MetLife
MET
#478
Rank
$50.97 B
Marketcap
$77.36
Share price
-1.94%
Change (1 day)
-5.08%
Change (1 year)

MetLife - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
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 JUNE 30, 2009
OR
o
 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
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 13-4075851
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
200 Park Avenue, New York, NY
(Address of principal executive offices)
 10166-0188
(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 o
 
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 ofRegulation 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 o
 
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 Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
   
Large accelerated filer þ
 Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting companyo
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
At July 31, 2009, 818,638,951 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding.
 


 


Table of Contents

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q,including the 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. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts
 
In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report onForm 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 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:
 
  • 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;
 
  • 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;
 
  • may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and
 
  • 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. and its subsidiaries may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report onForm 10-Qand MetLife, Inc.’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.


3


Table of Contents

 
Part I — Financial Information
 
Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008

(In millions, except share and per share data)
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
 
Assets
        
Investments:
        
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $225,494 and $209,508, respectively)
 $211,563  $188,251 
Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: $3,679 and $4,131, respectively)
  3,045   3,197 
Trading securities, at estimated fair value (cost: $1,523 and $1,107, respectively)
  1,471   946 
Mortgage and consumer loans:
        
Held-for-investment, at amortized cost (net of valuation allowances of $543 and $304, respectively)
  48,229   49,352 
Held-for-sale, principally at estimated fair value
  4,271   2,012 
         
Mortgage and consumer loans, net
  52,500   51,364 
Policy loans
  9,907   9,802 
Real estate and real estate joint ventures held-for-investment
  7,295   7,585 
Real estate held-for-sale
  1   1 
Other limited partnership interests
  5,193   6,039 
Short-term investments
  8,117   13,878 
Other invested assets
  13,071   17,248 
         
Total investments
  312,163   298,311 
Cash and cash equivalents
  13,213   24,207 
Accrued investment income
  3,019   3,061 
Premiums and other receivables
  16,730   16,973 
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
  20,323   20,144 
Current income tax recoverable
  253    
Deferred income tax assets
  3,856   4,927 
Goodwill
  5,036   5,008 
Other assets
  7,896   7,262 
Assets of subsidiaries held-for-sale
     946 
Separate account assets
  126,968   120,839 
         
Total assets
 $509,457  $501,678 
         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
        
Liabilities:
        
Future policy benefits
 $132,823  $130,555 
Policyholder account balances
  147,883   149,805 
Other policyholder funds
  8,319   7,762 
Policyholder dividends payable
  881   1,023 
Short-term debt
  4,757   2,659 
Long-term debt
  12,940   9,667 
Collateral financing arrangements
  5,297   5,192 
Junior subordinated debt securities
  2,691   3,758 
Current income tax payable
     342 
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
  24,607   31,059 
Other liabilities
  14,679   14,284 
Liabilities of subsidiaries held-for-sale
     748 
Separate account liabilities
  126,968   120,839 
         
Total liabilities
  481,845   477,693 
         
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 11)
        
Stockholders’ 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; 822,359,818 shares and 798,016,664 shares issued at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively; 818,586,271 shares and 793,629,070 shares outstanding at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively
  8   8 
Additional paid-in capital
  16,849   15,811 
Retained earnings
  20,472   22,403 
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,773,547 shares and 4,387,594 shares at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively
  (203)  (236)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  (9,834)  (14,253)
         
Total MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity
  27,293   23,734 
Noncontrolling interests
  319   251 
         
Total equity
  27,612   23,985 
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 $509,457  $501,678 
         
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


4


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
For the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share data)
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
 
Revenues
                
Premiums
 $6,576  $6,340  $12,698  $12,631 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  1,216   1,396   2,399   2,793 
Net investment income
  3,731   4,319   6,994   8,616 
Other revenues
  572   351   1,126   720 
Net investment gains (losses):
                
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
  (566)  (139)  (1,119)  (213)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive loss
  234      234    
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  (3,497)  (218)  (3,850)  (874)
                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
  (3,829)  (357)  (4,735)  (1,087)
                 
Total revenues
  8,266   12,049   18,482   23,673 
                 
Expenses
                
Policyholder benefits and claims
  6,946   6,579   13,528   13,162 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  1,229   1,196   2,397   2,429 
Policyholder dividends
  434   446   858   875 
Other expenses
  2,031   2,607   5,033   5,154 
                 
Total expenses
  10,640   10,828   21,816   21,620 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax
  (2,374)  1,221   (3,334)  2,053 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
  (956)  342   (1,332)  549 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  (1,418)  879   (2,002)  1,504 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
     117   36   152 
                 
Net income (loss)
  (1,418)  996   (1,966)  1,656 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
  (16)  50   (20)  62 
                 
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
  (1,402)  946   (1,946)  1,594 
Less: Preferred stock dividends
  31   31   61   64 
                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $(1,433) $915  $(2,007) $1,530 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share:
                
Basic
 $(1.74) $1.19  $(2.50) $2.03 
                 
Diluted
 $(1.74) $1.18  $(2.50) $1.99 
                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share:
                
Basic
 $(1.74) $1.28  $(2.46) $2.14 
                 
Diluted
 $(1.74) $1.26  $(2.46) $2.10 
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


5


Table of Contents

 
 
                                                 
                 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss          
                 Net
                   
                 Unrealized
     Foreign
  Defined
  Total
       
        Additional
     Treasury
  Investment
  Other-Than-
  Currency
  Benefit
  MetLife, Inc.’s
       
  Preferred
  Common
  Paid-in
  Retained
  Stock at
  Gains
  Temporary
  Translation
  Plans
  Stockholders’
  Noncontrolling
  Total
 
  Stock  Stock  Capital  Earnings  Cost  (Losses)  Impairments  Adjustments  Adjustment  Equity  Interests  Equity 
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
 $1  $8  $15,811  $22,403  $(236) $(12,564) $  $(246) $(1,443) $23,734  $251  $23,985 
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle, net of income tax (Note 1)
              76           (76)                    
Common stock issuance — newly issued shares
          1,035                           1,035       1,035 
Treasury stock transactions, net
          2       33                   35       35 
Deferral of stock-based compensation
          1                           1       1 
Dividends on preferred stock
              (61)                      (61)      (61)
Change in equity of noncontrolling interests
                                          95   95 
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                
Net loss
              (1,946)                      (1,946)  (20)  (1,966)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax
                      (57)              (57)      (57)
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets and income tax
                      4,624   (145)          4,479   (7)  4,472 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax
                              (6)      (6)      (6)
Defined benefit plans adjustment, net of income tax
                                  79   79       79 
                                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                                      4,495   (7)  4,488 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
                                      2,549   (27)  2,522 
                                                 
Balance at June 30, 2009
 $1  $8  $16,849  $20,472  $(203) $(7,997) $(221) $(252) $(1,364) $27,293  $319  $27,612 
                                                 
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


6


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (Unaudited) — (Continued)

(In millions)
 
                                                 
                 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss             
                 Net
                   
                 Unrealized
  Foreign
  Defined
  Total
          
        Additional
     Treasury
  Investment
  Currency
  Benefit
  MetLife, Inc.’s
  Noncontrolling Interests    
  Preferred
  Common
  Paid-in
  Retained
  Stock
  Gains
  Translation
  Plans
  Stockholders’
  Discontinued
  Continuing
  Total
 
  Stock  Stock  Capital  Earnings  at Cost  (Losses)  Adjustments  Adjustment  Equity  Operations  Operations  Equity 
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
 $1  $8  $17,098  $19,884  $(2,890) $971  $347  $(240) $35,179  $1,534  $272  $36,985 
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, net of income tax
              27       (10)          17           17 
                                                 
Balance at January 1, 2008
  1   8   17,098   19,911   (2,890)  961   347   (240)  35,196   1,534   272   37,002 
Treasury stock transactions, net
          408       (1,157)              (749)          (749)
Deferral of stock-based compensation
          141                       141           141 
Dividends on preferred stock
              (64)                  (64)          (64)
Dividends on subsidiary common stock
                                      (16)      (16)
Change in equity of noncontrolling interests
                                      14   (65)  (51)
Comprehensive loss:
                                                
Net income
              1,594                   1,594   71   (9)  1,656 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax
                      (33)          (33)          (33)
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets and income tax
                      (3,624)          (3,624)  (128)  (7)  (3,759)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax
                          80       80   (3)      77 
                                                 
Other comprehensive loss
                                  (3,577)  (131)  (7)  (3,715)
                                                 
Comprehensive loss
                                  (1,983)  (60)  (16)  (2,059)
                                                 
Balance at June 30, 2008
 $1  $8  $17,647  $21,441  $(4,047) $(2,696) $427  $(240) $32,541  $1,472  $191  $34,204 
                                                 
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


7


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)

(In millions)
 
         
  Six Months
 
  Ended
 
  June 30, 
  2009  2008 
 
Cash flows from operating activities
        
Net income (loss)
 $(1,966) $1,656 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
        
Depreciation and amortization expenses
  259   334 
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts associated with investments, net
  (287)  (526)
Loss from sales of investments and businesses, net
  4,687   1,226 
Undistributed equity earnings of real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests
  857   (66)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  2,400   2,576 
Interest credited to bank deposits
  84   84 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  (2,413)  (2,838)
Change in accrued investment income
  43   309 
Change in premiums and other receivables
  (997)  (569)
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs, net
  (914)  (643)
Change in insurance-related liabilities
  2,434   2,727 
Change in trading securities
  (459)  (167)
Change in residential mortgage loans held-for-sale, net
  (2,291)   
Change in mortgage servicing rights
  (479)   
Change in income tax payable
  (1,675)  243 
Change in other assets
  (463)  904 
Change in other liabilities
  (96)  157 
Other, net
  49   11 
         
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
  (1,227)  5,418 
         
Cash flows from investing activities
        
Sales, maturities and repayments of:
        
Fixed maturity securities
  31,711   46,828 
Equity securities
  1,154   786 
Mortgage and consumer loans
  3,015   3,066 
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
  7   119 
Other limited partnership interests
  640   380 
Purchases of:
        
Fixed maturity securities
  (47,052)  (52,188)
Equity securities
  (1,102)  (705)
Mortgage and consumer loans
  (2,076)  (5,205)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
  (213)  (622)
Other limited partnership interests
  (413)  (880)
Net change in short-term investments
  5,761   684 
Net change in other invested assets
  (59)  (1,013)
Net change in policy loans
  (105)  (345)
Purchases of businesses, net of cash received of $0 and $44, respectively
     (350)
Sales of businesses, net of cash disposed of $180 and $0, respectively
  (46)  (4)
Other, net
  (103)  (74)
         
Net cash used in investing activities
 $(8,881) $(9,523)
         
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


8


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — (Continued)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)

(In millions)
 
         
  Six Months
 
  Ended
 
  June 30, 
  2009  2008 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
        
Policyholder account balances:
        
Deposits
 $62,300  $29,146 
Withdrawals
  (62,086)  (23,082)
Net change in short-term debt
  2,098   (44)
Long-term debt issued
  2,225   117 
Long-term debt repaid
  (134)  (66)
Collateral financing arrangements issued
  105   115 
Cash received in connection with collateral financing arrangement
  400    
Cash paid in connection with collateral financing arrangement
  (400)   
Junior subordinated debt securities issued
     750 
Debt issuance costs
  (17)  (9)
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
  (6,452)  1,843 
Stock options exercised
  1   31 
Common stock issued to settle stock forward contracts
  1,035    
Treasury stock acquired
     (1,250)
Dividends on preferred stock
  (61)  (64)
Other, net
  (16)  8 
         
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
  (1,002)  7,495 
         
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash balances
  84   57 
         
Change in cash and cash equivalents
  (11,026)  3,447 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
  24,239   10,368 
         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 $13,213  $13,815 
         
Cash and cash equivalents, subsidiaries held-for-sale, beginning of period
 $32  $407 
         
Cash and cash equivalents, subsidiaries held-for-sale, end of period
 $  $401 
         
Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, beginning of period
 $24,207  $9,961 
         
Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, end of period
 $13,213  $13,414 
         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
        
Net cash paid during the period for:
        
Interest
 $475  $572 
         
Income tax
 $195  $315 
         
Non-cash transactions during the period:
        
Business acquisitions:
        
Assets acquired
 $  $1,411 
Cash paid
     (394)
         
Liabilities assumed
 $  $1,017 
         
Business disposition:
        
Assets disposed
 $841  $ 
Less: liabilities disposed
  740    
         
Net assets disposed
  101    
Less: cash disposed
  180    
         
Business disposition, net of cash disposed
 $(79) $ 
         
Remarketing of debt securities:
        
Fixed maturity securities redeemed
 $32  $ 
         
Long-term debt issued
 $1,035  $ 
         
Junior subordinated debt securities redeemed
 $1,067  $ 
         
Real estate and real estate joint ventures acquired in satisfaction of debt
 $172  $ 
         
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


9


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
 
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 (the “Holding Company”), and its subsidiaries, including Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”). MetLife is a leading provider of insurance, employee benefits and financial services with operations throughout the United States and the Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife offers life insurance, annuities, auto and home insurance, retail banking and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions.
 
