other
Fixed
Maturity
Securities
 
    (In millions)  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011:

  

           

Balance, beginning of period

  $ 7,149      $ 5,726      $ 3,134      $ 79      $ 2,541      $ 1,011      $ 46      $ 3,026      $ 4   

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:

                 

Earnings: (1), (2)

                 

Net investment income

    3        6        6               4        (6            10          

Net investment gains (losses)

           13        (14            (6     45               (8       

Net derivative gains (losses)

                                                              

Other revenues

                                                              

Policyholder benefits and claims

                                                              

Other expenses

                                                              

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    48        74        86               38        99               77          

Purchases (3)

    588        621        469        1        126        142        4        495          

Sales (3)

    (317     (646     (213     (3     (72     (497            (167       

Issuances (3)

                                                              

Settlements (3)

                                                              

Transfers into Level 3 (4)

    88        3        13                      92                        

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)

    (698     (263     (295     (1     (1,247     (95     (4     (40       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

  $ 6,861      $ 5,534      $ 3,186      $ 76      $ 1,384      $ 791      $ 46      $ 3,393      $ 4   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2011 included in earnings:

                 

Net investment income

  $ 3      $ 6      $ 7      $      $ 4      $ (7   $      $ 10      $   

Net investment gains (losses)

  $ (2   $      $ (15   $      $ (6   $ 45      $      $ (3   $   

Net derivative gains (losses)

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Other revenues

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Policyholder benefits and claims

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Other expenses

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Equity Securities:     Trading and Other Securities:                    
    Common
Stock
    Non-
redeemable

Preferred
Stock
    Actively
Traded
Securities
    FVO
General
Account
Securities
    FVO
Contractholder-
directed

Unit-linked
Investments
    Short-term
Investments
    Mortgage
Loans Held-
for-sale
    MSRs (5)  
    (In millions)  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011:

  

         

Balance, beginning of period

  $ 268      $ 905      $ 10      $ 77      $ 735      $ 858      $ 24      $ 950   

Total realized/unrealized gains
(losses) included in:

               

Earnings: (1), (2)

               

Net investment income

                  1        5        30        2                 

Net investment gains (losses)

    3                                    (1              

Net derivative gains (losses)

                                                       

Other revenues

                                              (2     58   

Policyholder benefits and claims

                                                       

Other expenses

                                                       

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    18        37                             7                 

Purchases (3)

    41        1        22               62        371                 

Sales (3)

    (35     (8            (20     (248     (492              

Issuances (3)

                                                     54   

Settlements (3)

                                                     (33

Transfers into Level 3 (4)

    71        11        7               129        5        5          

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)

    (7                          (142     (8     (2       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

  $ 359      $ 946      $ 40      $ 62      $ 566      $ 742      $ 25      $ 1,029   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2011 included in earnings:

               

Net investment income

  $      $      $ 1      $ 8      $ (10   $      $      $   

Net investment gains (losses)

  $ 1      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Net derivative gains (losses)

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Other revenues

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $ (2   $ 57   

Policyholder benefits and claims

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Other expenses

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

 

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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Net Derivatives: (6)                    
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Market
Contracts
    Net
Embedded
Derivatives (7)
    Separate
Account
Assets (8)
    Long-term
Debt of
CSEs
 
    (In millions)  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011:

             

Balance, beginning of period

  $ (86   $ 73      $ 44      $ 142      $ (2,438   $ 1,983      $ (184

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:

             

Earnings: (1), (2)

             

Net investment income

                         (3                     

Net investment gains (losses)

                                       50        46   

Net derivative gains (losses)

    8        (8     6        (92     975                 

Other revenues

    9                                             

Policyholder benefits and claims

                                (18              

Other expenses

                                                

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    (13            (3     (1     48                 

Purchases (3)

                         18               375          

Sales (3)

                                       (227       

Issuances (3)

                  (4                            

Settlements (3)

                         (5     (105     (1       

Transfers into Level 3 (4)

                                       20          

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)

    (7     (26            (75            (196       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

  $ (89   $ 39      $ 43      $ (16   $ (1,538   $ 2,004      $ (138
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2011 included in earnings:

             

Net investment income

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Net investment gains (losses)

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $ 46   

Net derivative gains (losses)

  $ 7      $ (8   $ 6      $ (92   $ 968      $      $   

Other revenues

  $ 14      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Policyholder benefits and claims

  $      $      $      $      $ (18   $      $   

Other expenses

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

 

 

 

(1)

Amortization of premium/discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to earnings on securities and certain mortgage loans are included in net investment gains (losses) while changes in the estimated fair value of certain mortgage loans and MSRs are included in other revenues. Lapses associated with net embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses).

 

(2)

Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.

 

(3)

The amount reported within purchases, sales, issuances and settlements is the purchase or issuance price and the sales or settlement proceeds based upon the actual date purchased or issued and sold or settled, respectively. Items purchased/issued and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.

 

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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

(4)

Total gains and losses (in earnings and other comprehensive income (loss)) are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and/or out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.

 

(5)

Other revenues represent the changes in estimated fair value due to changes in valuation model inputs or assumptions. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, there was no other change in estimated fair value affecting MSRs. The additions for purchases, originations and issuances are presented within issuances and the reductions for loan payments, sales and settlements, affecting MSRs are presented within settlements.

 

(6)

Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.

 

(7)

Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.

 

(8)

Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income. For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).

 

(9)

See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for discussion of a reclassification from the ABS sector to the RMBS sector for securities backed by sub-prime residential mortgage loans.

Fair Value Option

Residential Mortgage Loans Held-For-Sale

The following table presents residential mortgage loans held-for-sale accounted for under the FVO at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Unpaid principal balance

   $ 882      $ 2,935   

Excess of estimated fair value over unpaid principal balance

     39        129   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Carrying value at estimated fair value

   $ 921      $ 3,064   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans in non-accrual status

   $ 3      $ 3   

Loans more than 90 days past due

   $ 29      $ 20   

Loans in non-accrual status or more than 90 days past due, or both — difference between aggregate estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance

   $ (2   $ (2

 

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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Residential mortgage loans held-for-sale accounted for under the FVO are initially measured at estimated fair value. Interest income on residential mortgage loans held-for-sale is recorded based on the stated rate of the loan and is recorded in net investment income. Gains and losses from initial measurement, subsequent changes in estimated fair value and gains or losses on sales are recognized in other revenues. Such changes in estimated fair value for these loans were due to the following:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In millions)  

Instrument-specific credit risk based on changes in credit spreads for non-agency loans and adjustments in individual loan quality

   $ (2   $ (1

Other changes in estimated fair value

     170        63   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gains (losses) recognized in other revenues

   $ 168      $ 62   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Securitized Reverse Residential Mortgage Loans

Securitized reverse residential mortgage loans accounted for under the FVO are initially measured at estimated fair value. Gains and losses from initial measurement and subsequent changes in estimated fair value are recognized in other revenues. The following table presents securitized reverse residential mortgage loans accounted for under the FVO at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Unpaid principal balance

   $ 7,509       $ 6,914   

Excess of estimated fair value over unpaid principal balance

     774         738   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Carrying value at estimated fair value

   $ 8,283       $ 7,652   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loans more than 90 days past due

   $ 69       $ 59   

Loans in non-accrual status or more than 90 days past due, or both — difference between aggregate estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance

   $ 1       $   

The liability related to securitized reverse residential mortgage loans accounted for under the FVO is initially measured at estimated fair value. Gains and losses from initial measurement and subsequent changes in estimated fair value are recognized in other revenues. The following table presents the liability related to securitized reverse residential mortgage loans accounted for under the FVO at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Contractual principal balance

   $ 7,509       $ 6,914   

Excess of estimated fair value over contractual principal balance

     743         712   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Carrying value at estimated fair value

   $ 8,252       $ 7,626   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Assets and Liabilities Held by CSEs

The Company has elected the FVO for the following assets and liabilities held by CSEs: commercial mortgage loans, securities and long-term debt. Information on the estimated fair value of the securities classified as trading and other securities is presented in Note 3. The following table presents these commercial mortgage loans accounted for under the FVO at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Unpaid principal balance

   $ 2,899       $ 3,019   

Excess of estimated fair value over unpaid principal balance

     125         119   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Carrying value at estimated fair value

   $ 3,024       $ 3,138   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the long-term debt accounted for under the FVO related to both the commercial mortgage loans and securities classified as trading and other securities at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Contractual principal balance

   $ 2,791       $ 2,954   

Excess of estimated fair value over contractual principal balance

     125         114   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Carrying value at estimated fair value

   $ 2,916       $ 3,068   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest income on both commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs and securities classified as trading and other securities held by CSEs is recorded in net investment income. Interest expense on long-term debt of CSEs is recorded in other expenses. Gains and losses from initial measurement, subsequent changes in estimated fair value and gains or losses on sales of both the commercial mortgage loans and the long-term debt are recognized in net investment gains (losses). See Note 3.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements

Certain assets are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis and are not included in the tables presented above. The amounts below relate to certain investments measured at estimated fair value during the period and still held at the reporting dates and which are categorized as Level 3 measurements.

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2012     2011  
    Carrying
Value Prior to
Measurement
    Estimated
Fair
Value After
Measurement
    Net
Investment
Gains
(Losses)
    Carrying
Value Prior to
Measurement
    Estimated
Fair
Value After
Measurement
    Net
Investment
Gains
(Losses)
 
    (In millions)  

Mortgage loans: (1)

           

Held-for-investment

  $ 166      $ 167      $ 1      $ 176      $ 184      $ 8   

Held-for-sale

    320        304        (16     43        43          
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, net

  $ 486      $ 471      $ (15   $ 219      $ 227      $ 8   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other limited partnership interests (2)

  $ 10      $ 7      $ (3   $      $      $   

Real estate joint ventures (3)

  $ 5      $ 2      $ (3   $      $      $   

 

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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

 

 

(1)

Mortgage loans — These impaired mortgage loans are written down to their estimated fair values which are reported as losses. Subsequent improvements in estimated fair value on previously impaired loans recorded through a reduction in the previously established valuation allowance are reported as gains. Estimated fair values for impaired mortgage loans are based on observable market prices or, if the loans are in foreclosure or are otherwise determined to be collateral dependent, on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, or the present value of the expected future cash flows.

 

(2)

Other limited partnership interests — These impaired investments were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments were recognized at estimated fair value determined from information provided in the financial statements of the underlying entities. These investments include private equity and debt funds that typically invest primarily in various strategies including domestic and international leveraged buyout funds; power, energy, timber and infrastructure development funds; venture capital funds; and below investment grade debt and mezzanine debt funds. The estimated fair values of these investments have been determined using NAV data. Distributions will be generated from investment gains, from operating income from the underlying investments of the funds and from liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds. It is estimated that the underlying assets of the funds will be liquidated over the next two to 10 years. Unfunded commitments for these investments were $3 million at March 31, 2012. There were no unfunded commitments for these investments at March 31, 2011.

 

(3)

Real estate joint ventures — These impaired investments were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments were recognized at estimated fair value determined from information provided in the financial statements of the underlying entities. These investments include several real estate funds that typically invest primarily in commercial real estate. The estimated fair values of these investments have been determined using NAV data. Distributions will be generated from investment gains, from operating income from the underlying investments of the funds and from liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds. It is estimated that the underlying assets of the funds will be liquidated over the next two to 10 years. Unfunded commitments for these investments were $3 million at March 31, 2012. There were no unfunded commitments for these investments at March 31, 2011.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The tables below exclude certain financial instruments. The excluded financial instruments are as follows: cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions, short-term debt and those short-term investments that are not securities, such as time deposits, and are excluded from the preceding three level hierarchy table. The estimated fair value of these financial instruments, which are primarily classified in Level 2, approximate carrying value as they are short-term in nature such that the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit quality. The table below also excludes financial instruments reported at estimated fair value on a recurring basis. See “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements.” All remaining balance sheet amounts excluded from the table below are not considered financial instruments subject to this disclosure.

 

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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The carrying values, estimated fair values and, for March 31, 2012, their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, for such financial instruments, are summarized as follows:

 

    March 31, 2012  
    Carrying
Value
    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using        
    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
and Liabilities
(Level 1)
    Significant Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
    Total
Estimated
Fair

Value
 
    (In millions)  

Assets:

         

Mortgage loans:

         

Held-for-investment

  $ 53,617      $      $      $ 56,188      $ 56,188   

Held-for-sale

    2,743                      2,743        2,743   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, net

  $ 56,360      $      $      $ 58,931      $ 58,931   

Policy loans

  $ 11,896      $      $ 1,695      $ 12,374      $ 14,069   

Real estate joint ventures

  $ 122      $      $      $ 181      $ 181   

Other limited partnership interests

  $ 1,272      $      $      $ 1,464      $ 1,464   

Other invested assets

  $ 924      $ 65      $      $ 859      $ 924   

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables

  $ 4,484      $      $ 447      $ 4,455      $ 4,902   

Other assets

  $ 314      $      $ 279      $ 73      $ 352   

Liabilities:

         

PABs

  $ 150,903      $      $      $ 160,074      $ 160,074   

Bank deposits

  $ 10,478      $      $ 5,573      $ 4,905      $ 10,478   

Long-term debt

  $ 20,437      $      $ 18,422      $ 4,139      $ 22,561   

Collateral financing arrangements

  $ 4,647      $      $      $ 4,156      $ 4,156   

Junior subordinated debt securities

  $ 3,192      $      $ 3,582      $      $ 3,582   

Other liabilities

  $ 5,965      $      $ 3,195      $ 2,773      $ 5,968   

Separate account liabilities

  $ 52,769      $      $ 52,769      $      $ 52,769   

Commitments: (1)

         

Mortgage loan commitments

  $      $      $      $      $   

Commitments to fund bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments

  $      $      $ 44      $      $ 44   

 

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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

     December 31, 2011  
     Carrying
Value
     Estimated
Fair

Value
 
     (In millions)  

Assets:

     

Mortgage loans:

     

Held-for-investment

   $ 53,777       $ 56,422   

Held-for-sale

     4,462         4,462   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, net

   $ 58,239       $ 60,884   

Policy loans

   $ 11,892       $ 14,213   

Real estate joint ventures

   $ 130       $ 183   

Other limited partnership interests

   $ 1,318       $ 1,656   

Other invested assets

   $ 1,434       $ 1,434   

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables

   $ 4,639       $ 5,232   

Other assets

   $ 310       $ 308   

Liabilities:

     

PABs

   $ 146,890       $ 153,304   

Bank deposits

   $ 10,507       $ 10,507   

Long-term debt

   $ 20,587       $ 22,514   

Collateral financing arrangements

   $ 4,647       $ 4,136   

Junior subordinated debt securities

   $ 3,192       $ 3,491   

Other liabilities

   $ 4,087       $ 4,087   

Separate account liabilities

   $ 49,610       $ 49,610   

Commitments: (1)

     

Mortgage loan commitments

   $       $ 3   

Commitments to fund bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments

   $       $ 51   

 

 

 

(1)

Commitments are off-balance sheet obligations. Negative estimated fair values represent off-balance sheet liabilities. See Note 10 for additional information on these off-balance sheet obligations.

The methods, assumptions and significant valuation techniques and inputs used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments are summarized as follows:

Mortgage Loans

The estimated fair values of these mortgage loans are determined as follows:

Mortgage loans held-for-investment. For commercial and agricultural mortgage loans, the estimated fair value was primarily determined by estimating expected future cash flows and discounting them using current interest rates for similar mortgage loans with similar credit risk. For residential mortgage loans, the estimated fair value was primarily determined from observable pricing for similar loans.

Mortgage loans held-for-sale. For these mortgage loans, estimated fair value is determined using independent non-binding broker quotations or values provided by independent valuation specialists, or, when the mortgage loan is in foreclosure or otherwise determined to be collateral dependent, the fair value of the underlying collateral is estimated using internal models similar to those used for mortgage loans held-for-investment.

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Policy Loans

Policy loans with fixed interest rates are classified within Level 3. The estimated fair values for these loans are determined using a DCF model applied to groups of similar policy loans determined by the nature of the underlying insurance liabilities. Cash flow estimates are developed by applying a weighted-average interest rate to the outstanding principal balance of the respective group of policy loans and an estimated average maturity determined through experience studies of the past performance of policyholder repayment behavior for similar loans. These cash flows are discounted using current risk-free interest rates with no adjustment for borrower credit risk as these loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policy. Policy loans with variable interest rates are classified within Level 2 and the estimated fair value approximates carrying value due to the absence of borrower credit risk and the short time period between interest rate resets, which presents minimal risk of a material change in estimated fair value due to changes in market interest rates.

Real Estate Joint Ventures and Other Limited Partnership Interests

The amounts disclosed in the preceding tables consist of those investments accounted for using the cost method. The estimated fair values for cost method real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests are generally based on the Company’s share of the NAV as provided in the financial statements of the investees. In certain circumstances, management may adjust the NAV by a premium or discount when it has sufficient evidence to support applying such adjustments.

Other Invested Assets

Other invested assets within the preceding tables are principally comprised of funds withheld, various interest-bearing assets held in foreign subsidiaries and certain amounts due under contractual indemnifications. For funds withheld and for the various interest-bearing assets held in foreign subsidiaries, the Company evaluates the specific facts and circumstances of each instrument to determine the appropriate estimated fair values. These estimated fair values were not materially different from the recognized carrying values.

Premiums, Reinsurance and Other Receivables

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables in the preceding tables are principally comprised of certain amounts recoverable under reinsurance agreements, amounts on deposit with financial institutions to facilitate daily settlements related to certain derivative positions and amounts receivable for securities sold but not yet settled.

Amounts recoverable under ceded reinsurance agreements, which the Company has determined do not transfer significant risk such that they are accounted for using the deposit method of accounting, have been classified as Level 3. The valuation is based on DCF methodologies using significant unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value is determined using interest rates determined to reflect the appropriate credit standing of the assuming counterparty.

The amounts on deposit for derivative settlements, classified within Level 2, essentially represent the equivalent of demand deposit balances and amounts due for securities sold are generally received over short periods such that the estimated fair value approximates carrying value.

Other Assets

Other assets in the preceding tables are primarily composed of a receivable for cash paid to an unaffiliated financial institution under the MetLife Reinsurance Company of Charleston (“MRC”) collateral financing

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

arrangement as described in Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report. The estimated fair value of the receivable for the cash paid to the unaffiliated financial institution under the MRC collateral financing arrangement is determined by discounting the expected future cash flows using a discount rate that reflects the credit rating of the unaffiliated financial institution.

PABs

PABs in the preceding tables include investment contracts. Embedded derivatives on investment contracts and certain variable annuity guarantees accounted for as embedded derivatives are excluded from this caption in the preceding tables as they are separately presented in “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements.”

The investment contracts primarily include certain funding agreements, fixed deferred annuities, modified guaranteed annuities, fixed term payout annuities and total control accounts. The valuation of these investment contracts is based on DCF methodologies using significant unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value is determined using current market risk-free interest rates adding a spread to reflect the nonperformance risk in the liability.

Bank Deposits

Due to the frequency of interest rate resets on customer bank deposits held in money market accounts, the Company believes that there is minimal risk of a material change in interest rates such that the estimated fair value approximates carrying value. For time deposits, the Company has taken into consideration the sale price for the pending disposition of most of the depository business of MetLife Bank to determine the estimated fair value of bank deposits. See Note 2.

Long-term Debt, Collateral Financing Arrangements and Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

The estimated fair values of long-term debt and junior subordinated debt securities are principally valued using market standard valuation methodologies and DCF methodologies. Valuations classified as Level 2 are based primarily on quoted prices in markets that are not active or using matrix pricing or other similar techniques that use standard market observable inputs such as quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market. Instruments valued using DCF methodologies use standard market observable inputs including market yield curve, duration, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues. Valuations classified as Level 3 are based primarily on DCF methodologies that utilize unobservable discount rates applied to the expected future cash flows that can vary significantly based upon the specific terms of each individual arrangement. The determination of estimated fair values of collateral financing arrangements takes into account valuations obtained from the counterparties to the arrangements, as part of the collateral management process.

Capital leases, which are not required to be disclosed at estimated fair value, are excluded from the preceding tables.

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities consist primarily of interest and dividends payable, amounts due for securities purchased but not yet settled, funds withheld amounts payable, which are contractually withheld by the Company in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance agreements, and amounts payable under certain assumed reinsurance agreements are recorded using the deposit method of accounting. The Company evaluates the specific terms, facts and circumstances of each instrument to determine the appropriate estimated fair values, which are not materially different from the carrying values, with the exception of certain deposit type reinsurance payables. For

 

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such payables, the estimated fair value is determined as the present value of expected future cash flows, which are discounted using an interest rate determined to reflect the appropriate credit standing of the assuming counterparty.

Separate Account Liabilities

Separate account liabilities included in the preceding tables represent those balances due to policyholders under contracts that are classified as investment contracts.

Separate account liabilities classified as investment contracts primarily represent variable annuities with no significant mortality risk to the Company such that the death benefit is equal to the account balance, funding agreements related to group life contracts and certain contracts that provide for benefit funding.

Since separate account liabilities are fully funded by cash flows from the separate account assets which are recognized at estimated fair value as described in the section “—Recurring Fair Value Measurements,” the value of those assets approximates the estimated fair value of the related separate account liabilities. The valuation techniques and inputs for separate account liabilities are similar to those described for separate account assets.

Mortgage Loan Commitments and Commitments to Fund Bank Credit Facilities, Bridge Loans and Private Corporate Bond Investments

The estimated fair values for mortgage loan commitments that will be held for investment and commitments to fund bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bonds that will be held for investment reflected in the above tables represents the difference between the discounted expected future cash flows using interest rates that incorporate current credit risk for similar instruments on the reporting date and the principal amounts of the commitments.

6.  Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired

Information regarding DAC and VOBA was as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2012     2011  
     DAC     VOBA     Total     DAC     VOBA     Total  
     (In millions)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 15,240      $ 9,379      $ 24,619      $ 13,377      $ 11,088      $ 24,465   

Capitalizations

     1,364               1,364        1,264               1,264   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     16,604        9,379        25,983        14,641        11,088        25,729   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization related to:

            

Net investment gains (losses)

     185        7        192        27        3        30   

Other expenses

     (578     (328     (906     (532     (437     (969
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total amortization

     (393     (321     (714     (505     (434     (939
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized investment gains (losses)

     (55     29        (26     6        (1     5   

Effect of foreign currency translation and other

     83        (221     (138     94        258        352   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 16,239      $ 8,866      $ 25,105      $ 14,236      $ 10,911      $ 25,147   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization of DAC and VOBA is attributed to both investment gains and losses and to other expenses for the amount of gross margins or profits originating from transactions other than investment gains and losses. Unrealized investment gains and losses represent the amount of DAC and VOBA that would have been amortized if such gains and losses had been recognized.

 

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See Note 1 for information on the retrospective application of the adoption of new accounting guidance related to DAC.

Information regarding DAC and VOBA by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, was as follows:

 

     DAC      VOBA      Total  
     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 
     (In millions)  

Retail Products

   $ 10,557       $ 10,103       $ 1,213       $ 1,211       $ 11,770       $ 11,314   

Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits

     748         744                         748         744   

Corporate Benefit Funding

     83         86         2         3         85         89   

Latin America

     781         693         377         357         1,158         1,050   

Asia

     2,950         2,647         6,084         6,553         9,034         9,200   

EMEA

     1,119         966         1,189         1,254         2,308         2,220   

Corporate & Other

     1         1         1         1         2         2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 16,239       $ 15,240       $ 8,866       $ 9,379       $ 25,105       $ 24,619   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

7.  Goodwill

In the first quarter of 2012, the Company reorganized its business into three broad geographic regions: The Americas, Asia and EMEA, to better reflect its global reach. See Note 15 for a discussion on the Company’s new segments. As a result of the reorganization, the Company reallocated goodwill from the former segments to the new segments as shown in the below table under “Goodwill Transfers.”

The Company tests goodwill for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is the operating segment or a business one level below the operating segment, if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management at that level. For each operating segment, the reporting units were determined to be either the operating segment or the components thereof.

 

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The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, and the balances at:

 

     December 31, 2011      Goodwill
Transfers
    Effect of Foreign
Currency Translation
and Other
    March 31, 2012  
     (In millions)  

2011

         

Insurance Products

   $ 1,414       $ (1,414   $      $   

Retirement Products

     1,692         (1,692              

Corporate Benefit Funding

     900         (900              

Auto & Home

     157         (157              

Japan

     5,371         (5,371              

Other International Regions

     1,996         (1,996              

Corporate & Other (1)

     405         (405              

2012

         

Retail Products

             2,955               2,955   

Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits

             308               308   

Corporate Benefit Funding

             900               900   

Latin America

             501        29        530   

Asia

             5,443        (83     5,360   

EMEA

             1,423        22        1,445   

Corporate & Other (1)

             405               405   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 11,935       $      $ (32   $ 11,903   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

At March 31, 2012, the Company’s accumulated goodwill impairment loss was $65 million, which is included in Corporate & Other.

8.  Insurance

Insurance Liabilities

Insurance liabilities were as follows:

 

     Future Policy
Benefits
     Policyholder Account
Balances
     Other Policy-Related
Balances
 
     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 
     (In millions)  

Retail Products

   $ 62,624       $ 62,295       $ 67,207       $ 69,553       $ 2,841       $ 2,807   

Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits

     20,570         20,465         9,242         9,273         3,532         3,378   

Corporate Benefit Funding

     49,182         49,657         59,157         56,367         212         201   

Latin America

     6,975         6,299         6,828         6,159         1,600         1,432   

Asia

     30,817         31,555         61,122         59,578         5,788         5,876   

EMEA

     7,994         7,728         15,161         14,396         1,585         1,482   

Corporate & Other

     5,979         6,276         2,096         2,374         471         423   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 184,141       $ 184,275       $ 220,813       $ 217,700       $ 16,029       $ 15,599   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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9.  Closed Block

On April 7, 2000 (the “Demutualization Date”), Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”) converted from a mutual life insurance company to a stock life insurance company and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. The conversion was pursuant to an order by the New York Superintendent of Insurance approving MLIC’s plan of reorganization, as amended (the “Plan”). On the Demutualization Date, MLIC established a closed block for the benefit of holders of certain individual life insurance policies of MLIC.

Experience within the closed block, in particular mortality and investment yields, as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses, directly impact the policyholder dividend obligation. Amortization of the closed block DAC, which resides outside of the closed block, is based upon cumulative actual and expected earnings within the closed block. Accordingly, the Company’s net income continues to be sensitive to the actual performance of the closed block.

Information regarding the closed block liabilities and assets designated to the closed block was as follows:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Closed Block Liabilities

    

Future policy benefits

   $ 43,023      $ 43,169   

Other policy-related balances

     341        358   

Policyholder dividends payable

     532        514   

Policyholder dividend obligation

     2,700        2,919   

Other liabilities

     689        613   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total closed block liabilities

     47,285        47,573   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets Designated to the Closed Block

    

Investments:

    

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value

     30,216        30,407   

Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value

     22        35   

Mortgage loans

     6,228        6,206   

Policy loans

     4,651        4,657   

Real estate and real estate joint ventures

     318        364   

Other invested assets

     854        857   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

     42,289        42,526   

Cash and cash equivalents

     271        249   

Accrued investment income

     522        509   

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables

     78        109   

Current income tax recoverable

     27        53   

Deferred income tax assets

     368        362   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets designated to the closed block

     43,555        43,808   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Excess of closed block liabilities over assets designated to the closed block

     3,730        3,765   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

    

Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax

     2,237        2,394   

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax

     9        11   

Allocated to policyholder dividend obligation, net of income tax

     (1,755     (1,897
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     491        508   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Maximum future earnings to be recognized from closed block assets and liabilities

   $ 4,221      $ 4,273   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Information regarding the closed block policyholder dividend obligation was as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2012
    Year
Ended
December 31,  2011
 
     (In millions)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 2,919      $ 876   

Change in unrealized investment and derivative gains (losses)

     (219     2,043   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 2,700      $ 2,919   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Information regarding the closed block revenues and expenses was as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended

March 31,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In millions)  

Revenues

    

Premiums

   $ 498      $ 535   

Net investment income

     550        564   

Net investment gains (losses):

    

Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities

     (1     (1

Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)

              

Other net investment gains (losses)

     12        8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net investment gains (losses)

     11        7   

Net derivative gains (losses)

     (9     (18
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     1,050        1,088   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

    

Policyholder benefits and claims

     662        689   

Policyholder dividends

     268        297   

Other expenses

     45        49   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     975        1,035   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues, net of expenses before provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     75        53   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     27        17   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues, net of expenses and provision for income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations

     48        36   

Revenues, net of expenses and provision for income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations

     4          
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues, net of expenses and provision for income tax expense (benefit) and discontinued operations

   $ 52      $ 36   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

MLIC charges the closed block with federal income taxes, state and local premium taxes and other additive state or local taxes, as well as investment management expenses relating to the closed block as provided in the Plan. MLIC also charges the closed block for expenses of maintaining the policies included in the closed block.

 

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10.  Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees

Contingencies

Litigation

The Company is a defendant in a large number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.

Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.

The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Liabilities have been established for a number of the matters noted below. It is possible that some of the matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at March 31, 2012. While the potential future charges could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded, based on information currently known to management, management does not believe any such charges are likely to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position.

Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made

For some of the matters disclosed below, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. As of March 31, 2012, the Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for these matters to be approximately $0 to $125 million.

Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made

For other matters disclosed below, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.

 

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Asbestos-Related Claims

MLIC is and has been a defendant in a large number of asbestos-related suits filed primarily in state courts. These suits principally allege that the plaintiff or plaintiffs suffered personal injury resulting from exposure to asbestos and seek both actual and punitive damages. MLIC has never engaged in the business of manufacturing, producing, distributing or selling asbestos or asbestos-containing products nor has MLIC issued liability or workers’ compensation insurance to companies in the business of manufacturing, producing, distributing or selling asbestos or asbestos-containing products. The lawsuits principally have focused on allegations with respect to certain research, publication and other activities of one or more of MLIC’s employees during the period from the 1920’s through approximately the 1950’s and allege that MLIC learned or should have learned of certain health risks posed by asbestos and, among other things, improperly publicized or failed to disclose those health risks. MLIC believes that it should not have legal liability in these cases. The outcome of most asbestos litigation matters, however, is uncertain and can be impacted by numerous variables, including differences in legal rulings in various jurisdictions, the nature of the alleged injury and factors unrelated to the ultimate legal merit of the claims asserted against MLIC. MLIC employs a number of resolution strategies to manage its asbestos loss exposure, including seeking resolution of pending litigation by judicial rulings and settling individual or groups of claims or lawsuits under appropriate circumstances.

Claims asserted against MLIC have included negligence, intentional tort and conspiracy concerning the health risks associated with asbestos. MLIC’s defenses (beyond denial of certain factual allegations) include that: (i) MLIC owed no duty to the plaintiffs—it had no special relationship with the plaintiffs and did not manufacture, produce, distribute or sell the asbestos products that allegedly injured plaintiffs; (ii) plaintiffs did not rely on any actions of MLIC; (iii) MLIC’s conduct was not the cause of the plaintiffs’ injuries; (iv) plaintiffs’ exposure occurred after the dangers of asbestos were known; and (v) the applicable time with respect to filing suit has expired. During the course of the litigation, certain trial courts have granted motions dismissing claims against MLIC, while other trial courts have denied MLIC’s motions to dismiss. There can be no assurance that MLIC will receive favorable decisions on motions in the future. While most cases brought to date have settled, MLIC intends to continue to defend aggressively against claims based on asbestos exposure, including defending claims at trials.

As reported in the 2011 Annual Report, MLIC received approximately 4,972 asbestos-related claims in 2011. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, MLIC received approximately 1,214 and 1,123 new asbestos-related claims, respectively. See Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for historical information concerning asbestos claims and MLIC’s increase in its recorded liability at December 31, 2002. The number of asbestos cases that may be brought, the aggregate amount of any liability that MLIC may incur, and the total amount paid in settlements in any given year are uncertain and may vary significantly from year to year.

The ability of MLIC to estimate its ultimate asbestos exposure is subject to considerable uncertainty, and the conditions impacting its liability can be dynamic and subject to change. The availability of reliable data is limited and it is difficult to predict the numerous variables that can affect liability estimates, including the number of future claims, the cost to resolve claims, the disease mix and severity of disease in pending and future claims, the impact of the number of new claims filed in a particular jurisdiction and variations in the law in the jurisdictions in which claims are filed, the possible impact of tort reform efforts, the willingness of courts to allow plaintiffs to pursue claims against MLIC when exposure to asbestos took place after the dangers of asbestos exposure were well known, and the impact of any possible future adverse verdicts and their amounts.

The ability to make estimates regarding ultimate asbestos exposure declines significantly as the estimates relate to years further in the future. In the Company’s judgment, there is a future point after which losses cease to

 

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be probable and reasonably estimable. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s total exposure to asbestos claims may be materially greater than the asbestos liability currently accrued and that future charges to income may be necessary. To the extent the Company can estimate reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued, it has been included in the aggregate estimate of reasonably possible loss provided above. While the potential future charges could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded, based on information currently known by management, management does not believe any such charges are likely to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position.

The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for asbestos-related claims. MLIC’s recorded asbestos liability is based on its estimation of the following elements, as informed by the facts presently known to it, its understanding of current law and its past experiences: (i) the probable and reasonably estimable liability for asbestos claims already asserted against MLIC, including claims settled but not yet paid; (ii) the probable and reasonably estimable liability for asbestos claims not yet asserted against MLIC, but which MLIC believes are reasonably probable of assertion; and (iii) the legal defense costs associated with the foregoing claims. Significant assumptions underlying MLIC’s analysis of the adequacy of its recorded liability with respect to asbestos litigation include: (i) the number of future claims; (ii) the cost to resolve claims; and (iii) the cost to defend claims.

MLIC reevaluates on a quarterly and annual basis its exposure from asbestos litigation, including studying its claims experience, reviewing external literature regarding asbestos claims experience in the U.S., assessing relevant trends impacting asbestos liability and considering numerous variables that can affect its asbestos liability exposure on an overall or per claim basis. These variables include bankruptcies of other companies involved in asbestos litigation, legislative and judicial developments, the number of pending claims involving serious disease, the number of new claims filed against it and other defendants and the jurisdictions in which claims are pending. Based upon its regular reevaluation of its exposure from asbestos litigation, MLIC has updated its liability analysis for asbestos-related claims through March 31, 2012.

Regulatory Matters

The Company receives and responds to subpoenas or other inquiries from state regulators, including state insurance commissioners; state attorneys general or other state governmental authorities; federal regulators, including the SEC; federal governmental authorities, including congressional committees; and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) seeking a broad range of information. The issues involved in information requests and regulatory matters vary widely. The Company cooperates in these inquiries.

MetLife Bank Mortgage Regulatory and Law Enforcement Authorities’ Inquiries. Since 2008, MetLife, through its affiliate, MetLife Bank, has significantly increased its mortgage servicing activities by acquiring servicing portfolios. Currently, MetLife Bank services approximately 1% of the aggregate principal amount of the mortgage loans serviced in the U.S. State and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities have initiated various inquiries, investigations or examinations of alleged irregularities in the foreclosure practices of the residential mortgage servicing industry. Mortgage servicing practices have also been the subject of Congressional attention. Authorities have publicly stated that the scope of the investigations extends beyond foreclosure documentation practices to include mortgage loan modification and loss mitigation practices.

MetLife Bank’s mortgage servicing has been the subject of recent inquiries and requests by state and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities. MetLife Bank is cooperating with the authorities’ review of this business. On April 13, 2011, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency entered into consent decrees with several banks, including MetLife Bank. The consent decrees require an independent review of foreclosure

 

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practices and set forth new residential mortgage servicing standards, including a requirement for a designated point of contact for a borrower during the loss mitigation process. In addition, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) entered into consent decrees with the affiliated bank holding companies of these banks, including MetLife, Inc., to enhance the supervision of the mortgage servicing activities of their banking subsidiaries. In a February 9, 2012 press release, the Federal Reserve Board announced that it had issued monetary sanctions against five banking organizations for deficiencies in the organizations’ servicing of residential mortgage loans and processing of foreclosures. The Federal Reserve Board has also stated that it plans to announce monetary penalties against other institutions under its supervision against whom it had issued enforcement actions in 2011, including MetLife, Inc., for deficiencies in servicing of residential mortgage loans and processing foreclosures. MetLife Bank has also had a meeting with the Department of Justice regarding mortgage servicing and foreclosure practices. It is possible that various state or federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities may seek monetary penalties from MetLife Bank relating to foreclosure practices.