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. The most critical estimates include those used in determining:
 
  (i) the estimated fair value of investments in the absence of quoted market values;
 
  (ii) investment impairments;
 
  (iii) the recognition of income on certain investment entities;
 
  (iv) the application of the consolidation rules to certain investments;
 
  (v) the existence and estimated fair value of embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation;
 
  (vi) the estimated fair value of and accounting for derivatives;
 
  (vii) the capitalization and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and the establishment and amortization of value of business acquired (“VOBA”);
 
  (viii) the measurement of goodwill and related impairment, if any;
 
  (ix) the liability for future policyholder benefits;
 
  (x) accounting for income taxes and the valuation of deferred income tax assets;
 
  (xi) accounting for reinsurance transactions;
 
  (xii) accounting for employee benefit plans; and
 
  (xiii) the liability for litigation and regulatory matters.
 
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 businesses and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Holding Company and its subsidiaries as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control. Closed block assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are combined on aline-by-linebasis with the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses outside the closed block based on the nature of the particular item. See Note 8. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
In addition, the Company has invested in certain structured transactions that are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46(r), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities — An Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51. These structured


10


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
transactions include reinsurance trusts, asset-backed securitizations, trust preferred securities, joint ventures, limited partnerships and limited liability companies. The Company is required to consolidate those VIEs for which it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The Company reconsiders whether it is the primary beneficiary for investments designated as VIEs on a quarterly basis.
 
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 equity 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 have been reclassified to conform with the 2009 presentation. Such reclassifications include $57 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 relating to the effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash balances. These amounts were reclassified from cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2008. See also Note 17 for reclassifications related to discontinued operations.
 
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company at June 30, 2009, its consolidated results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, its consolidated cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, and its consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2008 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in MetLife’s Annual Report onForm 10-Kfor the year ended December 31, 2008, as amended onForm 8-Kon June 12, 2009, (the “2008 Annual Report”) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which includes 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 2008 Annual Report.
 
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
Financial Instruments
 
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company adopted FASB Staff Position (“FSP”)No. FAS 115-2andFAS 124-2,Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments(“FSP 115-2”).FSP 115-2amends the recognition guidance for determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) exists for fixed maturity securities, changes the presentation of OTTI for fixed maturity securities and requires additional disclosures for OTTI on fixed maturity and equity securities in interim and annual financial statements.FSP 115-2requires that an OTTI be recognized in earnings for a fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position when it is anticipated that the amortized cost will not be recovered. In such situations, the OTTI recognized in earnings is the entire difference between the fixed maturity security’s amortized cost and its fair value only when either (1) the Company has the intent to sell the fixed maturity security or (2) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of the decline in fair value below amortized cost. If neither of these two conditions exists, the difference between the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security and the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected is recognized as an OTTI in earnings (“credit loss”). If fair value is less than the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected, this portion of OTTI related to other-than credit factors (“noncredit loss”) is recorded as other comprehensive income (loss). When an unrealized loss on a fixed maturity security is considered temporary, the Company continues to record the unrealized loss in other comprehensive income (loss) and not in earnings. There was no change for equity


11


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
securities which, when an OTTI has occurred, continue to be impaired for the entire difference between the equity security’s cost or amortized cost and its fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings.
 
Prior to the adoption of this new guidance, the Company recognized in earnings an OTTI for a fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position unless it could assert that it had both the intent and ability to hold the fixed maturity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery of fair value to the security’s amortized cost basis. Also prior to the adoption ofFSP 115-2,the entire difference between the fixed maturity security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value was recognized in earnings if it was determined to have an OTTI.
 
The Company’s net cumulative effect adjustment of adoptingFSP 115-2was an increase of $76 million to retained earnings with a corresponding increase to accumulated other comprehensive loss to reclassify the noncredit loss portion of previously recognized OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities held at April 1, 2009. This cumulative effect adjustment was comprised of an increase in the amortized cost basis of fixed maturity securities of $126 million, net of policyholder related amounts of $10 million and net of deferred income taxes of $40 million, resulting in the net cumulative effect adjustment of $76 million. The increase in amortized cost basis of fixed maturity securities of $126 million by sector was as follows: $53 million - asset-backed securities, $43 million — residential mortgage-backed securities, $17 million — U.S. corporate securities, and $13 million — commercial mortgage-backed securities.
 
As a result of the adoption ofFSP 115-2,the Company’s pre-tax earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2009 increased by $216 million offset by an increase in other comprehensive loss representing OTTI relating to noncredit losses recognized in the three months period ended June 30, 2009.
 
The enhanced financial statement presentation required byFSP 115-2of the total OTTI loss and the offset for the portion of non credit OTTI loss transferred to and recognized in other comprehensive loss is presented in the consolidated statements of income and stockholders’ equity. The enhanced disclosures required byFSP 115-2are included in Note 3.
 
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company adopted two FSPs providing additional guidance relating to fair value measurement and disclosure.
 
  • FSPNo. FAS 157-4,Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly(“FSP 157-4”),provides guidance on (1) estimating the fair value of an asset or liability if there was a significant decrease in the volume and level of trading activity for these assets or liabilities and (2) identifying transactions that are not orderly. Further,FSP 157-4requires disclosure in interim financial statements of the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The adoption ofFSP 157-4did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the Company has provided all of the material required disclosures in its consolidated financial statements.
 
  • FSPNo. FAS 107-1and APB28-1,Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires interim financial instrument fair value disclosures similar to those included in annual financial statements. The Company has provided all of the material required disclosures in its consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted prospectively FSPNo. FAS 140-3,Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions(“FSP 140-3”).FSP 140-3provides guidance for evaluating whether to account for a transfer of a financial asset and repurchase financing as a single transaction or as two separate transactions. At adoption,FSP 140-3did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Business Combinations and Noncontrolling Interests
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations — A Replacement of FASB Statement No. 141(“SFAS 141(r)”),


12


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
FSP 141(r)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (“FSP 141(r)-1”) and SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — An Amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”). Under this new guidance:
 
  • All business combinations (whether full, partial or “step” acquisitions) result in all assets and liabilities of an acquired business being recorded at fair value, with limited exceptions.
 
  • Acquisition costs are generally expensed as incurred; restructuring costs associated with a business combination are generally expensed as incurred subsequent to the acquisition date.
 
  • The fair value of the purchase price, including the issuance of equity securities, is determined on the acquisition date.
 
  • Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are recognized at fair value if the acquisition-date fair value can be reasonably determined. If the fair value is not estimable, an asset or liability is recorded if existence or incurrence at the acquisition date is probable and its amount is reasonably estimable.
 
  • Changes in deferred income tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally affect income tax expense.
 
  • Noncontrolling interests (formerly known as “minority interests”) are valued at fair value at the acquisition date and are presented as equity rather than liabilities.
 
  • Net income includes amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests.
 
  • When control is attained on previously noncontrolling interests, the previously held equity interests are remeasured at fair value and a gain or loss is recognized.
 
  • Purchases or sales of equity interests that do not result in a change in control are accounted for as equity transactions.
 
  • When control is lost in a partial disposition, realized gains or losses are recorded on equity ownership sold and the remaining ownership interest is remeasured and holding gains or losses are recognized.
 
The adoption of SFAS 141(r) and FSP 141(r)-1 on a prospective basis did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Financial statements and disclosures for periods prior to 2009 reflect the retrospective application of the accounting for noncontrolling interests as required under SFAS 160.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted prospectively Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) IssueNo. 08-6,Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations(“EITF 08-6”).EITF 08-6addresses a number of issues associated with the impact that SFAS 141(r) and SFAS 160 might have on the accounting for equity method investments, including how an equity method investment should initially be measured, how it should be tested for impairment, and how changes in classification from equity method to cost method should be treated. The adoption ofEITF 08-6did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted prospectively EITF IssueNo. 08-7,Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets(“EITF 08-7”).EITF 08-7requires that an acquired defensive intangible asset (i.e., an asset an entity does not intend to actively use, but rather, intends to prevent others from using) be accounted for as a separate unit of accounting at time of acquisition, not combined with the acquirer’s existing intangible assets. In addition, the EITF concludes that a defensive intangible asset may not be considered immediately abandoned following its acquisition or have indefinite life. The adoption ofEITF 08-7did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted prospectively FSPNo. FAS 142-3,Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets(“FSP 142-3”).FSP 142-3amends the factors that should be considered in


13


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”). This change is intended to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141(r) and other GAAP. The Company will determine useful lives and provide all of the material required disclosures prospectively on intangible assets acquired on or after January 1, 2009 in accordance withFSP 142-3.The adoption ofFSP 142-3did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Other Pronouncements
 
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company prospectively adopted SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events(“SFAS 165”). SFAS 165 establishes general standards for accounting and disclosures of events that occur subsequent to the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. SFAS 165 also requires disclosure of the date through which management has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. The Company has provided all of the material required disclosures in its consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires enhanced qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The Company has provided all of the material required disclosures in its consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company implemented guidance of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements(“SFAS 157”), for certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. This guidance which applies to such items as (i) nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities initially measured at estimated fair value in a business combination, (ii) reporting units measured at estimated fair value in the first step of a goodwill impairment test and (iii) indefinite-lived intangible assets measured at estimated fair value for impairment assessment, was previously deferred underFSP 157-2,Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157(“FSP 157-2”).The adoption ofFSP 157-2did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted prospectively EITF IssueNo. 08-5,Issuer’s Accounting for Liabilities Measured at Fair Value with a Third-Party Credit Enhancement(“EITF 08-5”).EITF 08-5concludes that an issuer of a liability with a third-party credit enhancement should not include the effect of the credit enhancement in the fair value measurement of the liability. In addition,EITF 08-5requires disclosures about the existence of any third-party credit enhancement related to liabilities that are measured at fair value. The adoption ofEITF 08-5did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted EITF IssueNo. 07-5,Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock(“EITF 07-5”).EITF 07-5provides a framework for evaluating the terms of a particular instrument and whether such terms qualify the instrument as being indexed to an entity’s own stock. The adoption ofEITF 07-5did not have an impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued two standards providing additional guidance on financial instrument transfers and evaluation of special purpose entities for consolidation. The standards must be adopted in the first quarter of 2010.
 
  • SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets (“SFAS 166”) eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special purpose entity,” eliminates the guaranteed mortgage securitization exception, changes


14


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
the criteria for achieving sale accounting when transferring a financial asset and changes the initial recognition of retained beneficial interests. SFAS 166 also requires additional disclosures about transfers of financial assets, including securitized transactions, as well as a company’s continuing involvement in transferred financial assets. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 166 on its consolidated financial statements.
 
  • SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (“SFAS 167”) changes the determination of the primary beneficiary of a VIE from a quantitative model to a qualitative model. Under the new qualitative model, the primary beneficiary must have both the ability to direct the activities of the VIE and the obligation to absorb either losses or gains that could be significant to the VIE. SFAS 167 also changes when reassessment is needed, as well as requires enhanced disclosures, including the effects of a company’s involvement with VIEs on its financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 167 on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSPNo. FAS 132(r)-1,Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (“FSP 132(r)-1”). FSP 132(r)-1 amends SFAS No. 132(r), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, to enhance the transparency surrounding the types of assets and associated risks in an employer’s defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plan. The FSP requires an employer to disclose information about the valuation of plan assets similar to that required under SFAS 157.FSP 132(r)-1is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The Company will provide the required disclosures in the appropriate future annual periods.
 
2.  Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
Disposition of Texas Life Insurance Company
 
On March 2, 2009, the Company sold Cova Corporation (“Cova”), the parent company of Texas Life Insurance Company (“Texas Life”) to a third party for $134 million in cash consideration, excluding $1 million of transaction costs. The net assets sold were $101 million, resulting in a gain on disposal of $32 million, net of income tax. The Company also reclassified $4 million, net of income tax, of the 2009 operations of Texas Life into discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. As a result, the Company recognized income from discontinued operations of $36 million, net of income tax, during the first quarter of 2009. See also Note 17.


15


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
 
The following tables present the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gain and loss, estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities, and the percentage that each sector represents by the respective total holdings for the periods shown. The unrealized loss amounts presented below at June 30, 2009 include the noncredit loss component of OTTI loss:
 
                         
  June 30, 2009 
  Cost or
  Gross Unrealized  Estimated
    
  Amortized
     Temporary
  OTTI
  Fair
  % of
 
  Cost  Gain  Loss  Loss  Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
U.S. corporate securities
 $70,682  $1,350  $6,016  $35  $65,981   31.2%
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  44,834   1,078   3,913   201   41,798   19.8 
Foreign corporate securities
  35,817   976   3,177   9   33,607   15.9 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities (1)
  27,277   1,053   657      27,673   13.1 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  16,354   75   2,410   24   13,995   6.6 
Asset-backed securities
  14,619   97   2,206   96   12,414   5.8 
Foreign government securities
  9,987   834   261      10,560   5.0 
State and political subdivision securities
  5,905   119   507      5,517   2.6 
Other fixed maturity securities
  19      1      18    
                         
Total fixed maturity securities (2), (3)
 $225,494  $5,582  $19,148  $365  $211,563   100.0%
                         
Common stock
 $1,730  $59  $71  $  $1,718   56.4%
Non-redeemable preferred stock (2)
  1,949   28   650      1,327   43.6 
                         
Total equity securities
 $3,679  $87  $721  $  $3,045   100.0%
                         
 


16


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                     
  December 31, 2008 
  Cost or
        Estimated
    
  Amortized
  Gross Unrealized  Fair
  % of
 
  Cost  Gain  Loss  Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
U.S. corporate securities
 $72,211  $994  $9,902  $63,303   33.6%
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  39,995   753   4,720   36,028   19.2 
Foreign corporate securities
  34,798   565   5,684   29,679   15.8 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities (1)
  17,229   4,082   1   21,310   11.3 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  16,079   18   3,453   12,644   6.7 
Asset-backed securities
  14,246   16   3,739   10,523   5.6 
Foreign government securities
  9,474   1,056   377   10,153   5.4 
State and political subdivision securities
  5,419   80   942   4,557   2.4 
Other fixed maturity securities
  57      3   54    
                     
Total fixed maturity securities (2), (3)
 $209,508  $7,564  $28,821  $188,251   100.0%
                     
Common stock
 $1,778  $40  $133  $1,685   52.7%
Non-redeemable preferred stock (2)
  2,353   4   845   1,512   47.3 
                     
Total equity securities
 $4,131  $44  $978  $3,197   100.0%
                     
 
 
(1) The Company has classified within the U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities caption above certain corporate fixed maturity securities issued by U.S. financial institutions that are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) pursuant to the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“FDIC Program”) of $1,023 million and $2 million at estimated fair value with unrealized gains (losses) of $5 million and less than ($1) million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
(2) The Company classifies perpetual securities that have attributes of both debt and equity as fixed maturity securities if the security has a punitive interest ratestep-upfeature as it believes in most instances this feature will compel the issuer to redeem the security at the specified call date. Perpetual securities that do not have a punitive interest rate step-upfeature are classified as non-redeemable preferred stock. Many of such securities have been issued bynon-U.S.financial institutions that are accorded Tier 1 and Upper Tier 2 capital treatment by their respective regulatory bodies and are commonly referred to as “perpetual hybrid securities.” Perpetual hybrid securities classified as non-redeemable preferred stock held by the Company at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 had an estimated fair value of $1,063 million and $1,224 million, respectively. In addition, the Company held $264 million and $288 million at estimated fair value at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, of other perpetual hybrid securities, primarily of U.S. financial institutions, also included in non-redeemable preferred stock. Perpetual hybrid securities held by the Company and included within fixed maturity securities (primarily within foreign corporate securities) at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 had an estimated fair value of $2,378 million and $2,110 million, respectively. In addition, the Company held $52 million and $46 million at estimated fair value at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, of other perpetual hybrid securities, primarily U.S. financial institutions, included in U.S. corporate securities.
 
(3) At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company also held $2,082 million and $2,052 million at estimated fair value, respectively, of redeemable preferred stock which have stated maturity dates. These securities, commonly referred to as “capital securities,” are primarily issued by U.S. financial institutions, have cumulative interest deferral features and are included in U.S. corporate securities within fixed maturity securities.

17


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Below-Investment-Grade or Non-Rated Fixed Maturity Securities.  The Company held fixed maturity securities at estimated fair values that were below investment grade or not rated by an independent rating agency that totaled $18.3 billion and $12.4 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. These securities had net unrealized losses of $5.6 billion and $5.1 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
Non-Income Producing Fixed Maturity Securities.  Non-income producing fixed maturity securities at estimated fair value were $206 million and $75 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Net unrealized losses associated with non-income producing fixed maturity securities were $31 million and $19 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
Fixed Maturity Securities Credit Enhanced by Financial Guarantee Insurers.  At June 30, 2009, $4.6 billion of the estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities were credit enhanced by financial guarantee insurers of which $2.1 billion, $1.7 billion and $0.8 billion are included within state and political subdivision securities, U.S. corporate securities and asset-backed securities, respectively, and 18% and 39% were guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers who were rated Aa and A, respectively. At December 31, 2008, $4.9 billion of the estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities were credit enhanced by financial guarantee insurers of which $2.0 billion, $2.0 billion and $0.9 billion are included within state and political subdivision securities, U.S. corporate securities, and asset-backed securities, respectively, and 15% and 68% were guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers who were rated Aa and Baa, respectively. Approximately 50% of the asset-backed securities held at June 30, 2009 that are credit enhanced by financial guarantee insurers are asset-backed securities which are backed by sub-prime mortgage loans.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities).  The following section contains a summary of the concentrations of credit risk related to fixed maturity securities holdings.
 
The Company is not exposed to any concentrations of credit risk of any single issuer greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity, other than securities of the U.S. government, certain U.S. government agencies, and certain securities guaranteed by the U.S. government. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s holdings in U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed fixed maturity securities at estimated fair value were $27.7 billion and $21.3 billion, respectively. As shown in the sector table above, at June 30, 2009 the Company’s three largest exposures in its fixed maturity security portfolio were U.S. corporate securities 31.2%, residential mortgage-backed securities 19.8% and foreign corporate securities 15.9%; and at December 31, 2008 were U.S. corporate securities 33.6%, residential mortgage-backed securities 19.2% and foreign corporate securities 15.8%.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — U.S. and Foreign Corporate Securities.  At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s holdings in U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities at estimated fair value were $99.6 billion and $93.0 billion, respectively. The Company maintains a diversified portfolio of corporate securities across industries and issuers. The portfolio does not have exposure to any single issuer in excess of 1% of total investments. The largest exposure to a single issuer of corporate securities held at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was $1.1 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s combined holdings in the ten issuers to which it had the greatest exposure totaled $7.7 billion and $8.4 billion, respectively, the total of these ten issuers being less than 3% of the Company’s


18


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
total investments at such dates. The table below shows the major industry types that comprise the corporate securities holdings at:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Estimated
  % of
  Estimated
  % of
 
  Fair Value  Total  Fair Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Foreign (1)
 $33,607   33.7% $29,679   32.0%
Industrial
  15,312   15.4   13,324   14.3 
Consumer
  14,948   15.0   13,122   14.1 
Utility
  13,697   13.8   12,434   13.4 
Finance
  13,482   13.5   14,996   16.1 
Communications
  5,898   5.9   5,714   6.1 
Other
  2,644   2.7   3,713   4.0 
                 
Total
 $99,588   100.0% $92,982   100.0%
                 
 
 
(1) Includes U.S. Dollar-denominated debt obligations of foreign obligors, and other fixed maturity securities foreign investments.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities.  The Company’s residential mortgage-backed securities consist of the following holdings at:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Estimated
  % of
  Estimated
  % of
 
  Fair Value  Total  Fair Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                
Collateralized mortgage obligations
 $24,555   58.7% $26,025   72.2%
Pass-through securities
  17,243   41.3   10,003   27.8 
                 
Total residential mortgage-backed securities
 $41,798   100.0% $36,028   100.0%
                 
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations are a type of mortgage-backed security that creates separate pools or tranches of pass-through cash flows for different classes of bondholders with varying maturities. Pass-through mortgage-backed securities are a type of asset-backed security that is secured by a mortgage or collection of mortgages. The monthly mortgage payments from homeowners pass from the originating bank through an intermediary, such as a government agency or investment bank, which collects the payments, and for a fee, remits or passes these payments through to the holders of the pass-through securities.
 