MetLife Bank has also responded to a subpoena issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services regarding hazard insurance and flood insurance that MetLife Bank obtains to protect the lienholder’s interest when the borrower’s insurance has lapsed. In April and May 2012, MetLife Bank received two subpoenas issued by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding Federal Housing Administration insured loans.

The consent decrees, as well as the inquiries or investigations referred to above, could adversely affect MetLife’s reputation or result in material fines, penalties, equitable remedies or other enforcement actions, and result in significant legal costs in responding to governmental investigations or other litigation. In addition, the changes to the mortgage servicing business required by the consent decrees and the resolution of any other inquiries or investigations may affect the profitability of such business. The Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss arising from the MetLife Bank regulatory matters. Management believes that the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a whole will not be materially affected by the MetLife Bank regulatory matters.

United States of America v. EME Homer City Generation, L.P., et al. (W.D. Pa., filed January 4, 2011). On January 4, 2011, the U.S. commenced a civil action in United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against EME Homer City Generation L.P. (“EME Homer City”), Homer City OL6 LLC, and other defendants regarding the operations of the Homer City Generating Station, an electricity generating facility. Homer City OL6 LLC, an entity owned by MLIC, is a passive investor with a noncontrolling interest in the electricity generating facility, which is solely operated by the lessee, EME Homer City. The complaint sought injunctive relief and assessment of civil penalties for alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act and Pennsylvania’s State Implementation Plan. The alleged violations were the subject of Notices of Violations (“NOVs”) that the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued to EME Homer City, Homer City OL6 LLC, and others in June 2008 and May 2010. On January 7, 2011, the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania granted the motion by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the State of New York to intervene in the lawsuit as additional plaintiffs. On February 16, 2011, the State of New Jersey filed an Intervenor’s Complaint in the lawsuit. On January 7, 2011, two plaintiffs filed a putative class action titled Scott Jackson and Maria Jackson v. EME Homer City Generation L.P., et al. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on behalf of a putative class of persons who have allegedly incurred damage to their persons and/or property because of the violations alleged in the action brought by the U.S. Homer City OL6 LLC is a defendant in this action. On October 12, 2011, the court issued an order dismissing the U.S.’s lawsuit with prejudice. The Government entities have appealed from the order granting defendants’ motion to dismiss. On October 13, 2011, the court also issued an order dismissing the federal claims in the putative class actions with prejudice and dismissing the state law claims in the putative class actions without prejudice to re-file in state court. EME Homer City has acknowledged its obligation to indemnify Homer City OL6 LLC for any claims relating to the NOVs. Due to the acknowledged indemnification obligation,

 

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this matter is not included in the aggregate estimate of range of reasonably possible loss. In a February 13, 2012 letter to EME Homer City, Homer City OL6 LLC and others, the Sierra Club indicated its intent to sue for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and to seek to enjoin the alleged violations, seek unspecified penalties and attorneys fees, and other relief. Homer City OL6 LLC has served a claim for indemnification on EME Homer City with respect to the February 13, 2012 letter.

In the Matter of Chemform, Inc. Site, Pompano Beach, Broward County, Florida. In July 2010, the EPA advised MLIC that it believed payments were due under two settlement agreements, known as “Administrative Orders on Consent,” that New England Mutual Life Insurance Company (“New England Mutual”) signed in 1989 and 1992 with respect to the cleanup of a Superfund site in Florida (the “Chemform Site”). The EPA originally contacted MLIC (as successor to New England Mutual) and a third party in 2001, and advised that they owed additional clean-up costs for the Chemform Site. The matter was not resolved at that time. The EPA is requesting payment of an amount under $1 million from MLIC and such third party for past costs and an additional amount for future environmental testing costs at the Chemform Site. The Company estimates that the aggregate cost to resolve this matter will not exceed $1 million.

Metco Site, Hicksville, Nassau County, New York. On February 22, 2012, the New York State Department of Environmental Protection issued a notice to MLIC, as purported successor in interest to New England Mutual, that it is a potentially responsible party with respect to hazardous substances and hazardous waste located on a property that New England Mutual owned for a time in 1978. The Company is reviewing the matter.

Sales Practices Regulatory Matters. Regulatory authorities in a small number of states and FINRA, and occasionally the SEC, have had investigations or inquiries relating to sales of individual life insurance policies or annuities or other products by MLIC, MICC, New England Life Insurance Company and General American Life Insurance Company, and four Company broker-dealers, which are MetLife Securities, Inc., New England Securities Corporation, Walnut Street Securities, Inc. and Tower Square Securities, Inc. These investigations often focus on the conduct of particular financial services representatives and the sale of unregistered or unsuitable products or the misuse of client assets. Over the past several years, these and a number of investigations by other regulatory authorities were resolved for monetary payments and certain other relief, including restitution payments. The Company may continue to resolve investigations in a similar manner. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for these sales practices-related investigations or inquiries.

Unclaimed Property Inquiries and Related Litigation

More than 30 U.S. jurisdictions are auditing MetLife, Inc. and certain of its affiliates for compliance with unclaimed property laws. Additionally, MLIC and certain of its affiliates have received subpoenas and other regulatory inquiries from certain regulators and other officials relating to claims-payment practices and compliance with unclaimed property laws. An examination of these practices by the Illinois Department of Insurance has been converted into a multi-state targeted market conduct exam. On July 5, 2011, the New York Insurance Department issued a letter requiring life insurers doing business in New York to use data available on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or a similar database to identify instances where death benefits under life insurance policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts are payable, to locate and pay beneficiaries under such contracts, and to report the results of the use of the data. At least one other jurisdiction is pursuing a similar market conduct exam and it is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries, may join the multi-state market conduct exam, or issue directives similar to the New York Insurance Department’s letter. In the third quarter of 2011, the Company incurred a $117 million after tax charge to increase reserves in connection with the Company’s use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File and similar databases to identify potential life insurance claims that have not yet been presented to the Company. In April 2012, the Company reached agreements with representatives of the U.S. jurisdictions that are conducting the audits referenced above and with the states most directly involved in the

 

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targeted market conduct exam referenced above to resolve the audits and the examination. The effectiveness of each agreement is conditioned upon the approval of a specified number of jurisdictions. Pursuant to the settlement to resolve the audits, the Company will, among other things, take specified action to identify liabilities under life insurance, annuity, and retained asset contracts, and, to the extent that it is unable to locate owners of amounts payable, to escheat these amounts with interest at a specified rate to the appropriate states. Additionally, the Company has agreed to accelerate the final date of certain industrial life policies and to escheat unclaimed benefits of such policies. Pursuant to the settlements, the Company will, among other things, adopt specified procedures for identifying liabilities under life insurance, annuity, and retained asset contracts, for seeking to contact and pay beneficiaries under such liabilities, and for escheating unclaimed property to appropriate states. Additionally, the Company has agreed to make a multi-state examination payment in the amount of $40 million to be allocated among the settling states. Therefore, in the first quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a $52 million after tax charge for such multi-state examination payment and the expected acceleration of benefit payments to policyholders under the settlements. At least one other jurisdiction is pursuing a similar market conduct exam. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar exams or audits and that such exams or audits may result in additional payments to beneficiaries, additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws, administrative penalties, interest, and/or further changes to the Company’s procedures. The Company is not currently able to estimate these additional possible costs.

Total Asset Recovery Services, LLC on behalf of the State of Illinois v. MetLife, Inc., et. al. (Cir. Ct. Cook County, IL, filed January 24, 2011). Alleging that MetLife, Inc. and another company have violated the Illinois Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act by failing to escheat to Illinois benefits of 4,766 life insurance contracts, Total Asset Recovery Services, LLC (“the Relator”) has brought an action under the Illinois False Claims Whistleblower Reward and Protection Act seeking to recover damages on behalf of Illinois. Based on the allegations in the complaint, it appears that plaintiff may have improperly named MetLife, Inc. as a defendant instead of MLIC. The action was sealed by court order until January 18, 2012. The Relator alleges that the aggregate damages, including statutory damages and treble damages, are $1.6 billion. The Relator does not allocate this claimed damage amount between MetLife, Inc. and the other defendant. The Relator also bases its damage calculation in part on its assumption that the average face amount of the subject policies is $110,000. MetLife, Inc. strongly disputes this assumption, the Relator’s alleged damages amounts, and other allegations in the complaint, and intends to defend this action vigorously.

Total Asset Recovery Services, LLC on behalf of the State of Minnesota v. MetLife, Inc., et. al. (District Court, County of Hennepin, MN, filed January 31, 2011). Alleging that MetLife, Inc. and another company have violated the Minnesota Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act by failing to escheat to Minnesota benefits of 584 life insurance contracts, the Relator has brought an action under the Minnesota False Claims Act seeking to recover damages on behalf of Minnesota. Based on the allegations in the complaint, it appears that plaintiff may have improperly named MetLife, Inc. as a defendant instead of MLIC. The action was sealed by court order until March 22, 2012. The Relator alleges that the aggregate damages, including statutory damages and treble damages, is $228 million. The Relator does not allocate this claimed damage amount between MetLife, Inc. and the other defendant. The Relator also bases its damage calculation in part on its assumption that the average face amount of the subject policies is $130,000. MetLife, Inc. strongly disputes this assumption, the Relator’s alleged damages amounts, and other allegations in the complaint, and intends to defend this action vigorously.

City of Westland Police and Fire Retirement System v. MetLife, Inc., et. al. (S.D.N.Y., filed January 12, 2012). Seeking to represent a class of persons who purchased MetLife, Inc. common shares between February 2, 2010, and October 6, 2011, the plaintiff filed an action alleging that MetLife, Inc. and several current and former executive officers of MetLife, Inc. violated the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by issuing, or causing MetLife, Inc. to issue, materially false and misleading statements concerning

 

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MetLife, Inc.’s potential liability for millions of dollars in insurance benefits that should have been paid to beneficiaries or escheated to the states. Plaintiff seeks unspecified compensatory damages and other relief. The defendants intend to vigorously defend this action.

Derivative Actions and Demands. Seeking to sue derivatively on behalf of MetLife, Inc., four shareholders have commenced separate actions against members of the MetLife, Inc. Board of Directors, alleging that they breached their fiduciary and other duties to the Company. The actions are Fishbaum v. Kandarian, et al. (Sup. Ct., New York County, filed January 27, 2012), Batchelder v. Burwell, et al. (Sup. Ct., New York County, filed March 6, 2012), Mallon v. Kandarian, et al. (S.D.N.Y., filed March 28, 2012), and Martino v. Kandarian, et al. (S.D.N.Y., filed April 19, 2012). Plaintiffs allege that the defendants failed to ensure that the Company complied with state unclaimed property laws and to ensure that the Company accurately reported its earnings. Plaintiffs allege that because of the defendants’ breaches of duty, MetLife, Inc. has incurred damage to its reputation and has suffered other unspecified damages. The defendants intend to vigorously defend these actions. A fifth shareholder, Western Pennsylvania Electrical Workers Pension Fund, has written to the MetLife, Inc. Board of Directors demanding that MetLife, Inc. take action against current and former Board members, executive officers, and MetLife, Inc.’s independent auditor, for similar alleged breaches of duty with respect to the Company’s compliance with unclaimed property laws and financial disclosures. The MetLife, Inc. Board of Directors has appointed a Special Committee to investigate these allegations.

Total Control Accounts Litigation and Regulatory Actions

MLIC is a defendant in lawsuits related to its use of retained asset accounts, known as Total Control Accounts (“TCA”), as a settlement option for death benefits. The lawsuits include claims of breach of contract, breach of a common law fiduciary duty or a quasi-fiduciary duty such as a confidential or special relationship, or breach of a fiduciary duty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).

Keife, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (D. Nev., filed in state court on July 30, 2010 and removed to federal court on September 7, 2010). This putative class action lawsuit raises a breach of contract claim arising from MLIC’s use of the TCA to pay life insurance benefits under the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (“FEGLI”) program. As damages, plaintiffs seek disgorgement of the difference between the interest paid to the account holders and the investment earnings on the assets backing the accounts. In September 2010, plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification of the breach of contract claim, which the court has stayed. On April 28, 2011, the court denied MLIC’s motion to dismiss.

Simon v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (D. Nev., filed November 3, 2011). Similar to Keife v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (pending in the same court), in this putative class action the plaintiff alleges that MLIC improperly paid interest to FEGLI beneficiaries. Specifically, plaintiff alleges that under the terms of the FEGLI policy, MLIC is required to make “immediate” payment of death benefits in “one sum.” MLIC, plaintiff alleges, breached this duty by instead retaining the death benefits in its general investment account and sending beneficiaries a “book of drafts” known as the “TCA Money Market Option” as the only means by which funds can be accessed. Plaintiff further alleges that MLIC manipulates interest rates paid to policy beneficiaries. This matter has been consolidated with Keife.

Various state regulators have also taken actions with respect to retained asset accounts. The New York Insurance Department issued a circular letter on March 29, 2012 stating that an insurer should only use a retained asset account when a policyholder or beneficiary affirmatively chooses to receive life insurance proceeds through such an account and providing for certain disclosures to a beneficiary, including that payment by a single check is an option. The Minnesota Department of Commerce, in connection with an ongoing market conduct exam, has issued a proposed consent order to the Company regarding the Company’s use of TCAs.

The Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss arising from the TCA matters.

 

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Other U.S. Litigation

Roberts, et al. v. Tishman Speyer Properties, et al. (Sup. Ct., N.Y. County, filed January 22, 2007). This lawsuit was filed by a putative class of market rate tenants at Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village against parties including Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company (“MTL”) and Metropolitan Insurance and Annuity Company. Metropolitan Insurance and Annuity Company has merged into MTL and no longer exists as a separate entity. These tenants claim that MTL, as former owner, and the current owner improperly deregulated apartments while receiving J-51 tax abatements. The lawsuit seeks declaratory relief and damages for rent overcharges. In October 2009, the New York State Court of Appeals issued an opinion denying MTL’s motion to dismiss the complaint. MTL has reached a settlement in principle with the plaintiff tenants, subject to finalizing the settlement terms and court approval. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for this lawsuit.

Merrill Haviland, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (E.D. Mich., removed to federal court on July 22, 2011). This lawsuit was filed by 45 retired General Motors (“GM”) employees against MLIC and the amended complaint includes claims for conversion, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraudulent insurance acts, unfair trade practices, and ERISA claims based upon GM’s 2009 reduction of the employees’ life insurance coverage under GM’s ERISA-governed plan. The complaint includes a count seeking class action status. MLIC is the insurer of GM’s group life insurance plan and administers claims under the plan. According to the complaint, MLIC had previously provided plaintiffs with a “written guarantee” that their life insurance benefits under the GM plan would not be reduced for the rest of their lives. MLIC has filed a motion to dismiss.

Sales Practices Claims. Over the past several years, the Company has faced numerous claims, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, mutual funds or other products. Some of the current cases seek substantial damages, including punitive and treble damages and attorneys’ fees. The Company continues to vigorously defend against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters.

International Litigation

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co. (Super. Ct., Ontario, October 2006). In 2006, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (“Sun Life”), as successor to the purchaser of MLIC’s Canadian operations, filed this lawsuit in Toronto, seeking a declaration that MLIC remains liable for “market conduct claims” related to certain individual life insurance policies sold by MLIC and that have been transferred to Sun Life. Sun Life had asked that the court require MLIC to indemnify Sun Life for these claims pursuant to indemnity provisions in the sale agreement for the sale of MLIC’s Canadian operations entered into in June of 1998. In January 2010, the court found that Sun Life had given timely notice of its claim for indemnification but, because it found that Sun Life had not yet incurred an indemnifiable loss, granted MLIC’s motion for summary judgment. Both parties appealed. In September 2010, Sun Life notified MLIC that a purported class action lawsuit was filed against Sun Life in Toronto, Kang v. Sun Life Assurance Co. (Super. Ct., Ontario, September 2010), alleging sales practices claims regarding the same individual policies sold by MLIC and transferred to Sun Life. An amended class action complaint in that case was served on Sun Life, again without naming MLIC as a party. On August 30, 2011, Sun Life notified MLIC that a purported class action lawsuit was filed against Sun Life in Vancouver, Alamwala v. Sun Life Assurance Co. (Sup. Ct., British Columbia, August 2011), alleging sales practices claims regarding certain of the same policies sold by MLIC and transferred to Sun Life. Sun Life contends that MLIC is obligated to indemnify Sun Life for some or all of the claims in these lawsuits. The Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss arising from this litigation.

 

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Italy Fund Redemption Suspension Complaints and Litigation. As a result of suspension of withdrawals and diminution in value in certain funds offered within certain unit-linked policies sold by the Italian branch of Alico Life International, Ltd. (“ALIL”), a number of policyholders invested in those funds have either commenced or threatened litigation against ALIL, alleging misrepresentation, inadequate disclosures and other related claims. These policyholders contacted ALIL beginning in July 2009 alleging that the funds operated at variance to the published prospectus and that prospectus risk disclosures were allegedly wrong, unclear, and misleading. The limited number of lawsuits that have been filed to date have either been resolved or are proceeding through litigation. In March 2011, ALIL began implementing a plan to resolve policyholder claims. Under the plan, ALIL will provide liquidity to the suspended funds so that policyholders may withdraw investments in these funds, and ALIL will offer policyholders amounts in addition to the liquidation value of the suspended funds based on the performance of other relevant financial products. The settlement program achieved a 96% acceptance rate. Those policyholders who did not accept the settlement may still pursue other remedies or commence individual litigation. Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement dated as of March 7, 2010, as amended, by and among MetLife, Inc., AIG and AM Holdings LLC, AIG has agreed to indemnify MetLife, Inc. and its affiliates for third party claims and regulatory fines associated with ALIL’s suspended funds. Due to the acknowledged indemnification obligation, this matter is not included in the aggregate estimate of range of reasonably possible loss.

Summary

Putative or certified class action litigation and other litigation and claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, mortgage lending bank, employer, investor, investment advisor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.

It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

Commitments

Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments

The Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $3.9 billion and $4.0 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The Company anticipates that these amounts will be invested in partnerships over the next five years.

Mortgage Loan Commitments

The Company has issued interest rate lock commitments on certain residential mortgage loan applications totaling $184 million and $5.6 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The Company

 

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intends to sell the majority of these originated residential mortgage loans. Interest rate lock commitments to fund mortgage loans that will be held-for-sale are considered derivatives and their estimated fair value and notional amounts are included within interest rate forwards. See Notes 2 and 4.

The Company also commits to lend funds under certain other mortgage loan commitments that will be held-for-investment. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $4.3 billion and $4.1 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Commitments to Fund Bank Credit Facilities, Bridge Loans and Private Corporate Bond Investments

The Company commits to lend funds under bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Guarantees

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded $2 million of additional liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments. The Company’s recorded liabilities were $7 million and $5 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, for indemnities, guarantees and commitments.

11.  Employee Benefit Plans

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

Certain subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. (the “Subsidiaries”) sponsor and/or administer various qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement employee benefit plans covering employees and sales representatives who meet specified eligibility requirements. The Subsidiaries also provide certain postemployment benefits and certain postretirement medical and life insurance benefits for retired employees. The Subsidiaries have issued group annuity and life insurance contracts supporting approximately 99% of all U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets, which are invested primarily in separate accounts sponsored by the Subsidiaries.

Measurement dates used for all of the Subsidiaries’ defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans correspond with the fiscal year ends of sponsoring Subsidiaries, which are December 31 for most Subsidiaries and November 30 for American Life.

The components of net periodic benefit costs were as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
     U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans     U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans  
     Three Months
Ended

March 31,
    Three Months
Ended

March 31,
    Three Months
Ended

March 31,
    Three Months
Ended

March 31,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011     2012     2011     2012      2011  
     (In millions)  

Service costs

   $ 56      $ 47      $ 20      $ 16      $ 5      $ 4      $       $ 1   

Interest costs

     101        101        4        4        26        26        1         1   

Expected return on plan assets

     (121     (112     (2     (2     (19     (19             (1

Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses

     49        49                      14        11                  

Amortization of prior service costs (credit)

     2        1                      (26     (27               
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit costs

   $ 87      $ 86      $ 22      $ 18      $      $ (5   $ 1       $ 1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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12.  Equity

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Payout of 2009—2011 Performance Shares

Vested Performance Shares are multiplied by a performance factor of 0.0 to 2.0 based largely on MetLife, Inc.’s performance in change in annual net operating earnings and total shareholder return over the applicable three-year performance period compared to the performance of its competitors. Final Performance Shares are paid in shares of MetLife, Inc. common stock. The performance factor for the January 1, 2009 — December 31, 2011 performance period was 1.13. This factor has been applied to the 1,791,609 Performance Shares associated with that performance period that vested on December 31, 2011 and, as a result, 2,024,518 shares of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock (less withholding for taxes and other items, as applicable) will be issued, aside from shares that payees choose to defer, during the second quarter of 2012.

Payout of 2009—2011 Performance Units

Vested Performance Units are multiplied by a performance factor of 0.0 to 2.0 based largely on MetLife, Inc.’s performance in change in annual net operating earnings and total shareholder return over the applicable three-year performance period compared to the performance of its competitors. Final Performance Units which are payable in cash equal to the closing price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on a date following the last day of the three-year performance period. The performance factor for the January 1, 2009 — December 31, 2011 performance period was 1.13. This factor has been applied to the 51,144 Performance Units associated with that performance period that vested on December 31, 2011 and, as a result, the cash value of 57,793 units will be paid during the second quarter of 2012.

13.  Other Expenses

Information on other expenses was as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In millions)  

Compensation

   $ 1,494      $ 1,327   

Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit costs

     118        95   

Commissions

     1,557        1,416   

Volume-related costs

     92        83   

Interest credited to bank deposits

     21        23   

Capitalization of DAC

     (1,364     (1,264

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

     714        939   

Amortization of negative VOBA

     (155     (183

Interest expense on debt and debt issuance costs

     358        415   

Premium taxes, licenses and fees

     199        135   

Professional services

     415        283   

Rent, net of sublease income

     120        107   

Other

     752        714   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expenses

   $ 4,321      $ 4,090   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Capitalization of DAC and Amortization of DAC and VOBA

See Note 6 for DAC and VOBA by segment and a rollforward of each including impacts of capitalization and amortization. See also Note 9 for a description of the DAC amortization impact associated with the closed block. See Note 1 for information on the retrospective application of the adoption of new accounting guidance related to DAC.

Costs Related to the Acquisition of ALICO

Integration-Related Expenses

Integration-related costs were $85 million and $68 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Integration-related costs represent costs directly related to integrating American Life and Delaware American Life Insurance Company (collectively, “ALICO”), including expenses for consulting, rebranding and the integration of information systems. Such costs have been expensed as incurred and as the integration of ALICO is an enterprise-wide initiative, these expenses are reported within Corporate & Other.

Restructuring Charges

As part of the integration of ALICO’s operations, management initiated restructuring plans focused on increasing productivity and improving the efficiency of the Company’s operations. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report. Estimated restructuring charges may change as management continues to execute its restructuring plans. Management anticipates further restructuring charges, including severance, contract termination costs and other associated costs through the year ended December 31, 2013. However, such restructuring plans are not sufficiently developed to enable management to make an estimate of such restructuring charges at March 31, 2012.

Restructuring charges associated with restructuring plans related to the acquisition of ALICO are included in other expenses within Corporate & Other. Such restructuring charges included:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
         2012             2011      
     (In millions)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 13      $ 10   

Restructuring charges

     3        17   

Cash payments

     (5     (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 11      $ 13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restructuring charges incurred in current period

   $ 3      $ 17   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of restructuring plans

   $ 59      $ 27   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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14.  Earnings Per Common Share

The following table presents the weighted average shares used in calculating basic earnings per common share and those used in calculating diluted earnings per common share for each income category presented below:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In millions, except share and per share
data)
 

Weighted Average Shares:

    

Weighted average common stock outstanding for basic earnings per common share

     1,064,252,898        1,058,517,978   

Incremental common shares from assumed:

    

Stock purchase contracts underlying common equity units (1)

            2,550,138   

Exercise or issuance of stock-based awards (2)

            8,455,420   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common stock outstanding for diluted earnings per common share

     1,064,252,898        1,069,523,536   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations:

    

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax

   $ (134   $ 924   

Less: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests

     24        7   

Less: Preferred stock dividends

     30        30   

          Preferred stock redemption premium

            146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders

   $ (188   $ 741   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic

   $ (0.17   $ 0.70   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ (0.17   $ 0.70   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations:

    

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax

   $ 14      $ (40

Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders

   $ 14      $ (40
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic

   $ 0.01      $ (0.04
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ 0.01      $ (0.04
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss):

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (120   $ 884   

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     24        7   

Less: Preferred stock dividends

     30        30   

          Preferred stock redemption premium

            146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders

   $ (174   $ 701   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic

   $ (0.16   $ 0.66   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ (0.16   $ 0.66   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

 

 

(1)

See Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for a description of the Company’s common equity units. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, all shares related to the assumed issuance of shares in settlement of the applicable purchase contracts have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as these assumed shares are anti-dilutive.

 

(2)

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, 6,627,984 shares related to the assumed exercise or issuance of stock-based awards have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as to include such assumed shares would be anti-dilutive.

15.  Business Segment Information

As announced in November 2011, the Company reorganized its business from its former U.S. Business and International structure into three broad geographic regions to better reflect its global reach. As a result, in the first quarter of 2012, the Company reorganized into six segments, reflecting these broad geographic regions: Retail Products; Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits; Corporate Benefit Funding; and Latin America (collectively, “The Americas”); Asia; and EMEA. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other, which includes MetLife Bank and other business activities. Prior period results have been revised in connection with this reorganization.

The Americas. The Americas consists of the following segments:

 

   

Retail Products. The Retail Products segment offers a broad range of protection products and services and a variety of annuities to individuals and employees of corporations and other institutions, and is organized into two businesses: Life and Annuities. Life insurance products and services include variable life, universal life, term life and whole life products. Annuities include a variety of variable and fixed annuities which provide for both asset accumulation and asset distribution needs.

 

   

Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits. The Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits segment offers a broad range of protection products and services to individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, and is organized into three businesses: Group Life, Non-Medical Health and Property & Casualty. Group Life insurance products and services include variable life, universal life and term life products. Non-Medical Health products and services include dental insurance, group short- and long-term disability, individual disability income, long-term care, critical illness and accidental death & dismemberment coverages. Property & Casualty provides personal lines property and casualty insurance, including private passenger automobile, homeowners and personal excess liability insurance.

 

   

Corporate Benefit Funding. The Corporate Benefit Funding segment includes an array of annuity and investment products, including guaranteed interest products and other stable value products, income annuities, and separate account contracts for the investment management of defined benefit and defined contribution plan assets.

 

   

Latin America. The Latin America segment offers a broad range of products to both individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, which include life insurance, accident and health insurance, group medical, dental, credit life insurance, annuities, endowment and retirement & savings products.

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Asia. The Asia segment offers a broad range of products to both individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, which include whole life, term life, variable life, universal life, accident and health insurance, fixed and variable annuities and endowment products.

EMEA. The EMEA segment offers a broad range of products to both individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, which include life insurance, accident and health insurance, credit life insurance, annuities, endowment and retirement & savings products.

Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments, external integration costs, internal resource costs for associates committed to acquisitions and various start-up and certain run-off entities. Corporate & Other also includes assumed reinsurance for a Japan domiciled life insurance company, a former joint venture of the Company. These in-force reinsurance agreements reinsure a portion of the living and death benefit guarantees issued in connection with variable annuity products. Additionally, Corporate & Other includes interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt, expenses associated with certain legal proceedings, the financial results of MetLife Bank (see Note 2) and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts, which generally relate to intersegment loans, which bear interest rates commensurate with related borrowings.

Operating earnings is the measure of segment profit or loss the Company uses to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, operating earnings is the Company’s measure of segment performance and is reported below. Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax. The Company believes the presentation of operating earnings as the Company measures it for management purposes enhances the understanding of its performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business.

Operating earnings is defined as operating revenues less operating expenses, both net of income tax.

Operating revenues and operating expenses exclude results of discontinued operations and other businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by MetLife, Inc. (“Divested Businesses”). Operating revenues also excludes net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses).

The following additional adjustments are made to GAAP revenues, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating revenues:

 

   

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees excludes the amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity GMIB fees (“GMIB Fees”);

 

   

Net investment income: (i) includes amounts for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, (ii) includes income from discontinued real estate operations, (iii) excludes post-tax operating earnings adjustments relating to insurance joint ventures accounted for under the equity method, (iv) excludes certain amounts related to contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, and (v) excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and

 

   

Other revenues are adjusted for settlements of foreign currency earnings hedges.

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The following additional adjustments are made to GAAP expenses, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating expenses:

 

   

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends excludes: (i) changes in the policyholder dividend obligation related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) inflation-indexed benefit adjustments associated with contracts backed by inflation-indexed investments and amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets, (iii) benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”), and (iv) market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”);

 

   

Interest credited to policyholder account balances includes adjustments for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of PABs but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and excludes amounts related to net investment income earned on contractholder-directed unit-linked investments;

 

   

Amortization of DAC and VOBA excludes amounts related to: (i) net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs, and (iii) Market Value Adjustments;

 

   

Amortization of negative VOBA excludes amounts related to Market Value Adjustments;

 

   

Interest expense on debt excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and

 

   

Other expenses excludes costs related to: (i) noncontrolling interests, (ii) implementation of new insurance regulatory requirements, and (iii) acquisition and integration costs.

In 2011, management modified its definition of operating earnings to exclude the impacts of Divested Businesses, which includes certain operations of MetLife Bank and the Caribbean Business, as these results are not relevant to understanding the Company’s ongoing operating results. Consequently, prior period results for Corporate & Other have been increased by $27 million, net of $16 million of income tax, and prior period results for Latin America have been decreased by $4 million, net of $2 million of income tax, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2011. As a result of the modified definition, prior period consolidated operating earnings increased by $23 million, net of $14 million of income tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Set forth in the tables below is certain financial information with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except for operating earnings adjustments as defined above. In addition, segment accounting policies include the method of capital allocation described below.

Economic capital is an internally developed risk capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model accounts for the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s business.

The Company’s economic capital model aligns segment allocated equity with emerging standards and consistent risk principles. Segment net investment income is credited or charged based on the level of allocated equity; however, changes in allocated equity do not impact the Company’s consolidated net investment income, operating earnings or income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax.

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

 

     Operating Earnings              
     The Americas                                      

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

   Retail
Products
    Group,
Voluntary
and Worksite
Benefits
    Corporate
Benefit
Funding
    Latin
America
    Total     Asia     EMEA     Corporate
& Other
    Total     Adjustments     Total
Consolidated
 
     (In millions)  

Revenues

                      

Premiums

   $ 1,136      $ 4,073      $ 507      $ 686      $ 6,402      $ 1,947      $ 744      $ 14      $ 9,107      $ 22      $ 9,129   

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

     1,114        166        51        196        1,527        323        119        40        2,009        69        2,078   

Net investment income

     1,856        491        1,401        299        4,047        653        185        200        5,085        1,115        6,200   

Other revenues

     205        112        64        5        386        16        36        51        489        108        597   

Net investment gains (losses)

                                                                    (110     (110

Net derivative gains (losses)

                                                                    (1,978     (1,978
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     4,311        4,842        2,023        1,186        12,362        2,939        1,084        305        16,690        (774     15,916   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

                      

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends

     1,902        3,639        1,092        592        7,225        1,269        434        11        8,939        508        9,447   

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

     596        42        339        100        1,077        427        35               1,539        1,018        2,557   

Capitalization of DAC

     (405     (102     (7     (84     (598     (561     (203            (1,362     (2     (1,364

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

     333        101        10        55        499        355        164               1,018        (304     714   

Amortization of negative VOBA

                          (2     (2     (130     (5            (137     (18     (155

Interest expense on debt

                   2        1        3        1               309        313        45        358   

Other expenses

     1,256        716        128        326        2,426        1,122        540        203        4,291        477        4,768   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     3,682        4,396        1,564        988        10,630        2,483        965        523        14,601        1,724        16,325   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     221        142        161        50        574        159        43        (180     596        (871     (275
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating earnings

   $ 408      $ 304      $ 298      $ 148      $ 1,158      $ 297      $ 76      $ (38     1,493       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Adjustments to:

                      

Total revenues

  

    (774    

Total expenses

  

    (1,724    

Provision for income tax (expense) benefit

  

    871       
                  

 

 

     

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax

  

  $ (134     $ (134
                  

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

     Operating Earnings              
     The Americas                                      

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

   Retail
Products
    Group,
Voluntary
and Work site
Benefits
    Corporate
Benefit
Funding
    Latin
America
    Total     Asia     EMEA     Corporate
& Other
    Total     Adjustments     Total
Consolidated
 
                                   (In millions)                          

Revenues

                      

Premiums

   $ 1,025      $ 3,976      $ 423      $ 594      $ 6,018      $ 1,803      $ 697      $ 14      $ 8,532      $ 22      $ 8,554   

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

     991        159        54        189        1,393        297        104        38        1,832        57        1,889   

Net investment income

     1,808        485        1,386        166        3,845        513        173        252        4,783        530        5,313   

Other revenues

     182        101        60        4        347        12        26        83        468        98        566   

Net investment gains (losses)

                                                                    (99     (99

Net derivative gains (losses)

                                                                    (315     (315
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     4,006        4,721        1,923        953        11,603        2,625        1,000        387        15,615        293        15,908   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

                      

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends

     1,779        3,594        1,020        424        6,817        1,198        408        16        8,439        170        8,609   

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

     591        43        335        91        1,060        380        39               1,479        445        1,924   

Capitalization of DAC

     (421     (122     (12     (75     (630     (451     (181            (1,262     (2     (1,264

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

     338        114        5        47        504        329        164               997        (58     939   

Amortization of negative VOBA

                          (2     (2     (146     (15            (163     (20     (183

Interest expense on debt

                   2               2        1        1        319        323        92        415   

Other expenses

     1,197        692        126        309        2,324        990        458        118        3,890        293        4,183   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     3,484        4,321        1,476        794        10,075        2,301        874        453        13,703        920        14,623   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     181        127        158        38        504        100        47        (87     564        (203     361   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating earnings

   $ 341      $ 273      $ 289      $ 121      $ 1,024      $ 224      $ 79      $ 21        1,348       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Adjustments to:

                      

Total revenues

  

    293       

Total expenses

  

    (920    

Provision for income tax (expense) benefit

  

    203       
                  

 

 

     

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax

  

  $ 924        $ 924   
                  

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Retail Products

   $ 309,594       $ 295,012   

Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits

     50,927         51,776   

Corporate Benefit Funding

     202,750         195,217   

Latin America

     23,270         20,315   

Asia

     114,875         112,955   

EMEA

     34,927         32,891   

Corporate & Other

     83,261         88,060   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 819,604       $ 796,226   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income is based upon the actual results of each segment’s specifically identifiable asset portfolio adjusted for allocated equity. Other costs are allocated to each of the segments based upon: (i) a review of the nature of such costs; (ii) time studies analyzing the amount of employee compensation costs incurred by each segment; and (iii) cost estimates included in the Company’s product pricing.

Operating revenues from U.S. operations were $11.3 billion and $10.9 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which represented 68% and 70%, respectively, of consolidated operating revenues.

16.  Discontinued Operations

Real Estate

The Company actively manages its real estate portfolio with the objective of maximizing earnings through selective acquisitions and dispositions. Income related to real estate classified as held-for-sale or sold is presented in discontinued operations. These assets are carried at the lower of depreciated cost or estimated fair value less expected disposition costs. Income from discontinued real estate operations, net of income tax, was $14 million and $21 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The carrying value of real estate related to discontinued operations was $12 million and $114 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Operations

During the first quarter of 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary, MetLife Taiwan Insurance Company Limited (“MetLife Taiwan”), to a third party, and the sale occurred in November 2011. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report. The following table presents the amounts related to the operations of MetLife Taiwan that have been reflected as discontinued operations in the interim condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2011
 
     (In millions)  

Total revenues

   $ 107   

Total expenses

     98   
  

 

 

 

Income (loss) before provision for income tax

     9   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     3   
  

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations of discontinued operations, net of income tax

     6   

Net investment gain (loss), net of income tax

     (67
  

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax

   $ (61
  

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

For purposes of this discussion, “MetLife,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Following this summary is a discussion addressing the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of the Company for the periods indicated. This discussion should be read in conjunction with MetLife, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Annual Report”) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the forward-looking statement information included below, the “Risk Factors” set forth in Part II, Item 1A, and the additional risk factors referred to therein, and the Company’s interim condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operations and financial results. Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. See “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

The following discussion includes references to our performance measures, operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders, that are not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Operating earnings is the measure of segment profit or loss we use to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, operating earnings is our measure of segment performance. Operating earnings is also a measure by which senior management’s and many other employees’ performance is evaluated for the purposes of determining their compensation under applicable compensation plans.

Operating earnings is defined as operating revenues less operating expenses, both net of income tax. Operating earnings available to common shareholders is defined as operating earnings less preferred stock dividends.

Operating revenues and operating expenses exclude results of discontinued operations and other businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by MetLife, Inc. (“Divested Businesses”). Operating revenues also excludes net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses).

The following additional adjustments are made to GAAP revenues, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating revenues:

 

   

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees excludes the amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) fees (“GMIB Fees”);

 

   

Net investment income: (i) includes amounts for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, (ii) includes income from discontinued real estate operations, (iii) excludes post-tax operating earnings adjustments relating to insurance joint ventures accounted for under the equity method, (iv) excludes certain amounts related to contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, and (v) excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) consolidated under GAAP; and

 

   

Other revenues are adjusted for settlements of foreign currency earnings hedges.

 

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The following additional adjustments are made to GAAP expenses, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating expenses:

 

   

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends excludes: (i) changes in the policyholder dividend obligation related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) inflation-indexed benefit adjustments associated with contracts backed by inflation-indexed investments and amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets, (iii) benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”), and (iv) market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”);

 

   

Interest credited to policyholder account balances includes adjustments for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of policyholder account balances (“PABs”) but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and excludes amounts related to net investment income earned on contractholder-directed unit-linked investments;

 

   

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) excludes amounts related to: (i) net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs, and (iii) Market Value Adjustments;

 

   

Amortization of negative VOBA excludes amounts related to Market Value Adjustments;

 

   

Interest expense on debt excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and

 

   

Other expenses excludes costs related to: (i) noncontrolling interests, (ii) implementation of new insurance regulatory requirements, and (iii) acquisition and integration costs.

We believe the presentation of operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders as we measure it for management purposes enhances the understanding of our performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of our business. Operating revenues, operating expenses, operating earnings, and operating earnings available to common shareholders, should not be viewed as substitutes for the following financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP: GAAP revenues, GAAP expenses, GAAP income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, and GAAP net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders, respectively. Reconciliations of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in “— Results of Operations.”

In 2011, management modified its definition of operating earnings to exclude the impacts of Divested Businesses, which includes certain operations of MetLife Bank, National Association (“MetLife Bank”) and our insurance operations in the Caribbean region, Panama and Costa Rica (the “Caribbean Business”), as these results are not relevant to understanding the Company’s ongoing operating results. Consequently, prior period results for Corporate & Other have been increased by $27 million, net of $16 million of income tax, and prior period results for Latin America have been decreased by $4 million, net of $2 million of income tax, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2011. As a result of the modified definition, prior period consolidated operating earnings increased by $23 million, net of $14 million of income tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

In December 2011, MetLife Bank and MetLife, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to sell most of the depository business of MetLife Bank to GE Capital Financial Inc. The transaction is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions (the “Utah DFI”) and to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. GE Capital Financial Inc. has filed applications with the FDIC and the Utah DFI seeking approval of the assumption of the deposits to be transferred to it, and MetLife Bank has filed applications with the OCC seeking approval to change the composition of substantially all of MetLife Bank’s assets and with the FDIC to terminate MetLife Bank’s FDIC deposit insurance contingent upon

 

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certification that MetLife Bank has no remaining deposits (which is dependent on the assumption by GE Capital Financial Inc. of the deposits to be transferred to it). The parties have responded to questions on their applications from the staff of the OCC, the FDIC and the Utah DFI, and are awaiting action by these regulators on their applications. In January 2012, MetLife, Inc. announced it is exiting the business of originating forward residential mortgages. In conjunction with these events, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a net gain of $7 million, net of income tax, which included gains on securities and mortgage loans sold, partially offset by impairments on mortgage loans, lease impairments and other employee-related charges. Additionally, in April 2012, MetLife, Inc. announced that it is exiting the reverse mortgage origination business and that it and MetLife Bank entered into a definitive agreement to sell MetLife Bank’s reverse mortgage servicing portfolio (together with MetLife Bank’s pending actions to exit the depository business, including the aforementioned December 2011 agreement, and the exit of originating forward residential mortgages, the “MetLife Bank Events”). The transaction is subject to certain regulatory and other customary closing conditions.

Once MetLife Bank has completely exited its depository business, MetLife, Inc. plans to terminate MetLife Bank’s FDIC insurance, putting MetLife, Inc. in a position to be able to deregister as a bank holding company. The Company expects to incur additional charges of $77 million to $115 million, net of income tax, during the remainder of 2012, related to the MetLife Bank Events, with no expected impact on the Company’s operating earnings. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In this discussion, we sometimes refer to sales activity for various products. These sales statistics do not correspond to revenues under GAAP, but are used as relevant measures of business activity. Additionally, the impact of changes in our foreign currency exchange rates is calculated using the average foreign currency exchange rates for the current period and is applied to the prior period.

Executive Summary

MetLife is a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs throughout the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife offers life insurance, annuities, property & casualty insurance, and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions. As announced in November 2011, the Company reorganized its business from its former U.S. Business and International structure into three broad geographic regions to better reflect its global reach. As a result, in the first quarter of 2012, the Company reorganized into six segments, reflecting these broad geographic regions: Retail Products; Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits; Corporate Benefit Funding; and Latin America (collectively, “The Americas”); Asia; and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”). In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other, which includes MetLife Bank and other business activities. Management continues to evaluate the Company’s segment performance and allocated resources and may adjust such measurements in the future to better reflect segment profitability.

Our Retail Products segment includes our Life and Annuities businesses, which were previously reported in our former Insurance Products and Retirement Products segments, respectively. In addition, our Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits segment includes our Group Life and Non-Medical Health businesses, which were previously reported in our former Insurance Products segment. Our former Auto & Home segment has been renamed Property & Casualty and is now reported in our Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits segment. Our Corporate Benefit Funding segment remains essentially unchanged from prior periods. Also, our Asia segment includes the results previously reported in our former Japan segment. Lastly, various regions previously reported in our former Other International Regions segment are now reported in our Latin America, Asia, and EMEA segments.

The Americas. The Americas consists of the following segments:

 

   

Retail Products.  Our Retail Products segment offers a broad range of protection products and services and a variety of annuities to individuals and employees of corporations and other institutions, and is organized into two businesses: Life and Annuities. Life insurance products and services include variable life,

 

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universal life, term life and whole life products. Annuities include a variety of variable and fixed annuities which provide for both asset accumulation and asset distribution needs.

 

   

Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits.  Our Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits segment offers a broad range of protection products and services to individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, and is organized into three businesses: Group Life, Non-Medical Health and Property & Casualty. Group Life insurance products and services include variable life, universal life and term life products. Non-Medical Health products and services include dental insurance, group short- and long-term disability, individual disability income, long-term care (“LTC”), critical illness and accidental death & dismemberment coverages. Property & Casualty provides personal lines property and casualty insurance, including private passenger automobile, homeowners and personal excess liability insurance.

 

   

Corporate Benefit Funding. Our Corporate Benefit Funding segment includes an array of annuity and investment products, including guaranteed interest products and other stable value products, income annuities, and separate account contracts for the investment management of defined benefit and defined contribution plan assets.

 

   

Latin America. Our Latin America segment offers a broad range of products to both individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, which include life insurance, accident and health insurance, group medical, dental, credit life insurance, annuities, endowment and retirement & savings products.

Asia. Our Asia segment offers a broad range of products to both individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, which include whole life, term life, variable life, universal life, accident and health insurance, fixed and variable annuities and endowment products.

EMEA. Our EMEA segment offers a broad range of products to both individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, which include life insurance, accident and health insurance, credit life insurance, annuities, endowment and retirement & savings products.

Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments, external integration costs, internal resource costs for associates committed to acquisitions and various start-up and certain run-off entities. Corporate & Other also includes assumed reinsurance for a Japan domiciled life insurance company, a former joint venture of the Company. These in-force reinsurance agreements reinsure a portion of the living and death benefit guarantees issued in connection with variable annuity products. Additionally, Corporate & Other includes interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt, expenses associated with certain legal proceedings, the financial results of MetLife Bank and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts, which generally relate to intersegment loans, which bear interest rates commensurate with related borrowings.

Also in the first quarter of 2012, the Company adopted new guidance regarding accounting for DAC. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements for further information. As a result, prior period results have been revised in connection with the Company’s reorganization and the retrospective application of the first quarter 2012 adoption of new guidance regarding accounting for DAC.

We continue to experience an increase in market share and sales in several of our businesses; however, the general economic conditions, while showing slow, but steady improvement, continue to negatively impact the demand for some of our products. Higher investment yields were realized from both investing in longer duration and higher yielding assets, as well as market factors; however, equity market movements and volatility coupled with rising long-term interest rates resulted in significant derivative losses.

 

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     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
         2012             2011      
     (In millions)  

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax

   $ (134   $ 924  

Less: Net investment gains (losses)

     (110     (99

Less: Net derivative gains (losses)

     (1,978     (315

Less: Other adjustments to continuing operations (1)

     (410     (213

Less: Provision for income tax (expense) benefit

     871       203  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating earnings

     1,493       1,348  

Less: Preferred stock dividends

     30       30  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating earnings available to common shareholders

   $ 1,463     $ 1,318  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses for the components of such adjustments.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, decreased $1.1 billion to a loss of $134 million in the current period from income of $924 million in the prior period. The change was predominantly due to a $1.7 billion unfavorable change in net derivative gains (losses), before income tax, partially offset by a $145 million favorable change in operating earnings available to common shareholders.

The unfavorable change in net derivative gains (losses) of $1.1 billion was primarily driven by the impact of higher interest rates on freestanding derivatives and the narrowing of MetLife, Inc.’s credit spreads on embedded derivative liabilities associated with the adjustment for non-performance risk.

The $145 million increase in operating earnings available to common shareholders was primarily driven by strong mortality results and favorable claims experience. In addition, market factors contributed to higher investment yields, as well as lower average crediting rates. Net cash flows from operations and reinvestment proceeds, which includes a portion of the ALICO portfolio, have been invested in longer duration and higher yielding assets, including privately-placed investments, which also improved yields. Current period results include a $52 million charge representing a multi-state examination payment related to unclaimed property and MetLife’s use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File to identify potential life insurance claims, as well as the expected acceleration of benefit payments to policyholders under the settlements.

Consolidated Company Outlook

In 2012, we expect a solid improvement in the operating earnings of the Company over 2011, driven primarily by the following:

 

   

Premiums, fees and other revenues growth in 2012 is expected to be driven by:

 

   

Rational pricing strategy in the group insurance marketplace;

 

   

Higher fees earned on separate accounts primarily due to favorable net flows of variable annuities, which are expected to remain strong in 2012, thereby increasing the value of those separate accounts; and

 

   

Increases in our businesses outside of the U.S., notably accident and health, from continuing organic growth throughout our various geographic regions.

 

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Focus on disciplined underwriting. We see no significant changes to the underlying trends that drive underwriting results and continue to anticipate solid results in 2012; however, unanticipated catastrophes, similar to those that occurred during 2011, could result in a high volume of weather-related claims.

 

   

Focus on expense management. We continue to focus on expense control throughout the Company, and managing the costs associated with the integration of American Life Insurance Company and Delaware American Life Insurance Company (collectively, “ALICO”).

 

   

Continued disciplined approach to investing and asset/liability management, including significant hedging to protect against low interest rates.

As a result of new financial accounting guidance for DAC which we adopted in the first quarter of 2012, we estimate that there will be a negative impact on our 2012 operating earnings primarily in the Asia segment, with no impact on our future cash flows. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

We expect only modest investment losses in 2012, but more difficult to predict is the impact of potential changes in fair value of freestanding and embedded derivatives as even relatively small movements in market variables, including interest rates, equity levels and volatility, can have a large impact on the fair value of derivatives and net derivative gains (losses). Additionally, changes in fair value of embedded derivatives within certain insurance liabilities may have a material impact on net derivative gains (losses) related to the inclusion of an adjustment for nonperformance risk.

Industry Trends

We continue to be impacted by the unstable global financial and economic environment that has been affecting the industry.

Financial and Economic Environment.  Our business and results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy. Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in global capital markets, particular markets, or financial asset classes can have an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio and our insurance liabilities are sensitive to changing market factors. Global market factors, including interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, real estate markets, foreign currency exchange rates, consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, deflation and inflation all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the amount and profitability of our business. Disruptions in one market or asset class can also spread to other markets or asset classes. Upheavals in the financial markets can also affect our business through their effects on general levels of economic activity, employment and customer behavior. While our diversified business mix and geographically diverse business operations partially mitigate these risks, correlation across regions, countries and global market factors may reduce the benefits of diversification.

During the first quarter of 2012, concerns about capital markets and the solvency of certain European Union member states, including Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain (“Europe’s perimeter region”), and of financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to their sovereign debt, continued to create market volatility. See “— Investments — Current Environment” for information regarding credit ratings downgrades and support programs for Europe’s perimeter region. These ratings downgrades and implementation of European Union and private sector support programs have increased concerns that other European Union member states could experience similar financial troubles, that some countries could default on their obligation or have to restructure their outstanding debt, that financial institutions with significant holdings of sovereign or private debt issued by borrowers in perimeter European countries could experience financial stress, or that one or more countries may exit the Euro zone, any of which could have significant adverse effects on the European and global economies and on financial markets, generally. See “Risk Factors — We Are Exposed to Significant Financial and Capital Markets Risk Which May Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations, Financial Condition

 

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and Liquidity, and May Cause Our Net Investment Income to Vary from Period to Period” in the 2011 Annual Report. See also “— Investments — Current Environment” for information about European region support programs, ratings actions and our exposure to obligations of European governments and private obligors.

Although the downgrade by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) of U.S. Treasury securities initially had an adverse effect on financial markets, the extent of the longer-term impact cannot be predicted. Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) warned that it may in the future downgrade the U.S. credit rating unless action is taken to reduce the national debt of the U.S. See “Risk Factors — Concerns Over U.S. Fiscal Policy and the Trajectory of the National Debt of the U.S., as well as Rating Agency Downgrades of U.S. Treasury Securities, Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the 2011 Annual Report.

All of these factors have had and could continue to have an adverse effect on the financial results of companies in the financial services industry, including MetLife. Such global economic conditions, as well as the global financial markets, continue to impact our net investment income, our net investment and net derivative gains (losses), and the demand for and the cost and profitability of certain of our products, including variable annuities and guarantee benefits. See “— Results of Operations” and “— Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

In addition, Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) announced that it is reviewing the long-term ratings and standalone credit for a number of banks and securities firms with global capital markets operations. We are continuing to assess the impact of potential downgrades to such institutions that may result from the review by Moody’s. However, we do not expect these potential downgrades by Moody’s to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

As a financial holding company with significant operations in the U.S., we are affected by the monetary policy of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FRB of NY” and, collectively with the Federal Reserve Board, the “Federal Reserve”). The Federal Reserve Board has taken a number of actions in recent years to spur economic activity by keeping interest rates low and may take further actions to influence interest rates in the future, which may have an impact on the pricing levels of risk-bearing investments, and may adversely impact the level of product sales. In January 2012, the Federal Reserve Board announced its plans to keep interest rates low until at least through late 2014, 18 months longer than previously planned in order to revive the slow recovery from stressed economic conditions. See “Risk Factors — Governmental and Regulatory Actions for the Purpose of Stabilizing and Revitalizing the Financial Markets and Protecting Investors and Consumers May Not Achieve the Intended Effect or Could Adversely Affect Our Competitive Position” in the 2011 Annual Report and “— Investments — Current Environment.”

Competitive Pressures.  The life insurance industry remains highly competitive. The product development and product life-cycles have shortened in many product segments, leading to more intense competition with respect to product features. Larger companies have the ability to invest in brand equity, product development, technology and risk management, which are among the fundamentals for sustained profitable growth in the life insurance industry. In addition, several of the industry’s products can be quite homogeneous and subject to intense price competition. Sufficient scale, financial strength and financial flexibility are becoming prerequisites for sustainable growth in the life insurance industry. Larger market participants tend to have the capacity to invest in additional distribution capability and the information technology needed to offer the superior customer service demanded by an increasingly sophisticated industry client base. We believe that the turbulence in financial markets that began in the second half of 2007, its impact on the capital position of many competitors, and subsequent actions by regulators and rating agencies have highlighted financial strength as a significant differentiator from the perspective of customers and certain distributors. In addition, the financial market turbulence and the economic recession have led many companies in our industry to re-examine the pricing and features of the products they offer and may lead to consolidation in the life insurance industry.

Regulatory Developments.  The U.S. life insurance industry is regulated primarily at the state level, with some products and services also subject to Federal regulation. As life insurers introduce new and often more complex products, regulators refine capital requirements and introduce new reserving standards for the life insurance

 

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industry. Regulations recently adopted or currently under review can potentially impact the statutory reserve and capital requirements of the industry. In addition, regulators have undertaken market and sales practices reviews of several markets or products, including equity-indexed annuities, variable annuities and group products. The regulation of the financial services industry in the U.S. and internationally has received renewed scrutiny as a result of the disruptions in the financial markets. Significant regulatory reforms have been recently adopted and additional reforms proposed, and these or other reforms could be implemented. See “Risk Factors — Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth” and “Risk Factors — Changes in U.S. Federal and State Securities Laws and Regulations, and State Insurance Regulations Regarding Suitability of Annuity Product Sales, May Affect Our Operations and Our Profitability” in the 2011 Annual Report.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”), which was signed by President Obama in July 2010, effected the most far-reaching overhaul of financial regulation in the U.S. in decades. The full impact of Dodd-Frank on us will depend on the numerous rulemaking initiatives required or permitted by Dodd-Frank which have begun to be implemented, but which are not scheduled to be completed for several years. See “Risk Factors — Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth” in the 2011 Annual Report.

As a federally chartered national banking association, MetLife Bank is subject to a wide variety of banking laws, regulations and guidelines, as is MetLife, Inc., as a bank holding company. In December 2011, MetLife Bank and MetLife, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to sell most of the depository business of MetLife Bank to GE Capital Financial Inc. The transaction is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals from the OCC, the FDIC and the Utah DFI and to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. GE Capital Financial Inc. has filed applications with the FDIC and the Utah DFI seeking approval of the assumption of the deposits to be transferred to it, and MetLife Bank has filed applications with the OCC seeking approval to change the composition of substantially all of MetLife Bank’s assets and with the FDIC to terminate MetLife Bank’s FDIC deposit insurance contingent upon certification that MetLife Bank has no remaining deposits (which is dependent on the assumption by GE Capital Financial Inc. of the deposits to be transferred to it). The parties have responded to questions on their applications from the staff of the OCC, the FDIC and the Utah DFI, and are awaiting action by these regulators on their applications. In January 2012, MetLife, Inc. announced it is exiting the business of originating forward residential mortgages. In April 2012, MetLife, Inc. announced it is exiting the reverse mortgage origination business and that it and MetLife Bank entered into a definitive agreement to sell MetLife Bank’s reverse mortgage servicing portfolio. Once MetLife Bank has completely exited its depository business, MetLife, Inc. plans to terminate MetLife Bank’s FDIC insurance, putting MetLife, Inc. in a position to be able to deregister as a bank holding company. Upon completion of the foregoing, MetLife, Inc. will no longer be regulated as a bank holding company or subject to enhanced supervision and prudential standards as a bank holding company with assets of $50 billion or more. However, if, in the future, the Financial Stability Oversight Council (“FSOC”) designates MetLife, Inc. as a non-bank financial company subject to enhanced supervision by the Federal Reserve Board (a “non-bank systemically important financial institution” or “non-bank SIFI”) (as discussed below), it could once again be subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve and enhanced supervision and prudential standards, such as enhanced prudential standards required by Dodd-Frank (“Regulation YY”) (as discussed below). In April 2012, the FSOC adopted final rules setting forth the process it will follow and the criteria it will use to assess whether a non-bank financial company should be subject to enhanced supervision by the Federal Reserve as a non-bank SIFI. The FSOC will follow a three-stage process. In Stage 1, a set of uniform quantitative metrics will be applied to a broad group of non-bank financial companies in order to identify non-bank financial companies for further evaluation. If MetLife, Inc. meets the total consolidated assets threshold and at least one of the other five quantitative thresholds used in the first stage, the FSOC will continue with two stages of further analysis using additional sources of data and qualitative and quantitative factors. As of March 31, 2012, MetLife, Inc. met the total consolidated assets threshold and at least one of the other Stage 1 quantitative thresholds.

In December 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published its final rules for increased capital and liquidity requirements (commonly referred to as “Basel III”) for bank holding companies, such as MetLife, Inc. Assuming these requirements are endorsed and adopted by the U.S. banking regulators, they are to be phased in beginning January 1, 2013. It is possible that even more stringent capital and liquidity requirements could be imposed

 

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under Basel III, Dodd-Frank and Regulation YY, as long as MetLife, Inc. remains a bank holding company or if, in the future, it is designated by the FSOC as a non-bank systemically important financial institution. The Basel Committee has also published rules requiring a capital surcharge for globally systemically important banks, which are to be phased in for U.S. banks beginning January 2016 if they are endorsed and adopted by the U.S. banking regulators. As currently proposed, this surcharge would not apply to global non-bank systemically important financial institutions. However, international regulatory bodies are currently engaged in evaluating standards to identify such companies and to develop a regulatory regime that would apply to them, which may include enhanced capital requirements or other measures. The ability of MetLife Bank and MetLife, Inc. to pay dividends, repurchase common stock or other securities or engage in other transactions that could affect its capital or need for capital could be reduced by any additional capital requirements that might be imposed as a result of the enactment of Dodd-Frank, Regulation YY and/or the endorsement and adoption by the U.S. of Basel III and other regulatory initiatives. See “Risk Factors — Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth.”

In April 2011, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC proposed a rule regarding the implementation of the Dodd-Frank requirement that (i) each non-bank SIFI and each bank holding company with assets of $50 billion or more report periodically to the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and the FSOC the plan of such company for rapid and orderly resolution in the event of material financial distress or failure, and (ii) that each such company report on the nature and extent of credit exposures of such company to significant bank holding companies and significant non-bank financial companies and the nature and extent of credit exposures of significant bank holding companies and significant non-bank financial companies to such covered company. In November 2011, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC adopted a final rule implementing the resolution plan requirement, effective November 30, 2011, but deferred finalizing the credit exposure reporting requirement until a later date. The resolution plan requirement would apply to MetLife, Inc. if it remains a bank holding company on July 1, 2012, or if, in the future, it is designated by the FSOC as a non-bank SIFI.

In December 2011, the Federal Reserve Board issued a notice of proposed rulemaking relating to Regulation YY. Regulation YY would apply to bank holding companies with assets of $50 billion or more and non-bank SIFIs. Regulation YY would impose (i) enhanced risk-based capital requirements, (ii) leverage limits, (iii) liquidity requirements, (iv) single counterparty exposure limits, (v) governance requirements for risk management, (vi) stress test requirements, and (vii) special debt-to-equity limits for certain companies, and would establish a procedure for early remediation based on the failure to comply with these requirements. As proposed, Regulation YY would apply the same enhanced regulatory standards to non-bank SIFIs as would apply to systemically important banks; the Federal Reserve Board has solicited comments on the appropriateness of this treatment. For further information regarding enhanced prudential standards and Regulation YY, see “Business — U.S. Regulation — Dodd Frank and Other Legislative and Regulatory Developments – Enhanced Prudential Standards” in the 2011 Annual Report.

Dodd-Frank also includes provisions that may impact the investments and investment activities of MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the federal regulation of such activities. Such provisions include the regulation of the over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives markets and the prohibitions on covered banking entities engaging in proprietary trading or sponsoring or investing in hedge funds or private equity funds (commonly known as the Volcker Rule). See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Dodd-Frank and Other Legislative and Regulatory Developments — Volcker Rule” in the 2011 Annual Report.

The Federal Reserve’s capital plan rule requires all bank holding companies with assets of more than $50 billion, including MetLife, Inc., to submit annual capital plans which include projections of the company’s capital levels under baseline and stress scenarios over a nine-quarter period. The Federal Reserve will approve or object to a company’s proposed capital actions, such as dividends and stock repurchases, based on the results of those capital plans and the Federal Reserve’s assessment of the robustness of the company’s capital planning processes. In addition, in recent years, the Federal Reserve has conducted the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (“CCAR”), an assessment of the internal capital planning processes, capital adequacy and proposed capital distributions of large holding companies, including MetLife, Inc. See “Risk Factors — Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement

 

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Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth.” In January 2012, MetLife submitted to the Federal Reserve a comprehensive capital plan, as mandated by the capital plan rule, and additional information required by the 2012 CCAR. The capital plan projected MetLife’s capital levels to the end of 2013 under baseline and stress scenarios, including a stress scenario developed and provided by the Federal Reserve as part of the 2012 CCAR. In March 2012, the Federal Reserve, based on its assessment, objected to the incremental capital actions described in MetLife’s capital distribution plan, which included a proposed stock repurchase and dividend increase.

Mortgage and Foreclosure-Related Exposures.  In 2008, MetLife Bank acquired certain assets to enter the forward and reverse residential mortgage origination and servicing business, including rights to service residential mortgage loans. MetLife Bank began originating mortgage loans which were typically sold to investors shortly after origination. At various times since then, including most recently in the third quarter of 2010, MetLife Bank has acquired additional residential mortgage loan servicing rights. In January 2012, MetLife, Inc. announced that it is exiting the business of originating forward residential mortgages, but will continue to service its existing forward mortgage customers. In April 2012, MetLife, Inc. announced it is exiting the reverse mortgage origination business and that it and MetLife Bank entered into a definitive agreement to sell MetLife Bank’s reverse mortgage servicing portfolio. The Company will no longer accept new reverse mortgage loan applications and registrations. MetLife Bank continues to have obligations to repurchase loans or compensate for losses upon demand by investors due to defects in servicing of the loans or a determination that material representations made in connection with the sale of the loans (relating, for example, to the underwriting and origination of the loans) are incorrect. MetLife Bank is indemnified by the sellers of the acquired assets, for various periods depending on the transaction and the nature of the claim, for origination and servicing deficiencies that occurred prior to MetLife Bank’s acquisition, including indemnification for any repurchase claims made from investors who purchased mortgage loans from the sellers. Substantially all mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) that were acquired by MetLife Bank relate to loans sold to Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”). MetLife Bank has originated and sold conventional residential mortgage loans primarily to FNMA and FHLMC and government residential mortgage loans (insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs) into mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) (collectively, the “Agency Investors”) and, to a limited extent, a small number of private investors. Currently 99.5% of MetLife Bank’s $82.6 billion servicing portfolio consists of Agency Investors’ product. Other than repurchase obligations which are subject to indemnification by sellers of acquired assets as described above, MetLife Bank’s exposure to repurchase obligations and losses related to origination deficiencies is limited to the approximately $60.9 billion of loans originated by MetLife Bank (all of which have been originated since August 2008). Reserves for representation and warranty repurchases and indemnifications were $74 million and $69 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. MetLife Bank is exposed to losses due to servicing deficiencies on loans originated and sold, as well as servicing acquired, to the extent such servicing deficiencies occurred after the date of acquisition. Management is satisfied that adequate provision has been made in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable repurchase obligations and losses.

Currently, MetLife Bank services approximately 1% of the aggregate principal amount of the mortgage loans serviced in the U.S. State and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities have initiated various inquiries, investigations or examinations of alleged irregularities in the foreclosure practices of the residential mortgage servicing industry. Mortgage servicing practices have also been the subject of Congressional attention. Authorities have publicly stated that the scope of the investigations extends beyond foreclosure documentation practices to include mortgage loan modification and loss mitigation practices.

MetLife Bank’s mortgage servicing has been the subject of recent inquiries and requests by state and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities. MetLife Bank is cooperating with the authorities’ review of this business. On April 13, 2011, the OCC entered into consent decrees with several banks, including MetLife Bank. The consent decrees require an independent review of foreclosure practices and set forth new residential mortgage servicing standards, including a requirement for a designated point of contact for a borrower during the loss mitigation process. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board entered into consent decrees with the affiliated

 

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bank holding companies of these banks, including MetLife, Inc., to enhance the supervision of the mortgage servicing activities of their banking subsidiaries. In a February 9, 2012 press release, the Federal Reserve Board announced that it had issued monetary sanctions against five banking organizations for deficiencies in the organizations’ servicing of residential mortgage loans and processing of foreclosures. The Federal Reserve Board has also stated that it plans to announce monetary penalties against other institutions under its supervision against whom it had issued enforcement actions in 2011, including MetLife, Inc., for deficiencies in servicing of residential mortgage loans and processing foreclosures. MetLife Bank has also had a meeting with the Department of Justice regarding mortgage servicing and foreclosure practices. It is possible that various state or federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities may seek monetary penalties from MetLife Bank relating to foreclosure practices.

MetLife Bank has also responded to a subpoena issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services regarding hazard insurance and flood insurance that MetLife Bank obtains to protect the lienholder’s interest when the borrower’s insurance has lapsed. In April and May 2012, MetLife Bank received two subpoenas issued by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding Federal Housing Administration insured loans.

The consent decrees, as well as the inquiries or investigations referred to above, could adversely affect MetLife’s reputation or result in material fines, penalties, equitable remedies or other enforcement actions, and result in significant legal costs in responding to governmental investigations or other litigation. In addition, the changes to the mortgage servicing business required by the consent decrees and the resolution of any other inquiries or investigations may affect the profitability of such business.

The MetLife Bank Events may not relieve MetLife from complying with the consent decrees, or protect it from the inquiries and investigations relating to residential mortgage servicing and foreclosure activities, or any fines, penalties, equitable remedies or enforcement actions that may result, the costs of responding to any such governmental investigations, or other litigation.

Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The most critical estimates include those used in determining:

 

  (i)

estimated fair values of investments in the absence of quoted market values;

 

  (ii)

investment impairments;

 

  (iii)

estimated fair values of freestanding derivatives and the recognition and estimated fair value of embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation;

 

  (iv)

capitalization and amortization of DAC and the establishment and amortization of VOBA;

 

  (v)

measurement of goodwill and related impairment, if any;

 

  (vi)

liabilities for future policyholder benefits and the accounting for reinsurance;

 

  (vii)

measurement of income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets;

 

  (viii)

measurement of employee benefit plan liabilities; and

 

  (ix)

liabilities for litigation and regulatory matters.

In addition, the application of acquisition accounting requires the use of estimation techniques in determining the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed — the most significant of which relate to

 

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aforementioned critical accounting estimates. In applying the Company’s accounting policies, we make subjective and complex judgments that frequently require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The above critical accounting estimates are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” and Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2011 Annual Report.

Also, for a discussion of the new accounting guidance on DAC, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Capitalization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

The Company incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal insurance business. Costs that relate directly to the successful acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts are deferred as DAC. In addition to commissions, certain direct-response advertising expenses and other direct costs, deferrable costs include the portion of an employee’s total compensation and benefits related to time spent selling, underwriting or processing the issuance of new and renewal insurance business only with respect to actual policies acquired or renewed. The Company utilizes various techniques to estimate the portion of an employee’s time spent on qualifying acquisition activities that result in actual sales, including surveys, interviews, representative time studies and other methods. These estimates include assumptions that are reviewed and updated on a periodic basis or more frequently to reflect significant changes in processes or distribution methods.

Economic Capital

Economic capital is an internally developed risk capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model accounts for the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s business.

The Company’s economic capital model aligns segment allocated equity with emerging standards and consistent risk principles. Segment net investment income is credited or charged based on the level of allocated equity; however, changes in allocated equity do not impact the Company’s consolidated net investment income, operating earnings or income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

See Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

Consolidated Results

We have experienced growth and an increase in market share in several of our businesses. In the U.S., the economy has shown signs of slow, but steady improvement, and as a result, our group term life and disability businesses exhibited growth from new sales, and our dental business continued to benefit from strong enrollments and renewals. Sales of annuities declined in response to actions taken to manage sales volume in order to strike the right balance among growth, profitability and risk. Market penetration continues in our pension closeout business in the U.K. and, despite the adverse impacts of poor equity market returns and lower interest rates, sales of our domestic pension closeouts have improved. Policy sales of our property and casualty products decreased as the housing and automobile markets remained sluggish, however average premiums for new

 

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policies increased. Even with the impact of the earthquake and tsunami, our sales results in Japan remain strong. We also experienced steady growth and improvement in sales of the majority of our products abroad.

 

    Three Months
Ended
March 31,
             
        2012             2011         Change     % Change  
    (In millions)  

Revenues

       

Premiums

  $ 9,129     $ 8,554     $ 575       6.7

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

    2,078       1,889       189       10.0

Net investment income

    6,200       5,313       887       16.7

Other revenues

    597       566       31       5.5

Net investment gains (losses)

    (110     (99     (11     (11.1 )% 

Net derivative gains (losses)

    (1,978     (315     (1,663  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenues

    15,916       15,908       8       0.1
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses

       

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends

    9,447       8,609       838       9.7

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

    2,557       1,924       633       32.9

Capitalization of DAC

    (1,364     (1,264     (100     (7.9 )% 

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

    714       939       (225     (24.0 )% 

Amortization of negative VOBA

    (155     (183     28       15.3

Interest expense on debt

    358       415       (57     (13.7 )% 

Other expenses

    4,768       4,183       585       14.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total expenses

    16,325       14,623       1,702       11.6
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax

    (409     1,285       (1,694  

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

    (275     361       (636  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax

    (134     924       (1,058  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax

    14       (40     54    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income (loss)

    (120     884       (1,004  

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

    24       7       17    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.

    (144     877       (1,021  

Less: Preferred stock dividends

    30       30             

          Preferred stock redemption premium

           146       (146     (100.0 )% 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders

  $ (174   $ 701     $ (875  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, decreased $1.1 billion to a loss of $134 million primarily driven by an unfavorable change in net derivative gains (losses) and increased net investment losses, net of related adjustments, principally associated with DAC and VOBA amortization. Also included in income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, are the results of the Divested Businesses.

We manage our investment portfolio using disciplined Asset/Liability Management (“ALM”) principles, focusing on cash flow and duration to support our current and future liabilities. Our intent is to match the timing and amount of liability cash outflows with invested assets that have cash inflows of comparable timing and amount, while optimizing, net of income tax, risk-adjusted net investment income and risk-adjusted total return. Our investment portfolio is heavily weighted toward fixed income investments, with over 80% of our portfolio invested in fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans. These securities and loans have varying maturities and other characteristics which cause them to be generally well suited for matching the cash flow and duration of insurance liabilities. Other invested asset classes including, but not limited to, equity securities, other limited partnership interests and real estate and real estate joint ventures, provide additional diversification and opportunity for long-term yield enhancement in addition to supporting the cash flow and duration objectives of our investment portfolio. We also use derivatives as an integral part of our management of the investment portfolio to hedge certain risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currencies, credit spreads and equity

 

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market levels. Additional considerations for our investment portfolio include current and expected market conditions and expectations for changes within our specific mix of products and business segments. In addition, the general account investment portfolio includes, within trading and other securities, contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities, which do not qualify as separate account assets. The returns on these contractholder-directed investments, which can vary significantly period to period, include changes in estimated fair value subsequent to purchase, inure to contractholders and are offset in earnings by a corresponding change in PABs through interest credited to policyholder account balances.