The Company’s residential mortgage-backed securities portfolio consists of agency, prime and alternative residential mortgage loans (“Alt-A”) securities of 75%, 18% and 7% of the total holdings, respectively, at June 30, 2009 and 68%, 23% and 9% of the total holdings, respectively, at December 31, 2008. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $34.5 billion and $33.3 billion, respectively, or 83% and 92%, respectively, of the residential mortgage-backed securities were rated Aaa/AAA by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”). The majority of the agency residential mortgage-backed securities are guaranteed or otherwise supported by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) or the Government National Mortgage Association. In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced that FNMA and FHLMC had been placed into conservatorship. Prime residential mortgage lending includes the origination of residential mortgage loans to the most credit-worthy customers with high quality credit profiles. Alt-A residential mortgage loans are a classification of mortgage loans where the risk profile of the borrower falls between prime and sub-prime. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008,


19


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
the Company’s Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities holdings at estimated fair value was $3.1 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively, with an unrealized loss of $1.8 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $0.5 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, or 16% and 63%, respectively, of the Company’s Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities were rated Aa/AA or better by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. In January 2009, certain Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities experienced ratings downgrades from investment grade to below investment grade, contributing to the decrease cited above in the Company’s Alt-A securities holdings rated Aa/AA or better. At June 30, 2009, the Company’s Alt-A holdings are distributed by vintage year as follows at estimated fair value: 2% in the 2009 vintage year, 25% in the 2007 vintage year, and 73% in the 2006 and prior vintage years. At December 31, 2008, the Company’s Alt-A holdings are distributed by vintage year as follows at estimated fair value: 23% in the 2007 vintage year, 25% in the 2006 vintage year and 52% in the 2005 and prior vintage years. Vintage year refers to the year of origination and not to the year of purchase.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities.  At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s holdings in commercial mortgage-backed securities were $14.0 billion and $12.6 billion, respectively, at estimated fair value. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $13.0 billion and $11.8 billion, respectively, of the estimated fair value, or 93% for both years, of commercial mortgage-backed securities was rated Aaa/AAA by Moody’s, S&P, or Fitch. At both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the rating distribution of the Company’s commercial mortgage-backed securities holdings was as follows: 93% Aaa, 4% Aa, 1% A, 1% Baa, and 1% Ba or below. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 85% and 84%, respectively, of the holdings are in the 2005 and prior vintage years. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had no exposure to the Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities index securities and its holdings of commercial real estate collateralized debt obligations securities were $111 million and $121 million, respectively, at estimated fair value.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — Asset-Backed Securities.  At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s holdings in asset-backed securities were $12.4 billion and $10.5 billion, respectively, at estimated fair value. The Company’s asset-backed securities are diversified both by sector and by issuer. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $9.5 billion and $7.9 billion, respectively, or 77% and 75%, respectively, of total asset-backed securities were rated Aaa/AAA by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. At June 30, 2009, the largest exposures in the Company’s asset-backed securities portfolio were credit card receivables, student loan receivables, residential mortgage-backed securities backed by sub-prime mortgage loans, and automobile receivables of 57%, 13%, 8% and 8% of the total holdings, respectively. At December 31, 2008, the largest exposures in the Company’s asset-backed securities portfolio were credit card receivables, student loan receivables, automobile receivables and residential mortgage-backed securities backed by sub-prime mortgage loans of 49%, 10%, 10% and 10% of the total holdings, respectively. Sub-prime mortgage lending is the origination of residential mortgage loans to customers with weak credit profiles. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had exposure to fixed maturity securities backed by sub-prime mortgage loans with estimated fair values of $0.9 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, and unrealized losses of $821 million and $730 million, respectively. At June 30, 2009, 39% of the asset-backed securities backed by sub-prime mortgage loans have been guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers, of which 20% and 5% were guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers who were Aa and A rated, respectively. At December 31, 2008, 37% of the asset-backed securities backed by sub-prime mortgage loans have been guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers, of which 19% and 37% were guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers who were Aa and Baa rated, respectively.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Equity Securities).  The Company is not exposed to any concentrations of credit risk of any single issuer greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity in its equity securities holdings.


20


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date (excluding scheduled sinking funds), are as follows:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Amortized
  Estimated
  Amortized
  Estimated
 
  Cost  Fair Value  Cost  Fair Value 
  (In millions) 
 
Due in one year or less
 $5,866  $5,820  $5,556  $5,491 
Due after one year through five years
  37,648   37,040   33,604   30,884 
Due after five years through ten years
  41,453   39,858   41,481   36,895 
Due after ten years
  64,720   60,638   58,547   55,786 
                 
Subtotal
  149,687   143,356   139,188   129,056 
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
  75,807   68,207   70,320   59,195 
                 
Total fixed maturity securities
 $225,494  $211,563  $209,508  $188,251 
                 
 
Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above table in the year of final contractual maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of prepayment options.
 
Evaluating Investments for an Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
 
As described more fully in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report, the Company performs a regular evaluation, on asecurity-by-securitybasis, of its investment holdings in accordance with its impairment policy in order to evaluate whether such investments are other-than-temporarily impaired.
 
With respect to fixed maturity securities, the Company considers, amongst other criteria, whether it has the intent to sell a particular impaired fixed maturity security. The assessment of the Company’s intent to sell a particular fixed maturity security considers broad portfolio management objectives such as asset/liability duration management, issuer and industry segment exposures, interest rate views and the overall total return focus. In following these portfolio management objectives, changes in facts and circumstances that were present in past reporting periods may trigger a decision to sell securities that were held in prior reporting periods. Decisions to sell are based on current conditions or the Company’s need to shift the portfolio to maintain its portfolio management objectives including liquidity needs or duration targets on asset/liability managed portfolios. The Company attempts to anticipate these types of changes and if a sale decision has been made on an impaired security, the security will be deemed other-than-temporarily impaired in the period that the sale decision was made and an OTTI loss will be recorded in earnings. In certain circumstances, the Company may determine that it does not intend to sell a particular security but that it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell that security before recovery of the decline in fair value below amortized cost. In such instances, the fixed maturity security will be deemed other-than-temporarily impaired in the period during which it was determined more likely than not that the security will be required to be sold and an OTTI loss will be recorded in earnings. If the Company does not have the intent to sell (i.e. has not made the decision to sell) and it does not believe that it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the Company estimates the present value of the expected future cash flows to be received from the security. If the present value of the expected future cash flows to be received is less than the amortized cost, the security will be deemed other-than-temporarily impaired in the period that such present value of the expected future cash flows falls below amortized cost and this difference, referred to as the credit loss, will be recognized in earnings. Any remaining difference between the present value of the expected future cash flows to be received and the estimated fair value of the security will be recognized as a separate component of other comprehensive loss and is referred to as the noncredit loss. Prior to April 1, 2009 the Company’s


21


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
assessment of OTTI for fixed maturity securities was performed in the same manner described below for equity securities.
 
With respect to equity securities, the Company considers in its OTTI analysis its intent and ability to hold a particular equity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of its value to an amount equal to or greater than cost or amortized cost. Decisions to sell equity securities are based on current conditions in relation to the same broad portfolio management considerations in a manner consistent with that described above for fixed maturity securities. If a sale decision is made with respect to a particular equity security and that equity security is not expected to recover to an amount at least equal to cost or amortized cost prior to the expected time of the sale, the security will be deemed other-than-temporarily impaired in the period that the sale decision was made and an OTTI loss will be recorded in earnings.
 
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
 
The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, are as follows:
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Fixed maturity securities that are temporarily impaired
 $(13,566) $(21,246)
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses in other comprehensive loss
  (365)   
         
Total fixed maturity securities
  (13,931)  (21,246)
         
Equity securities
  (634)  (934)
Derivatives
  (138)  (2)
Other
  50   53 
         
Subtotal
  (14,653)  (22,129)
         
Amounts allocated from:
        
Insurance liability loss recognition
  (116)  42 
DAC and VOBA on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
  28    
DAC and VOBA
  2,206   3,025 
         
Subtotal
  2,118   3,067 
Deferred income tax benefit on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
  116    
Deferred income tax benefit
  4,204   6,508 
         
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
  (8,215)  (12,554)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interest
  (3)  (10)
         
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
 $(8,218) $(12,564)
         
 
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses in other comprehensive loss, as presented above, of $365 million includes $126 million related to the transition adjustment, $234 million ($216 million, net of DAC) of noncredit losses recognized in the three months ended June 30, 2009 and $5 million of additional unrealized losses incurred during the three months ended June 30, 2009 on such securities for which a noncredit loss was previously recognized in other comprehensive loss.


22


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) are as follows:
 
     
  Six Months
 
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, end of prior period
 $(12,564)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax
  (76)
Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
  (239)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period
  7,813 
Unrealized investment loss of subsidiary at the date of disposal
  28 
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
    
Insurance liability gain (loss) recognition
  (158)
DAC and VOBA on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
  18 
DAC and VOBA
  (809)
DAC and VOBA of subsidiary at date of disposal
  (10)
Deferred income tax on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
  76 
Deferred income tax benefit
  (2,298)
Deferred income tax benefit of subsidiary at date of disposal
  (6)
     
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)
  (8,225)
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interest
  7 
     
Balance, end of period
 $(8,218)
     
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)
 $4,339 
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interest
  7 
     
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $4,346 
     


23


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity SecuritiesAvailable-for-Saleby Sector
 
The following tables present the estimated fair value and gross unrealized loss, of the Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position. The unrealized loss amounts presented below at June 30, 2009 include the noncredit component of OTTI loss. Fixed maturity securities on which a noncredit OTTI loss has been recognized in accumulated other comprehensive 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.
 
                         
  June 30, 2009 
     Equal to or Greater
    
  Less than 12 Months  than 12 Months  Total 
  Estimated
  Gross
  Estimated
  Gross
  Estimated
  Gross
 
  Fair
  Unrealized
  Fair
  Unrealized
  Fair
  Unrealized
 
  Value  Loss  Value  Loss  Value  Loss 
  (In millions, except number of securities) 
 
U.S. corporate securities
 $10,129  $998  $28,658  $5,053  $38,787  $6,051 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  5,507   334   10,447   3,780   15,954   4,114 
Foreign corporate securities
  6,425   907   10,939   2,279   17,364   3,186 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  13,670   600   798   57   14,468   657 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  1,341   90   9,231   2,344   10,572   2,434 
Asset-backed securities
  3,263   200   6,195   2,102   9,458   2,302 
Foreign government securities
  2,229   101   372   160   2,601   261 
State and political subdivision securities
  830   59   2,038   448   2,868   507 
Other fixed maturity securities
  9   1         9   1 
                         
Total fixed maturity securities
 $43,403  $3,290  $68,678  $16,223  $112,081  $19,513 
                         
Common stock
  211   70   9   1   220   71 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
  263   144   868   506   1,131   650 
                         
Total equity securities
 $474  $214  $877  $507  $1,351  $721 
                         
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
  2,124       4,165             
                         
 


24


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                         
  December 31, 2008 
     Equal to or Greater
    
  Less than 12 Months  than 12 Months  Total 
  Estimated
  Gross
  Estimated
  Gross
  Estimated
  Gross
 
  Fair
  Unrealized
  Fair
  Unrealized
  Fair
  Unrealized
 
  Value  Loss  Value  Loss  Value  Loss 
  (In millions, except number of securities) 
 
U.S. corporate securities
 $30,076  $4,479  $18,011  $5,423  $48,087  $9,902 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  10,032   2,711   4,572   2,009   14,604   4,720 
Foreign corporate securities
  15,634   3,157   6,609   2,527   22,243   5,684 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  106   1         106   1 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  9,259   1,665   3,093   1,788   12,352   3,453 
Asset-backed securities
  6,412   1,325   3,777   2,414   10,189   3,739 
Foreign government securities
  2,030   316   403   61   2,433   377 
State and political subdivision securities
  2,035   405   948   537   2,983   942 
Other fixed maturity securities
  20   3   2      22   3 
                         
Total fixed maturity securities
 $75,604  $14,062  $37,415  $14,759  $113,019  $28,821 
                         
Equity securities
 $727  $306  $978  $672  $1,705  $978 
                         
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
  9,066       3,539             
                         
 
Aging of Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
 
The following tables present the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized loss, including the portion of OTTI loss on fixed maturity securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at June 30, 2009, and number of securities for fixed maturity and equity securities where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by less than 20%, or 20% or more at:
 
                         
  June 30, 2009 
  Cost or Amortized Cost  Gross Unrealized Loss  Number of Securities 
  Less than
  20% or
  Less than
  20% or
  Less than
  20% or
 