The composition of the investment portfolio of each business segment is tailored to the specific characteristics of its insurance liabilities, causing certain portfolios to be shorter in duration and others to be longer in duration. Accordingly, certain portfolios are more heavily weighted in longer duration, higher yielding fixed maturity securities, or certain sub-sectors of fixed maturity securities, than other portfolios.

Investments are purchased to support our insurance liabilities and not to generate net investment gains and losses. However, net investment gains and losses are incurred and can change significantly from period to period due to changes in external influences, including changes in market factors such as interest rates, foreign currencies, credit spreads and equity markets; counterparty specific factors such as financial performance, credit rating and collateral valuation; and internal factors such as portfolio rebalancing. Changes in these factors from period to period can significantly impact the levels of both impairments and realized gains and losses on investments sold.

We use freestanding interest rate, equity, credit and currency derivatives to provide economic hedges of certain invested assets and insurance liabilities, including embedded derivatives, within certain of our variable annuity minimum benefit guarantees. For those hedges not designated as accounting hedges, changes in market factors can lead to the recognition of fair value changes in net derivative gains (losses) without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged even though these are effective economic hedges. Additionally, we issue liabilities and purchase assets that contain embedded derivatives whose changes in estimated fair value are sensitive to changes in market factors and are also recognized in net derivative gains (losses).

The unfavorable change in net derivative gains (losses) of $1.1 billion, from losses of $205 million in the first quarter of 2011 to losses of $1.3 billion in the current period, was driven by an unfavorable change in freestanding derivatives of $1.7 billion, which was partially offset by a favorable change in embedded derivatives of $573 million primarily associated with variable annuity minimum benefit guarantees. The $1.7 billion unfavorable change in freestanding derivatives was primarily attributable to the impact of equity market movements and decreased volatility, and rising long-term interest rates. The impact of equity market movements and decreased volatility in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the prior period had a negative impact of $991 million on our equity derivatives, which was attributable to hedges of variable annuity minimum benefit guarantee liabilities that are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Long-term interest rates increased more in the first quarter of 2012 than in the prior period which had a negative impact of $628 million on our interest rate derivatives, $200 million of which was attributable to hedges of variable annuity minimum benefit guarantee liabilities that are accounted for as embedded derivatives.

Certain variable annuity products with minimum benefit guarantees contain embedded derivatives that are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives also include an adjustment for non-performance risk of the related liabilities carried at estimated fair value. The $573 million favorable change in embedded derivatives was primarily attributable to hedged risks relating to changes in market factors of $1.2 billion and a favorable change in other unhedged non-market risks of $66 million, partially offset by an unfavorable change in unhedged risks for changes in the adjustment for non-performance risk of $760 million. The aforementioned $1.2 billion favorable change in embedded derivatives was substantially offset by unfavorable changes on freestanding derivatives that hedge these risks, which are described in the preceding paragraphs.

 

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The increase in net investment losses primarily reflects increased impairments on fixed maturity and equity securities, the majority of which is in the utility and financial services industries, and losses on sales of equity securities, partially offset by gains on fixed maturity securities sold in connection with the planned disposition of MetLife Bank.

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, related to the Divested Businesses, excluding net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), decreased $79 million to a loss of $102 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared to a loss of $23 million in the prior period. Included in this loss was an increase in total expenses of $124 million, partially offset by an increase in total revenues of $45 million. As previously mentioned, the Divested Businesses include certain operations of MetLife Bank and the Caribbean Business.

Income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $275 million, or 67% of income (loss) from continuing operations before benefit for income tax, compared with income tax expense of $361 million, or 28% of income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax, for the prior period. The Company’s first quarter 2012 and 2011 effective tax rates differ from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of certain permanent tax differences, including non-taxable investment income and tax credits for investments in low income housing, in relation to income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax, as well as certain foreign permanent tax differences.

As more fully described in the discussion of performance measures above, we use operating earnings, which does not equate to income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, as determined in accordance with GAAP, to analyze our performance, evaluate segment performance, and allocate resources. We believe that the presentation of operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders, as we measure it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of our performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders should not be viewed as substitutes for GAAP income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, and GAAP net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders, respectively. Operating earnings available to common shareholders increased $145 million to $1.5 billion for the first quarter of 2012 from $1.3 billion in the prior period.

Reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, to operating earnings available to common shareholders

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

 

    Retail
Products
    Group,
Voluntary
and Worksite
Benefits
    Corporate
Benefit
Funding
    Latin
America
    Asia     EMEA     Corporate
& Other
    Total  
    (In millions)  

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax

  $ 44     $ 30     $ 89     $ 129     $ 215     $ 104     $ (745   $ (134

Less: Net investment gains (losses)

    66       (6     (98     3       (103     7       21       (110

Less: Net derivative gains (losses)

    (522     (379     (243     37       (30     29       (870     (1,978

Less: Other adjustments to continuing operations (1)

    (104     (38     21       (69     (6     18       (232     (410

Less: Provision for income tax (expense) benefit

    196       149       111       10       57       (26     374       871  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating earnings

  $ 408     $ 304     $ 298     $ 148     $ 297     $ 76       (38     1,493  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Less: Preferred stock dividends

                30       30  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating earnings available to common shareholders

              $ (68   $ 1,463  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

 

    Retail
Products
    Group,
Voluntary
and Worksite
Benefits
    Corporate
Benefit
Funding
    Latin
America
    Asia     EMEA     Corporate
& Other
    Total  
    (In millions)  

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax

  $ 259     $ 195     $ 239     $ 110     $ 168     $ 51     $ (98   $ 924  

Less: Net investment gains (losses)

    35       11       12       20       (126     (54     3       (99

Less: Net derivative gains (losses)

    (74     (99     (130     (5     56       19       (82     (315

Less: Other adjustments to continuing operations (1)

    (86     (32     41       (9     (14     (13     (100     (213

Less: Provision for income tax (expense) benefit

    43       42       27       (17     28       20       60       203  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating earnings

  $ 341     $ 273     $ 289     $ 121     $ 224     $ 79       21       1,348  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Less: Preferred stock dividends

                30       30  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating earnings available to common shareholders

              $ (9   $ 1,318  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1) See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses for the components of such adjustments.

Reconciliation of GAAP revenues to operating revenues and GAAP expenses to operating expenses

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

 

    Retail
Products
    Group,
Voluntary
and Worksite
Benefits
    Corporate
Benefit
Funding
    Latin
America
    Asia     EMEA     Corporate
& Other
    Total  
    (In millions)  

Total revenues

  $ 3,840     $ 4,419     $ 1,711     $ 1,302     $ 3,317     $ 1,579     $ (252   $ 15,916  

Less: Net investment gains (losses)

    66       (6     (98     3       (103     7       21       (110

Less: Net derivative gains (losses)

    (522     (379     (243     37       (30     29       (870     (1,978

Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)

    (5                     (1                   (6

Less: Other adjustments to revenues (1)

    (10     (38     29       76       512       459       292       1,320  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

  $ 4,311     $ 4,842     $ 2,023     $ 1,186     $ 2,939     $ 1,084     $ 305     $ 16,690  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

  $ 3,771     $ 4,396     $ 1,572     $ 1,133     $ 3,000     $ 1,406     $ 1,047     $ 16,325  

Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)

    (191                          (1                   (192

Less: Other adjustments to expenses (1)

    280              8       145       518       441       524       1,916  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

  $ 3,682     $ 4,396     $ 1,564     $ 988     $ 2,483     $ 965     $ 523     $ 14,601  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

 

    Retail
Products
    Group,
Voluntary
and  Worksite

Benefits
    Corporate
Benefit
Funding
    Latin
America
    Asia     EMEA     Corporate
& Other
    Total  
    (In millions)  

Total revenues

  $ 3,969     $ 4,601     $ 1,846     $ 1,006     $ 2,799     $ 1,105     $ 582     $ 15,908  

Less: Net investment gains (losses)

    35       11       12       20       (126     (54     3       (99

Less: Net derivative gains (losses)

    (74     (99     (130     (5     56       19       (82     (315

Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)

    (3                                               (3

Less: Other adjustments to revenues (1)

    5       (32     41       38       244       140       274       710  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

  $ 4,006     $ 4,721     $ 1,923     $ 953     $ 2,625     $ 1,000     $ 387     $ 15,615  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

  $ 3,572     $ 4,321     $ 1,476     $ 841     $ 2,559     $ 1,027     $ 827     $ 14,623  

Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)

    (28                                               (28

Less: Other adjustments to expenses (1)

    116                     47       258       153       374       948  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

  $ 3,484     $ 4,321     $ 1,476     $ 794     $ 2,301     $ 874     $ 453     $ 13,703  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1) See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses for the components of such adjustments.

 

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Consolidated Results - Operating

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
    Change     % Change  
     2012     2011      
           (In millions)              

OPERATING REVENUES

        

Premiums

   $ 9,107     $ 8,532     $ 575       6.7

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

     2,009       1,832       177       9.7

Net investment income

     5,085       4,783       302       6.3

Other revenues

     489       468       21       4.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

     16,690       15,615       1,075       6.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

OPERATING EXPENSES

        

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends

     8,939       8,439       500       5.9

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

     1,539       1,479       60       4.1

Capitalization of DAC

     (1,362     (1,262     (100     (7.9 )% 

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

     1,018       997       21       2.1

Amortization of negative VOBA

     (137     (163     26       16.0

Interest expense on debt

     313       323       (10     (3.1 )% 

Other expenses

     4,291       3,890       401       10.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

     14,601       13,703       898       6.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     596       564       32       5.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating earnings

     1,493       1,348       145       10.8

Less: Preferred stock dividends

     30       30             
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating earnings available to common shareholders

   $ 1,463     $ 1,318     $ 145       11.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
        

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.

Favorable morality and claims experience coupled with stronger investments results were the primary drivers of the increase in operating earnings. These positive impacts on operating earnings were partially offset by a $52 million charge taken in the first quarter of 2012 representing a multi-state examination payment related to unclaimed property and MetLife’s use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File to identify potential life insurance claims, as well as the expected acceleration of benefit payments to policyholders under the settlements. In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a slightly negative impact on results compared to the prior period.

We experienced favorable mortality results in our Retail Products and Corporate Benefit Funding segments, as well as favorable claims experience in our Group, Voluntary & Worksite Benefits, Asia, EMEA and Latin America segments, which combined, improved operating earnings by $63 million.

Higher investment yields were realized from both investing in longer duration and higher yielding assets, including privately-placed investments, as well as market factors. Net cash flows from operations and reinvestment proceeds, which includes a portion of the ALICO portfolio have been invested in longer duration and higher yielding assets. Market factors also increased yields, reflecting improving real estate markets, partially offset by lower returns in the fourth quarter 2011 equity markets on our private equity investments, whose results are generally reported on a three-month lag. Higher investment returns resulted in an $75 million increase in operating earnings. In addition, the continued low interest rate environment has resulted in a decrease in average crediting rates on our annuity and funding agreement businesses, partially offset by an increase in interest credited resulting from our international businesses and the impact of derivatives that are used to hedge certain liabilities; the net impact of these items improved operating earnings by $6 million.

In the first quarter of 2012, we benefited from strong sales as well as growth and higher persistency in our business across many of our products. As a result, we experienced growth in both our average separate account

 

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assets and our investment portfolio. The growth in the average separate account assets generated higher policy fee income of $116 million. The growth in our investment portfolio generated higher net investment income of $88 million. Since many of our products are interest spread-based, the growth in our individual life, LTC and structured settlement businesses also resulted in a $59 million increase to interest credited expenses. These increased sales also generated an increase in commissions of $104 million, which was largely offset by an increase of $89 million in related DAC capitalization. In addition, other non-variable expenses increased $74 million and DAC amortization was up $54 million due to growth in our existing businesses. Finally, a new sales distribution channel in India and the fourth quarter 2011 purchase of a Turkish life insurance and pension company contributed $22 million to operating earnings through higher premiums offset by higher policyholder benefits.

Insurance liability refinements resulted in a $25 million increase to operating earnings. In the fourth quarter of 2011, we announced a reduction in our dividend scale related to our closed block. The impact of this action increased operating earnings by $17 million.

Results from our mortgage loan servicing business were down $27 million as a result of an increase in expenses, higher run-off in a lower interest rate environment and a decrease in service fees. In addition, the first quarter of 2012 included an $18 million increase in employee-related costs associated with the Company’s reorganization.

The Company also benefited from a $30 million higher tax benefit in the first quarter of 2012 over the prior period as a result of higher utilization of tax preferenced investments, which provide tax credits and deductions.

Retail Products

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
    Change     % Change  
     2012     2011      
           (In millions)              

OPERATING REVENUES

        

Premiums

   $ 1,136     $ 1,025     $ 111       10.8

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

     1,114       991       123       12.4

Net investment income

     1,856       1,808       48       2.7

Other revenues

     205       182       23       12.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

     4,311       4,006       305       7.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

OPERATING EXPENSES

        

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends

     1,902       1,779       123       6.9

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

     596       591       5       0.8

Capitalization of DAC

     (405     (421     16       3.8

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

     333       338       (5     (1.5 )% 

Other expenses

     1,256       1,197       59       4.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

     3,682       3,484       198       5.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     221       181       40       22.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating earnings

   $ 408     $ 341     $ 67       19.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.

The Company implemented several changes to pricing and variable annuity riders in our annuities business as we continued to manage sales volume in order to strike the right balance among growth, profitability, and risk. These actions resulted in the net decrease in the overall segment sales in the first quarter of 2012, most notably in a 9% decrease in annuities sales. Total retail net flows were $2.1 billion in the current period, a decrease of $991 million compared to the prior period.

The stronger sales of variable annuities in 2011 increased our average separate account assets and, as a result, generated higher asset-based fee revenue. This coupled with positive net flows from the life products, as well as

 

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the impact of an increase in allocated equity for annuities, bolstered invested assets, increasing net investment income. These increases were partially offset by higher non-variable expenses and increased DAC amortization, both of which are the result of growth in our annuity business. Our business growth also generated higher interest credited and increases in future policyholder benefits and PABs. The net impact of these items resulted in a $38 million increase in operating earnings.

Interest rates continued to remain low while equity markets showed some improvement from the prior period. The low interest rate environment resulted in a favorable impact on our operating earnings, as the crediting rates on certain insurance liabilities were lower, generating a $15 million decrease in interest credited expense. Market factors also contributed to a $5 million decrease in our investment results which were mostly offset by $4 million of additional policy fees from growth in our annuity separate accounts.

Favorable mortality experience in the traditional life and variable and universal life businesses was more than offset by a $26 million charge for the expected acceleration of benefit payments to policyholders under a multi-state examination related to unclaimed property and MetLife’s use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File. The net impact of these items resulted in a $4 million decrease in operating earnings.

The impact of the reduction in our closed block dividend scale, which was announced in the fourth quarter of 2011, increased operating earnings by $17 million.

Group, Voluntary and Worksite Benefits

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
    Change     % Change  
     2012     2011      
           (In millions)              

OPERATING REVENUES

        

Premiums

   $ 4,073     $ 3,976     $ 97       2.4

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

     166       159       7       4.4

Net investment income

     491       485       6       1.2

Other revenues

     112       101       11       10.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

     4,842       4,721       121       2.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

OPERATING EXPENSES

        

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends

     3,639       3,594       45       1.3

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

     42       43       (1     (2.3 )% 

Capitalization of DAC

     (102     (122     20       16.4

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

     101       114       (13     (11.4 )% 

Other expenses

     716       692       24       3.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

     4,396       4,321       75       1.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     142       127       15       11.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating earnings

   $ 304     $ 273     $ 31       11.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.

Each of our businesses experienced growth in the first quarter of 2012, as the economy has shown signs of slow, but steady, improvement. Our group term life and disability businesses exhibited growth from new sales, and our dental business continued to benefit from strong enrollments and renewals. Although we have discontinued selling our LTC product, we continue to collect premiums and administer the existing block of business, contributing to asset growth in the segment. While property and casualty policy sales decreased in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the prior period, as housing and automobile markets remained sluggish, the impact of an increase in the average premium for new policies sold more than offset the decline in policy sales. Premiums from the sales of new policies increased 3% for our auto business and decreased 1% for our homeowners business in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the prior period. The increase in average premium per policy in both our homeowners and auto businesses improved operating earnings by $24 million and the

 

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decrease in exposures resulted in a net $4 million decrease in operating earnings. Exposures are generally defined as each automobile for the auto line of business and each residence for the homeowners line of business. Current period premiums and deposits, partially offset by a reduction in allocated equity, have resulted in an increase in our average invested assets, contributing $6 million to operating earnings. Consistent with the growth in average invested assets, primarily in our LTC business, interest credited on long-duration contracts increased by $5 million. Increased expenses associated with growth across our businesses along with the implementation of the new TRICARE dental contract, reduced operating earnings by $14 million.

Lower frequency of non-catastrophe claims coupled with lower severity of catastrophe related claims, mainly due to the mild winter, improved our property and casualty results by $20 million. Lower catastrophe-related losses contributed $13 million of this improvement, mainly due to lower severity. A decrease in approved claims, partially offset by a decrease in claims closed, contributed to an $11 million increase in our disability business. Favorable claims experience resulted in a $10 million improvement in accidental death and dismemberment results. Partially offsetting these improvements was the change in the impact of property and casualty’s prior year development on operating earnings, which was less favorable than the prior period by $7 million. In addition, net unfavorable group life claims experience in the current period, mainly from the impact of an additional day in the current year, decreased operating earnings by $6 million.

Market factors, specifically the sustained low interest rate environment, continued to be a challenge during the current period. The low interest rate environment negatively impacted investment yields on our fixed-income investments and resulted in lower returns on real estate investments. Unlike in Retail Products and Corporate Benefit Funding, a reduction in investment yield does not necessarily drive a corresponding change in the rates credited on certain insurance liabilities. The reduction in investment yield, coupled with marginally higher crediting rates in the current period, resulted in a $4 million decrease in operating earnings.

The impact of the items discussed above, related to the property and casualty business, can be seen in the favorable change in the combined ratio, excluding catastrophes, to 88.2% in the first quarter of 2012 from 92.5% in the prior period, as well as the favorable change in the combined ratio, including catastrophes, to 91.7% in the first quarter of 2012 from 98.7% in the prior period.

Corporate Benefit Funding

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
    Change     % Change  
     2012     2011      
           (In millions)              

OPERATING REVENUES

        

Premiums

   $ 507     $ 423     $ 84       19.9

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

     51       54       (3     (5.6 )% 

Net investment income

     1,401       1,386       15       1.1

Other revenues

     64       60       4       6.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

     2,023       1,923       100       5.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

OPERATING EXPENSES

        

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends

     1,092       1,020       72       7.1

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

     339       335       4       1.2

Capitalization of DAC

     (7     (12     5       41.7

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

     10       5       5       100.0

Interest expense on debt

     2       2             

Other expenses

     128       126       2       1.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

     1,564       1,476       88       6.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     161       158       3       1.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating earnings

   $ 298     $ 289     $ 9       3.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

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Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.

Although the combination of poor equity returns and the low interest rate environment has resulted in underfunded pension plans, which reduces our customers’ flexibility to engage in transactions such as pension closeouts, sales in the U.K. remained strong as we continue to penetrate that market, and sales in the U.S. have improved. Sales in our structured settlement business were strong as we remain very competitive in the marketplace. Premiums for these businesses were almost entirely offset by the related change in policyholder benefits. Although current period premiums, deposits, and funding agreement issuances contributed to an increase in invested assets, a decrease in allocated equity and a contraction of our securities lending program offset these positive operating flows, resulting in a minimal impact to operating earnings. The growth in premiums, deposits and funding agreement issuances resulted in a corresponding increase to the interest credited on certain insurance liabilities, which decreased operating earnings by $21 million.

Our investment portfolio continues to be invested in a prudent and disciplined manner, with the reposition of accumulated liquidity being invested in longer duration and higher yielding assets. This has favorably impacted our investment yields, which were partially offset by lower returns in the equity markets on our private equity and alternative investments. The continued low interest rate environment has resulted in a decrease in interest credited on certain insurance liabilities. Many of our funding agreement and guaranteed interest contract liabilities are tied to market indices and, as a result, interest rates on new business were set lower, as were the rates on existing business with terms that can fluctuate. The positive result of lower interest credited was partially offset by an increase in interest credited resulting from the impact of derivatives that are used to hedge certain liabilities. The impact from higher investment returns and lower interest credited expense resulted in an increase in operating earnings of $20 million.

Insurance liability refinements and favorable mortality results, primarily in our corporate owned life insurance business, increased operating earnings by $16 million.

Latin America

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
             
         2012             2011         Change     % Change  
           (In millions)              

OPERATING REVENUES

        

Premiums

   $ 686     $ 594     $ 92       15.5

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

     196       189       7       3.7

Net investment income

     299       166       133       80.1

Other revenues

     5       4       1       25.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

     1,186       953       233       24.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

OPERATING EXPENSES

        

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends

     592       424       168       39.6

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

     100       91       9       9.9

Capitalization of DAC

     (84     (75     (9     (12.0 )% 

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

     55       47       8       17.0

Amortization of negative VOBA

     (2     (2           

Interest expense on debt

     1              1    

Other expenses

     326       309       17       5.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

     988       794       194       24.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     50       38       12       31.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating earnings

   $ 148     $ 121     $ 27       22.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.

 

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Operating earnings increased by $27 million over the prior period. The impact of changes in the foreign currency exchange rates reduced operating earnings by $7 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to the prior period.

Latin America experienced strong sales growth driven primarily by retirement products in Mexico and Chile. In addition, accident and health sales increased across the region. The resulting growth in premiums was offset by a corresponding increase in policyholder benefits. The growth in our businesses drove an increase in average invested assets, which generated higher net investment income of $16 million, and higher policy fee income of $12 million. The increase in these sales also generated higher commission expense of $23 million, which were partially offset by $8 million in related DAC capitalization. DAC amortization also increased $10 million.

Market factors favorably impacted operating earnings by $18 million. An increase in yields reflect market factors, primarily higher inflation on inflation-linked investments and the period over period change from a reduction in yields in the prior period from the impact of changes in assumptions for measuring the effects of inflation on certain inflation-indexed investments. The increase in net investment income from higher inflation was substantially offset by a corresponding increase in policyholder benefits, and higher interest credited expense.

Favorable claims experience also improved operating earnings by $8 million. In addition, operating earnings in Brazil benefited from one-time tax and claim adjustments in the current period. We also benefited from lower operating expenses due to synergies achieved through combining certain ALICO operations. These items together increased operating earnings by $6 million.

Asia

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
             
         2012             2011         Change     % Change  
           (In millions)              

OPERATING REVENUES

        

Premiums

   $ 1,947     $ 1,803     $ 144       8.0

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

     323       297       26       8.8

Net investment income

     653       513       140       27.3

Other revenues

     16       12       4       33.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

     2,939       2,625       314       12.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

OPERATING EXPENSES

        

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends

     1,269       1,198       71       5.9

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

     427       380       47       12.4

Capitalization of DAC

     (561     (451     (110     (24.4 )% 

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

     355       329       26       7.9

Amortization of negative VOBA

     (130     (146     16       11.0

Interest expense on debt

     1       1             

Other expenses

     1,122       990       132       13.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

     2,483       2,301       182       7.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     159       100       59       59.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating earnings

   $ 297     $ 224     $ 73       32.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.

Operating earnings increased by $73 million over the prior period. The impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates improved operating earnings by $6 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to the prior period.

 

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Asia experienced sales growth in ordinary and universal life products in Japan, which drove higher premiums and universal life fees over the prior period. This was partially offset by a decline in life product sales and persistency in Hong Kong, which drove lower premiums. The changes in premiums were mostly offset by corresponding changes in policyholder benefits. In addition, average invested assets increased over the prior period, reflecting positive cash flows from continued strong annuity sales in Japan, and generating increases in both net investment income and policy fee income. The increase in sales also generated higher commission expense, which was largely offset by an increase in related DAC capitalization. DAC amortization was also higher. The combined impact of the items discussed above improved operating earnings by $42 million.

The repositioning of the Japan portfolio to longer duration and higher yielding investments contributed to an increase in investment yields. In addition, growth in the Australian dollar annuity business with the funds invested in higher yielding Australian dollar investments and higher returns on our alternative investments also improved yields. These increases in yield improved net investment income and were partially offset by higher interest credited expense resulting in a net increase to operating earnings of $28 million.

Current period results in Japan include a favorable liability refinement of $16 million. Prior period results for the segment included a one-time tax benefit of $10 million in Korea. In addition, unfavorable claims experience decreased operating earnings by $8 million.

EMEA

 

    Three Months
Ended
March 31,
             
        2012             2011         Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        

OPERATING REVENUES

       

Premiums

  $ 744     $ 697     $ 47       6.7

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

    119       104       15       14.4

Net investment income

    185       173       12       6.9

Other revenues

    36       26       10       38.5
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

    1,084       1,000       84       8.4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

OPERATING EXPENSES

       

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends

    434       408       26       6.4

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

    35       39       (4     (10.3 )% 

Capitalization of DAC

    (203     (181     (22     (12.2 )% 

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

    164       164             

Amortization of negative VOBA

    (5     (15     10       66.7

Interest expense on debt

           1       (1     (100.0 )% 

Other expenses

    540       458       82       17.9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

    965       874       91       10.4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

    43       47       (4     (8.5 )% 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating earnings

  $ 76     $ 79     $ (3     (3.8 )% 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.

Operating earnings decreased by $3 million over the prior period. The impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced operating earnings by $5 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to the prior period.

EMEA experienced overall business growth; however, the segment continues to be challenged by the economic environment across Europe. Retirement and group life sales increased in Western Europe, driving higher premiums and a corresponding increase in policyholder benefits. Credit life sales in Poland and Russia

 

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increased due to a modest recovery in credit markets, and the renewal of a group accident and health contract in Saudi Arabia resulted in higher premiums and policyholder benefits. A new sales distribution channel in India and the fourth quarter 2011 purchase of a Turkish life insurance and pension company contributed $22 million to operating earnings through higher premiums offset by higher policyholder benefits. Consistent with the business growth, operating expenses increased by $39 million, most notably through higher compensation and administrative costs. The increased sales generated an increase in commissions of $29 million, which was partially offset by $24 million in related DAC capitalization. DAC amortization also increased $13 million. Fee income increased by $19 million largely due to growth in the Middle East, South Asia and India. Average invested assets increased slightly as growth in the Middle East, South Asia and India was offset by declines in Central and Eastern Europe resulting in a $3 million increase in net investment income.

Operating earnings increased $7 million in response to changes in market factors. Results for the first quarter of 2012 benefited from improved investment yields reflecting higher returns on our alternative investments. In addition, the results of our majority-owned mutual funds had a slightly positive impact on operating earnings as higher net investment income was largely offset by higher non-controlling interest expenses.

Favorable claims experience improved operating earnings by $4 million.

Corporate & Other

 

    Three Months
Ended
March 31,
             
        2012             2011         Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        

OPERATING REVENUES

       

Premiums

  $ 14     $ 14     $       

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

    40       38       2       5.3

Net investment income

    200       252       (52     (20.6 )% 

Other revenues

    51       83       (32     (38.6 )% 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

    305       387       (82     (21.2 )% 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

OPERATING EXPENSES

       

Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends

    11       16       (5     (31.3 )% 

Interest expense on debt

    309       319       (10     (3.1 )% 

Other expenses

    203       118       85       72.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

    523       453       70       15.5
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

    (180     (87     (93  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating earnings

    (38     21       (59  

Less: Preferred stock dividends

    30       30             
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating earnings (losses) available to common shareholders

  $ (68   $ (9   $ (59  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.

Operating earnings available to common shareholders and operating earnings each decreased $59 million, primarily due to lower net investment income, lower earnings from our mortgage loan servicing business and higher corporate expenses. These increases were partially offset by a higher tax benefit in the first quarter of 2012.

Net investment income decreased $34 million due primarily to lower returns in the equity markets on our private equity investments and an increase in the amount credited to the segments due to a growth in economic

 

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capital managed by Corporate & Other on their behalf. The lower returns in the equity markets in the fourth quarter of 2011 were realized in the current period on certain of our private equity investments as their results are generally reported on a three-month lag.

Results from our forward mortgage servicing business were lower, driven by an increase in expenses of $16 million due to higher regulatory oversight and expenses related to the processing of foreclosed loans. In addition, revenues decreased by $11 million due to higher run-off in a lower interest rate environment and a decrease in service fees due to the termination of sub-servicing contracts.

In the first quarter of 2012, the Company incurred a $26 million charge representing a multi-state examination payment related to unclaimed property and MetLife’s use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File, as well as $18 million of employee-related costs associated with the Company’s reorganization. Minor fluctuations in other expense categories, such as advertising costs and interest expense on debt resulted in a small increase to operating earnings.

Corporate & Other benefited in the first quarter of 2012 from a higher tax benefit of $40 million over the prior period primarily due to higher utilization of tax preferenced investments, which provide tax credits and deductions.

Investments

Investment Risks

The Company’s primary investment objective is to optimize, net of income tax, risk-adjusted investment income and risk-adjusted total return while ensuring that assets and liabilities are managed on a cash flow and duration basis. The Company is exposed to five primary sources of investment risk:

 

   

credit risk, relating to the uncertainty associated with the continued ability of a given obligor to make timely payments of principal and interest;

 

   

interest rate risk, relating to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in market interest rates;

 

   

liquidity risk, relating to the diminished ability to sell certain investments in times of strained market conditions;

 

   

market valuation risk, relating to the variability in the estimated fair value of investments associated with changes in market factors such as credit spreads; and

 

   

currency risk, relating to the variability in currency exchange rates for foreign denominated investments.

The Company manages risk through in-house fundamental analysis of the underlying obligors, issuers, transaction structures and real estate properties. The Company also manages credit risk, market valuation risk and liquidity risk through industry and issuer diversification and asset allocation. For real estate and agricultural assets, the Company manages credit risk and market valuation risk through geographic, property type and product type diversification and asset allocation. The Company manages interest rate risk as part of its asset and liability management strategies; through product design, such as the use of market value adjustment features and surrender charges; and through proactive monitoring and management of certain non-guaranteed elements of its products, such as the resetting of credited interest and dividend rates for policies that permit such adjustments. The Company also uses certain derivative instruments in the management of credit, interest rate, currency and equity market risks.

The Company generally enters into market standard purchased credit default swap contracts to mitigate the credit risk of its investment portfolio. Payout under such contracts is triggered by certain credit events experienced by the referenced entities. For credit default swaps covering North American corporate issuers,

 

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credit events typically include bankruptcy and failure to pay on borrowed money. For European corporate issuers, credit events typically also include involuntary restructuring. With respect to credit default contracts on Western European sovereign debt, credit events typically include failure to pay debt obligations, repudiation, moratorium, or involuntary restructuring. In each case, payout on a credit default swap is triggered only after the Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association deems that a credit event has occurred.

Current Environment

The global economy and markets are still affected by a period of significant stress that began in the second half of 2007. This disruption adversely affected the financial services sector in particular and global capital markets. The Federal Reserve Board has taken a number of actions in recent years to spur economic activity by keeping interest rates low, and in March 2012 reiterated its plans to keep interest rates low until at least through late 2014, and may take further actions to influence interest rates in the future, which may have an impact on the pricing levels of risk-bearing investments. See “Risk Factors — Governmental and Regulatory Actions for the Purpose of Stabilizing and Revitalizing the Financial Markets and Protecting Investors and Consumers May Not Achieve the Intended Effect or Could Adversely Affect Our Competitive Position” in the 2011 Annual Report.

During the first quarter of 2012, concerns about capital markets and the solvency of certain European Union member states, including Europe’s perimeter region, and of financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to their sovereign debt, continued to create market volatility. This market volatility will likely continue to affect the performance of various asset classes in 2012, and perhaps longer, until there is an ultimate resolution of these European Union sovereign debt-related concerns.

As a result of concerns about the ability of Europe’s perimeter region, to service their sovereign debt, these countries have experienced credit ratings downgrades. Despite support programs for Europe’s perimeter region, concerns about the sovereign debt sustainability subsequently expanded to other European Union member states. As a result, in late 2011 and early 2012, several other European Union member states experienced credit ratings downgrades or had their credit ratings outlook changed to negative. As summarized below, at March 31, 2012, the Company did not have significant exposure to the sovereign debt of Europe’s perimeter region. Accordingly, we do not expect such investments to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Outside of Europe’s perimeter region, the Company’s holdings of sovereign debt, corporate debt and perpetual hybrid securities in Europe were concentrated in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Poland, which are higher-rated countries within the European Union, as well in Switzerland and Norway, which are two higher-rated non-European Union countries.

Greece Support Program.  In March 2012, the leaders of the European Union member states nations formally approved Greece’s second support program. In connection with this €130 billion support program, Greece exchanged €177 billion of its domestic law sovereign debt with private sector holders in exchange for a package of four new securities issued by Greece and the public sector supported European Financial Stability Facility (“EFSF”). The sovereign debt exchange resulted in a loss to private sector holders of approximately 70% on a net present value basis. In the exchange, private sector holders received new Greece longer-dated sovereign debt maturing in 11 to 30 years with a face amount of 31.5% of the former debt; detachable GDP-linked warrants issued by Greece with a notional amount equal to the face amount of the newly issued Greece sovereign debt; short-dated EFSF bonds maturing in two years or less with a face amount of 15% of the former debt; and six month EFSF notes in payment of accrued interest. Greece’s newly issued sovereign debt is currently rated C by Moody’s, CCC by S&P and B- by Fitch.

Europe’s Perimeter Region Sovereign Debt Securities.  Our holdings of Greece sovereign debt were acquired in the acquisition of ALICO and our amortized cost basis reflects recording such securities at estimated fair value on November 1, 2010, which was substantially below par, partially mitigating our impairment exposure. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $405 million on our holdings of Greece sovereign debt. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2011, we sold a significant portion of our Europe’s perimeter region sovereign debt, thereby substantially reducing our exposure. In 2012, we recorded an

 

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insignificant gain on the exchange of our holdings of Greece sovereign debt. As described above, in the exchange we received both EFSF debt and Greece sovereign debt, which reduced our exposure to Greece sovereign debt from $158 million to $57 million. Our holdings of short-dated EFSF debt were valued at $115 million, which are rated Aaa by Moody’s and Fitch and AA+ by S&P. The par value, amortized cost and estimated fair value of holdings in sovereign debt of Europe’s perimeter region were $816 million, $210 million and $198 million at March 31, 2012, respectively, and $874 million, $254 million and $264 million at December 31, 2011, respectively.

Select European Countries — Investment Exposures.  Due to the current level of economic, fiscal and political strain in Europe’s perimeter region and Cyprus, the Company continually monitors and adjusts its level of investment exposure in these countries. We manage direct and indirect investment exposure in these countries through fundamental credit analysis. The following table presents a summary of investments by invested asset class and related purchased credit default protection across Europe’s perimeter region, by country, and Cyprus.

 

    Summary of Select European Country Investment Exposure at March 31, 2012 (1) (2)  
    Fixed maturity securities (3)                                      
    Sovereign     Financial
Services
    Non-
Financial
Services
    Total     All Other
General  Account
Investment
Exposure (4) (5)
    Total
Exposure
    %     Purchased
Credit
Default
Protection (5)
    Net
Exposure
    %  
    (In millions)  

Europe’s perimeter region:

                   

Portugal

  $ 2      $ 3      $ 144      $ 149      $ 7      $ 156        4   $ (17   $ 139        4

Italy

    24        191        732        947        73        1,020        27        (6     1,014        27   

Ireland

           5        536        541        580        1,121        30               1,121        30   

Greece (6)

    158                      158        261        419        11               419        11   

Spain

    14        228        612        854        59        913        25               913        25   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Europe’s perimeter region

    198        427        2,024        2,649        980        3,629        97        (23     3,606        97   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cyprus

    67                      67        39        106        3               106        3   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 265      $ 427      $ 2,024      $ 2,716      $ 1,019      $ 3,735        100   $ (23   $ 3,712        100
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As percent of total cash and invested assets

    0.0     0.1     0.4     0.5     0.2     0.7       0.0     0.7  

Investment grade percent

    26     99     92     86            

Non investment grade percent

    74     1     8     14            

 

 

(1)

Information is presented on a country of risk basis (e.g. the country where the issuer primarily conducts business).

 

(2)

The Company has not written any credit default swaps with an underlying risk related to any of these six countries. For Greece, the Company has $2 million of commitments to fund partnership investments at March 31, 2012.

 

(3)

Presented at estimated fair value. The par value and amortized cost of the fixed maturity securities were $3.3 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively, at March 31, 2012.

 

(4)

Comprised of equity securities, fair value option (“FVO”) general account securities, real estate and real estate joint ventures, other limited partnership interests, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, and other invested assets at carrying value. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2011 Annual Report for an explanation of the carrying value for these invested asset classes. Excludes FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments of $561 million, which support unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities and do not qualify for separate account summary total assets and liabilities. The contractholder, and not the Company, directs the investment of these funds. The related variable annuity type liability is satisfied from the contractholder’s account balance and not from the general account investments of the Company.

 

(5)

Purchased credit default protection is stated at the estimated fair value of the swap. For Portugal, the purchased credit default protection relates to sovereign securities and this swap had a notional amount of $60 million and an estimated fair value of $17 million as of March 31, 2012. For Italy, the purchased credit

 

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default protection relates to financial services corporate securities and these swaps had a notional amount of $80 million and an estimated fair value of $6 million at March 31, 2012. The counterparties to these swaps are financial institutions with S&P credit ratings ranging from A+ to A- as of March 31, 2012.

 

(6)

As described above, in the exchange we received both EFSF debt and Greece sovereign debt, which reduced our exposure to Greece sovereign debt from $158 million to $57 million.

European Region Investments.  The Company has investments across certain European Union member states and other countries in the region that are not members of the European Union (collectively, the “European Region”). In the European Region, we have proactively mitigated risk in both direct and indirect exposures by investing in a diversified portfolio of high quality investments with a focus on the higher-rated countries, reducing our holdings through sales of financial services securities during 2010, 2011 and 2012 and sales of Europe’s perimeter region sovereign debt in 2011 and 2012, and by purchasing certain single name credit default protection in 2010 and 2011. Our sales of financial services securities were focused on institutions with exposure to Europe’s perimeter region, lower preference capital structure instruments, and larger positions. Sovereign debt issued by countries outside of Europe’s perimeter region comprised $9.0 billion, or 98% of European Region sovereign fixed maturity securities, at estimated fair value, at March 31, 2012. The European Region corporate securities (fixed maturity and perpetual hybrid securities classified as non-redeemable preferred stock) are invested in a diversified portfolio of primarily non-financial services securities, which comprised $24.4 billion, or 76% of European Region total corporate securities, at estimated fair value, at March 31, 2012. Of these European Region sovereign fixed maturity and corporate securities, 91% were investment grade and, for the 9% that were below investment grade, the majority were non-financial services corporate securities, at March 31, 2012. European Region financial services corporate securities at estimated fair value were $7.8 billion, including $6.0 billion within the banking sector, with 93% invested in investment grade rated corporate securities, at March 31, 2012.

Rating Actions — U.S. Treasury Securities.  As a result of a special Congressional committee failing to agree on certain deficit-reduction measures, in August 2011, U.S. Treasury securities were downgraded to AA+ by S&P with negative outlook. We continue to closely evaluate the implications on our investment portfolio of further rating agency downgrades of U.S. Treasury securities and believe our investment portfolio is well positioned. The S&P downgrade initially had an adverse effect on financial markets but the extent of the longer-term impact cannot be predicted. See “Risk Factors — Concerns Over U.S. Fiscal Policy and the Trajectory of the National Debt of the U.S., as well as Rating Agency Downgrades of U.S. Treasury Securities Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the 2011 Annual Report.

Japan Investments.  The Japanese economy, to which we face substantial exposure given our operations there, was significantly negatively impacted by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Although we expect modest growth and improved economic conditions in the Japanese economy during the remainder of 2012, disruptions to the Japanese economy are having, and will continue to have, negative impacts on the overall global economy, not all of which can be foreseen. The Company’s investment in fixed maturity and equity securities in Japan were $27.8 billion, of which $20.6 billion, or 74%, were Japan government and agency fixed maturity securities, at estimated fair value, at March 31, 2012.

Summary.  All of these factors have had and could continue to have an adverse effect on the financial results of companies in the financial services industry, including MetLife. Such global economic conditions, as well as the global financial markets, continue to impact our net investment income, our net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), level of unrealized gains and (losses) within the various asset classes within our investment portfolio and our allocation to lower yielding cash equivalents and short-term investments. See “— Industry Trends” and “Risk Factors – Difficult Conditions in the Global Capital Markets and the Economy Generally May Materially Adversely Affect Our Business and Results of Operations and These Conditions May Not Improve in the Near Future.”

 

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Composition of Investment Portfolio and Investment Portfolio Results

The composition of the investment portfolio, the related investment portfolio results and gains (losses) on derivative instruments which are used to manage risk for certain invested assets and certain insurance liabilities is presented in the yield table below:

 

     At or For  the
Three Months
Ended
March  31,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In millions)  

Fixed Maturity Securities:

    

Yield (1)

     4.96     4.91

Investment income (2), (3), (4)

   $ 3,840      $ 3,693   

Investment gains (losses) (3)

   $ (136   $ (163

Ending carrying value(2), (3)

   $ 355,269      $ 334,409   

Mortgage Loans:

    

Yield (1)

     5.62     5.54

Investment income (3),(4)

   $ 830      $ 759   

Investment gains (losses) (3)

   $ 36      $ 47   

Ending carrying value (3)

   $ 57,281      $ 55,061   

Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures:

    

Yield (1)

     3.76     2.83

Investment income (3)

   $ 80      $ 57   

Investment gains (losses) (3)

   $ 17      $ 29   

Ending carrying value

   $ 8,472      $ 8,042   

Policy Loans:

    

Yield (1)

     5.30     5.42

Investment income

   $ 158      $ 160   

Ending carrying value

   $ 11,896      $ 11,872   

Equity Securities:

    

Yield (1)

     4.17     3.45

Investment income

   $ 32      $ 30   

Investment gains (losses)

   $ (9   $ 36   

Ending carrying value

   $ 3,043      $ 3,584   

Other Limited Partnership Interests:

    

Yield (1)

     11.34     15.14

Investment income

   $ 182      $ 243   

Investment gains (losses)

   $ (2   $ 3   

Ending carrying value

   $ 6,487      $ 6,409   

Cash and Short-Term Investments:

    

Yield (1)

     0.69     1.09

Investment income

   $ 32      $ 43   

Investment gains (losses)

   $ —        $ —     

Ending carrying value (3)

   $ 30,465      $ 19,455   

Other Invested Assets:(1)

    

Investment income (7)

   $ 132      $ 10   

Investment gains (losses) (3)

   $ (25   $ 4   

Ending carrying value (7)

   $ 20,172      $ 13,662   

Total Investments:

    

Investment income yield (1), (5), (7)

     5.00     4.92

Investment fees and expenses yield

     (0.13     (0.12
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Investment Income Yield (1), (3), (5), (7)

     4.87     4.80
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment income (5), (7)

   $ 5,286      $ 4,995   

Investment fees and expenses

     (140     (128
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income including certain Divested Businesses (5), (7)

   $ 5,146      $ 4,867   

Less: net investment income from certain Divested Businesses (5)

     61        84   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Investment Income (3), (7)

   $ 5,085      $ 4,783   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Carrying Value (3), (5), (7)

   $ 493,085      $ 452,494   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment portfolio gains (losses) including Divested Businesses

   $ (119   $ (44

Less: investment portfolio gains (losses) from Divested Businesses (5)

     96        (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment portfolio gains (losses) (3), (5), (6)

   $ (215   $ (41
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross investment gains

   $ 278      $ 285   

Gross investment losses

     (335     (243

Writedowns

     (158     (83
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Portfolio Gains (Losses) (3), (5), 6)

   $ (215   $ (41
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment portfolio gains (losses) income tax (expense) benefit

     70        14   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Portfolio Gains (Losses), Net of Income Tax

   $ (145   $ (27
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivative gains (losses) including Divested Businesses

   $ (2,064   $ (386

Less: derivative gains (losses) from Divested Businesses (5)

     (5     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivative gains (losses) (3), (5), (6)

   $ (2,059   $ (384

Derivative gains (losses) income tax (expense) benefit

     727        131   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivative Gains (Losses), Net of Income Tax

   $ (1,332   $ (253
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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As described in the footnotes below, the yield table reflects certain differences from the GAAP presentation of invested assets, net investment income, net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) as presented in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. This yield table presentation is consistent with how we measure our investment performance for management purposes, and we believe it enhances understanding of our investment portfolio results.

 

(1)

Yields are calculated as investment income as a percent of average quarterly asset carrying values. Investment income excludes recognized gains and losses and reflects GAAP adjustments related to net investment income. Asset carrying values exclude unrealized gains (losses), collateral received in connection with our securities lending program, freestanding derivative assets, collateral received from derivative counterparties, the effects of consolidating under GAAP certain VIEs that are treated as consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”), contractholder-directed unit-linked investments and securitized reverse residential mortgage loans. A yield is not presented for other invested assets, as it is not considered a meaningful measure of performance for this asset class.

 

(2)

Fixed maturity securities include $818 million and $745 million at estimated fair value of trading and other securities at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Fixed maturity securities include $45 million and $28 million of investment income (loss) related to trading and other securities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

(3)

As described in footnote (1) above, ending carrying values exclude contractholder-directed unit-linked investments — reported within trading and other securities, securities held by CSEs — reported within trading and other securities, and securitized reverse residential mortgage loans– reported within mortgage loans. The related adjustments to ending carrying value, investment income and investment gains (losses) by invested asset class are presented below. The adjustments to investment income, net investment income and investment gains (losses) in the aggregate are as shown in footnote (6) to this yield table. The adjustment to investment gains (losses) presented below and in footnote (6) to this yield table includes the effects of remeasuring both the invested assets and long-term debt in accordance with the FVO.

 

     At or For the Three Months Ended March 31,  2012      At or For the Three Months Ended March 31,  2011  
     As Reported in the
Yield Table
     Excluded
Amounts
     Total      As Reported in the
Yield Table
     Excluded
Amounts
     Total  
     (In millions)      (In millions)  

Trading and Other Securities: (included within Fixed Maturity Securities):

                 

Ending carrying value

   $ 818       $ 18,208       $ 19,026       $ 745       $ 18,620       $ 19,365   

Investment income

   $ 45       $ 1,017       $ 1,062       $ 28       $ 420       $ 448   

Investment gains (losses)

   $ 4       $ (11)       $ (7)       $       $ 7       $ 7   

Mortgage Loans:

                 

Ending carrying value

   $ 57,281       $ 11,307       $ 68,588       $ 55,061       $ 6,771       $ 61,832   

Investment income

   $ 830       $ 45       $ 875       $ 759       $ 95       $ 854   

Investment gains (losses)

   $ 36       $ 6       $ 42       $ 47       $ 18       $ 65   

Cash and Short-Term Investments:

                 

Ending carrying value

   $ 30,465       $ 3       $ 30,468       $ 19,455       $ 59       $ 19,514   

Total Investments:

                 

Ending carrying value

   $ 493,085       $ 29,518       $ 522,603       $ 452,494       $ 25,450       $ 477,944   

 

(4)

Investment income from fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans includes prepayment fees.

 

(5)

Yields are calculated including net investment income of certain Divested Businesses and related ending carrying values. The net investment income adjustment in footnote 6 to this yield table for Divested Businesses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 includes $85 million for securitized reverse residential mortgage loans that was excluded from the Mortgage Loans and total yield sections presented above. For further information on Divested Businesses, see Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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(6)

Net investment income, investment portfolio gains (losses) and derivative gains (losses) presented in this yield table vary from the most directly comparable measures presented in the GAAP consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income due to certain reclassifications affecting net investment income, net investment gains (losses), net derivative gains (losses), interest credited to policyholder account balances, and other revenues, and excludes the effects of consolidating under GAAP certain VIEs that are treated as CSEs. Such reclassifications are presented in the tables below.

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
         2012             2011      
     (In millions)  

Net investment income — in the above yield table

   $ 5,085      $ 4,783   

Real estate discontinued operations — deduct from net investment income

            (3

Scheduled periodic settlement payments on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting — deduct from net investment income, add to net derivative gains (losses)

     (89     (39

Equity method operating joint ventures— add to net investment income, deduct from net derivative gains (losses)

            (23

Net investment income on contractholder-directed unit-linked investments — reported within trading and other securities — add to net investment income

     1,015        419   

Divested Businesses — add to net investment income

     146        84   

Incremental net investment income from CSEs — add to net investment income

     43        92   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income — GAAP consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income

   $ 6,200      $ 5,313   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment portfolio gains (losses) — in the above yield table

   $ (119   $ (44

Real estate discontinued operations — deduct from net investment gains (losses)

     (21     (28

Investment gains (losses) related to CSEs — add to net investment gains (losses)

     (5     25   

Other gains (losses) — add to net investment gains (losses)

     35        (52
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment gains (losses) — GAAP consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income

   $ (110   $ (99
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivative gains (losses) — in the above yield table

   $ (2,064   $ (386

Scheduled periodic settlement payments on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting — add to net derivative gains (losses), deduct from net investment income

     89        39   

Scheduled periodic settlement payments on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting — add to net derivative gains (losses), deduct from interest credited to policyholder account balances

     2        8   

Settlement of foreign currency earnings — add to net derivative gains (losses), deduct from other revenues

     (5     1   

Equity method operating joint ventures— add to net investment income, deduct from net derivative gains (losses)

            23   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net derivative gains (losses) — GAAP consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income

   $ (1,978   $ (315
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(7)

Certain amounts in the prior periods have been revised in connection with the retrospective application of the first quarter 2012 adoption of the new guidance regarding accounting for DAC.

See “— Results of Operations — Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 — Consolidated Results” for analyses of the period over period changes in net investment income, net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses).

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale

Fixed maturity securities, which consisted principally of publicly-traded and privately placed fixed maturity securities, were $354.5 billion and $350.3 billion, at estimated fair value, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, or 68% and 67% of total cash and invested assets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Publicly-traded fixed maturity securities represented $307.6 billion and $303.6 billion, at estimated fair value, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, or 87% of total fixed maturity securities, at

 

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both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Privately placed fixed maturity securities represented $46.9 billion and $46.7 billion, at estimated fair value, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, or 13% of total fixed maturity securities at estimated fair value, at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Equity securities, which consisted principally of publicly-traded and privately-held common and preferred stocks, including certain perpetual hybrid securities and mutual fund interests, were $3.0 billion, at estimated fair value, or 0.6%, of total cash and invested assets, at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Publicly-traded equity securities represented $1.7 billion, at estimated fair value, or 57%, of total equity securities, at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Privately-held equity securities represented $1.3 billion, at estimated fair value, or 43%, of total equity, at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

See also “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Investments — Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale — Valuation of Securities” in the 2011 Annual Report for a discussion of the process we use to value securities and the related processes and controls.

Fair Value Hierarchy and Level 3 Rollforward — Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities.  Fixed maturity securities and equity securities available-for-sale measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value pricing sources and fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Fixed  Maturity
Securities
     % of
Total
    Equity
Securities
    % of
Total
 
Pricing Source:         
    (In millions)            (In millions)        

Level 1:

        

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets

  $ 20,804        5.9   $ 902       29.7
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Level 2:

        

Independent pricing source

    276,984        78.1       465       15.3  

Internal matrix pricing or discounted cash flow techniques

    37,187        10.5       962       31.6  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Significant other observable inputs

    314,171        88.6       1,427       46.9  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Level 3:

        

Independent pricing source

    8,802        2.5       514       16.9  

Internal matrix pricing or discounted cash flow techniques

    9,253        2.6       190       6.2  

Independent broker quotations

    1,421        0.4       10       0.3  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Significant unobservable inputs

    19,476        5.5       714       23.4  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total estimated fair value

  $ 354,451        100.0   $ 3,043       100.0
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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     March 31, 2012  
     Fair Value Measurements Using  
     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
    Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Hierarchy:        
    (In millions)  

Fixed Maturity Securities:

       

U.S. corporate securities

  $      $ 97,968     $ 7,305     $ 105,273  

Foreign corporate securities

           60,708       4,646       65,354  

Foreign government securities

           53,125       2,213       55,338  

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

    20,804       20,588       24       41,416  

Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”)

           39,033       2,246       41,279  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)

           17,970       762       18,732  

State and political subdivision securities

           13,834       82       13,916  

Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)

           10,945       2,198       13,143  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

  $ 20,804     $  314,171     $ 19,476     $ 354,451  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity Securities:

       

Common stock

  $ 902     $ 1,072     $ 268     $ 2,242  

Non-redeemable preferred stock

           355       446       801  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity securities

  $ 902     $ 1,427     $ 714     $ 3,043  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The composition of fair value pricing sources for and significant changes in Level 3 securities at March 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

   

The majority of the Level 3 fixed maturity and equity securities (81%, as presented above) were concentrated in four sectors: U.S. and foreign corporate securities, RMBS and foreign government securities.

 

   

Level 3 fixed maturity securities are priced principally through market standard valuation methodologies, independent pricing services and, to a much lesser extent, independent non-binding broker quotations using inputs that are not market observable or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 fixed maturity securities consist of less liquid securities with very limited trading activity or where less price transparency exists around the inputs to the valuation methodologies including alternative residential mortgage loan (“Alt-A”) and sub-prime RMBS, certain below investment grade private securities and less liquid investment grade corporate securities (included in U.S. and foreign corporate securities), less liquid ABS and foreign government securities.

 

   

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, Level 3 fixed maturity securities increased by $1.7 billion, or 10%. The increase was driven by net purchases in excess of sales and increase in estimated fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), partially offset by net transfers out of Level 3. See analysis of transfers into and/or out of Level 3 below. The increase in net purchases in excess of sales of fixed maturity securities were concentrated in RMBS, U.S. corporate, ABS and foreign government securities, and the increase in estimated fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for fixed maturity securities was concentrated in foreign corporate securities due in part to a decrease in interest rates.

 

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A rollforward of the fair value measurements for fixed maturity securities and equity securities available-for-sale measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs is as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2012
 
     Fixed  Maturity
Securities
    Equity
Securities
 
     (In millions)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 17,765     $ 719  

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:

    

Earnings (1)

     (32     (3

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     139       34  

Purchases

     2,849       20  

Sales

     (892     (17

Transfers into Level 3

     206       15  

Transfers out of Level 3

     (559     (54
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 19,476     $ 714  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Total gains and losses in earnings and other comprehensive income (loss) are calculated assuming transfers into or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and out during the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Total gains (losses) for fixed maturity securities included in other comprehensive income (loss) of ($2) million was incurred on these securities subsequent to their transfer into Level 3, for the three months ended March 31, 2012. No gains (losses) were included in earnings.

An analysis of transfers into and/or out of Level 3 and additional information about the valuation techniques and inputs by level by major classes of invested assets that affect the amounts reported above is presented within Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Estimated Fair Value of Investments” included in the 2011 Annual Report for further information on the estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported above.

Fixed Maturity Securities. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about:

 

   

Fixed maturity and equity securities on a sector basis;

 

   

Government and agency securities holdings in excess of 10% of the Company’s equity; and

 

   

Maturities of fixed maturity securities.

Fixed Maturity Securities Credit Quality — Ratings.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Fixed Maturity Securities Credit Quality — Ratings” included in the 2011 Annual Report for a discussion of the ratings methodologies used by rating agencies and the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) for fixed maturity securities.

 

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The following table presents total fixed maturity securities by Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO”) designation and the equivalent designations of the NAIC, except for certain structured securities, which utilize NAIC rating methodologies, as well as the percentage, based on estimated fair value, that each designation is comprised of at:

 

         March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  

NAIC

Rating

  

Rating Agency Designation

  Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    % of
Total
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    % of
Total
 
         (In millions)     (In millions)  
1    Aaa/Aa/A   $     232,152     $     248,544       70.1    $     230,195     $     246,786       70.5 
2    Baa     75,139       80,882       22.8       73,352       78,531       22.4  
3    Ba     14,569       14,618       4.1       14,604       14,375       4.1  
4    B     9,337       9,051       2.6       9,437       8,849       2.5  
5    Caa and lower     1,753       1,334       0.4       2,142       1,668       0.5  
6    In or near default     31       22              81       62         
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Total fixed maturity securities   $ 332,981     $ 354,451       100.0    $ 329,811     $ 350,271       100.0 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following tables present total fixed maturity securities, based on estimated fair value, by sector classification and by NRSRO designation and the equivalent designations of the NAIC, except for certain structured securities, which are presented as described above, that each designation is comprised of at:

 

    Fixed Maturity Securities — by Sector & Credit Quality Rating at March 31, 2012  

NAIC Rating:

  1     2     3     4     5     6     Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 

Rating Agency Designation:

  Aaa/Aa/A     Baa     Ba     B     Caa and
Lower
    In or  Near
Default
   
    (In millions)  

U.S. corporate securities

  $     50,583      $     41,194      $     8,827      $     4,415      $     252      $     2      $     105,273   

Foreign corporate securities

    32,737        28,129        3,118        1,279        86        5        65,354   

Foreign government securities

    44,394        8,321        1,158        1,300        165               55,338   

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

    41,416                                           41,416   

RMBS (1)

    35,558        1,660        1,366        1,951        733        11        41,279   

CMBS (1)

    18,227        273        110        49        73               18,732   

State and political subdivision securities

    13,024        863        18        11                      13,916   

ABS (1)

    12,605        442        21        46        25        4        13,143   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

  $ 248,544      $ 80,882      $ 14,618      $ 9,051      $ 1,334      $ 22      $ 354,451   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage of total

    70.1      22.8      4.1      2.6      0.4      —      100.0 

 

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Table of Contents
    Fixed Maturity Securities — by Sector & Credit Quality Rating at December 31, 2011  

NAIC Rating:

  1     2     3     4     5     6     Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 

Rating Agency Designation:

  Aaa/Aa/A     Baa     Ba     B     Caa and
Lower
    In or Near
Default
   
    (In millions)  

U.S. corporate securities

  $ 51,045      $ 41,533      $ 8,677      $ 4,257      $ 271      $ 2      $ 105,785   

Foreign corporate securities

    33,403        26,383        2,915        1,173        140        4        64,018   

Foreign government securities

    42,360        7,553        1,146        1,281        196               52,536   

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

    40,012                                           40,012   

RMBS (1)

    36,699        1,477        1,450        2,026        933        52        42,637   

CMBS (1)

    18,403        388        125        57        96               19,069   

State and political subdivision securities

    12,357        842        23        5        8               13,235   

ABS (1)

    12,507        355        39        50        24        4        12,979   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

  $ 246,786      $ 78,531      $ 14,375      $ 8,849      $ 1,668      $ 62      $ 350,271   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage of total

    70.5      22.4      4.1      2.5      0.5      —      100.0 

 

(1)

Presented using the revised NAIC rating methodologies described above.

The Company held below investment grade fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of $25.0 billion at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and unrealized gains (losses) of ($665) million and ($1.3) billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

U.S. and Foreign Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities.  The Company maintains a diversified portfolio of corporate fixed maturity securities across many industries and issuers. This portfolio does not have an exposure to any single issuer in excess of 1% of total investments. The tables below present information about U.S. and foreign corporate securities at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Estimated
Fair

Value
     % of
Total
    Estimated
Fair

Value
     % of
Total
 
     (In millions)            (In millions)         

Corporate fixed maturity securities — by sector:

          

Foreign corporate fixed maturity securities (1)

   $ 65,354         38.3  %    $ 64,018         37.7  % 

U.S. corporate fixed maturity securities — by industry:

          

Consumer

     26,965         15.8        26,739         15.7   

Industrial

     26,798         15.7        26,962         15.9   

Finance

     20,628         12.1        20,854         12.3   

Utility

     19,297         11.3        19,508         11.5   

Communications

     8,146         4.8        8,178         4.8   

Other

     3,439         2.0        3,544         2.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 170,627         100.0  %    $ 169,803         100.0  % 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes U.S. dollar and foreign denominated fixed maturity securities of foreign obligors.

 

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Table of Contents
     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Estimated
Fair

Value
     % of Total
Investments
    Estimated
Fair

Value
     % of Total
Investments
 
     (In millions)            (In millions)         

Concentrations within corporate fixed maturity securities:

          

Largest exposure to a single issuer

   $ 1,538        0.3    $ 1,642        0.3 

Holdings in ten issuers with the largest exposures

   $ 10,576        2.1    $ 10,716        2.1 

Structured Securities.  The following table presents information about structured securities at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Estimated
Fair

Value
     % of
Total
    Estimated
Fair

Value
     % of
Total
 
     (In millions)            (In millions)         

RMBS

   $ 41,279        56.4  %    $ 42,637        57.1  % 

CMBS

     18,732        25.6       19,069        25.5  

ABS

     13,143        18.0       12,979        17.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total structured securities

   $ 73,154        100.0  %    $ 74,685        100.0  % 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratings profile:

          

RMBS rated Aaa

   $ 30,051        72.8  %    $ 31,690        74.3  % 

RMBS rated NAIC 1

   $ 35,558        86.1  %    $ 36,699        86.1  % 

CMBS rated Aaa

   $ 15,666        83.6  %    $ 15,785        82.8  % 

CMBS rated NAIC 1

   $ 18,227        97.3  %    $ 18,403        96.5  % 

ABS rated Aaa

   $ 8,313        63.3  %    $ 8,223        63.4  % 

ABS rated NAIC 1

   $ 12,605        95.9  %    $ 12,507        96.4  % 

RMBS.   The table below presents information about RMBS at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Estimated
Fair

Value
     % of
Total
    Estimated
Fair

Value
     % of
Total
 
     (In millions)            (In millions)         

By security type:

          

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   $ 22,679        54.9  %    $ 23,392        54.9  % 

Pass-through securities

     18,600        45.1       19,245        45.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total RMBS

   $ 41,279        100.0  %    $ 42,637        100.0  % 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

By risk profile:

          

Agency

   $ 28,896        70.0  %    $ 31,055        72.8  % 

Prime

     6,131        14.9       5,959        14.0  

Alt-A

     4,887        11.8       4,648        10.9  

Sub-prime

     1,365        3.3       975        2.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total RMBS

   $ 41,279        100.0  %    $ 42,637        100.0  % 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

See also “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Investments — Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale — Structured Securities” for further information about collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through mortgage-backed securities; and agency, prime, Alt-A and sub-prime RMBS.

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company’s Alt-A securities portfolio has no exposure to option adjustable rate mortgages (“ARMs”) and a minimal exposure to hybrid ARMs. The Company’s Alt-A securities portfolio is comprised primarily of fixed rate mortgages (94% and 93% at March 31, 2012 and

 

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December 31, 2011, respectively) which have performed better than both option ARMs and hybrid ARMs in the Alt-A market. The Company’s Alt-A RMBS holdings had unrealized losses of $693 million and $871 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The slowing U.S. housing market, greater use of affordable mortgage products and relaxed underwriting standards for some originators of sub-prime residential mortgage loans have led to higher delinquency and loss rates, especially within the 2006 and 2007 vintage years. These factors have caused a pull-back in market liquidity and repricing of risk, which has led to the current levels of unrealized losses on securities backed by sub-prime residential mortgage loans. Our sub-prime RMBS holdings had unrealized losses of $324 million and $347 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. At March 31, 2012, 61% was in vintage year 2005 and prior and 13% was rated Aa or better. At December 31, 2011, 79% was in vintage year 2005 and prior and 21% was rated Aa or better. These older vintages from 2005 and prior benefit from better underwriting, improved credit enhancement levels and higher residential property price appreciation.

CMBS. The following tables present our CMBS by rating agency designation and by vintage year at:

 

    March 31, 2012  
    Aaa     Aa     A     Baa     Below
Investment
Grade
    Total  
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
 
    (In millions)  

2004 & Prior

  $ 8,812      $ 9,070      $ 559      $ 576      $ 209      $ 206      $ 147      $ 144      $ 58      $ 52      $ 9,785      $ 10,048   

2005

    3,128        3,404        403        420        279        284        133        129        20        18        3,963        4,255   

2006

    1,742        1,896        260        269        56        55        66        64        91        84        2,215        2,368   

2007

    581        612        332        330        82        81        86        72        81        79        1,162        1,174   

2008

                                                            24        24        24        24   

2009

                                                                                   

2010

    3        2                                    57        63                      60        65   

2011

    566        590        1        1        89        93                      8        6        664        690   

2012

    91        92        16        16                                                  107        108   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 14,923      $ 15,666      $ 1,571      $ 1,612      $ 715      $ 719      $ 489      $ 472      $ 282      $ 263      $ 17,980      $ 18,732   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratings Distribution

      83.6        8.6        3.9        2.5        1.4        100.0 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    December 31, 2011  
    Aaa     Aa     A     Baa     Below
Investment
Grade
    Total  
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Estimated
Fair
Value
 
                                  (In millions)                                

2004 & Prior

  $ 9,160      $ 9,407      $ 606      $ 616      $ 226      $ 217      $ 137      $ 132      $ 61      $ 52      $ 10,190      $ 10,424   

2005

    3,081        3,318        427        432        277        269        184        175        31        28        4,000        4,222   

2006

    1,712        1,835        245        237        89        83        118        110        123        106        2,287        2,371   

2007

    643        665        395        332        163        138        67        71        94        88        1,362        1,294   

2008

                                                            25        27        25        27   

2009

                                                                                   

2010

    3        3                                    60        66                      63        69   

2011

    536        557        1        1        92        96                      9        8        638        662   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 15,135      $ 15,785      $ 1,674      $ 1,618      $ 847      $ 803      $ 566      $ 554      $ 343      $ 309      $ 18,565      $ 19,069   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratings Distribution

      82.8        8.5        4.2        2.9        1.6        100.0 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

The above tables reflect rating agency designations assigned by nationally recognized rating agencies including Moody’s, S&P, Fitch and Realpoint, LLC.

 

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The weighted average credit enhancement of the Company’s CMBS holdings was 27% at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. This credit enhancement percentage represents the current weighted average estimated percentage of outstanding capital structure subordinated to the Company’s investment holding that is available to absorb losses before the security incurs the first dollar of loss of principal. The credit protection does not include any equity interest or property value in excess of outstanding debt.

ABS.  The Company’s ABS are diversified both by collateral type and by issuer. The following table presents information about ABS held at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Estimated
Fair

Value
     % of
Total
    Estimated
Fair

Value
     % of
Total
 
     (In millions)            (In millions)         

By collateral type:

          

Credit card loans

   $ 3,490        26.5   $ 4,038        31.1

Collateralized debt obligations

     2,349        17.9       2,575        19.8  

Student loans

     2,137        16.3       2,434        18.8  

Automobile loans

     1,445        11.0       977        7.5  

Other loans

     3,722        28.3       2,955        22.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 13,143        100.0   $ 12,979        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Evaluation of Fixed Maturity Securities and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale for Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

See the following sections within Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about the evaluation of fixed maturity securities and equity securities available-for-sale for other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”):

 

   

Evaluating available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary impairment;

 

   

Net unrealized investment gains (losses);

 

   

Continuous gross unrealized losses and OTTI losses for fixed maturity and equity securities available-for-sale by sector;

 

   

Aging of gross unrealized losses and OTTI losses for fixed maturity and equity securities available-for-sale;

 

   

Concentration of gross unrealized losses and OTTI losses for fixed maturity and equity securities available-for-sale; and

 

   

Evaluating temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities.

Trading and Other Securities

The Company has a trading securities portfolio, principally invested in fixed maturity securities, to support investment strategies that involve the active and frequent purchase and sale of securities (“Actively Traded Securities”) and the execution of short sale agreements. Trading and other securities also include securities for which the FVO has been elected (“FVO Securities”). See also “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Investments – Trading and Other Securities” in the 2011 Annual Report for further information about composition of Actively Traded Securities and FVO Securities. Trading and other securities were $19.0 billion and $18.3 billion at estimated fair value, or 3.6% and 3.5% of total cash and invested assets, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about the Actively Traded Securities and FVO Securities, related short sale agreement liabilities and investments pledged to secure short sale agreement liabilities.

 

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Trading and other securities and trading (short sale agreement) liabilities, measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy, are presented as follows:

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Trading and  Other
Securities
     % of
Total
    Trading
Liabilities
     % of
Total
 
     (In millions)            (In millions)         

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1)

   $ 8,536        45  %    $ 167        99  % 

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

     9,210        48       2        1  

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)

     1,280        7                 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total estimated fair value

   $ 19,026        100  %    $ 169        100  % 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

A rollforward of the fair value measurements for trading and other securities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs for the three months ended March 31, 2012, is as follows:

 

    Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2012
 
    (In millions)  

Balance, beginning of period

    $1,409  

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings

    24  

Purchases

    883  

Sales

    (1,037

Transfers into Level 3

    4  

Transfers out of Level 3

    (3
 

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

    $1,280  
 

 

 

 

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” included in the 2011 Annual Report for further information on the estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported above. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the valuation techniques and inputs by level of major classes of invested assets that affect the amounts reported above.

Net Investment Gains (Losses) Including OTTI Losses Recognized in Earnings

See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables that present:

 

   

The components of net investment gains (losses);

 

   

Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses);

 

   

Fixed maturity security OTTI losses recognized in earnings by sector and industry within the U.S. and foreign corporate securities sector; and

 

   

Equity security OTTI losses recognized in earnings by sector and industry.

Overview of Fixed Maturity and Equity Security OTTI Losses Recognized in Earnings.  Impairments of fixed maturity and equity securities were $148 million and $129 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Impairments of fixed maturity securities were $133 million and $123 million and impairments of equity securities were $15 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company’s credit-related impairments of fixed maturity securities were $73 million and $43 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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The Company’s three largest impairments totaled $58 million and $66 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company sold or disposed of fixed maturity and equity securities at a loss that had an estimated fair value of $8.6 billion and $10.4 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Gross losses excluding impairments for fixed maturity and equity securities were $336 million and $239 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Explanations of period over period changes in fixed maturity and equity securities impairments are as follows:

Three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011 — Overall OTTI losses recognized in earnings on fixed maturity and equity securities were $148 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $129 million in the prior period. The most significant increases in the current period, as compared to the prior period, were in the utility and financial services industries within U.S. and foreign corporate securities, which comprised $70 million in fixed maturity impairments in the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, while foreign government intent-to-sell impairments decreased $76 million in the current period. The current period impairments reflect repositioning within the portfolio to reduce lower yielding floating rate securities in order to purchase higher yielding fixed rate securities, while the impairments in the prior year, reflected repositioning to extend duration and further diversify the ALICO portfolio.

Future Impairments.  Future OTTIs will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance (including changes in the present value of future cash flows expected to be collected), changes in credit ratings, changes in collateral valuation, changes in interest rates and changes in credit spreads. If economic fundamentals or any of the above factors deteriorate, additional OTTIs may be incurred in upcoming quarters.

Credit Loss Rollforward

See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the credit loss rollforward.

Securities Lending

The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby blocks of securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents, are loaned to third parties, primarily brokerage firms and commercial banks. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for certain information regarding the Company’s securities lending program.

Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral

See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table of the invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral.

Mortgage Loans

The Company’s mortgage loans are principally collateralized by commercial real estate, agricultural real estate and residential properties. The carrying value of mortgage loans was $68.6 billion and $72.1 billion, or 13.1% and 13.8% of total cash and invested assets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the Company’s mortgage loans held-for-investment of $56.6 billion and $56.9 billion, by portfolio segment, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, as well as the components of the mortgage loans held-for-sale of $12.0 billion and $15.2 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The information presented below excludes the effects of consolidating certain VIEs that are treated as CSEs and securitized reverse residential mortgage loans. Such amounts are presented in the aforementioned table.