  20%  more  20%  more  20%  more 
  (In millions, except number of securities) 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                        
Less than six months
 $27,591  $6,804  $940  $1,973   739   315 
Six months or greater but less than nine months
  4,838   13,860   279   4,608   391   681 
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
  9,909   8,978   599   3,724   589   464 
Twelve months or greater
  53,707   5,907   4,402   2,988   2,644   366 
                         
Total
 $96,045  $35,549  $6,220  $13,293         
                         
Equity Securities:
                        
Less than six months
 $61  $400  $5  $143   89   54 
Six months or greater but less than nine months
  42   357   5   128   46   20 
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
  46   525   6   221   29   19 
Twelve months or greater
  121   520   10   203   24   20 
                         
Total
 $270  $1,802  $26  $695         
                         
 

25


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                         
  December 31, 2008 
  Cost or Amortized Cost  Gross Unrealized Loss  Number of Securities 
  Less than
  20% or
  Less than
  20% or
  Less than
  20% or
 
  20%  more  20%  more  20%  more 
  (In millions, except number of securities) 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                        
Less than six months
 $32,658  $48,114  $2,358  $17,191   4,566   2,827 
Six months or greater but less than nine months
  14,975   2,180   1,313   1,109   1,314   157 
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
  16,372   3,700   1,830   2,072   934   260 
Twelve months or greater
  23,191   650   2,533   415   1,809   102 
                         
Total
 $87,196  $54,644  $8,034  $20,787         
                         
Equity Securities:
                        
Less than six months
 $386  $1,190  $58  $519   351   551 
Six months or greater but less than nine months
  33   413   6   190   8   32 
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
  3   487      194   5   15 
Twelve months or greater
  171      11      20    
                         
Total
 $593  $2,090  $75  $903         
                         
 
Concentration of Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity SecuritiesAvailable-for-Sale
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s gross unrealized losses related to its fixed maturity and equity securities, including the portion of OTTI loss on fixed maturity securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at June 30, 2009, of $20.2 billion and $29.8 billion, respectively, were concentrated, calculated as a percentage of gross unrealized loss, by sector and industry as follows:
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
 
Sector:
        
U.S. corporate securities
  30%  33%
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  20   16 
Foreign corporate securities
  16   19 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  12   11 
Asset-backed securities
  11   13 
State and political subdivision securities
  3   3 
Foreign government securities
  1   1 
Other
  7   4 
         
Total
  100%  100%
         
Industry:
        
Mortgage-backed
  32%  27%
Finance
  27   24 
Asset-backed
  11   13 
Consumer
  7   11 
Utility
  5   8 
Communications
  3   5 
Industrial
  2   4 
Foreign government
  5   1 
Other
  8   7 
         
Total
  100%  100%
         

26


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Evaluating Temporarily Impaired Investments
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $6.2 billion and $8.0 billion, respectively, of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss position of less than 20% of cost or amortized cost, which represented 6% and 9%, respectively, of the cost or amortized cost of such securities. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $26 million and $75 million, respectively, of unrealized losses related to equity securities with an unrealized loss position of less than 20% of cost, which represented 10% and 13%, respectively, of the cost of such securities.
 
At June 30, 2009, $13.3 billion and $695 million of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities and equity securities, respectively, with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of cost or amortized cost, which represented 37% and 39% of the cost or amortized cost of such fixed maturity and equity securities, respectively. Of such unrealized losses of $13.3 billion and $695 million, $2.0 billion and $143 million related to fixed maturity and equity securities, respectively, that were in an unrealized loss position for a period of less than six months. At December 31, 2008, $20.8 billion and $903 million of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity and equity securities, respectively, with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of cost or amortized cost, which represented 38% and 43% of the cost or amortized cost of such fixed maturity and equity securities, respectively. Of such unrealized losses of $20.8 billion and $903 million, $17.2 billion and $519 million related to fixed maturity and equity securities, respectively, that were in an unrealized loss position for a period of less than six months.
 
The Company held 469 fixed maturity securities and 23 equity securities, each with a gross unrealized loss at June 30, 2009 of greater than $10 million. These 469 fixed maturity securities represented 50%, or $9.7 billion in the aggregate, of the gross unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities. These 23 equity securities represented 70%, or $506 million in the aggregate, of the gross unrealized loss on equity securities. The Company held 699 fixed maturity securities and 33 equity securities, each with a gross unrealized loss at December 31, 2008 of greater than $10 million. These 699 fixed maturity securities represented 50%, or $14.5 billion in the aggregate, of the gross unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities. These 33 equity securities represented 71%, or $699 million in the aggregate, of the gross unrealized loss on equity securities. The fixed maturity and equity securities, each with a gross unrealized loss greater than $10 million, decreased $6.3 billion and $5.0 billion during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. These securities were included in the regular evaluation of whether such investments areother-than-temporarilyimpaired. Based upon the Company’s current evaluation of these securities in accordance with its impairment policy, the cause of the decline being primarily attributable to a rise in market yields caused principally by an extensive widening of credit spreads which resulted from a lack of market liquidity and a short-term market dislocation versus a long-term deterioration in credit quality, and its 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 notother-than-temporarilyimpaired.
 
In the Company’s impairment review process, the duration of, and severity of, an unrealized loss position, such as unrealized losses of 20% or more for equity securities, which was $695 million and $903 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, is 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 is given by the Company to a decline in market value and the likelihood such market value decline will recover.
 
Equity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more for less than six months was $143 million at June 30, 2009, of which $82 million of the unrealized losses, or 57%, were for non-redeemable preferred securities, of which $68 million, of the unrealized losses, or 83%, were for investment grade non-redeemable preferred securities. Of the $68 million of unrealized losses for investment grade non-redeemable preferred securities, $61 million of the


27


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
unrealized losses, or 90%, was comprised of unrealized losses on investment grade financial services industry non-redeemable preferred securities, of which 97% were rated A or higher.
 
Equity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more for six months or greater but less than twelve months was $349 million at June 30, 2009, all of which were for non-redeemable preferred securities, of which, $248 million of the unrealized losses, or 71%, are investment grade securities, and $243 million, or 98%, of which are within the financial services industry non-redeemable preferred securities, of which 56% were rated A or higher.
 
Equity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more for twelve months or greater was $203 million at June 30, 2009, of which $197 million of the unrealized losses, or 97%, were for investment grade non-redeemable preferred securities, within the financial services industry, of which 57% were rated A or higher.
 
In connection with the equity securities impairment review process at June 30, 2009, the Company evaluated its holdings in non-redeemable preferred securities, particularly those of financial services companies. 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 securities with a severe or an extended unrealized loss. 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 20% or less in an extended unrealized loss position (i.e., 12 months or greater).
 
At June 30, 2009, there were $695 million of equity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more, of which $634 million of the unrealized losses, or 91%, were for non-redeemable preferred securities. At June 30, 2009, $513 million of the unrealized losses of 20% or more, or 81%, of the non-redeemable preferred securities were investment grade securities, of which, $501 million of the unrealized losses of 20% or more, or 98%, are investment grade financial services industry non-redeemable preferred securities, of which 61% were rated A or higher. Also all non-redeemable preferred securities with unrealized losses of 20% or more, regardless of credit rating, have not deferred any dividend payments.
 
Futureother-than-temporaryimpairments will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance including changes in the present value of expected future cash flows to be collected, changes in credit rating, changes in collateral valuation, changes in interest rates, and changes in credit spreads. If economic fundamentals and any of the above factors continue to deteriorate, additionalother-than-temporaryimpairments may be incurred in upcoming quarters.
 
Net Investment Gains (Losses)
 
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company adoptedFSP 115-2.With the adoption ofFSP 115-2,for those fixed maturity securities that are intended to be sold or for which it is more likely than not that the security will be required to be sold before recovery of the decline in fair value below amortized cost, the full OTTI loss from the fair value being less than the amortized cost is recognized in earnings. For those fixed maturity securities which the Company has no intent to sell (i.e., has not made the decision to sell) and the Company believes it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell prior to recovery of the decline in fair value, and an assessment has been made that the amortized cost will not be fully recovered, only the OTTI credit loss component is recognized in earnings, while the remaining decline in fair value is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), not in earnings, as a noncredit OTTI loss. Prior to the adoption of this new guidance, the Company recognized an OTTI loss in earnings for a fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position unless it could assert that it had both the intent and ability to hold the fixed maturity security for a period of time to allow for a recovery of fair value to the security’s amortized cost basis. There was no change for equity securities which, when an OTTI has occurred, continue to be impaired for the entire difference between the equity security’s cost and its fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings.


28


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The discussion below describes the Company’s methodology and significant inputs used to determine the amount of the credit loss effective April 1, 2009.
 
In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a fixed maturity security, the Company calculates the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the present value of future cash flows expected to be received. The discount rate is generally the effective interest rate of the fixed maturity security prior to impairment.
 
When determining the collectability and the period over which the fixed maturity security is expected to recover, the Company applies the same considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process which incorporates information regarding the specific security, fundamentals of the industry and geographic area in which the security issuer operates, and overall macroeconomic conditions. Projected future cash flows are estimated using assumptions derived from management’s best estimates of likely scenario-based outcomes after giving consideration to a variety of variables that include, but are not limited to: general payment terms of the security; the likelihood that the issuer can service the scheduled interest and principal payments; the quality and amount of any credit enhancements; the security’s position within the capital structure of the issuer; possible corporate restructurings or asset sales by the issuer, and changes to the rating of the security or the issuer by rating agencies. Additional considerations are made when assessing the unique features that apply to certain structured securities such as residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. These additional factors for structured securities include, but are not limited to: the quality of underlying collateral; expected prepayment speeds; current and forecasted loss severity; consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security; and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security.
 
The components of net investment gains (losses) are as follows:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Total losses on fixed maturity securities:
                
Total OTTI losses recognized
 $(566) $(139) $(1,119) $(213)
Less: Noncredit portion of OTTI losses transferred to and recognized in other comprehensive loss
  234      234    
                 
Net OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings
  (332)  (139)  (885)  (213)
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals
  (46)  (167)  (102)  (296)
                 
Total losses on fixed maturity securities
  (378)  (306)  (987)  (509)
                 
Other net investment gains (losses):
                
Equity securities
  (108)     (377)  (10)
Mortgage and consumer loans
  (125)  (34)  (271)  (62)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
  (68)  4   (93)  2 
Other limited partnership interests
  (247)  (12)  (344)  (15)
Freestanding derivatives
  (3,637)  (416)  (4,687)  (358)
Embedded derivatives
  793   366   2,010   (60)
Other
  (59)  41   14   (75)
                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
 $(3,829) $(357) $(4,735) $(1,087)
                 


29


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 and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses) are as follows:
 
                                 
  Fixed Maturity Securities  Equity Securities 
  Three Months
  Six Months
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Proceeds
 $7,573  $14,018  $19,351  $26,809  $195  $358  $253  $630 
                                 
                                 
Gross investment gains
  189   131   545   290   13   70   20   147 
                                 
Gross investment losses
  (235)  (298)  (647)  (586)  (49)  (14)  (67)  (40)
                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
                                
Credit-related
  (287)  (136)  (743)  (210)            
Other (1)
  (45)  (3)  (142)  (3)  (72)  (56)  (330)  (117)
                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings
  (332)  (139)  (885)  (213)  (72)  (56)  (330)  (117)
                                 
Net investment gains (losses)
 $(378) $(306) $(987) $(509) $(108) $  $(377) $(10)
                                 
 
 
(1) Other OTTI losses recognized in earnings include impairments on equity securities, impairments on non-redeemable preferred 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 fair value.
 