 

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The Company diversifies its mortgage loan portfolio by both geographic region and property type to reduce the risk of concentration. Of the Company’s commercial and agricultural mortgage loans, 90% are collateralized by properties located in the U.S., with the remaining 10% collateralized by properties located outside the U.S., calculated as a percent of the total mortgage loans held-for-investment (excluding commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs) at March 31, 2012. The three locations with the most commercial and agricultural mortgage loans were California, New York and Texas at 18%, 9% and 7%, respectively, of total mortgage loans held for investment (excluding commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs) at March 31, 2012. Additionally, the Company manages risk when originating commercial and agricultural mortgage loans by generally lending only up to 75% of the estimated fair value of the underlying real estate collateral.

Commercial Mortgage Loans by Geographic Region and Property Type.  Commercial mortgage loans are the largest component of the mortgage loan invested asset class as it represents 75% of total mortgage loans held-for-investment (excluding the effects of consolidating certain VIEs that are treated as CSEs) at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The tables below present the diversification across geographic regions and property types of commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Amount      % of
Total
    Amount      % of
Total
 
     (In millions)            (In millions)         

Region:

          

South Atlantic

   $ 8,968         22.2   $ 9,022         22.3

Pacific

     8,015         19.9        8,209         20.3   

Middle Atlantic

     6,288         15.6        6,370         15.8   

International

     4,839         12.0        4,713         11.7   

West South Central

     3,289         8.1        3,220         8.0   

East North Central

     2,936         7.3        2,984         7.3   

New England

     1,572         3.9        1,563         3.9   

Mountain

     810         2.0        746         1.8   

East South Central

     483         1.2        487         1.2   

West North Central

     346         0.9        365         0.9   

Multi-Region and Other

     2,783         6.9        2,761         6.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total recorded investment

     40,329         100.0     40,440         100.0
     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Less: valuation allowances

     368           398      
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Carrying value, net of valuation allowances

   $ 39,961         $ 40,042      
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Property Type:

          

Office

   $ 18,320         45.4   $ 18,582         45.9

Retail

     9,545         23.7        9,524         23.6   

Apartments

     3,930         9.7        4,011         9.9   

Industrial

     3,288         8.2        3,102         7.7   

Hotel

     3,136         7.8        3,114         7.7   

Other

     2,110         5.2        2,107         5.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total recorded investment

     40,329         100.0     40,440         100.0
     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Less: valuation allowances

     368           398      
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Carrying value, net of valuation allowances

   $ 39,961         $ 40,042      
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Mortgage Loan Credit Quality — Restructured, Potentially Delinquent, Delinquent or Under Foreclosure.  The Company monitors its mortgage loan investments on an ongoing basis, including reviewing loans that are restructured, potentially delinquent, and delinquent or under foreclosure. These loan classifications are consistent with those used in the insurance industry.

 

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Table of Contents

We define restructured mortgage loans as loans in which we, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. We define potentially delinquent loans as loans that, in management’s opinion, have a high probability of becoming delinquent in the near term. We define delinquent mortgage loans consistent with industry practice, when interest and principal payments are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days or more and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days or more. We define mortgage loans under foreclosure as loans in which foreclosure proceedings have formally commenced.

The following table presents the recorded investment and valuation allowance for all mortgage loans held-for-investment distributed by the above stated loan classifications at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Recorded
Investment
     % of
Total
    Valuation
Allowance
     % of
Recorded
Investment
    Recorded
Investment
     % of
Total
    Valuation
Allowance
     % of
Recorded
Investment
 
            (In millions)                   (In millions)         

Commercial:

                    

Performing

   $ 40,133         99.5    $ 310         0.8    $ 40,106         99.1    $ 339         0.8 

Restructured (1)

     173         0.4        43         24.9      248         0.6        44         17.7 

Potentially delinquent

     23         0.1        15         65.2      23         0.1        15         65.2 

Delinquent or under foreclosure

                            —      63         0.2               
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total

   $ 40,329         100.0    $ 368         0.9    $ 40,440         100.0    $ 398         1.0 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Agricultural (2):

                    

Performing

   $ 12,652         97.7    $ 36         0.3    $ 12,899         98.3    $ 41         0.3 

Restructured (3)

     58         0.4        6         10.3      58         0.4        7         12.1 

Potentially delinquent

     87         0.7        4         4.6      25         0.2        4         16.0 

Delinquent or under foreclosure (3)

     149         1.2        29         19.5      147         1.1        29         19.7 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total

   $ 12,946         100.0    $ 75         0.6    $ 13,129         100.0    $ 81         0.6 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Residential (4):

                    

Performing

   $ 761         96.6    $ 1         0.1    $ 664         96.4    $ 1         0.2 

Restructured

                            —                             — 

Potentially delinquent

                            —                             — 

Delinquent or under foreclosure

     27         3.4        2         7.4      25         3.6        1         4.0 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total

   $ 788         100.0    $ 3         0.4    $ 689         100.0    $ 2         0.3 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

(1)

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, restructured commercial mortgage loans were comprised of 7 and 10 restructured loans, respectively, all of which were performing.

 

(2)

Of the $12.9 billion of agricultural mortgage loans outstanding at March 31, 2012, 51% were subject to rate resets prior to maturity. A substantial portion of these mortgage loans have been successfully reset, refinanced or extended at market terms.

 

(3)

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, restructured agricultural mortgage loans were comprised of 13 and 11 restructured loans, respectively, all of which were performing. Additionally, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, delinquent or under foreclosure agricultural mortgage loans included two and four restructured loans with a recorded investment of $32 million and $13 million, respectively, which were not performing.

 

(4)

Residential mortgage loans held-for-investment consist primarily of first lien residential mortgage loans and, to a much lesser extent, second lien residential mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit.

See Notes 3 and 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables that present, by portfolio segment, mortgage loans by credit quality indicator, impaired mortgage loans, past due and

 

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Table of Contents

nonaccrual mortgage loans, loans modified through troubled debt restructurings, the activity in the Company’s valuation allowances, the Company’s valuation allowances by type of credit loss and information on impairments of mortgage loans and the related carrying value after impairments.

Mortgage Loan Credit Quality — Monitoring Process — Commercial and Agricultural Mortgage Loans. The Company reviews all commercial mortgage loans on an ongoing basis. These reviews may include an analysis of the property financial statements and rent roll, lease rollover analysis, property inspections, market analysis, estimated valuations of the underlying collateral, loan-to-value ratios, debt service coverage ratios, and tenant creditworthiness. The monitoring process focuses on higher risk loans, which include those that are classified as restructured, potentially delinquent, delinquent or in foreclosure, as well as loans with higher loan-to-value ratios and lower debt service coverage ratios. The monitoring process for agricultural mortgage loans is generally similar, with a focus on higher risk loans, such as loans with higher loan-to-value ratios, including reviews on a geographic and property type basis.

Loan-to-value ratios and debt service coverage ratios are common measures in the assessment of the quality of commercial mortgage loans. Loan-to-value ratios are a common measure in the assessment of the quality of agricultural mortgage loans. Loan-to-value ratios compare the amount of the loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral. A loan-to-value ratio greater than 100% indicates that the loan amount is greater than the collateral value. A loan-to-value ratio of less than 100% indicates an excess of collateral value over the loan amount. The debt service coverage ratio compares a property’s net operating income to amounts needed to service the principal and interest due under the loan. For commercial mortgage loans, the average loan-to-value ratio was 60% and 61% at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and the average debt service coverage ratio was 2.1x at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The commercial mortgage loan debt service coverage ratio and loan-to-value ratio, as well as the values utilized in calculating these ratios, are updated annually, on a rolling basis, with a portion of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio updated each quarter. For agricultural mortgage loans, the average loan-to-value ratio was 47% and 48% at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The values utilized in calculating the agricultural mortgage loan loan-to-value ratio are developed in connection with the ongoing review of the agricultural loan portfolio and are routinely updated.

Mortgage Loan Credit Quality — Monitoring Process — Residential Mortgage Loans.  The Company has a conservative residential mortgage loan portfolio and does not hold any option ARMs, sub-prime or low teaser rate loans. Higher risk loans include those that are classified as restructured, potentially delinquent, delinquent or in foreclosure, as well as loans with higher loan-to-value ratios and interest-only loans. The Company’s investment in residential junior lien loans and residential mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of 80% or more was $173 million and $74 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and certain of the higher loan-to-value residential mortgage loans have mortgage insurance coverage which reduces the loan-to-value ratio to less than 80%. Additionally, the Company’s investment in traditional residential interest-only mortgage loans was $6 million at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Mortgage Loan Valuation Allowances. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Investments — Mortgage Loans — Mortgage Loan Valuation Allowance” included in the 2011 Annual Report for further information on our mortgage valuation allowance policy.

 

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Table of Contents

Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures

Real estate holdings by type consisted of the following:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
       Carrying  
Value
     % of
  Total  
      Carrying  
Value
     % of
  Total  
 
     (In millions)            (In millions)         

Traditional

   $ 6,942        82.0   $ 5,845        68.3

Real estate joint ventures and funds

     1,172        13.8       2,340        27.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Real estate and real estate joint ventures

     8,114        95.8       8,185        95.6  

Foreclosed (commercial, agricultural and residential)

     346        4.1       264        3.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Real estate held-for-investment

     8,460        99.9       8,449        98.7  

Real estate held-for-sale

     12        0.1       114        1.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate and real estate joint ventures

   $ 8,472        100.0   $ 8,563        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

See also Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for a discussion of the types of investments reported within traditional real estate and real estate joint ventures and funds. The estimated fair value of the traditional real estate investment portfolio was $8.6 billion and $7.6 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The Company diversifies its real estate investments by both geographic region and property type to reduce risk of concentration. Of the Company’s real estate investments, 79% are located in the United States, with the remaining 21% located outside the United States, at March 31, 2012. The three locations with the largest real estate investments were California, Japan and Florida at 19 %, 13 %, and 12 %, respectively, at March 31, 2012.

There were no impairments recognized on real estate held-for-investment for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Impairments recognized on real estate held-for-sale were $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. There were no impairments recognized on real estate held-for-sale for the three months ended March 31, 2011. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about impairments on real estate joint ventures and the related carrying value after impairment.

Other Limited Partnership Interests

The carrying value of other limited partnership interests (which primarily represent ownership interests in pooled investment funds that principally make private equity investments in companies in the United States and overseas) was $6.5 billion and $6.4 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, which included $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion of hedge funds, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about impairments on other limited partnerships and the related carrying value after impairment.

Other Invested Assets

The following table that presents the Company’s other invested assets by type at:

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     Carrying
Value
     % of
Total
    Carrying
Value
     % of
Total
 
     (In millions)            (In millions)         

Freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values

   $ 12,447         61.7   $ 16,200         68.7

Leveraged leases, net of non-recourse debt

     2,192         10.9        2,248         9.5   

Tax credit partnerships

     1,727         8.6        1,531         6.5   

MSRs

     727         3.6        666         2.8   

Funds withheld

     609         3.0        608         2.6   

Joint venture investments

     207         1.0        171         0.7   

Other

     2,263         11.2        2,157         9.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 20,172         100.0   $ 23,581         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Short-term Investments and Cash Equivalents

The carrying value of short-term investments, which includes securities and other investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase was $11.8 billion and $17.3 billion, or 2.3% and 3.3% of total cash and invested assets, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The carrying value of cash equivalents, which includes securities and other investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, was $6.6 billion and $5.0 billion, or 1.3% and 1.0% of total cash and invested assets, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivatives.  The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk and equity market risk. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivative instruments. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for:

 

   

A comprehensive description of the nature of the Company’s derivative instruments, including the strategies for which derivatives are used in managing various risks.

 

   

Information about the notional amount, estimated fair value, and primary underlying risk exposure of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, excluding embedded derivatives held at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Hedging. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about:

 

   

The notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives and non-derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments by type of hedge designation at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

   

The notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives that were not designated or do not qualify as hedging instruments by derivative type at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

   

The statement of operations effects of derivatives in cash flow, fair value, or non-qualifying hedge relationships for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

See “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Management of Market Risk Exposures — Hedging Activities” for more information about the Company’s use of derivatives by major hedge program.

Fair Value Hierarchy. Derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy, are presented as follows:

 

    March 31, 2012  
    Derivative
Assets
    % of
Total
    Derivative
Liabilities
    % of
Total
 
    (In millions)           (In millions)        

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1)

  $ 55          $ 57        1

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

    11,553        93        3,938        94   

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)

    839        7        212        5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total estimated fair value

  $ 12,447        100   $ 4,207        100
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The valuation of Level 3 derivatives involves the use of significant unobservable inputs and generally requires a higher degree of management judgment or estimation than the valuations of Level 1 and Level 2 derivatives. Although Level 3 inputs are unobservable, management believes they are consistent with what other market

 

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participants would use when pricing such instruments and are considered appropriate given the circumstances. The use of different inputs or methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value of Level 3 derivatives and could materially affect net income.

Derivatives categorized as Level 3 at March 31, 2012 include: interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards with maturities which extend beyond the observable portion of the yield curve; interest rate lock commitments with certain unobservable inputs, including pull-through rates; foreign currency swaps which are cancelable and priced through independent broker quotations; foreign currency swaps and forwards with certain unobservable inputs, including unobservable portion of the yield curve; credit default swaps based upon baskets of credits having unobservable credit spreads, or that are priced through independent broker quotations; equity variance swaps with unobservable volatility inputs; and equity contracts that are priced via independent broker quotations.

At both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 5% of the net derivative estimated fair value was priced via independent broker quotations.

A rollforward of the fair value measurements for derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2012
 
     (In millions)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 1,234   

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:

  

Earnings

     (494

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (90

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements

     (23

Transfer into and/or out of Level 3

       
  

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $         627   
  

 

 

 

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Derivative Financial Instruments” in the 2011 Annual Report for further information on the estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported above.

Credit Risk.  See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about how the Company manages credit risk related to its freestanding derivatives, including the use of master netting agreements and collateral arrangements.

 

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The Company’s policy is not to offset the fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. This policy applies to the recognition of derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets, and does not affect the Company’s legal right of offset. The estimated fair value of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at March 31, 2012:

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Net Derivative
Assets
    Net Derivative
Liabilities
 
     (In millions)  

Estimated Fair Value of OTC Derivatives After Application of Master Netting Agreements (1)

   $ 9,176      $ 764   

Cash collateral on OTC Derivatives

     (7,231     (64
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Estimated Fair Value of OTC Derivatives After Application of Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral (1)

     1,945        700   

Securities Collateral on OTC Derivatives (2)

     (1,599     (481
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Estimated Fair Value of OTC Derivatives After Application of Master Netting Agreements and Cash and Securities Collateral (1)

     346        219   

Estimated Fair Value of Exchange-Traded Derivatives

     52        54   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives After Application of Master Netting Agreements and Cash and Securities Collateral (1)

   $ 398      $ 273   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes income accruals on derivatives.

 

(2)

The collateral is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Credit Derivatives.  See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about the estimated fair value and maximum amount at risk related to the Company’s written credit default swaps.

Embedded Derivatives. The embedded derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy, are presented as follows:

 

    March 31, 2012  
    Net Embedded Derivatives Within  
    Asset Host
Contracts
    % of
Total
    Liability Host
Contracts
    % of
Total
 
    (In millions)           (In millions)        

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1)

  $          $       

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

    1               16        1   

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)

    329        100        2,742        99   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total estimated fair value

  $ 330        100   $ 2,758        100
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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A rollforward of the fair value measurements for net embedded derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs is as follows:

 

     Three Months  
     Ended  
     March 31, 2012  
     (In millions)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ (4,203

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:

  

Earnings

     1,826   

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     103   

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements

     (139

Transfer into and/or out of Level 3

       
  

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ (2,413
  

 

 

 

The valuation of guaranteed minimum benefits includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses), in connection with this adjustment, were ($1.2) billion and ($74) million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” in the 2011 Annual Report.

See also “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Derivative Financial Instruments” included in the 2011 Annual Report for further information on the estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported above.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Credit Facilities and Committed Facilities

The Company maintains unsecured credit and committed facilities with various financial institutions. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Credit and Committed Facilities” for further descriptions of such arrangements.

Collateral for Securities Lending and Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company participates in a securities lending program in the normal course of business for the purpose of enhancing the Company’s total return on its investment portfolio. The Company has non-cash collateral for securities lending from counterparties on deposit from customers, which cannot be sold or repledged, and which has not been recorded on its consolidated balance sheets. The amount of this collateral was $120 million and $371 million at estimated fair value at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Investments — Securities Lending” and “Securities Lending” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for further information on discussion of the Company’s securities lending program and the classification of revenues and expenses and the nature of the secured financing arrangement and associated liability.

The Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage various risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The Company has non-cash collateral from counterparties for derivative financial instruments, which can be sold or repledged subject to certain constraints, and has not been recorded on its consolidated balance sheets. The amount of this collateral was $1.6 billion and $2.5 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, which were held in separate custodial accounts and not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources —The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Collateral Financing Arrangements” in the 2011 Annual Report and “Derivatives” in Note 4 of the Notes to

 

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the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the earned income on and the gross notional amount, estimated fair value of assets and liabilities and primary underlying risk exposure of the Company’s derivative financial instruments.

Guarantees

See “Guarantees” in Note 10 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other

Additionally, the Company has the following commitments in the normal course of business for the purpose of enhancing the Company’s total return on its investment portfolio:

 

   

Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments;

 

   

Mortgage Loan Commitments; and

 

   

Commitments to Fund Bank Credit Facilities, Bridge Loans and Private Corporate Bond Investments.

See “Net Investment Income” and “Net Investment Gains (Losses)” in Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the investment income, investment expense, gains and losses from such investments. See also “Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale,” “Mortgage Loans,” “Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures,” and “Other Limited Partnerships” in Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information on our investments in fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans and partnership investments.

Other than the commitments disclosed in Note 10 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, there are no other material obligations or liabilities arising from the commitments to fund partnership investments, mortgage loans, bank credit facilities, bridge loans, and private corporate bond investments.

See also “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Company — Liquidity and Capital Uses — Contractual Obligations” in the 2011 Annual Report for further information on commitments to fund partnership investments, mortgage loans, bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments. In addition, see “Primary Risks Managed by Derivative Financial Instruments and Non-Derivative Financial Instruments” in Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on interest rate lock commitments.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our business and results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the global economy. Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in global capital markets, in particular markets, or in financial asset classes can have an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio and our insurance liabilities are sensitive to changing market factors. The global economy and global markets continue to experience significant volatility that may affect our financing costs and market interest for our securities.

Beginning in 2010 and continuing throughout 2011, concerns increased about capital markets and the solvency of certain European Union member states and of financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to debt issued by these countries. The Japanese economy, to which we face substantial exposure given our operations there, was significantly negatively impacted by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Disruptions to the Japanese economy are having, and will continue to have, negative impacts on the overall global economy, not all of which can be foreseen. Although the August 2011 downgrade by S&P of U.S.

 

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Treasury securities initially had an adverse effect on financial markets, the extent of the longer-term impact cannot be predicted. In November 2011, Fitch warned that it may in the future downgrade the U.S. credit rating unless action is taken to reduce the national debt of the U.S. It is possible that the August 2011 S&P downgrade and any future downgrades, as well as continued concerns about U.S. fiscal policy and the trajectory of the national debt of the U.S., could have severe repercussions to the U.S. and global credit and financial markets, could further exacerbate concerns over sovereign debt of other countries and could disrupt economic activity in the U.S. and elsewhere. All of these factors could affect the Company’s ability to meet liquidity needs and obtain capital. See “— Industry Trends” and “— Investments — Current Environment.” See also “Risk Factors — Concerns Over U.S. Fiscal Policy and the Trajectory of the National Debt of the U.S., as well as Rating Agency Downgrades of U.S. Treasury Securities, Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the 2011 Annual Report.

The following discussion supplements the discussion in the 2011 Annual Report under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Liquidity Management

Based upon the strength of its franchise, diversification of its businesses and strong financial fundamentals, we continue to believe the Company has ample liquidity to meet business requirements under current market conditions and unlikely but reasonably possible stress scenarios. The Company’s short-term liquidity position includes cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, excluding: (i) cash collateral received under the Company’s securities lending program that has been reinvested in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and publicly-traded securities, and (ii) cash collateral received from counterparties in connection with derivative instruments. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company’s short-term liquidity position was $21.1 billion and $16.2 billion, respectively. We continuously monitor and adjust our liquidity and capital plans for MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries in light of changing needs and opportunities. See “ — Investments — Current Environment.”

The Company

Capital

The Company’s capital position is managed to maintain its financial strength and credit ratings and is supported by its ability to generate strong cash flows at the operating companies, borrow funds at competitive rates and raise additional capital to meet its operating and growth needs.

Rating Agencies.  Rating agencies assign insurer financial strength ratings to MetLife, Inc.’s domestic life insurance subsidiaries and credit ratings to MetLife, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries. The level and composition of regulatory capital at the subsidiary level and equity capital of the Company are among the many factors considered in determining the Company’s insurer financial strength and credit ratings. Each agency has its own capital adequacy evaluation methodology, and assessments are generally based on a combination of factors. In addition to heightening the level of scrutiny that they apply to insurance companies, rating agencies have increased and may continue to increase the frequency and scope of their credit reviews, may request additional information from the companies that they rate and may adjust upward the capital and other requirements employed in the rating agency models for maintenance of certain ratings levels.

A downgrade in the credit or insurer financial strength ratings of MetLife, Inc. or its subsidiaries would likely impact the cost and availability of financing for MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries and result in additional collateral requirements or other required payments under certain agreements, which are eligible to be satisfied in cash or by posting securities held by the subsidiaries subject to the agreements.

Statutory Capital and Dividends.  Our insurance subsidiaries have statutory surplus well above levels to meet current regulatory requirements.

 

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The amount of dividends that our insurance subsidiaries can pay to MetLife, Inc. or other parent entities is constrained by the amount of surplus we hold to maintain our ratings and provides an additional margin for risk protection and investment in our businesses. We proactively take actions to maintain capital consistent with these ratings objectives, which may include adjusting dividend amounts and deploying financial resources from internal or external sources of capital. Certain of these activities may require regulatory approval. Furthermore, the payment of dividends and other distributions to MetLife, Inc. and other parent entities by their respective insurance subsidiaries is regulated by insurance laws and regulations. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Insurance Regulation,” “Business — International Regulation,” and Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report, and “— MetLife, Inc. — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Dividends from Subsidiaries.”

Summary of Primary Sources and Uses of Liquidity and Capital.  The Company’s primary sources and uses of liquidity and capital are summarized as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
         2012              2011      
     (In millions)  

Sources:

     

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 5,758       $ 3,499   

Net cash provided by investing activities

     2,167           

Net cash provided by changes in policyholder account balances

     1,822         1,679   

Net cash provided by changes in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions

             1,353   

Net cash provided by short-term debt issuances

             266   

Long-term debt issued

             280   

Net change in liability for securitized reverse residential mortgage loans

     561           

Common stock issued, net of issuance costs

             2,950   

Stock options exercised

     75         47   

Net cash provided by other, net

     16           

Cash provided by the effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates

     41         93   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total sources

     10,440         10,167   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Uses:

     

Net cash used in investing activities

             8,092   

Net cash used for changes in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions

     1,220           

Net cash used for changes in bank deposits

     50         1,027   

Net cash used for short-term debt repayments

     585           

Long-term debt repaid

     349         249   

Redemption of convertible preferred stock

             2,805   

Preferred stock redemption premium

             146   

Dividends on preferred stock

     30         30   

Net cash used in other, net

             56   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total uses

     2,234         12,405   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 8,206       $ (2,238
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Sources

Cash Flows from Operations.  The Company’s principal cash inflows from its insurance activities come from insurance premiums, annuity considerations and deposit funds. A primary liquidity concern with respect to these cash inflows is the risk of early contractholder and policyholder withdrawal.

 

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Cash Flows from Investments.  The Company’s principal cash inflows from its investment activities come from repayments of principal, proceeds from maturities, sales of invested assets, settlements of freestanding derivatives and net investment income. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash inflows are the risk of default by debtors and market disruption. The Company closely monitors and manages these risks through its credit risk management process.

Liquid Assets.  An integral part of the Company’s liquidity management is the amount of liquid assets it holds. Liquid assets include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and publicly-traded securities, excluding: (i) cash collateral received under the Company’s securities lending program that has been reinvested in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and publicly-traded securities; (ii) cash collateral received from counterparties in connection with derivative instruments; (iii) cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and securities on deposit with regulatory agencies; and (iv) securities held in trust in support of collateral financing arrangements and pledged in support of debt and funding agreements. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $268.0 billion and $258.9 billion, respectively, in liquid assets. For further discussion of invested assets on deposit with regulatory agencies, held in trust in support of collateral financing arrangements and pledged in support of debt and funding agreements, see “— Investments — Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral.”

Dispositions. There were no net cash proceeds from dispositions during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Global Funding Sources. Liquidity is provided by a variety of short-term instruments, including funding agreements, credit facilities and commercial paper. Capital is provided by a variety of instruments, including short-term and long-term debt, preferred securities, junior subordinated debt securities and equity and equity-linked securities. The diversity of the Company’s funding sources enhances funding flexibility, limits dependence on any one market or source of funds and generally lowers the cost of funds. The Company’s global funding sources include:

 

   

MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Funding, Inc. (“MetLife Funding”) each have commercial paper programs supported by $4.0 billion in general corporate credit facilities (see “ — The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Credit and Committed Facilities”). MetLife Funding, a subsidiary of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”), serves as a centralized finance unit for the Company. MetLife Funding raises cash from its commercial paper program and uses the proceeds to extend loans, through MetLife Credit Corp., another subsidiary of MLIC, to MetLife, Inc., MLIC and other affiliates in order to enhance the financial flexibility and liquidity of these companies. Outstanding balances for the commercial paper program fluctuate in line with changes to affiliates’ financing arrangements. Pursuant to a support agreement, MLIC has agreed to cause MetLife Funding to have a tangible net worth of at least one dollar. At both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, MetLife Funding had a tangible net worth of $12 million. At both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, MetLife Funding had total outstanding liabilities for its commercial paper program, including accrued interest payable, of $101 million.

 

   

MetLife Bank is a depository institution that is approved to use the FRB of NY Discount Window borrowing privileges. To utilize these privileges, MetLife Bank has pledged qualifying loans and investment securities to the FRB of NY as collateral. At both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, MetLife Bank had no liability for advances from the FRB of NY under this facility. For further discussion of MetLife, Inc.’s status as a bank holding company, see “— MetLife, Inc. — Capital.”

 

   

MetLife Bank has historically taken advantage of collateralized borrowing opportunities with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB of NY”) to meet variable funding requirements from residential mortgage originations, to term fund certain assets, and as an alternate source of liquidity. In January 2012, MetLife Bank discontinued taking advances from the FHLB of NY. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, MetLife Bank had outstanding advances from the FHLB of NY of $4.0 billion and $4.8 billion, respectively. In April 2012, MetLife Bank transferred cash totaling $3.9 billion to MLIC related to such

 

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outstanding advances, and MLIC assumed the associated obligations under terms similar to those of the transferred advances. In connection with the MetLife Bank Events, there will be timing differences in MetLife Bank’s cash flows giving rise to short-term liquidity needs. In order to meet these needs, MetLife, Inc. will provide MetLife Bank with temporary liquidity support through a combination of internally and externally sourced funds. See “— MetLife, Inc. — Capital” and “— Liquidity and Capital Uses — Affiliated Capital Transactions.”

 

   

The Company also had obligations under advances evidenced by funding agreements with the FHLB of NY of $11.6 billion and $11.7 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, for MLIC, which are included in PABs. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company issued $4.2 billion and $2.0 billion and repaid $4.2 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively, of such advances. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report. In connection with the aforementioned MetLife Bank transfer of advances agreements and associated transfer of cash to MLIC in April 2012, MLIC issued funding agreements to the FHLB of NY under similar terms, which will be included in PABs.

 

   

The Company had obligations under advances evidenced by funding agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB of Boston”) of $450 million at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, for MICC, which are included in PABs. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company issued $0 and $300 million and repaid $0 and $0, respectively, of such advances. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report.

 

   

The Company had obligations under advances evidenced by funding agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (“FHLB of Des Moines”) of $1.4 billion and $695 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, which are included in PABs. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company issued $865 million and $600 million and repaid $175 million and $0, respectively, of such advances. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report.

 

   

The Company issues fixed and floating rate funding agreements, which are denominated in either U.S. dollars or foreign currencies, to certain special purpose entities (“SPEs”) that have issued either debt securities or commercial paper for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company issued $10.7 billion and $12.4 billion and repaid $9.3 billion and $11.0 billion, respectively, of such funding agreements. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, funding agreements outstanding, which are included in PABs, were $27.3 billion and $25.5 billion, respectively. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report.

 

   

The Company issued funding agreements to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer Mac”) and to certain SPEs that have issued debt securities for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements; such debt securities are also guaranteed as to payment of interest and principal by Farmer Mac. The obligations under all such funding agreements are secured by a pledge of certain eligible agricultural real estate mortgage loans and may, under certain circumstances, be secured by other qualified collateral. The amount of the Company’s liability for funding agreements issued was $2.8 billion at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, which is included in PABs. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company issued $0 and $500 million and repaid $0 and $500 million, respectively, of such funding agreements. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report.

 

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Outstanding Debt.  The following table summarizes the outstanding debt of the Company at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Short-term debt

   $     101       $ 686   

Long-term debt (1)

   $ 20,473       $ 20,624   

Collateral financing arrangements

   $ 4,647       $ 4,647   

Junior subordinated debt securities

   $ 3,192       $ 3,192   

 

(1)

Excludes $2.9 billion and $3.1 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, of long-term debt relating to CSEs. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Debt Issuances and Other Borrowings.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, MetLife Bank received advances related to long-term borrowings totaling $0 and $280 million, respectively, from the FHLB of NY. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, MetLife Bank received advances related to short-term borrowings totaling $150 million and $3.7 billion, respectively, from the FHLB of NY.

Credit and Committed Facilities.  The Company maintains unsecured credit facilities and committed facilities, which aggregated $4.0 billion and $12.4 billion, respectively, at March 31, 2012. When drawn upon, these facilities bear interest at varying rates in accordance with the respective agreements. See Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report.

The unsecured credit facilities are used for general corporate purposes, to support the borrowers’ commercial paper programs and for the issuance of letters of credit. At March 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding $2.5 billion in letters of credit and no drawdowns against these facilities. Remaining unused commitments were $1.5 billion at March 31, 2012.

The committed facilities are used for collateral for certain of the Company’s affiliated reinsurance liabilities. At March 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding $5.7 billion in letters of credit and $2.8 billion in aggregate drawdowns against these facilities. Remaining unused commitments were $3.9 billion at March 31, 2012.

We have no reason to believe that our lending counterparties will be unable to fulfill their respective contractual obligations under these facilities. As commitments associated with letters of credit and financing arrangements may expire unused, these amounts do not necessarily reflect the Company’s actual future cash funding requirements.

Covenants. Certain of the Company’s debt instruments, credit facilities and committed facilities contain various administrative, reporting, legal and financial covenants. The Company believes it was in compliance with all such covenants at March 31, 2012.

Common Stock.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Holding Company issued 2,514,911 new shares of common stock for $75 million to satisfy various stock option exercises.

Liquidity and Capital Uses

Acquisitions.  There were no cash outflows for acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Debt Repayments.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, MetLife Bank made repayments of $184 million and $65 million, respectively, to the FHLB of NY related to long-term borrowings. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, MetLife Bank made repayments to the FHLB of NY related to short-term borrowings of $735 million and $3.4 billion, respectively.

Debt Repurchases.  We may from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or

 

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otherwise. Any such repurchases or exchanges will be dependent upon several factors, including our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, general market conditions, and applicable regulatory, legal and accounting factors. Whether or not to repurchase any debt and the size and timing of any such repurchases will be determined in the Company’s discretion.

Insurance Liabilities.  The Company’s principal cash outflows primarily relate to the liabilities associated with its various life insurance, property and casualty, annuity and group pension products, operating expenses and income tax, as well as principal and interest on its outstanding debt obligations. Liabilities arising from its insurance activities primarily relate to benefit payments under the aforementioned products, as well as payments for policy surrenders, withdrawals and loans. For annuity or deposit type products, surrender or lapse product behavior differs somewhat by segment. In the Retirement Products segment, which includes individual annuities, lapses and surrenders tend to occur in the normal course of business. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, general account surrenders and withdrawals from annuity products were $1.3 billion and $913 million, respectively. In Corporate Benefit Funding, which includes pension closeouts, bank-owned life insurance and other fixed annuity contracts, as well as funding agreements (including funding agreements with the FHLB of NY, the FHLB of Des Moines and the FHLB of Boston) and other capital market products, most of the products offered have fixed maturities or fairly predictable surrenders or withdrawals. With regard to Corporate Benefit Funding liabilities that provide customers with limited liquidity rights, at March 31, 2012 there were $1.9 billion of funding agreements and other capital market products that could be put back to the Company after a period of notice. Of these liabilities, $535 million were subject to a notice period of 90 days. The remainder was subject to a notice period of five months or greater. An additional $125 million of Corporate Benefit Funding liabilities were subject to credit ratings downgrade triggers that permit early termination subject to a notice period of 90 days.

Dividends.  Common stock dividend decisions are determined by MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors after taking into consideration factors such as the Company’s current earnings, expected medium-term and long-term earnings, financial condition, regulatory capital position, and applicable governmental regulations and policies. The payment of dividends and other distributions by MetLife, Inc. to its security holders is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Financial Holding Company Regulation” and Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report.

Information on the declaration, record and payment dates, as well as per share and aggregate dividend amounts, for Preferred Stock is as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

 

                    Dividend  

Declaration Date

   Record Date      Payment Date      Series A
Per  Share
     Series A
Aggregate
     Series B
Per  Share
     Series B
Aggregate
 
                   (In millions, except per share data)  

March 5, 2012

     February 29, 2012         March 15, 2012       $ 0.2527777       $ 6       $ 0.4062500       $ 24   

Residential Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale.  At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company held $11.9 billion and $15.2 billion, respectively, in residential mortgage loans held-for-sale. For further detail on MetLife Bank’s use of these funding sources, see “— The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Global Funding Sources.” Securitized reverse residential mortgage loans were funded through issuance of GNMA securities, for which the corresponding liability at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 of $8.3 billion and $7.7 billion, respectively, is included in other liabilities.

Investment and Other.  Additional cash outflows include those related to obligations of securities lending activities, investments in real estate, limited partnerships and joint ventures, as well as litigation-related liabilities. Also, the Company pledges collateral to, and has collateral pledged to it by, counterparties under the Company’s current derivative transactions. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company was obligated to return cash collateral under its control of $7.2 billion and $9.5 billion, respectively. See “— Investments —Derivative Financial Instruments — Credit Risk.” With respect to derivative transactions with credit ratings downgrade triggers, a two-notch downgrade would have increased the Company’s derivative

 

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collateral requirements by $98 million at March 31, 2012. In addition, the Company has pledged collateral and has had collateral pledged to it, and may be required from time to time to pledge additional collateral or be entitled to have additional collateral pledged to it, in connection with collateral financing arrangements related to the reinsurance of closed block liabilities and universal life secondary guarantee liabilities.

Securities Lending.  The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby blocks of securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents, are loaned to third parties, primarily brokerage firms and commercial banks. The Company obtains collateral, usually cash, from the borrower, which must be returned to the borrower when the loaned securities are returned to the Company. Under the Company’s securities lending program, the Company was liable for cash collateral under its control of $25.3 billion and $24.2 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Of these amounts, $3.8 billion and $2.7 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, were on open, meaning that the related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day upon return of cash collateral. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at March 31, 2012 was $3.7 billion, of which $3.3 billion were U.S. Treasury and agency securities which, if put to the Company, can be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirements. See “— Investments — Securities Lending” for further information.

Contractual Obligations.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Company — Liquidity and Capital Uses — Contractual Obligations” in the 2011 Annual Report for additional information on the Company’s contractual obligations.

Support Agreements.  MetLife, Inc. and several of its subsidiaries (each, an “Obligor”) are parties to various capital support commitments, guarantees and contingent reinsurance agreements with certain subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. Under these arrangements, each Obligor, with respect to the applicable entity, has agreed to cause such entity to meet specified capital and surplus levels, has guaranteed certain contractual obligations or has agreed to provide, upon the occurrence of certain contingencies, reinsurance for such entity’s insurance liabilities. We anticipate that in the event that these arrangements place demands upon the Company, there will be sufficient liquidity and capital to enable the Company to meet anticipated demands.

Litigation.  Putative or certified class action litigation and other litigation, and claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed elsewhere herein and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, mortgage lending bank, employer, investor, investment advisor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. For material matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible but not probable, no accrual is made but the Company discloses the nature of the contingency and an aggregate estimate of the reasonably possible range of loss in excess of amounts accrued, when such an estimate can be made. It is not possible to predict or determine the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to herein, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcome of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

 

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MetLife, Inc.

Capital

Restrictions and Limitations on Bank Holding Companies and Financial Holding Companies.  MetLife, Inc. and its insured depository institution subsidiary, MetLife Bank, are subject to risk-based and leverage capital guidelines issued by the federal banking regulatory agencies for banks and bank and financial holding companies. The federal banking regulatory agencies are required by law to take specific prompt corrective actions with respect to institutions that do not meet minimum capital standards. As of their most recently filed reports with the federal banking regulatory agencies, all of MetLife, Inc.’s and MetLife Bank’s risk-based and leverage capital ratios met the federal banking regulatory agencies, “well capitalized” standards. In addition to requirements which may be imposed in connection with the implementation of Dodd-Frank, such as the enhanced prudential standards under proposed Regulation YY, if adopted in the U.S., Basel III will also lead to increased capital and liquidity requirements for bank holding companies, such as MetLife, Inc. See “Business — U.S. Regulation” in the 2011 Annual Report, and “— Industry Trends” and “Risk Factors — Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth.”

In December 2011, MetLife Bank and MetLife, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to sell most of the depository business of MetLife Bank to GE Capital Financial Inc. The transaction is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals from the OCC, the FDIC and the Utah DFI and to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. GE Capital Financial Inc. has filed applications with the FDIC and the Utah DFI seeking approval of the assumption of the deposits to be transferred to it, and MetLife Bank has filed applications with the OCC seeking approval to change the composition of substantially all of MetLife Bank’s assets and with the FDIC to terminate MetLife Bank’s FDIC deposit insurance contingent upon certification that MetLife Bank has no remaining deposits (which is dependent on the assumption by GE Capital Financial Inc. of the deposits to be transferred to it). The parties have responded to questions on their applications from the staff of the OCC, the FDIC and the Utah DFI, and are awaiting action by these regulators on their applications. Upon completion of MetLife Bank’s exit from its depository business and termination of its FDIC insurance and MetLife, Inc.’s deregistration as a bank holding company, MetLife, Inc. will no longer be regulated as a bank holding company. However, if in the future, MetLife, Inc. is designated by the FSOC as a non-bank systemically important financial institution, it would once again be regulated by the Federal Reserve (including its capital requirements) and may be subject to enhanced supervision and prudential standards. In October 2011, the FSOC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking outlining the process it will follow and the criteria it will use to assess whether a non-bank financial company should be so subject. If MetLife, Inc. meets the quantitative thresholds set forth in the proposal, the FSOC will continue with a further analysis using qualitative and quantitative factors. For further information, see “— Industry Trends.”

Liquidity and Capital Sources

Dividends from Subsidiaries.  MetLife, Inc. relies in part on dividends from its subsidiaries to meet its cash requirements. MetLife, Inc.’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends imposed by the regulators of their respective domiciles. The dividend limitation for U.S. insurance subsidiaries is generally based on the surplus to policyholders at the end of the immediately preceding calendar year and statutory net gain from operations for the immediately preceding calendar year. Statutory accounting practices, as prescribed by insurance regulators of various states in which the Company conducts business, differ in certain respects from accounting principles used in financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP. The significant differences relate to the treatment of DAC, certain deferred income tax, required investment liabilities, statutory reserve calculation assumptions, goodwill and surplus notes.

 

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The table below sets forth the dividends permitted to be paid by the respective insurance subsidiary without insurance regulatory approval:

 

     2012  

Company

   Permitted w/o
Approval (1)
 
     (In millions)  

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company

   $ 1,350   

American Life Insurance Company

   $ 168   

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut

   $ 504   

Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company

   $ 82   

MetLife Investors Insurance Company

   $ 18   

Delaware American Life Insurance Company

   $ 12   

 

(1)

Reflects dividend amounts that may be paid during 2012 without prior regulatory approval. However, because dividend tests may be based on dividends previously paid over rolling 12-month periods, if paid before a specified date during 2012, some or all of such dividends may require regulatory approval. None of these available amounts have been paid as of March 31, 2012.

The dividend capacity of our non-U.S. operations is subject to similar restrictions established by the local regulators. The non-U.S. regulatory regimes also commonly limit the dividend payments to the parent to a portion of the prior year’s statutory income, as determined by the local accounting principles. The regulators of our non-U.S. operations, including Japan’s Financial Services Agency, may also limit or not permit profit repatriations or other transfers of funds to the U.S. if such transfers are deemed to be detrimental to the solvency or financial strength of the non-U.S. operations, or for other reasons. Most of the non-U.S. subsidiaries are second tier subsidiaries which are owned by various non-U.S. holding companies. The capital and rating considerations applicable to the first tier subsidiaries may also impact the dividend flow into MetLife, Inc.

The Company’s management actively manages its target and excess capital levels and dividend flows on a proactive basis and forecasts local capital positions as part of the financial planning cycle. The dividend capacity of certain U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries is also subject to business targets in excess of the minimum capital necessary to maintain the desired rating or level of financial strength in the relevant market. Management of MetLife, Inc. cannot provide assurances that MetLife, Inc.’s subsidiaries will have statutory earnings to support payment of dividends to MetLife, Inc. in an amount sufficient to fund its cash requirements and pay cash dividends and that the applicable regulators will not disapprove any dividends that such subsidiaries must submit for approval. See Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report.

Liquid Assets.  An integral part of MetLife, Inc.’s liquidity management is the amount of liquid assets it holds. Liquid assets include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and publicly-traded securities, excluding: (i) cash collateral received under the Company’s securities lending program that has been reinvested in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and publicly-traded securities; and (ii) cash collateral received from counterparties in connection with derivative instruments. At both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, MetLife, Inc. had $4.2 billion in liquid assets. In addition, MetLife, Inc. has pledged collateral and has had collateral pledged to it, and may be required from time to time to pledge additional collateral or be entitled to have additional collateral pledged to it. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, MetLife, Inc. had pledged $489 million and $449 million, respectively, of liquid assets under collateral support agreements.

Dispositions.  There were no net cash proceeds from dispositions during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Global Funding Sources.  Liquidity is also provided by a variety of short-term instruments, including commercial paper. Capital is provided by a variety of instruments, including medium- and long-term debt, junior subordinated debt securities, collateral financing arrangements, capital securities and stockholders’ equity. The

 

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diversity of MetLife, Inc.’s funding sources enhances funding flexibility, limits dependence on any one source of funds and generally lowers the cost of funds. Other sources of MetLife, Inc.’s liquidity include programs for short-term and long-term borrowing, as needed.

We continuously monitor and adjust our liquidity and capital plans in light of changing requirements and market conditions.

Long-term Debt.  The following table summarizes the outstanding long-term debt of MetLife, Inc. at:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     (In millions)  

Long-term debt — unaffiliated

   $ 15,699       $ 15,666   

Long-term debt — affiliated

   $ 500       $ 500   

Collateral financing arrangements

   $ 2,797       $ 2,797   

Junior subordinated debt securities

   $ 1,748       $ 1,748   

Covenants.  Certain of MetLife, Inc.’s debt instruments, credit facilities and committed facilities contain various administrative, reporting, legal and financial covenants. MetLife, Inc. believes it was in compliance with all such covenants at March 31, 2012.

Common Stock.  For information on common stock issued by MetLife, Inc., see “— The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Common Stock.”

Liquidity and Capital Uses

The primary uses of liquidity of MetLife, Inc. include debt service, cash dividends on common and preferred stock, capital contributions to subsidiaries, payment of general operating expenses and acquisitions. Based on our analysis and comparison of our current and future cash inflows from the dividends we receive from subsidiaries that are permitted to be paid without prior insurance regulatory approval, our asset portfolio and other cash flows and anticipated access to the capital markets, we believe there will be sufficient liquidity and capital to enable MetLife, Inc. to make payments on debt, make cash dividend payments on its common and preferred stock, contribute capital to its subsidiaries, pay all general operating expenses and meet its cash needs.

Acquisitions.  There were no cash outflows for acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Affiliated Capital Transactions.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, MetLife, Inc. invested an aggregate of $316 million and $485 million, respectively, in various subsidiaries.

MetLife, Inc. lends funds, as necessary, to its subsidiaries, some of which are regulated, to meet their capital requirements. On March 23, 2012, American Life issued a note to MetLife, Inc. for $175 million with an interest rate of six-month LIBOR + 1.06% which matures on June 29, 2012. At December 31, 2011, MetLife, Inc. did not have any loans to subsidiaries outstanding.

Debt Repayments.  MetLife, Inc. intends to repay all or refinance in whole or in part the debt that is due in 2012. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — MetLife, Inc. — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Senior Notes” in the 2011 Annual Report.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Risk Management

The Company must effectively manage, measure and monitor the market risk associated with its assets and liabilities. It has developed an integrated process for managing risk, which it conducts through its Enterprise Risk Management Department, Asset/Liability Management Unit, Treasury Department and Investments Department along with the management of the business segments. The Company has established and implemented comprehensive policies and procedures at both the corporate and business segment level to minimize the effects of potential market volatility.

The Company regularly analyzes its exposure to interest rate, equity market price and foreign currency exchange rate risks. As a result of that analysis, the Company has determined that the estimated fair values of certain assets and liabilities are materially exposed to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and changes in the equity markets.

Enterprise Risk Management.  MetLife has established several financial and non-financial senior management committees as part of its risk management process. These committees manage capital and risk positions, approve ALM strategies and establish appropriate corporate business standards. Further enhancing its committee structure, during the second quarter of 2010, MetLife created an Enterprise Risk Committee including the following voting members: the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Investment Officer and the Chief Risk Officer. This committee is responsible for reviewing all material risks to the enterprise and deciding on actions if necessary, in the event risks exceed desirable targets, taking into consideration best practices to resolve or mitigate those risks.

MetLife also has a separate Enterprise Risk Management Department, which is responsible for risk management throughout MetLife and reports to MetLife’s Chief Risk Officer. The Enterprise Risk Management Department’s primary responsibilities consist of:

 

   

implementing a corporate risk framework, which outlines the Company’s approach for managing risk on an enterprise-wide basis;

 

   

developing policies and procedures for managing, measuring, monitoring and controlling those risks identified in the corporate risk framework;

 

   

establishing appropriate corporate risk tolerance levels;

 

   

deploying capital on an economic capital basis; and

 

   

reporting on a periodic basis to the Finance and Risk Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors; with respect to credit risk, reporting to the Investment Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors; and reporting on various aspects of risk to financial and non-financial senior management committees.

Asset/Liability Management.  The Company actively manages its assets using an approach that balances quality, diversification, asset/liability matching, liquidity, concentration and investment return. The goals of the investment process are to optimize, net of income tax, risk-adjusted investment income and risk-adjusted total return while ensuring that the assets and liabilities are reasonably managed on a cash flow and duration basis. The ALM process is the shared responsibility of the Financial Risk Management and Asset/Liability Management Unit, Enterprise Risk Management, the Portfolio Management Unit, and the senior members of the business segments and is governed by the ALM Committees. The ALM Committees’ duties include reviewing and approving target portfolios, establishing investment guidelines and limits and providing oversight of the ALM process on a periodic basis. The directives of the ALM Committees are carried out and monitored through ALM Working Groups which are set up to manage by product type. In addition, an ALM Steering Committee oversees the activities of the underlying ALM Committees.

 

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MetLife establishes target asset portfolios for each major insurance product, which represent the investment strategies used to profitably fund its liabilities within acceptable levels of risk. These strategies are monitored through regular review of portfolio metrics, such as effective duration, yield curve sensitivity, convexity, liquidity, asset sector concentration and credit quality by the ALM Working Groups.

Market Risk Exposures

The Company has exposure to market risk through its insurance operations and investment activities. For purposes of this disclosure, “market risk” is defined as the risk of loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity markets.

Interest Rates.  The Company’s exposure to interest rate changes results most significantly from its holdings of fixed maturity securities, as well as its interest rate sensitive liabilities. The fixed maturity securities include U.S. and foreign government bonds, securities issued by government agencies, corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities, all of which are mainly exposed to changes in medium- and long-term interest rates. The interest rate sensitive liabilities for purposes of this disclosure include debt, PABs related to certain investment type contracts, and net embedded derivatives on variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits which have the same type of interest rate exposure (medium- and long-term interest rates) as fixed maturity securities. The Company employs product design, pricing and ALM strategies to reduce the adverse effects of interest rate movements. Product design and pricing strategies include the use of surrender charges or restrictions on withdrawals in some products and the ability to reset credited rates for certain products. ALM strategies include the use of derivatives and duration mismatch limits. See “Risk Factors — Changes in Market Interest Rates May Significantly Affect Our Profitability.”

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates. The Company’s exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar results from its holdings in non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed maturity and equity securities, mortgage loans, and certain liabilities, as well as through its investments in foreign subsidiaries. The principal currencies that create foreign currency exchange rate risk in the Company’s investment portfolios and liabilities are the Euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound, the Mexican peso and the Canadian dollar. Selectively, the Company uses U.S. dollar assets to support certain long duration foreign currency liabilities. Through its investments in foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures, the Company is primarily exposed to the Japanese yen, the Polish zloty, the Mexican peso, the British pound, the Australian dollar, the Euro, the Korean won and the Canadian dollar. In addition to hedging with foreign currency swaps, forwards and options, local surplus in some countries is held entirely or in part in U.S. dollar assets which further minimizes exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation risk. The Company has matched much of its foreign currency liabilities in its foreign subsidiaries with their respective foreign currency assets, thereby reducing its risk to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation. See “Risk Factors — Fluctuations in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Could Negatively Affect Our Profitability” in the 2011 Annual Report.

Equity Market. The Company has exposure to equity market risk through certain liabilities that involve long-term guarantees on equity performance such as net embedded derivatives on variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits, certain PABs along with investments in equity securities. We manage this risk on an integrated basis with other risks through our ALM strategies including the dynamic hedging of certain variable annuity guarantee benefits. The Company also manages equity market risk exposure in its investment portfolio through the use of derivatives. Equity exposures associated with other limited partnership interests are excluded from this section as they are not considered financial instruments under GAAP.

Management of Market Risk Exposures

The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and equity market risk, including the use of derivative instruments.

Interest Rate Risk Management. To manage interest rate risk, the Company analyzes interest rate risk using various models, including multi-scenario cash flow projection models that forecast cash flows of the liabilities

 

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and their supporting investments, including derivative instruments. These projections involve evaluating the potential gain or loss on most of the Company’s in-force business under various increasing and decreasing interest rate environments. The Department of Financial Services regulations require that MetLife perform some of these analyses annually as part of MetLife’s review of the sufficiency of its regulatory reserves. For several of its legal entities, the Company maintains segmented operating and surplus asset portfolios for the purpose of ALM and the allocation of investment income to product lines. For each segment, invested assets greater than or equal to the GAAP liabilities and any non-invested assets allocated to the segment are maintained, with any excess swept to the surplus segment. The business segments may reflect differences in legal entity, statutory line of business and any product market characteristic which may drive a distinct investment strategy with respect to duration, liquidity or credit quality of the invested assets. Certain smaller entities make use of unsegmented general accounts for which the investment strategy reflects the aggregate characteristics of liabilities in those entities. The Company measures relative sensitivities of the value of its assets and liabilities to changes in key assumptions utilizing Company models. These models reflect specific product characteristics and include assumptions based on current and anticipated experience regarding lapse, mortality and interest crediting rates. In addition, these models include asset cash flow projections reflecting interest payments, sinking fund payments, principal payments, bond calls, mortgage prepayments and defaults.

Common industry metrics, such as duration and convexity, are also used to measure the relative sensitivity of assets and liability values to changes in interest rates. In computing the duration of liabilities, consideration is given to all policyholder guarantees and to how the Company intends to set indeterminate policy elements such as interest credits or dividends. Each asset portfolio has a duration target based on the liability duration and the investment objectives of that portfolio. Where a liability cash flow may exceed the maturity of available assets, as is the case with certain retirement and non-medical health products, the Company may support such liabilities with equity investments, derivatives or curve mismatch strategies.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Management. Foreign currency exchange rate risk is assumed primarily in three ways: investments in foreign subsidiaries, purchases of foreign currency denominated investments in the investment portfolio and the sale of certain insurance products.

 

   

The Company’s Treasury Department is responsible for managing the exposure to investments in foreign subsidiaries. Limits to exposures are established and monitored by the Treasury Department and managed by the Investments Department.

 

   

The Investments Department is responsible for managing the exposure to foreign currency investments. Exposure limits to unhedged foreign currency investments are incorporated into the standing authorizations granted to management by the Board of Directors and are reported to the Board of Directors on a periodic basis.

 

   

The lines of business are responsible for establishing limits and managing any foreign exchange rate exposure caused by the sale or issuance of insurance products.

MetLife uses foreign currency swaps and forwards to mitigate the liability exposure, risk of loss and the volatility of net income

associated with its investments in foreign subsidiaries, foreign currency denominated fixed income investments and the sale of certain insurance products.

Equity Market Risk Management. Equity market risk exposure through the issuance of variable annuities is managed by the Company’s Asset/Liability Management Unit in partnership with the Investments Department. Equity market risk is realized through its investment in equity securities and is managed by its Investments Department. MetLife uses derivatives to mitigate its equity exposure both in certain liability guarantees such as variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefit and equity securities. These derivatives include exchange-traded equity futures, equity index options contracts and equity variance swaps. The Company also employs reinsurance to manage these exposures.

 

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Hedging Activities. MetLife uses derivative contracts primarily to hedge a wide range of risks including interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, and equity risk. Derivative hedges are designed to reduce risk on an economic basis while considering their impact on accounting results and GAAP and Statutory capital. The construction of the Company’s derivative hedge programs vary depending on the type of risk being hedged. Some hedge programs are asset or liability specific while others are portfolio hedges that reduce risk related to a group of liabilities or assets. The Company’s use of derivatives by major hedge programs is as follows:

 

   

Risks Related to Living Guarantee Benefits — The Company uses a wide range of derivative contracts to hedge the risk associated with variable annuity living guarantee benefits. These hedges include equity and interest rate futures, interest rate swaps, currency futures/forwards, equity indexed options and interest rate option contracts and equity variance swaps.

 

   

Minimum Interest Rate Guarantees — For certain Company liability contracts, the Company provides the contractholder a guaranteed minimum interest rate. These contracts include certain fixed annuities and other insurance liabilities. The Company purchases interest rate floors to reduce risk associated with these liability guarantees.

 

   

Reinvestment Risk in Long Duration Liability Contracts — Derivatives are used to hedge interest rate risk related to certain long duration liability contracts, such as deferred annuities. Hedges include zero coupon interest rate swaps and swaptions.

 

   

Foreign Currency Risk — The Company uses currency swaps and forwards to hedge foreign currency risk. These hedges primarily swap foreign currency denominated bonds, investments in foreign subsidiaries or equity exposures to U.S. dollars.

 

   

General ALM Hedging Strategies — In the ordinary course of managing the Company’s asset/liability risks, the Company uses interest rate futures, interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, interest rate floors and inflation swaps. These hedges are designed to reduce interest rate risk or inflation risk related to the existing assets or liabilities or related to expected future cash flows.

Risk Measurement: Sensitivity Analysis

The Company measures market risk related to its market sensitive assets and liabilities based on changes in interest rates, equity prices and foreign currency exchange rates utilizing a sensitivity analysis. This analysis estimates the potential changes in estimated fair value based on a hypothetical 10% change (increase or decrease) in interest rates, equity market prices and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company believes that a 10% change (increase or decrease) in these market rates and prices is reasonably possible in the near-term. In performing the analysis summarized below, the Company used market rates at March 31, 2012. The sensitivity analysis separately calculates each of the Company’s market risk exposures (interest rate, equity market and foreign currency exchange rate) relating to its trading and non trading assets and liabilities. The Company modeled the impact of changes in market rates and prices on the estimated fair values of its market sensitive assets and liabilities as follows:

 

   

the net present values of its interest rate sensitive exposures resulting from a 10% change (increase or decrease) in interest rates;

 

   

the U.S. dollar equivalent estimated fair values of the Company’s foreign currency exposures due to a 10% change (increase or decrease) in foreign currency exchange rates; and

 

   

the estimated fair value of its equity positions due to a 10% change (increase or decrease) in equity market prices.

 

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The sensitivity analysis is an estimate and should not be viewed as predictive of the Company’s future financial performance. The Company cannot ensure that its actual losses in any particular period will not exceed the amounts indicated in the table below. Limitations related to this sensitivity analysis include:

 

   

the market risk information is limited by the assumptions and parameters established in creating the related sensitivity analysis, including the impact of prepayment rates on mortgages;

 

   

for the derivatives that qualify as hedges, the impact on reported earnings may be materially different from the change in market values;

 

   

the analysis excludes other significant real estate holdings and liabilities pursuant to insurance contracts; and

 

   

the model assumes that the composition of assets and liabilities remains unchanged throughout the period.

Accordingly, the Company uses such models as tools and not as substitutes for the experience and judgment of its management. Based on its analysis of the impact of a 10% change (increase or decrease) in market rates and prices, MetLife has determined that such a change could have a material adverse effect on the estimated fair value of certain assets and liabilities from interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and equity exposures.

The table below illustrates the potential loss in estimated fair value for each market risk exposure of the Company’s market sensitive assets and liabilities at March 31, 2012:

 

     March 31, 2012  
     (In millions)  

Non-trading:

  

Interest rate risk

   $ 5,372   

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

   $ 4,546   

Equity market risk

   $ 92   

Trading:

  

Interest rate risk

   $ 7   

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

   $ 538   

 

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Sensitivity Analysis: Interest Rates. The table below provides additional detail regarding the potential loss in fair value of the Company’s trading and non-trading interest sensitive financial instruments at March 31, 2012 by type of asset or liability:

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Notional
Amount
     Estimated
Fair

Value (3)
     Assuming a
10% Increase
in the
Yield
Curve
 
            (In millions)         

Assets:

        

Fixed maturity securities

      $ 354,451       $ (5,583)   

Equity securities

        3,043           

Trading and other securities

        19,026         (7)   

Mortgage loans:

        

Held-for-investment

        59,212         (278)   

Held-for-sale

        3,664         (7)   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, net

        62,876         (285)   

Policy loans

        14,069         (141)   

Real estate joint ventures (1)

        181           

Other limited partnership interests (1)

        1,464           

Short-term investments

        11,801         (1)   

Other invested assets:

        

Mortgage servicing rights

        727         60   

Other

        924           

Cash and cash equivalents

        18,667           

Accrued investment income

        4,612           

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables

        4,902         (247)   

Other assets

        352         (10)   

Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)

        330         (16)   

Mortgage loan commitments

   $ 4,252                 4   

Commitments to fund bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments

   $ 1,501         44           
        

 

 

 

Total Assets

         $ (6,226)   
        

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Policyholder account balances

      $ 160,074       $ 724   

Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions

        32,496           

Bank deposits

        10,478           

Short-term debt

        101           

Long-term debt

        22,561         221   

Collateral financing arrangements

        4,156           

Junior subordinated debt securities

        3,582         126   

Other liabilities:

        

Trading liabilities

        169         4   

Other

        5,968           

Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)

        2,758         1,527   
        

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

         $ 2,602   
        

 

 

 

Derivative Instruments:

        

Interest rate swaps

   $ 90,460       $ 4,601       $ (1,248)   

Interest rate floors

   $ 23,866         900         (86)   

Interest rate caps

   $ 43,665         92         25   

Interest rate futures

   $ 14,781         (23)         (85)   

Interest rate options

   $ 16,051         437         (178)   

Interest rate forwards

   $ 3,189         114         (48)   

Synthetic GICs

   $ 4,484                   

Foreign currency swaps

   $ 16,995         (32)         (2)   

Foreign currency forwards

   $ 10,301         (231)         1   

Currency futures

   $ 827         1           

Currency options

   $ 1,446         20           

Credit default swaps

   $ 12,599         122           

Equity futures

   $ 6,498         18           

Equity options

   $ 23,575         2,312         (131)   

Variance swaps

   $ 19,108         (3)         (3)   

Total rate of return swaps

   $ 2,117         (88)           
        

 

 

 

Total Derivative Instruments

         $ (1,755)   
        

 

 

 

Net Change

         $ (5,379)   
        

 

 

 

 

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(1)

Represents only those investments accounted for using the cost method.

 

(2)

Embedded derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet in the same caption as the host contract.

 

(3)

Separate account assets and liabilities which are interest rate sensitive are not included herein as any interest rate risk is borne by the holder of the separate account.

Interest rate risk has increased by $1.1 billion, or 26%, to $5.4 billion at March 31, 2012 from $4.3 billion at December 31, 2011. The increase in risk is primarily due to an increase in interest rates across the long end of the swaps and U.S. Treasury curves, the use of derivatives employed by the Company and net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts of $722 million, $226 million and $150 million, respectively. The remainder of the fluctuation is attributable to numerous immaterial items.

 

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Sensitivity Analysis: Foreign Currency Exchange Rates.  The table below provides additional detail regarding the potential loss in estimated fair value of the Company’s portfolio due to a 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates at March 31, 2012 by type of asset or liability:

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Notional
Amount
     Estimated
Fair

Value  (1)
    Assuming a
10%  Increase
in the Foreign
Exchange Rate
 
            (In millions)        

Assets:

       

Fixed maturity securities

      $ 354,451      $ (8,250

Equity securities

        3,043        (107

Trading and other securities

        19,026        (538

Mortgage loans:

       

Held-for-investment

        59,212        (405

Held-for-sale

        3,664          
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, net

        62,876        (405

Policy loans

        14,069        (193

Other limited partnership interests

        1,464          

Short-term investments

        11,801        (210

Other invested assets:

       

Mortgage servicing rights

        727          

Other

        924        (115

Cash and cash equivalents

        18,667        (100

Accrued investment income

        4,612        (15

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables

        4,902        (168

Other assets

        352        (17
       

 

 

 

Total Assets

        $ (10,118
       

 

 

 

Liabilities:

       

Policyholder account balances

      $ 160,074      $ 3,590   

Bank deposits

        10,478          

Long-term debt

        22,561        125   

Payable for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions

        32,496        2   

Other liabilities

        5,968        166   

Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)

        2,758        418   
       

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

        $ 4,301   
       

 

 

 

Derivative Instruments:

       

Interest rate swaps

   $ 90,460       $ 4,601      $ (32

Interest rate floors

   $ 23,866         900          

Interest rate caps

   $ 43,665         92          

Interest rate futures

   $ 14,781         (23     1   

Interest rate options

   $ 16,051         437        (9

Interest rate forwards

   $ 3,189         114          

Synthetic GICs

   $ 4,484                  

Foreign currency swaps

   $ 16,995         (32     738   

Foreign currency forwards

   $ 10,301         (231     139   

Currency futures

   $ 827         1        (71

Currency options

   $ 1,446         20        73   

Credit default swaps

   $ 12,599         122          

Equity futures

   $ 6,498         18        2   

Equity options

   $ 23,575         2,312        (108

Variance swaps

   $ 19,108         (3       

Total rate of return swaps

   $ 2,117         (88       
       

 

 

 

Total Derivative Instruments

        $ 733   
       

 

 

 

Net Change

        $ (5,084
       

 

 

 

 

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(1)

Estimated fair value presented in the table above represents the estimated fair value of all financial instruments within this financial statement caption, not necessarily those solely subject to foreign exchange risk.

 

(2)

Embedded derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet in the same caption as the host contract.

Foreign currency exchange rate risk increased by $51 million, to $5.1 billion at March 31, 2012 from $5.0 billion at December 31, 2011. This change was due to an increase in exchange rate risk relating to fixed maturity securities (including trading and other securities) and net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts of $357 million and $58 million, respectively. The Company has higher net exposures primarily to the Japanese Yen, the Australian dollar, the Mexican Peso and the British pound. This was partially offset by a decrease in the foreign exposure related to PABs and the use of derivatives employed by the Company of $215 million and $148 million, respectively. The remainder of the fluctuation is attributable to numerous immaterial items.

Sensitivity Analysis: Equity Market Prices. The table below provides additional detail regarding the potential loss in estimated fair value of the Company’s portfolio due to a 10% change in equity at March 31, 2012 by type of asset or liability:

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Notional
Amount
     Estimated
Fair

Value (1)
     Assuming a
10% Increase
in Equity
Prices
 
            (In millions)         

Assets:

        

Equity securities

      $ 3,043       $ 361   

Other invested assets:

        

Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)

        330         (15)   
        

 

 

 

Total Assets

         $ 346   
        

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Policyholder account balances

      $ 160,074       $   

Bank deposits

        10,478           

Other liabilities:

        

Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)

        2,758         636   
        

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

         $ 636   
        

 

 

 

Derivative Instruments:

        

Interest rate swaps

   $ 90,460       $ 4,601       $   

Interest rate floors

   $ 23,866         900           

Interest rate caps

   $ 43,665         92           

Interest rate futures

   $ 14,781         (23)           

Interest rate options

   $ 16,051         437           

Interest rate forwards

   $ 3,189         114           

Synthetic GICs

   $ 4,484                   

Foreign currency swaps

   $ 16,995         (32)           

Foreign currency forwards

   $ 10,301         (231)           

Currency futures

   $ 827         1           

Currency options

   $ 1,446         20           

Credit default swaps

   $ 12,599         122           

Equity futures

   $ 6,498         18         (548)   

Equity options

   $ 23,575         2,312         (336)   

Variance swaps

   $ 19,108         (3)         13   

Total rate of return swaps

   $ 2,117         (88)         (203)   
        

 

 

 

Total Derivative Instruments

         $ (1,074)   
        

 

 

 

Net Change

         $ (92)   
        

 

 

 

 

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(1)

Estimated fair value presented in the table above represents the estimated fair value of all financial instruments within this financial statement caption, not necessarily those solely subject to equity price risk.

 

(2)

Embedded derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet in the same caption as the host contract.

Equity price risk increased by $55 million to $92 million at March 31, 2012 from $37 million at December 31, 2011. This change was primarily due to a decrease in net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts of $103 million. This was partially offset by the use of derivatives employed by the Company of $31 million. The remainder of the fluctuation is attributable to numerous immaterial items.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There were no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II — Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The following should be read in conjunction with (i) Part I, Item 3, of MetLife, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Annual Report”), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”); and (ii) Note 10 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I of this report.

Asbestos-Related Claims

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”) is and has been a defendant in a large number of asbestos-related suits filed primarily in state courts. These suits principally allege that the plaintiff or plaintiffs suffered personal injury resulting from exposure to asbestos and seek both actual and punitive damages.

As reported in the 2011 Annual Report, MLIC received approximately 4,972 asbestos-related claims in 2011. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, MLIC received approximately 1,214 and 1,123 new asbestos-related claims, respectively. See Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2011 Annual Report for historical information concerning asbestos claims and MLIC’s increase in its recorded liability at December 31, 2002. The number of asbestos cases that may be brought, the aggregate amount of any liability that MLIC may incur, and the total amount paid in settlements in any given year are uncertain and may vary significantly from year to year.

MLIC reevaluates on a quarterly and annual basis its exposure from asbestos litigation, including studying its claims experience, reviewing external literature regarding asbestos claims experience in the U.S., assessing relevant trends impacting asbestos liability and considering numerous variables that can affect its asbestos liability exposure on an overall or per claim basis. These variables include bankruptcies of other companies involved in asbestos litigation, legislative and judicial developments, the number of pending claims involving serious disease, the number of new claims filed against it and other defendants and the jurisdictions in which claims are pending. Based upon its regular reevaluation of its exposure from asbestos litigation, MLIC has updated its liability analysis for asbestos-related claims through March 31, 2012.

 

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Regulatory Matters

MetLife Bank Mortgage Regulatory and Law Enforcement Authorities’ Inquiries. Since 2008, MetLife, through its affiliate, MetLife Bank National Association (“MetLife Bank”), has significantly increased its mortgage servicing activities by acquiring servicing portfolios. Currently, MetLife Bank services approximately 1% of the aggregate principal amount of the mortgage loans serviced in the U.S. State and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities have initiated various inquiries, investigations or examinations of alleged irregularities in the foreclosure practices of the residential mortgage servicing industry. Mortgage servicing practices have also been the subject of Congressional attention. Authorities have publicly stated that the scope of the investigations extends beyond foreclosure documentation practices to include mortgage loan modification and loss mitigation practices.

MetLife Bank’s mortgage servicing has been the subject of recent inquiries and requests by state and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities. MetLife Bank is cooperating with the authorities’ review of this business. On April 13, 2011, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) entered into consent decrees with several banks, including MetLife Bank. The consent decrees require an independent review of foreclosure practices and set forth new residential mortgage servicing standards, including a requirement for a designated point of contact for a borrower during the loss mitigation process. In addition, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) entered into consent decrees with the affiliated bank holding companies of these banks, including MetLife, Inc., to enhance the supervision of the mortgage servicing activities of their banking subsidiaries. In a February 9, 2012 press release, the Federal Reserve Board announced that it had issued monetary sanctions against five banking organizations for deficiencies in the organizations’ servicing of residential mortgage loans and processing of foreclosures. The Federal Reserve Board has also stated that it plans to announce monetary penalties against other institutions under its supervision against whom it had issued enforcement actions in 2011, including MetLife, Inc., for deficiencies in servicing of residential mortgage loans and processing foreclosures. MetLife Bank has also had a meeting with the Department of Justice regarding mortgage servicing and foreclosure practices. It is possible that various state or federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities may seek monetary penalties from MetLife Bank relating to foreclosure practices.

MetLife Bank has also responded to a subpoena issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services regarding hazard insurance and flood insurance that MetLife Bank obtains to protect the lienholder’s interest when the borrower’s insurance has lapsed. In April and May 2012, MetLife Bank received two subpoenas issued by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding Federal Housing Administration insured loans.

The consent decrees, as well as the inquiries or investigations referred to above, could adversely affect MetLife’s reputation or result in material fines, penalties, equitable remedies or other enforcement actions, and result in significant legal costs in responding to governmental investigations or other litigation. In addition, the changes to the mortgage servicing business required by the consent decrees and the resolution of any other inquiries or investigations may affect the profitability of such business. The Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss arising from the MetLife Bank regulatory matters. Management believes that the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a whole will not be materially affected by the MetLife Bank regulatory matters.

Metco Site, Hicksville, Nassau County, New York. On February 22, 2012, the New York State Department of Environmental Protection issued a notice to MLIC, as purported successor in interest to New England Mutual Life Insurance Company (“New England Mutual”), that it is a potentially responsible party with respect to hazardous substances and hazardous waste located on a property that New England Mutual owned for a time in 1978. The Company is reviewing the matter.