The Company periodically disposes of fixed maturity and equity securities at a loss. Generally, such losses are insignificant in amount or in relation to the cost basis of the investment, are attributable to declines in fair value occurring in the period of the disposition or are as a result of management’s decision to sell securities based on current conditions, or the Company’s need to shift the portfolio to maintain its portfolio management objectives. Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis.
 
OTTI losses recognized in earnings on fixed maturity and equity securities, were $404 million and $1,215 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 and $195 million and $330 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. The substantial increase in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 was driven in part by impairments totaling $127 million and $478 million, respectively, on financial services industry securities holdings, comprised of $67 million and $188 million, respectively, of fixed maturity securities and $60 million and $290 million, respectively, of equity securities, as well as increased fixed maturity security impairments across several industry sectors as shown in the table below, which increased due to financial restructurings, bankruptcy filings, ratings downgrades or difficult underlying operating environments of the issuers. These financial services industry impairments included $68 million and $361 million, respectively, of perpetual hybrid securities, some classified as fixed maturity securities and some classified as non-redeemable preferred stock, where there had been a deterioration in the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position.


30


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Fixed maturity security OTTI losses recognized in earnings of $332 million and $139 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $885 million and $213 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to the following sectors and industries:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
U.S. and foreign corporate securities:
                
Communications
 $61  $  $203  $17 
Finance
  67   83   188   114 
Consumer
  74   48   164   48 
Utility
  43   1   76   1 
Industrial
  3      20    
Other
  2   3   26   5 
                 
Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities
  250   135   677   185 
Asset-backed securities
  28   4   94   28 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  20      78    
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  34      36    
                 
Total
 $332  $139  $885  $213 
                 
 
OTTI losses recognized in earnings on equity securities were $72 million and $330 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, which included $60 million and $290 million of impairments on financial services industry holdings and $12 million and $40 million of impairments across several industries. Of the financial services industry equity security impairments in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 of $60 million and $290 million, respectively, $60 million and $260 million, respectively, related to perpetual hybrid securities where there had been a deterioration in the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position.
 
The $72 million and $56 million of equity security impairments in the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $330 million and $117 million in the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to the following sectors:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Common stock
 $12  $55  $50  $79 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
  60   1   280   38 
                 
Total
 $72  $56  $330  $117 
                 


31


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Credit Loss Rollforward — 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 Loss
 
The table 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 loss and are still held on June 30, 2009:
 
     
  Three Months
 
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $ 
Credit loss component of OTTI loss not reclassified to other comprehensive loss in the cumulative effect transition adjustment
  230 
Additions:
    
Initial impairments — credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired
  152 
Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired
  5 
Reductions:
    
Due to sales (or maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously credit loss OTTI impaired
  (7)
     
Balance, end of period
 $380 
     
 
Net Investment Income
 
The components of net investment income are as follows:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 $2,936  $3,431  $5,754  $6,978 
Equity securities
  55   82   93   150 
Trading securities (1)
  130   9   147   (42)
Mortgage and consumer loans
  696   695   1,378   1,397 
Policy loans
  161   151   318   299 
Real estate and real estate joint ventures (2)
  (71)  206   (156)  380 
Other limited partnership interests (3)
  72   71   (181)  203 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
  34   102   82   212 
International joint ventures (4)
  (77)  (1)  (70)  (5)
Other
  44   71   119   147 
                 
Total investment income
  3,980   4,817   7,484   9,719 
Less: Investment expenses
  249   498   490   1,103 
                 
Net investment income
 $3,731  $4,319  $6,994  $8,616 
                 


32


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(1) Net investment income from trading securities includes interest and dividends earned on trading securities in addition to the net realized gains (losses) and subsequent changes in estimated fair value recognized on trading securities and the short sale agreements liabilities. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, changes in estimated fair value were recognized in net investment income on certain equity securities within the trading securities portfolio, due to recovery in certain equity markets, in addition to interest and dividends earned and net realized gains (losses) on securities sold.
 
(2) Net investment income from real estate joint ventures within the real estate and real estate joint ventures caption represents distributions for investments accounted for under the cost method and equity in earnings for investments accounted for under the equity method. Overall, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, the net amount recognized were losses of $71 million and $156 million, respectively, resulting primarily from declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in value driven by capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions, which has led to declining property valuations, while the real estate development joint ventures have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions.
 
(3) Net investment income from other limited partnership interests, including hedge funds, represents distributions from other limited partnership interests accounted for under the cost method and equity in earnings from other limited partnership interests accounted for under the equity method. Overall for the six months ended June 30, 2009, the net amount recognized were losses of $181 million, resulting principally from losses on equity method investments. Such earnings and losses recognized for other limited partnership interests are impacted by volatility in the equity and credit markets.
 
(4) Net of changes in estimated fair value of derivatives related to economic hedges of these equity method investments that do not qualify for hedge accounting of ($92) million and ($116) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and ($33) million and $8 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
 
Securities Lending
 
The Company participates in securities lending programs whereby blocks of securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms and commercial banks. The Company generally obtains collateral in an amount equal to 102% of the estimated fair value of the securities loaned. Securities with a cost or amortized cost of $20.7 billion and $20.8 billion and an estimated fair value of $20.9 billion and $22.9 billion were on loan under the program at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or repledged by the transferee. The Company was liable for cash collateral under its control of $21.5 billion and $23.3 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Of this $21.5 billion of cash collateral at June 30, 2009, $2.4 billion was on open terms, meaning that the related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day requiring return of cash collateral, and $11.0 billion, $4.0 billion, $2.4 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, were due within 30 days, 60 days, 90 days and over 90 days. Substantially all (99%) of the $2.3 billion of estimated fair value of the securities related to the cash collateral on open terms at June 30, 2009, were U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities which, if put to the Company, can be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirements. The remainder of the securities on loan are primarily U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, and very liquid residential mortgage-backed securities. The estimated fair value of the reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral was $19.6 billion at June 30, 2009, and consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including residential mortgage-backed, asset-backed, U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities).


33


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Security collateral of $29 million and $279 million on deposit from counterparties in connection with the securities lending transactions at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, may not be sold or repledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
 
Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral
 
The assets on deposit, assets held in trust and assets pledged as collateral are summarized in the table below. The amounts presented in the table below are at estimated fair value for cash, fixed maturity and equity securities and at carrying value for mortgage loans.
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Assets on deposit:
        
Regulatory agencies (1)
 $1,279  $1,282 
Assets held in trust:
        
Collateral financing arrangements (2)
  5,750   4,754 
Reinsurance arrangements (3)
  1,244   1,714 
Assets pledged as collateral:
        
Debt and funding agreements — FHLB of NY (4)
  22,065   20,880 
Debt and funding agreements — FHLB of Boston (4)
  434   1,284 
Funding agreements — Farmer MAC(5)
  2,870   2,875 
Federal Reserve Bank of New York (6)
  2,961   1,577 
Collateral financing arrangements — Holding Company (7)
  123   316 
Derivative transactions (8)
  1,257   1,744 
Short sale agreements (9)
  545   346 
Other
  190   180 
         
Total assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral
 $38,718  $36,952 
         
 
 
(1) The Company had investment assets on deposit with regulatory agencies consisting primarily of fixed maturity and equity securities.
 
(2) The Company held in trust cash and securities, primarily fixed maturity and equity securities to satisfy collateral requirements. The Company has also pledged certain fixed maturity securities in support of the collateral financing arrangements described in Note 10.
 
(3) The Company has pledged certain investments, primarily fixed maturity securities, in connection with certain reinsurance transactions.
 
(4) The Company has pledged fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans in support of its debt and funding agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB of NY”) and has pledged fixed maturity securities to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB of Boston”). The nature of the Federal Home Loan Bank arrangements is described in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report.
 
(5) The Company has pledged certain agricultural real estate mortgage loans in connection with funding agreements with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer MAC”). The nature of the Farmer MAC arrangements is described in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report.


34


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(6) The Company has pledged qualifying mortgage loans and securities in connection with collateralized borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Term Auction Facility. The nature of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York arrangements is described in Note 9.
 
(7) The Holding Company has pledged certain collateral in support of the collateral financing arrangements described in Note 10.
 
(8) Certain of the Company’s invested assets are pledged as collateral for various derivative transactions as described in Note 4.
 
(9) Certain of the Company’s trading securities are pledged to secure liabilities associated with short sale agreements in the trading securities portfolio as described in the following section.
 
See also the immediately preceding section “Securities Lending” for the amount of the Company’s cash and invested assets received from and due back to counterparties pursuant to the securities lending program.
 
Trading Securities
 
The Company has trading securities portfolios to support investment strategies that involve the active and frequent purchase and sale of securities, the execution of short sale agreements and asset and liability matching strategies for certain insurance products. Trading securities and short sale agreement liabilities are recorded at estimated fair value with subsequent changes in estimated fair value recognized in net investment income.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, trading securities at estimated fair value were $1,471 million and $946 million, respectively, and liabilities associated with the short sale agreements in the trading securities portfolio, which were included in other liabilities, were $201 million and $57 million, respectively. The Company had pledged $545 million and $346 million of its assets, at estimated fair value, consisting of trading securities and cash and cash equivalents, as collateral to secure the liabilities associated with the short sale agreements in the trading securities portfolio at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
Interest and dividends earned on trading securities in, addition to the net realized gains (losses) and subsequent changes in estimated fair value recognized on the trading securities and the related short sale agreement liabilities included within net investment income, totaled $130 million and $147 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $9 million and ($42) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Changes in estimated fair value in net investment income of such trading securities and short sale agreement liabilities were $141 million and $143 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and ($4) million and ($47) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.


35


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
The following table presents the changes in capitalized mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”), which are included in other invested assets, for the six months ended June 30, 2009:
 
     
  Carrying Value 
  (In millions) 
 
Fair value, beginning of period
 $191 
Acquisition of mortgage servicing rights
  117 
Origination of mortgage servicing rights
  289 
Reduction due to loan payments
  (61)
Changes in fair value due to:
    
Changes in valuation model inputs or assumptions
  133 
Other changes in fair value
  1 
     
Fair value, end of period
 $670 
     
 
The Company recognizes the rights to service residential mortgage loans as MSRs. MSRs are either acquired or are generated from the sale of originated residential mortgage loans where the servicing rights are retained by the Company. MSRs are carried at estimated fair value and changes in estimated fair value, primarily due to changes in valuation inputs and assumptions and to the collection of expected cash flows, are reported in other revenues in the period in which the change occurs. See also Note 18 for further information about how the estimated fair value of MSRs is determined and other related information.
 
Variable Interest Entities
 
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 in the Company’s financial statements at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. Generally, creditors or beneficial interest holders of VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary have no recourse to the general credit of the Company.
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Total
  Total
  Total
  Total
 
  Assets  Liabilities  Assets  Liabilities 
  (In millions) 
 
MRSC collateral financing arrangement (1)
 $3,073  $  $2,361  $ 
Real estate joint ventures (2)
  23   13   26   15 
Other limited partnership interests (3)
  135   33   20   3 
Other invested assets (4)
  31   2   10   3 
                 
Total
 $3,262  $48  $2,417  $21 
                 
 
 
(1) See Note 10 for a description of the MetLife Reinsurance Company of South Carolina (“MRSC”) collateral financing arrangement. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, these assets are reflected at estimated fair value and consist of the following:
 


36


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Fixed maturity securitiesavailable-for-sale:
        
U.S. corporate securities
 $977  $948 
Asset-backed securities
  848   409 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  601   561 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  262    
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  168   98 
Foreign corporate securities
  93   95 
State and political subdivision securities
  21   21 
Foreign government securities
  5   5 
Cash and cash equivalents (including cashheld-in-trustof less than $1 million and $60 million, respectively)
  98   224 
         
Total
 $3,073  $2,361 
         
 
(2) Real estate joint ventures include partnerships and other ventures which engage in the acquisition, development, management and disposal of real estate investments. Upon consolidation, the assets and liabilities are reflected at the VIE’s carrying amounts. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the assets consist of $18 million and $20 million, respectively, of real estate and real estate joint venturesheld-for-investment,$4 million and $5 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and $1 million and $1 million, respectively, of other assets. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, liabilities consist of $13 million and $15 million of other liabilities, respectively.
 