Unclaimed Property Inquiries and Related Litigation

More than 30 U.S. jurisdictions are auditing MetLife, Inc. and certain of its affiliates for compliance with unclaimed property laws. Additionally, MLIC and certain of its affiliates have received subpoenas and other regulatory inquiries from certain regulators and other officials relating to claims-payment practices and compliance with unclaimed property laws. An examination of these practices by the Illinois Department of

 

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Insurance has been converted into a multi-state targeted market conduct exam. On July 5, 2011, the New York Insurance Department issued a letter requiring life insurers doing business in New York to use data available on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or a similar database to identify instances where death benefits under life insurance policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts are payable, to locate and pay beneficiaries under such contracts, and to report the results of the use of the data. At least one other jurisdiction is pursuing a similar market conduct exam and it is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries, may join the multi-state market conduct exam, or issue directives similar to the New York Insurance Department’s letter. In the third quarter of 2011, the Company incurred a $117 million after tax charge to increase reserves in connection with the Company’s use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File and similar databases to identify potential life insurance claims that have not yet been presented to the Company. In April 2012, the Company reached agreements with representatives of the U.S. jurisdictions that are conducting the audits referenced above and with the states most directly involved in the targeted market conduct exam referenced above to resolve the audits and the examination. The effectiveness of each agreement is conditioned upon the approval of a specified number of jurisdictions. Pursuant to the settlement to resolve the audits, the Company will, among other things, take specified action to identify liabilities under life insurance, annuity, and retained asset contracts, and, to the extent that it is unable to locate owners of amounts payable, to escheat these amounts with interest at a specified rate to the appropriate states. Additionally, the Company has agreed to accelerate the final date of certain industrial life policies and to escheat unclaimed benefits of such policies. Pursuant to the settlements, the Company will, among other things, adopt specified procedures for identifying liabilities under life insurance, annuity, and retained asset contracts, for seeking to contact and pay beneficiaries under such liabilities, and for escheating unclaimed property to appropriate states. Additionally, the Company has agreed to make a multi-state examination payment in the amount of $40 million to be allocated among the settling states. Therefore, in the first quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a $52 million after-tax charge for such multi-state examination payment, and the expected acceleration of benefit payments to policyholders under the settlements. At least one other jurisdiction is pursuing a similar market conduct exam. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar exams or audits and that such exams or audits may result in additional payments to beneficiaries, additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws, administrative penalties, interest, and/or further changes to the Company’s procedures. The Company is not currently able to estimate these additional possible costs.

Total Asset Recovery Services, LLC on behalf of the State of Illinois v. MetLife, Inc., et. al. (Cir. Ct. Cook County, IL, filed January 24, 2011). Alleging that MetLife, Inc. and another company have violated the Illinois Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act by failing to escheat to Illinois benefits of 4,766 life insurance contracts, Total Asset Recovery Services, LLC (“the Relator”) has brought an action under the Illinois False Claims Whistleblower Reward and Protection Act seeking to recover damages on behalf of Illinois. Based on the allegations in the complaint, it appears that plaintiff may have improperly named MetLife, Inc. as a defendant instead of MLIC. The action was sealed by court order until January 18, 2012. The Relator alleges that the aggregate damages, including statutory damages and treble damages, are $1.6 billion. The Relator does not allocate this claimed damage amount between MetLife, Inc. and the other defendant. The Relator also bases its damage calculation in part on its assumption that the average face amount of the subject policies is $110,000. MetLife, Inc. strongly disputes this assumption, the Relator’s alleged damages amounts, and other allegations in the complaint, and intends to defend this action vigorously.

Total Asset Recovery Services, LLC on behalf of the State of Minnesota v. MetLife, Inc., et. al. (District Court, County of Hennepin, MN, filed January 31, 2011). Alleging that MetLife, Inc. and another company have violated the Minnesota Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act by failing to escheat to Minnesota benefits of 584 life insurance contracts, the Relator has brought an action under the Minnesota False Claims Act seeking to recover damages on behalf of Minnesota. Based on the allegations in the complaint, it appears that plaintiff may have improperly named MetLife, Inc. as a defendant instead of MLIC. The action was sealed by court order until March 22, 2012. The Relator alleges that the aggregate damages, including statutory damages and treble damages, is $228 million. The Relator does not allocate this claimed damage amount between MetLife, Inc. and the other defendant. The Relator also bases its damage calculation in part on its assumption

 

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that the average face amount of the subject policies is $130,000. MetLife, Inc. strongly disputes this assumption, the Relator’s alleged damages amounts, and other allegations in the complaint, and intends to defend this action vigorously.

Derivative Actions and Demands. Seeking to sue derivatively on behalf of MetLife, Inc., four shareholders have commenced separate actions against members of the MetLife, Inc. Board of Directors, alleging that they breached their fiduciary and other duties to the Company. The actions are Fishbaum v. Kandarian, et al. (Sup. Ct., New York County, filed January 27, 2012), Batchelder v. Burwell, et al. (Sup. Ct., New York County, filed March 6, 2012), Mallon v. Kandarian, et al. (S.D.N.Y., filed March 28, 2012), and Martino v. Kandarian, et al. (S.D.N.Y., filed April 19, 2012). Plaintiffs allege that the defendants failed to ensure that the Company complied with state unclaimed property laws and to ensure that the Company accurately reported its earnings. Plaintiffs allege that because of the defendants’ breaches of duty, MetLife, Inc. has incurred damage to its reputation and has suffered other unspecified damages. The defendants intend to vigorously defend these actions. A fifth shareholder, Western Pennsylvania Electrical Workers Pension Fund, has written to the MetLife, Inc. Board of Directors demanding that MetLife, Inc. take action against current and former Board members, executive officers, and MetLife, Inc.’s independent auditor, for similar alleged breaches of duty with respect to the Company’s compliance with unclaimed property laws and financial disclosures. The MetLife, Inc. Board of Directors has appointed a Special Committee to investigate these allegations.

Total Control Accounts Litigation and Regulatory Actions

MLIC is a defendant in lawsuits related to its use of retained asset accounts, known as Total Control Accounts (“TCA”), as a settlement option for death benefits. The lawsuits include claims of breach of contract, breach of a common law fiduciary duty or a quasi-fiduciary duty such as a confidential or special relationship, or breach of a fiduciary duty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).

Keife, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (D. Nev., filed in state court on July 30, 2010 and removed to federal court on September 7, 2010). This putative class action lawsuit raises a breach of contract claim arising from MLIC’s use of the TCA to pay life insurance benefits under the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance program. As damages, plaintiffs seek disgorgement of the difference between the interest paid to the account holders and the investment earnings on the assets backing the accounts. In September 2010, plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification of the breach of contract claim, which the court has stayed. On April 28, 2011, the court denied MLIC’s motion to dismiss.

Various state regulators have also taken actions with respect to retained asset accounts. The New York Insurance Department issued a circular letter on March 29, 2012 stating that an insurer should only use a retained asset account when a policyholder or beneficiary affirmatively chooses to receive life insurance proceeds through such an account and providing for certain disclosures to a beneficiary, including that payment by a single check is an option. The Minnesota Department of Commerce, in connection with an ongoing market conduct exam, has issued a proposed consent order to the Company regarding the Company’s use of TCAs.

Other U.S. Litigation

Merrill Haviland, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (E.D. Mich., removed to federal court on July 22, 2011). This lawsuit was filed by 45 retired General Motors (“GM”) employees against MLIC and the amended complaint includes claims for conversion, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraudulent insurance acts, unfair trade practices, and ERISA claims based upon GM’s 2009 reduction of the employees’ life insurance coverage under GM’s ERISA-governed plan. The complaint includes a count seeking class action status. MLIC is the insurer of GM’s group life insurance plan and administers claims under the plan. According to the complaint, MLIC had previously provided plaintiffs with a “written guarantee” that their life insurance benefits under the GM plan would not be reduced for the rest of their lives. MLIC has filed a motion to dismiss.

 

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International Litigation

Italy Fund Redemption Suspension Complaints and Litigation. As a result of suspension of withdrawals and diminution in value in certain funds offered within certain unit-linked policies sold by the Italian branch of Alico Life International, Ltd. (“ALIL”), a number of policyholders invested in those funds have either commenced or threatened litigation against ALIL, alleging misrepresentation, inadequate disclosures and other related claims. These policyholders contacted ALIL beginning in July 2009 alleging that the funds operated at variance to the published prospectus and that prospectus risk disclosures were allegedly wrong, unclear, and misleading. The limited number of lawsuits that have been filed to date have either been resolved or are proceeding through litigation. In March 2011, ALIL began implementing a plan to resolve policyholder claims. Under the plan, ALIL will provide liquidity to the suspended funds so that policyholders may withdraw investments in these funds, and ALIL will offer policyholders amounts in addition to the liquidation value of the suspended funds based on the performance of other relevant financial products. The settlement program achieved a 96% acceptance rate. Those policyholders who did not accept the settlement may still pursue other remedies or commence individual litigation. Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement dated as of March 7, 2010, as amended, by and among MetLife, Inc., AIG and AM Holdings LLC, AIG has agreed to indemnify MetLife, Inc. and its affiliates for third party claims and regulatory fines associated with ALIL’s suspended funds. Due to the acknowledged indemnification obligation, this matter is not included in the aggregate estimate of range of reasonably possible loss.

Summary

Putative or certified class action litigation and other litigation and claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, mortgage lending bank, employer, investor, investment advisor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.

It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

 

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Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The following should be read in conjunction with, and supplements and amends, the factors that may affect the Company’s business or operations described under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, of the 2011 Annual Report.

Difficult Conditions in the Global Capital Markets and the Economy Generally May Materially Adversely Affect Our Business and Results of Operations and These Conditions May Not Improve in the Near Future

Our business and results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally. Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in global capital markets, particular markets, or financial asset classes can have an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio and our insurance liabilities are sensitive to changing market factors. Global market factors, including interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, real estate markets, foreign currency exchange rates, consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, deflation and inflation, all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the amount and profitability of our business. Disruptions in one market or asset class can also spread to other markets or asset classes. Upheavals in the financial markets can also affect our business through their effects on general levels of economic activity, employment and customer behavior. While our diversified business mix and geographically diverse business operations partially mitigate these risks, correlation across regions, countries and global market factors may reduce the benefits of diversification.

Volatile conditions have continued to characterize financial markets at times, and not all global financial markets are functioning normally. Significant market volatility, and government actions taken in response, may exacerbate some of the risks we face. During the first quarter of 2012, concerns about capital markets and the solvency of certain European Union member states, including Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain (“Europe’s perimeter region”), and of financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to debt issued by these countries, continue to create market volatility. This market volatility will continue to affect the performance of various asset classes during 2012, and perhaps longer, until there is an ultimate resolution of these sovereign debt-related concerns. Greece’s newly issued sovereign debt is currently rated C by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., CCC by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) and B- by Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”). Despite public and private support programs for Europe’s perimeter region, concerns about sovereign debt sustainability subsequently expanded to other European Union member states. As a result, in late 2011 and early 2012, several other European Union member states experienced credit ratings downgrades or had their credit ratings outlook changed to negative. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Investments — Current Environment.” The Japanese economy, to which we face substantial exposure given our operations there, was significantly negatively impacted by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Although we expect modest growth and improved economic conditions in the Japanese economy during 2012, disruptions to the Japanese economy are having, and will continue to have, negative impacts on the overall global economy, not all of which can be foreseen. Although the August 2011 downgrade by S&P of U.S. Treasury securities initially had an adverse effect on financial markets, the extent of the longer-term impact cannot be predicted. In November 2011, Fitch warned that it may in the future downgrade the U.S. credit rating unless action is taken to reduce the national debt of the U.S. It is possible that the August 2011 S&P downgrade and any future downgrades, as well as continued concerns about U.S. fiscal policy and the trajectory of the national debt of the U.S., could have severe repercussions to the U.S. and global credit and financial markets, further exacerbate concerns over sovereign debt of other countries and could disrupt economic activity in the U.S. and elsewhere. See “Risk Factors — Concerns Over U.S. Fiscal Policy and the Trajectory of the National Debt of the U.S., as well as Rating Agency Downgrades of U.S. Treasury Securities, Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the 2011 Annual Report and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Investments — Current Environment.”

 

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Our revenues and net investment income are likely to remain under pressure in uncertain financial market conditions and as a result of low interest rates, and our profit margins could erode. Also, in the event of extreme prolonged market events, such as the recent global credit crisis, we could incur significant capital and/or operating losses. Even in the absence of a market downturn, we are exposed to substantial risk of loss due to market volatility.

We are a significant writer of variable insurance products and certain other products issued through separate accounts. The account values of these products decrease as a result of declining equity markets. Decreases in account values reduce fees generated by these products, cause the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) to accelerate and could increase the level of insurance liabilities we must carry to support such products issued with any associated guarantees.

Factors such as consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, deflation and inflation all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the amount and profitability of our business. In an economic downturn characterized by higher unemployment, lower family income, lower corporate earnings, lower business investment and lower consumer spending, the demand for our financial and insurance products could be adversely affected. Group insurance, in particular, is affected by the higher unemployment rate. In addition, we may experience an elevated incidence of claims and lapses or surrenders of policies. Our policyholders may choose to defer paying insurance premiums or stop paying insurance premiums altogether. Adverse changes in the economy could affect earnings negatively and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The recent financial crisis has precipitated, and may continue to raise the possibility of, legislative, judicial, regulatory and other governmental actions. We cannot predict whether or when such actions may occur, nor can we predict what ultimate impact, if any, either such actions or any of the legislative, judicial, regulatory and other governmental actions of the last several years could have on our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “— Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth” and “Risk Factors — Governmental and Regulatory Actions for the Purpose of Stabilizing and Revitalizing the Financial Markets and Protecting Investors and Consumers May Not Achieve the Intended Effect or Could Adversely Affect Our Competitive Position,” “Risk Factors — Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth,” and “Risk Factors — Competitive Factors May Adversely Affect Our Market Share and Profitability” in the 2011 Annual Report.

Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth

Insurance Regulation — U.S. Our insurance operations are subject to a wide variety of insurance and other laws and regulations. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Insurance Regulation” in the 2011 Annual Report. State insurance laws regulate most aspects of our U.S. insurance businesses, and our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are regulated by the insurance regulators of the states in which they are domiciled and the states in which they are licensed.

State laws in the U.S. grant insurance regulatory and other state authorities broad administrative powers with respect to, among other things:

 

   

licensing companies and agents to transact business;

 

   

calculating the value of assets to determine compliance with statutory requirements;

 

   

mandating certain insurance benefits;

 

   

regulating certain premium rates;

 

   

reviewing and approving policy forms;

 

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regulating unfair trade and claims practices, including through the imposition of restrictions on marketing and sales practices, distribution arrangements and payment of inducements, and identifying and paying to the states benefits and other property that is not claimed by the owners;

 

   

regulating advertising;

 

   

protecting privacy;

 

   

establishing statutory capital and reserve requirements and solvency standards;

 

   

fixing maximum interest rates on insurance policy loans and minimum rates for guaranteed crediting rates on life insurance policies and annuity contracts;

 

   

approving changes in control of insurance companies;

 

   

restricting the payment of dividends and other transactions between affiliates; and

 

   

regulating the types, amounts and valuation of investments.

State insurance guaranty associations have the right to assess insurance companies doing business in their state for funds to help pay the obligations of insolvent insurance companies to policyholders and claimants. Because the amount and timing of an assessment is beyond our control, the liabilities that we have currently established for these potential liabilities may not be adequate. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Insurance Regulation — Guaranty Associations and Similar Arrangements” in the 2011 Annual Report.

State insurance regulators and the NAIC regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, that are made for the benefit of the consumer sometimes lead to additional expense for the insurer and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

U.S. Federal Regulation Affecting Insurance.  Currently, the U.S. federal government does not directly regulate the business of insurance. However, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) allows federal regulators to compel state insurance regulators to liquidate an insolvent insurer under some circumstances if the state regulators have not acted within a specific period. It also establishes the Federal Insurance Office within the Department of the Treasury, which has the authority to participate in the negotiations of international insurance agreements with foreign regulators for the U.S., as well as to collect information about the insurance industry and recommend prudential standards. While not having a general supervisory or regulatory authority over the business of insurance, the director of this office will perform various functions with respect to insurance, including serving as a non-voting member of the Financial Stability Oversight Counsel (“FSOC”) and making recommendations to the FSOC regarding insurers to be designated for more stringent regulation. The director is also required to submit a report to Congress regarding how to modernize and improve the system of insurance regulation in the United States, including by increasing national uniformity through either a federal charter or effective action by the states.

Federal legislation and administrative policies in several areas can significantly and adversely affect insurance companies. These areas include financial services regulation, securities regulation, derivatives regulation, mortgage regulation, pension regulation, health care regulation, privacy, tort reform legislation and taxation. In addition, various forms of direct and indirect federal regulation of insurance have been proposed from time to time, including proposals for the establishment of an optional federal charter for insurance companies. Other aspects of our insurance operations could also be affected by Dodd-Frank. For example, effective July 2012, Dodd-Frank imposes restrictions on the ability of affiliates of insured depository institutions (such as MetLife Bank) to engage in proprietary trading or sponsor or invest in hedge funds or private equity funds. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Dodd-Frank and Other Legislative and Regulatory Developments — Volcker Rule” in the 2011 Annual Report.

 

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Banking and Bank Holding Company Regulation. As a federally chartered national banking association, MetLife Bank is subject to a wide variety of banking laws, regulations and guidelines. Federal banking and consumer financial protection laws regulate most aspects of the business of MetLife Bank, but certain state laws may apply as well. MetLife Bank is principally regulated by the OCC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), and secondarily by the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FRB of NY” and, collectively with the Federal Reserve Board, the “Federal Reserve”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).

Federal banking laws and regulations address various aspects of MetLife Bank’s business and operations with respect to, among other things:

 

   

chartering to carry on business as a bank;

 

   

the permissibility of certain activities;

 

   

maintaining minimum capital ratios;

 

   

capital management in relation to the bank’s assets;

 

   

dividend payments and repurchases of securities, including common stock;

 

   

safety and soundness standards;

 

   

loan loss and other related liabilities;

 

   

liquidity;

 

   

financial reporting and disclosure standards;

 

   

counterparty credit concentration;

 

   

restrictions on related party and affiliate transactions;

 

   

lending limits (and, in addition, Dodd-Frank includes the credit exposures arising from securities lending by MetLife Bank within lending limits otherwise applicable to loans);

 

   

payment of interest;

 

   

unfair or deceptive acts or practices;

 

   

mortgage servicing practices;

 

   

privacy; and

 

   

relationships with MetLife, Inc. in its capacity as a bank holding company and potentially with other investors in connection with a change in control of MetLife Bank.

Federal banking regulators regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to banks and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, are often made for the benefit of the consumer at the expense of the bank and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of MetLife Bank.

From 2008 until January 2012, MetLife Bank significantly increased its mortgage servicing activities by acquiring servicing portfolios. Currently, MetLife Bank services approximately 1% of the aggregate principal amount of the mortgage loans serviced in the U.S. In January 2012, MetLife, Inc. announced that it is exiting the business of originating forward residential mortgages, but will continue to service its existing forward mortgage customers. In April 2012, MetLife, Inc. announced that it is exiting the reverse mortgage origination business and that it and MetLife Bank entered into a definitive agreement to sell MetLife Bank’s reverse mortgage servicing portfolio.

 

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State and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities have initiated various inquiries, investigations or examinations of alleged irregularities in the foreclosure practices of the residential mortgage servicing industry. Mortgage servicing practices have also been the subject of Congressional attention. Authorities have publicly stated that the scope of the investigations extends beyond foreclosure documentation practices to include mortgage loan modification and loss mitigation practices. See “Risk Factors — The Resolution of Several Issues Affecting the Financial Services Industry Could Have a Negative Impact on Our Reported Results or on Our Relations with Current and Potential Customers” in the 2011 Annual Report.

In addition, Dodd-Frank established the CFPB that supervises and regulates institutions providing certain financial products and services to consumers. Although the consumer financial services to which this legislation applies exclude insurance business of the kind in which we engage, the CFPB has authority to regulate consumer services provided by MetLife Bank and non-insurance consumer services provided elsewhere throughout MetLife. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Dodd-Frank and Other Legislative and Regulatory Developments — Consumer Protection Laws” in the 2011 Annual Report. We cannot predict how regulation by the CFPB might affect our business.

In December 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”) published its final rules for increased capital and liquidity requirements (commonly referred to as “Basel III”) for bank holding companies, such as MetLife, Inc. Assuming these requirements are endorsed and adopted by the U.S., they are to be phased in beginning January 1, 2013. It is possible that even more stringent capital and liquidity requirements could be imposed on us under Basel III and Dodd-Frank as long as MetLife, Inc. remains a bank holding company or if, in the future, it is designated by the FSOC as a non-bank financial company subject to enhanced supervision by the Federal Reserve Board (a “non-bank systemically important financial institution” or “non-bank SIFI”).

In December 2011, the Federal Reserve Board issued a notice of proposed rulemaking related to enhanced prudential standards required by Dodd-Frank (“Regulation YY”). Regulation YY would apply to bank holding companies with assets of $50 billion or more and non-bank SIFIs. The ability of MetLife Bank and MetLife, Inc. to pay dividends, repurchase common stock or other securities or engage in other transactions that could affect its capital or need for capital would be affected by any additional capital requirements that might be imposed as a result of the enactment of Dodd-Frank, Regulation YY and the endorsement and adoption by the U.S. of Basel III and other regulatory initiatives. See “Business — U.S. Regulation,” “Business — International Regulation” in the 2011 Annual Report and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Industry Trends.” The Basel Committee has also published rules requiring a capital surcharge for globally systemically important banks, which are to be phased in for U.S. banks beginning in 2016 and will become fully effective in 2019 if they are endorsed and adopted by the U.S. banking regulators.

The Federal Reserve’s capital plan rule requires all bank holding companies with assets of more than $50 billion, including MetLife, Inc., to submit annual capital plans which include projections of the company’s capital levels under baseline and stress scenarios over a nine-quarter period. The Federal Reserve will approve or object to a company’s proposed capital actions, such as dividends and stock repurchases, based on the results of those capital plans and the Federal Reserve’s assessment of the robustness of the company’s capital planning processes. In addition, in recent years the Federal Reserve has conducted the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (“CCAR”), an assessment of the internal capital planning processes, capital adequacy and proposed capital distributions of large bank holding companies, including MetLife, Inc. In January 2012, we submitted to the Federal Reserve a comprehensive capital plan, as mandated by the capital plan rule, and additional information required by CCAR 2012. The capital plan projected MetLife’s capital levels to the end of 2013 under baseline and stress scenarios, including a stress scenario developed and provided by the Federal Reserve as part of CCAR 2012. In March 2012, the Federal Reserve, based on its assessment, objected to MetLife’s incremental capital distribution plan, which included a proposed stock repurchase and dividend increase. If MetLife remains a bank holding company, or if it is designated a non-bank systemically important financial institution and is

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Reserve will approve its future capital plans. Capital planning requirements could have the effect, in practice, of increasing the amounts of capital held by companies subject to the requirements, including MetLife, which could affect their competitive position.

Under Dodd-Frank, all bank holding companies that have elected to be treated as financial holding companies, such as MetLife, Inc., are required to be “well capitalized” and “well managed” as defined by the Federal Reserve, on a consolidated basis, and not just at their depository institution(s), a higher standard than was applicable to financial holding companies before Dodd-Frank. If MetLife, Inc., or MetLife Bank is unable to meet these standards, we could be subject to activity restrictions, including restrictions on mergers and acquisitions, ultimately be required to divest certain operations and be restricted in our ability to pay dividends, repurchase common stock or other securities, or engage in transactions that could affect our capital or need for capital. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Dodd-Frank and Other Legislative and Regulatory Developments” in the 2011 Annual Report.

In December 2011, MetLife Bank and MetLife, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to sell most of the depository business of MetLife Bank to GE Capital Financial Inc. The transaction is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals from the OCC, the FDIC and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions (the “Utah DFI”) and to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. GE Capital Financial Inc. has filed applications with the FDIC and the Utah DFI seeking approval of the assumption of the deposits to be transferred to it, and MetLife Bank has filed applications with the OCC seeking approval to change the composition of substantially all of MetLife Bank’s assets and with the FDIC to terminate MetLife Bank’s FDIC deposit insurance contingent upon certification that MetLife Bank has no remaining deposits (which is dependent on the assumption by GE Capital Financial Inc. of the deposits to be transferred to it). The parties have responded to questions on their applications from the staff of the OCC, the FDIC and the Utah DFI, and are awaiting action by these regulators on their applications. Upon completion of MetLife Bank’s exit from its depository business and termination of its FDIC insurance and MetLife, Inc.’s deregistration as a bank holding company, we will no longer be regulated as a bank holding company or subject to enhanced supervision and prudential standards as a bank holding company with assets of $50 billion or more. However, if, in the future, the FSOC designates MetLife, Inc. as a non-bank SIFI, we would once again be subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve and enhanced supervision and prudential standards, such as Regulation YY. In April 2012, the FSOC adopted final rules setting forth the process it will follow and the criteria it will use to assess whether a non-bank financial company should be subject to enhanced supervision by the Federal Reserve as a non-bank SIFI. The FSOC will follow a three-stage process. In Stage 1, a set of uniform quantitative metrics will be applied to a broad group of non-bank financial companies in order to identify non-bank financial companies for further evaluation. If MetLife, Inc. meets the consolidated assets threshold and at least one of the other five quantitative thresholds used in the first stage, the FSOC will continue with two stages of further analysis using additional sources of data and qualitative and quantitative factors. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Financial Holding Company Regulation” in the 2011 Annual Report and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Industry Trends.”

The FDIC has the right to assess FDIC-insured banks for funds to help pay the obligations of insolvent banks to depositors. Because the amount and timing of an assessment is beyond our control, the liabilities that we have currently established for these potential liabilities may not be adequate. In addition, Dodd-Frank will result in increased assessments for banks with assets of $10 billion or more, which includes MetLife Bank. In addition, large bank holding companies and non-bank SIFIs can be assessed under Dodd-Frank for any uncovered costs arising in connection with the resolution of a systemically important financial company and, under a proposal of the U.S. Treasury published on January 3, 2012, will be assessed to cover the expenses of the Office of Financial Research, an agency established by Dodd-Frank to improve the quality of financial data available to policymakers and facilitate more robust and sophisticated analysis of the financial system.

Regulation of Brokers and Dealers. Dodd-Frank also authorizes the SEC to establish a standard of conduct applicable to brokers and dealers when providing personalized investment advice to retail and other customers. This standard of conduct would be to act in the best interest of the customer without regard to the financial or

 

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other interest of the broker or dealer providing the advice. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Securities, Broker-Dealer and Investment Adviser Regulation” and “Risk Factors — Changes in U.S. Federal and State Securities Laws and Regulations, and State Insurance Regulations Regarding Suitability of Annuity Product Sales, May Affect Our Operations and Our Profitability” in the 2011 Annual Report.

International Regulation. Our international insurance operations are principally regulated by insurance regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions in which they are located or operate. See “Business — International Regulation” and “Risk Factors — Our International Operations Face Political, Legal, Operational and Other Risks, Including Exposure to Local and Regional Economic Conditions, That Could Negatively Affect Those Operations or Our Profitability” in the 2011 Annual Report. A significant portion of our revenues is generated through operations in foreign jurisdictions, including many countries in early stages of economic and political development. Our international operations may be materially adversely affected by the actions and decisions of foreign authorities and regulators, such as through nationalization or expropriation of assets, the imposition of limits on foreign ownership of local companies, changes in laws (including tax laws and regulations), their application or interpretation, political instability, dividend limitations, price controls, changes in applicable currency, currency exchange controls or other restrictions that prevent us from transferring funds from these operations out of the countries in which they operate or converting local currencies we hold to U.S. dollars or other currencies. This may also impact many of our customers and independent sales intermediaries. Changes in the regulations that affect their operations also may affect our business relationships with them and their ability to purchase or distribute our products. Accordingly, these changes and actions may negatively affect our business in these jurisdictions.

We are also subject to the evolving Solvency II insurance regulatory directive for each of our insurance operations throughout the European Economic Area. As requirements are finalized by the regulators, capital requirements might be impacted in a number of jurisdictions. In addition, our legal entity structure throughout Europe may impact our capital requirements, risk management infrastructure and reporting by country.

We expect the scope and extent of regulation outside of the U.S., as well as regulatory oversight, generally to continue to increase. The authority of our international operations to conduct business is subject to licensing requirements, permits and approvals, and these authorizations are subject to modification and revocation. The regulatory environment in the countries in which we operate and changes in laws could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. See “Risk Factors — Our International Operations Face Political, Legal, Operational and Other Risks, Including Exposure to Local and Regional Economic Conditions, That Could Negatively Affect Those Operations or Our Profitability” and “Business — International Regulation” in the 2011 Annual Report.

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is time consuming and personnel-intensive, and changes in these laws and regulations may materially increase our direct and indirect compliance and other expenses of doing business, thus having a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Summary. From time to time, regulators raise issues during examinations or audits of MetLife, Inc.’s regulated subsidiaries that could, if determined adversely, have a material impact on us. We cannot predict whether or when regulatory actions may be taken that could adversely affect our operations. In addition, the interpretations of regulations by regulators may change and statutes may be enacted with retroactive impact, particularly in areas such as accounting or statutory reserve requirements. We are also subject to other regulations and may in the future become subject to additional regulations. See “Business — U.S. Regulation” and “Business — International Regulation” in the 2011 Annual Report.

Changes in Market Interest Rates May Significantly Affect Our Profitability

Some of our products, principally traditional whole life insurance, fixed annuities and guaranteed interest contracts, expose us to the risk that changes in interest rates will reduce our investment margin or “spread,” or the difference between the amounts that we are required to pay under the contracts in our general account and the

 

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rate of return we are able to earn on general account investments intended to support obligations under the contracts. Our spread is a key component of our net income.

As interest rates decrease or remain at low levels, we may be forced to reinvest proceeds from investments that have matured or have been prepaid or sold at lower yields, reducing our investment margin. Moreover, borrowers may prepay or redeem the fixed income securities, commercial or agricultural mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities in our investment portfolio with greater frequency in order to borrow at lower market rates, which exacerbates this risk. Lowering interest crediting rates can help offset decreases in investment margins on some products. However, our ability to lower these rates could be limited by competition or contractually guaranteed minimum rates and may not match the timing or magnitude of changes in asset yields. As a result, our spread could decrease or potentially become negative. Our expectation for future spreads is an important component in the amortization of DAC and value of business acquired (“VOBA”), and significantly lower spreads may cause us to accelerate amortization, thereby reducing net income in the affected reporting period. In addition, during periods of declining interest rates, life insurance and annuity products may be relatively more attractive investments to consumers, resulting in increased premium payments on products with flexible premium features, repayment of policy loans and increased persistency, or a higher percentage of insurance policies remaining in force from year to year, during a period when our new investments carry lower returns. A decline in market interest rates could also reduce our return on investments that do not support particular policy obligations. During periods of sustained lower interest rates, policy liabilities may not be sufficient to meet future policy obligations and may need to be strengthened. Accordingly, declining and sustained lower interest rates may materially affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows and significantly reduce our profitability. In March 2012, the Federal Reserve Board reiterated its plans to keep interest rates low until at least through late 2014.

Increases in market interest rates could also negatively affect our profitability. In periods of rapidly increasing interest rates, we may not be able to replace, in a timely manner, the investments in our general account with higher yielding investments needed to fund the higher crediting rates necessary to keep interest sensitive products competitive. We, therefore, may have to accept a lower spread and, thus, lower profitability or face a decline in sales and greater loss of existing contracts and related assets. In addition, policy loans, surrenders and withdrawals may tend to increase as policyholders seek investments with higher perceived returns as interest rates rise. This process may result in cash outflows requiring that we sell investments at a time when the prices of those investments are adversely affected by the increase in market interest rates, which may result in realized investment losses. Unanticipated withdrawals and terminations may cause us to accelerate the amortization of DAC and VOBA, which reduces net income and may also cause us to accelerate negative VOBA, which increases net income. An increase in market interest rates could also have a material adverse effect on the value of our investment portfolio, for example, by decreasing the estimated fair values of the fixed income securities that comprise a substantial portion of our investment portfolio. Finally, an increase in interest rates could result in decreased fee income associated with a decline in the value of variable annuity account balances invested in fixed income funds.

If Our Business Does Not Perform Well or if Actual Experience Versus Estimates Used in Valuing and Amortizing DAC, Deferred Sales Inducements (“DSI”) and VOBA Vary Significantly, We May Be Required to Accelerate the Amortization and/or Impair the DAC, DSI and VOBA Which Could Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations or Financial Condition

We incur significant costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal insurance business. Costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance business are deferred as DAC. Bonus amounts credited to certain policyholders, either immediately upon receiving a deposit or as excess interest credits for a period of time, are referred to as DSI. The recovery of DAC and DSI is dependent upon the future profitability of the related business. The amount of future profit or margin is dependent principally on investment returns in excess of the amounts credited to policyholders, mortality, morbidity, persistency, interest crediting rates, dividends paid to policyholders, expenses to administer the business, creditworthiness of reinsurance counterparties and certain economic variables, such as inflation. Of these factors, we anticipate that investment

 

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returns are most likely to impact the rate of amortization of such costs. The aforementioned factors enter into management’s estimates of gross profits or margins, which generally are used to amortize such costs.

If the estimates of gross profits or margins were overstated, then the amortization of such costs would be accelerated in the period the actual experience is known and would result in a charge to income. Significant or sustained equity market declines could result in an acceleration of amortization of DAC and DSI related to variable annuity and variable universal life contracts, resulting in a charge to income. Such adjustments could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

VOBA represents the excess of book value over the estimated fair value of acquired insurance, annuity, and investment-type contracts in-force at the acquisition date. The estimated fair value of the acquired liabilities is based on actuarially determined projections, by each block of business, of future policy and contract charges, premiums, mortality and morbidity, separate account performance, surrenders, operating expenses, investment returns, nonperformance risk adjustment and other factors. Actual experience on the purchased business may vary from these projections. Revisions to estimates result in changes to the amounts expensed in the reporting period in which the revisions are made and could result in a charge to income. Also, as VOBA is amortized similarly to DAC and DSI, an acceleration of the amortization of VOBA would occur if the estimates of gross profits or margins were overstated. Accordingly, the amortization of such costs would be accelerated in the period in which the actual experience is known and would result in a charge to net income. Significant or sustained equity market declines could result in an acceleration of amortization of the VOBA related to variable annuity and variable universal life contracts, resulting in a charge to income. Such adjustments could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. See “Risk Factors— Changes in Accounting Standards Issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or Other Standard-Setting Bodies May Adversely Affect Our Financial Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired” in the 2011 Annual Report, and Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further consideration of DAC and VOBA.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Purchases of common stock made by or on behalf of MetLife, Inc. or its affiliates during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 are set forth below:

 

Period

   (a) Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
     (b) Average Price
Paid per Share
     (c) Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
     (d) Maximum Number
(or Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares that
May Yet
Be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs (2)
 

January 1 — January 31, 2012

     1,201       $ 34.44         —         $ 1,260,735,127   

February 1 — February 29, 2012

     11,391       $ 37.89         —         $ 1,260,735,127   

March 1 — March 31, 2012

     11,528       $ 38.14         —         $ 1,260,735,127   

 

 

(1)

During the periods January 1 through January 31, 2012, February 1 through February 29, 2012 and March 1 through March 31, 2012, separate account and other affiliates of MetLife, Inc. purchased 1,201 shares, 11,391 shares and 11,528 shares, respectively, of common stock on the open market in nondiscretionary transactions to rebalance index funds. Except as disclosed above, there were no shares of common stock which were repurchased by MetLife, Inc.

 

(2)

At March 31, 2012, MetLife, Inc. had $1.3 billion remaining under its common stock repurchase program authorizations. In April 2008, MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $1.0 billion common stock repurchase program, which will begin after the completion of the January 2008 $1.0 billion

 

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common stock repurchase program, of which $261 million remained outstanding at March 31, 2012. Under these authorizations, MetLife, Inc. may purchase its common stock from the MetLife Policyholder Trust, in the open market (including pursuant to the terms of a pre-set trading plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and in privately negotiated transactions. Any future common stock repurchases will be dependent upon several factors, including the Company’s capital position, its liquidity, its financial strength and credit ratings, general market conditions and the market price of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock compared to management’s assessment of the stock’s underlying value and applicable regulatory approvals, as well as other legal and accounting factors. See “Risk Factors — Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Business are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth — Banking and Bank Holding Company Regulation.”

 

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Item 6.  Exhibits

(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and MetLife, Inc.’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.)

 

Exhibit

No.

 

Description

  31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31.2   Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.2   Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

METLIFE, INC.

By

 

/s/ Peter M. Carlson

 

Name:

 

Peter M. Carlson

 

Title:

 

Executive Vice President, Finance

Operations and Chief Accounting Officer

(Authorized Signatory and Principal

Accounting Officer)

Date: May 8, 2012

 

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Exhibit Index

(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and MetLife, Inc.’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.)

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

  31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31.2    Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.2    Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

E-1