(3) Other limited partnership interests include partnerships established for the purpose of investing in public and private debt and equity securities. Upon consolidation, the assets and liabilities are reflected at the VIE’s carrying amounts. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the assets of $135 million and $20 million, respectively, are included within other limited partnership interests while the liabilities of $33 million and $3 million, respectively, are included within other liabilities.
 
(4) Other invested assets includes tax-credit partnerships and other investments established for the purpose of investing in low-income housing and other social causes, where the primary return on investment is in the form of tax credits. Upon consolidation, the assets and liabilities are reflected at the VIE’s carrying amounts. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the assets of $31 million and $10 million, respectively, are included within other invested assets. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the liabilities consist of $1 million and $2 million, respectively, of long-term debt and less than $1 million and $1 million, respectively, of other liabilities.

37


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
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 June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
     Maximum
     Maximum
 
  Carrying
  Exposure
  Carrying
  Exposure
 
  Amount (1)  to Loss (2)  Amount(1)  to Loss (2) 
  (In millions) 
 
Fixed maturity securitiesavailable-for-sale:
                
Foreign corporate securities
 $892  $892  $1,080  $1,080 
U.S. corporate securities
  711   711   992   992 
Real estate joint ventures
  31   31   32   32 
Other limited partnership interests
  2,243   2,578   3,496   4,004 
Other invested assets
  383   257   318   108 
                 
Total
 $4,260  $4,469  $5,918  $6,216 
                 
 
 
(1) See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report for further discussion of the Company’s accounting policies with respect to the basis for determining carrying value of these investments.
 
(2) The maximum exposure to loss relating to the fixed maturity securitiesavailable-for-saleis equal to the carrying amounts or carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to the real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee. For certain of its investments in other invested assets, the Company’s return is in the form of 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 tax credits guaranteed by third parties of $254 million and $278 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
As described in Note 11, the Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. Excluding these commitments, MetLife did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs during the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
4.  Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in theover-the-countermarket. The Company uses a variety of derivatives, including swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts, to manage the risk associated with variability in cash flows or changes in estimated fair values related to the Company’s financial instruments. The Company also uses derivative instruments to hedge its currency exposure associated with net investments in certain foreign operations. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit derivatives, such as credit default 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 contracts that have embedded derivatives.
 
Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet 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 residential mortgage backed securities or through the use of pricing models forover-the-counterderivatives. The determination of estimated fair


38


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that are assumed to be 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 (including the counterparties to the contract), volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models.
 
The significant inputs to the pricing models for mostover-the-counterderivatives 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, certainover-the-counterderivatives 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: independent broker quotes, credit correlation assumptions, 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 consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Most inputs forover-the-counterderivatives 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.
 
The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for allover-the-counterderivatives after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. Credit risk is monitored and consideration of any potential credit adjustment is based on a net exposure by counterparty. This is due to the existence of netting agreements and collateral arrangements which effectively serve to mitigate credit risk. The Company values its derivative positions using the standard swap curve which includes a credit risk adjustment. This credit risk adjustment 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 need for such additional credit risk adjustments is monitored by the Company. 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. The evaluation of the requirement to make an additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.
 
Pursuant to FIN No. 39, Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts, the Company’s policy is to 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 investment gains (losses) except for those (i) in policyholder benefits and claims for economic hedges of liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company, (ii) in net investment income for economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures, or for all derivatives held in relation to the trading portfolios and (iii) in other revenues for derivatives held in connection with the Company’s mortgage banking activities. 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 designation of the hedge as either (i) a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment (“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


39


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 standards continue to evolve in practice. Judgment is applied in determining the availability and application of hedge accounting designations and the appropriate accounting treatment under these accounting standards. If it was determined that hedge accounting designations were not appropriately applied, reported net income could be materially affected. Differences in judgment as to the availability and application of hedge accounting designations and the appropriate accounting treatment may result in a differing impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company from that previously reported.
 
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 investment gains (losses). The estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of income within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. However, balances that are not scheduled to settle until maturity are included in the estimated fair value of derivatives.
 
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 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 investment gains (losses). The estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of income within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. However, balances that are not scheduled to settle until maturity are included in the estimated fair value of derivatives.
 
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 investment 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; (iv) a hedged firm commitment no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment; or (v) 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 on the consolidated balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net investment 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 fair value of derivatives recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the


40


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
consolidated statement of 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 by the end of the specified time period or the hedged item no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment, the derivative continues to be carried on the consolidated balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net investment gains (losses). Any asset or liability associated with a recognized firm commitment is derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet, and recorded currently in net investment gains (losses). Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) pursuant to the cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction are recognized immediately in net investment gains (losses).
 
In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the consolidated balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net investment gains (losses).
 
The Company is also a party to financial instruments that contain terms which are deemed to be 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 on the consolidated balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are reported currently in net investment gains (losses) or in policyholder benefits and claims. 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 in policyholder benefits and claims. 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 in policyholder benefits and claims if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation. There is a risk that embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation may not be identified and reported at estimated fair value in the consolidated financial statements and that their related changes in estimated fair value could materially affect reported net income.
 
See Note 18 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.
 
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 notional amount, estimated


41


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
fair value, and primary underlying risk exposure of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, excluding embedded derivatives held at:
 
                           
    June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
       Current Market
     Current Market
 
Primary Underlying
   Notional
  or Fair Value (1)  Notional
  or Fair Value (1) 
Risk Exposure
 Instrument Type Amount  Assets  Liabilities  Amount  Assets  Liabilities 
    (In millions) 
 
Interest rate
 Interest rate swaps $35,613  $1,887  $1,336  $34,060  $4,617  $1,468 
  Interest rate floors  26,191   544   51   48,517   1,748    
  Interest rate caps  22,635   183      24,643   11    
  Interest rate futures  8,711   14   11   13,851   44   117 
  Interest rate options  300   6      2,365   939   35 
  Interest rate forwards  19,577   191   39   16,616   49   70 
  Synthetic GICs  4,313         4,260       
Foreign currency
 Foreign currency swaps  17,527   1,438   1,222   19,438   1,953   1,866 
  Foreign currency forwards  6,292   61   142   5,167   153   129 
  Currency options  890   36      932   73    
  Non-derivative hedging instruments (2)  351      344   351      323 
Credit
 Swap spreadlocks           2,338      99 
  Credit default swaps  6,867   166   108   5,219   152   69 
  Other  10                
Equity market
 Equity futures  6,345   20   10   6,057   1   88 
  Equity options  23,438   2,083   659   5,153   2,150    
  Variance swaps  11,969   283   13   9,222   416    
  Other  250      98   250      101 
                           
    Total $191,279  $6,912  $4,033  $198,439  $12,306  $4,365 
                           
 
 
(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.
 
(2) The estimated fair value of non-derivative hedging instruments represents the amortized cost of the instruments, as adjusted for foreign currency transaction gains or losses. Non-derivative hedging instruments are reported within policyholder account balances 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.


42


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 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 value of interest rate futures is substantially impacted by changes in interest rates and they can be used to modify or hedge existing interest rate risk. 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. 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 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 securities as economic hedges against the risk of changes in the fair value of mortgage loansheld-for-saleand 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 at a fixed price. 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 beheld-for-saleare considered derivatives pursuant to SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging(“SFAS 133”). 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 guaranteed interest contract (“GIC”) is a contract that simulates the performance of a traditional GIC through the use of financial instruments. Under a synthetic GIC, the policyholder owns the underlying assets.


43


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 and currency option 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 swaps 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, net investment in foreign operations, 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 net investment in foreign operations and 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 utilizes currency options in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
The Company uses certain of its foreign currency denominated GICs 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 in the preceding table.
 
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 and to diversify its credit risk exposure in certain portfolios. In a credit default swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party, at specified intervals, to pay a premium to insure credit risk. If a credit event, as defined by the contract, occurs, generally the contract will require the swap to 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 a cash instrument such as a U.S. Treasury or Agency security. 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.
 
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-


44


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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. 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.
 
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 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 total return swaps to hedge its equity market guarantees in certain of its insurance products. TRRs can be used as hedges or to synthetically create investments. TRRs are included in the other classification in the preceding table. The Company utilizes TRRs in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Hedging
 
The following table presents the notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133 by type of hedge designation at:
 
                         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Notional
  Fair Value  Notional
  Fair Value 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Amount  Assets  Liabilities  Amount  Assets  Liabilities 
  (In millions) 
 
Fair Value Hedges:
                        
Foreign currency swaps
 $5,665  $744  $159  $6,093  $467  $550 
Interest rate swaps
  4,507   599   89   4,141   1,338   153 
                         
Subtotal
  10,172   1,343   248   10,234   1,805   703 
                         
Cash Flow Hedges:
                        
Foreign currency swaps
  3,558   164   251   3,782   463   381 
Interest rate swaps
           286      6 
Interest rate forwards
  4,691   73             
Other
  10                
                         
Subtotal
  8,259   237   251   4,068   463   387 
                         
Foreign Operations Hedges:
                        
Foreign currency forwards
  1,787   8   60   1,670   32   50 
Foreign currency swaps
  102      5   164   1    
Non-derivative hedging instruments
  351      344   351      323 
                         
Subtotal
  2,240   8   409   2,185   33   373 
                         
Total Qualifying Hedges
 $20,671  $1,588  $908  $16,487  $2,301  $1,463 
                         


45


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
The following table presents the notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives that are not designated or do not qualify as hedging instruments under SFAS 133 by derivative type at:
 
                         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Notional
  Fair Value  Notional
  Fair Value 
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
 Amount  Assets  Liabilities  Amount  Assets  Liabilities 
  (In millions) 
 
Interest rate swaps
 $31,106  $1,288  $1,247  $29,633  $3,279  $1,309 
Interest rate floors
  26,191   544   51   48,517   1,748    
Interest rate caps
  22,635   183      24,643   11    
Interest rate futures
  8,711   14   11   13,851   44   117 
Interest rate options
  300   6      2,365   939   35 
Interest rate forwards
  14,886   118   39   16,616   49   70 
Synthetic GICs
  4,313         4,260       
Foreign currency swaps
  8,202   530   807   9,399   1,022   935 
Foreign currency forwards
  4,505   53   82   3,497   121   79 
Currency options
  890   36      932   73    
Swaps spreadlocks
           2,338      99 
Credit default swaps
  6,867   166   108   5,219   152   69 
Equity futures
  6,345   20   10   6,057   1   88 
Equity options
  23,438   2,083   659   5,153   2,150    
Variance swaps
  11,969   283   13   9,222   416    
Other
  250      98   250      101 
                         
Total non-designated or non-qualifying derivatives
 $170,608  $5,324  $3,125  $181,952  $10,005  $2,902 
                         
 
The following table presents the settlement payments recorded in income for the:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Qualifying hedges:
                
Net investment income
 $10  $4  $27  $2 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  55   42   97   63 
Other expenses
  3   (1)  (1)  (1)
Non-qualifying hedges:
                
Net investment income (loss)
     1   (1)  (1)
Net investment gains (losses)
  33   (27)  63   (19)
Other revenues
  14      22    
                 
Total
 $115  $19  $207  $44 
                 
 
Fair Value Hedges
 
The Company designates and accounts for the following as fair value hedges when they have met the requirements of SFAS 133: (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; and (iii) foreign


46


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated investments and liabilities.
 
The Company recognizes gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges within net investment gains (losses). The following table represents the amount of such net investment gains (losses) recognized for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:
 
               
          Ineffectiveness
 
    Net Investment Gains
  Net Investment Gains
  Recognized in
 
Derivatives in Fair Value
 Hedge Items in Fair Value
 (Losses) Recognized
  (Losses) Recognized
  Net Investment
 
Hedging Relationships
 Hedging Relationships for Derivatives  for Hedged Items  Gains (Losses) 
    (In millions) 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
            
Interest rate swaps:
 Fixed maturity securities $33  $(29) $4 
  Policyholder account balances (1)  (518)  509   (9)
Foreign currency swaps:
 Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities  (16)  15   (1)
  Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)  427   (421)  6 
               
Total
 $(74) $74  $ 
             
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:
            
Total
   $(323) $313  $(10)
               
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
            
Interest rate swaps:
 Fixed maturity securities $47  $(41) $6 
  Policyholder account balances (1)  (812)  801   (11)
Foreign currency swaps:
 Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities  (13)  11   (2)
  Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)  320   (308)  12 
               
Total
 $(458) $463  $5 
             
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:
            
Total
 $22  $(27) $(5)
             
 
 
(1) Fixed rate liabilities
 
(2) Fixed rate or floating rate liabilities
 
All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. There were no instances in which the Company discontinued fair value hedge accounting due to a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge.
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges when they have met the requirements of SFAS 133: (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; and (iv) interest rate forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of fixed rate investments.
 
For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company recognized insignificant net investment losses which represented the ineffective portion of all cash flow hedges. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company did not recognize any net investment gains (losses) which represented


47


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
the ineffective portion of all cash flow hedges. All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions did not occur on the anticipated date or in the additional time period permitted by SFAS 133. The net amounts reclassified into net investment gains (losses) for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 related to such discontinued cash flow hedges were gains (losses) of $0 and $1 million, respectively, and for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, related to such discontinued cash flow hedges were gains (losses) of ($3) million and ($7) million, respectively. With the exception of certain cash flow hedges involving interest rate forwards, there were no hedged forecasted transactions, other than the variable payments or receipts on existing assets and liabilities, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009. In connection with certain interest rate forwards, the maximum length of time over which the Company is hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions does not exceed one year. There were no hedged forecasted transactions, other than the variable payments or receipts on existing assets and liabilities, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008.
 
The following table presents the components of other comprehensive loss, before income tax, related to cash flow hedges:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period
 $113  $(361) $82  $(270)
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive loss on the effective portion of cash flow hedges
  (97)  (11)  (105)  (46)
Amounts reclassified to net investment gains (losses)
  (6)  51   33   (7)
Amounts reclassified to net investment income
  4   3   6   5 
Amounts reclassified to other expenses
  (1)  (1)  (1)  (1)
Amortization of transition adjustment
     1   (2)  1 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), end of period
 $13  $(318) $13  $(318)
                 
 
At June 30, 2009, $40 million of deferred net losses on derivatives accumulated in other comprehensive loss is expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months.


48


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 consolidated statements of income and the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:
 
                         
              Amount and Location
 
  Amount of Gains
  Amount and Location
  of Gains (Losses)
 
  (Losses) Deferred
  of Gains (Losses)
  Recognized in Income
 
  in Accumulated
  Reclassified from
  on Derivatives 
Derivatives in Cash Flow
 Other Comprehensive
  Accumulated Other
  (Ineffective Portion and
 
Hedging Relationships Loss on Derivatives  Comprehensive Loss into Income  Amount Excluded from
 
  (Effective Portion)  (Effective Portion)  Effectiveness Testing) 
     Net Investment
  Net Investment
  Other
  Net Investment
  Net Investment
 
     Gains Losses  Income  Expenses  Gains (Losses)  Income 
  (In millions)    
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                    
Interest rate swaps
 $  $  $(2) $  $  $ 
Foreign currency swaps
  (170)  6   (2)  1       
Interest rate forwards
  73                
                         
Total
 $(97) $6  $(4) $1  $  $ 
                         
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:
                    
Interest rate swaps
 $(5) $  $  $  $  $ 
Foreign currency swaps
  (6)  (51)  (4)  1       
                         
Total
 $(11) $(51) $(4) $1  $  $ 
                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                    
Interest rate swaps
 $1  $  $(2) $  $  $ 
Foreign currency swaps
  (179)  (33)  (2)  1       
Interest rate forwards
  73                
                         
Total
 $(105) $(33) $(4) $1  $  $ 
                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:
                    
Interest rate swaps
 $(2) $  $  $  $  $ 
Foreign currency swaps
  (44)  7   (6)  1       
                         
Total
 $(46) $7  $(6) $1  $  $ 
                         
 
Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations
 
The Company uses forward exchange contracts, foreign currency swaps, options and 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 the forward exchange contracts based upon the change in forward rates. When net investments in foreign operations are sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss are reclassified to the consolidated statements of income, while a pro rata portion will be reclassified upon partial sale of the net investments in foreign operations.


49


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 on the consolidated statements of income and the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:
 
     
  Amount of Gains (Losses)
 
  Deferred in Accumulated
 
  Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Derivatives and Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments in Net Investment Hedging Relationships (1),(2) (Effective Portion) 
  (In millions) 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
    
Foreign currency forwards
 $(154)
Foreign currency swaps
  (14)
Non-derivative hedging instruments
  (26)
     
Total
 $(194)
     
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:
    
Foreign currency forwards
 $14 
Foreign currency swaps
  (22)
Non-derivative hedging instruments
  (4)
     
Total
 $(12)
     
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
    
Foreign currency forwards
 $(149)
Foreign currency swaps
  (10)
Non-derivative hedging instruments
  (20)
     
Total
 $(179)
     
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:
    
Foreign currency forwards
 $(38)
Foreign currency swaps
  10 
Non-derivative hedging instruments
  11 
     
Total
 $(17)
     
 
 
(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 loss into income during the periods presented.
 
(2) There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company’s hedges of net investments in foreign operations.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to hedges of net investments in foreign operations was ($53) million and $126 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 under SFAS 133 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 and option 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


50


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
futures 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) synthetic guaranteed interest contracts; (viii) credit default swaps and total rate of return swaps to synthetically create investments; (ix) basis swaps to better match the cash flows of assets and related liabilities; (x) credit default swaps held in relation to trading portfolios; (xi) swaptions to hedge interest rate risk; (xii) inflation swaps to reduce risk generated from inflation-indexed liabilities; and (xiii) interest rate lock commitments.
 
The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that are not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments under SFAS 133:
 
                 
  Net
  Net
  Policyholder
    
  Investment
  Investment
  Benefits
  Other
 
  Gains (Losses)  Income (1)  and Claims (2)  Revenues (3) 
  (In millions) 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                
Interest rate swaps
 $(880) $(1) $  $(155)
Interest rate floors
  (302)         
Interest rate caps
  98          
Interest rate futures
  (366)  6       
Equity futures
  (782)  (38)  (210)   
Foreign currency swaps
  (240)         
Foreign currency forwards
  (85)  (7)      
Currency options
  (11)         
Equity options
  (784)  (44)      
Interest rate options
           2 
Interest rate forwards
  (7)        58 
Variance swaps
  (106)  (7)      
Swap spreadlocks
  9          
Credit default swaps
  (208)  (4)      
Synthetic GICs
            
Other
  28          
                 
Total
 $(3,636) $(95) $(210) $(95)
                 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:
 $(351) $(37) $2  $ 
                 


51


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                 
  Net
  Net
  Policyholder
    
  Investment
  Investment
  Benefits
  Other
 
  Gains (Losses)  Income (1)  and Claims (2)  Revenues (3) 
  (In millions) 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                
Interest rate swaps
 $(1,472) $(3) $  $(146)
Interest rate floors
  (853)         
Interest rate caps
  73          
Interest rate futures
  (484)         
Equity futures
  (349)  (11)  (97)   
Foreign currency swaps
  (162)         
Foreign currency forwards
  (84)  (31)      
Currency options
  (32)         
Equity options
  (732)  (62)      
Interest rate options
  (353)        2 
Interest rate forwards
  (6)        42 
Variance swaps
  (129)  (9)      
Swap spreadlocks
  (38)         
Credit default swaps
  (119)  (7)      
Synthetic GICs
            
Other
  8          
                 
Total
 $(4,732) $(123) $(97) $(102)
                 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:
 $(283) $39  $59  $ 
                 
 
 
(1) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures that do not qualify for hedge accounting and changes in estimated fair value related to derivatives held in relation to trading portfolios.
 
(2) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company.
 
(3) Changes in estimated fair value related to derivatives held in connection with the Company’s mortgage banking activities.
 
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, as defined by the contract, occurs generally the contract will require the Company to pay 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 $2,406 million and $1,875 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 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 June 30, 2009, the Company would have received $13 million to terminate all of these contracts, and at December 31, 2008, the Company would have paid $37 million to terminate all of these contracts.

52


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 below. As a result, the maximum amounts of potential future recoveries available to offset the $2,406 million and $1,875 million from the table below were $0 and $13 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. 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 June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
 
                   
  June 30, 2009 December 31, 2008
    Maximum
     Maximum
  
  Estimated
 Amount
   Estimated
 Amount of
  
  Fair
 of Future
 Weighted
 Fair Value
 Future
 Weighted
  Value of Credit
 Payments under
 Average
 of Credit
 Payments under
 Average
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced
 Default
 Credit Default
 Years to
 Default
 Credit Default
 Years to
Credit Obligations (1) Swaps Swaps (2) Maturity (3) Swaps Swaps (2) Maturity (3)
  (In millions)
Aaa/Aa/A
                  
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
 $3 $135  4.5 $1 $143  5.0
Credit default swaps referencing indices
  9  2,156  3.7  (33)  1,372  4.1
                   
Subtotal
  12  2,291  3.8  (32)  1,515  4.2
                   
Baa
                  
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
  1  70  2.7  2  110  2.6
Credit default swaps referencing indices
    25  0.2  (5)  215  4.1
                   
Subtotal
  1  95  2.0  (3)  325  3.6
                   
Ba
                  
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
          25  1.6
Credit default swaps referencing indices
            
                   
Subtotal
           25  1.6
                   
B
                  
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
    20  0.2      
Credit default swaps referencing indices
        (2)  10  5.0
                   
Subtotal
    20  0.2  (2)  10  5.0
                   
Caa and lower
                  
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
            
Credit default swaps referencing indices
            
                   
Subtotal
            
                   
In or near default
                  
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
            
Credit default swaps referencing indices
            
                   
Subtotal
            
                   
Total
 $13 $2,406  3.7 $(37) $1,875  4.0
                   
 
 
(1) The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then the MetLife 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.


53


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
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 toover-the-counterderivatives 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 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 24 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report 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 derivative instruments. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company was obligated to return cash collateral under its control of $3,123 million and $7,758 million, respectively. This unrestricted 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 June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had also accepted collateral consisting of various securities with a fair market value of $406 million and $1,249 million, respectively, which are held in separate custodial accounts. The Company is permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral, but at June 30, 2009, none of the collateral had been sold or repledged.
 
The Company’s collateral arrangements for itsover-the-counterderivatives 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 Companyand/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’sover-the-counterderivatives 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


54


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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.
 
                 
  Fair Value (1) of
  Fair Value of
       
  Derivatives in Net
  Collateral
       
  Liability Position
  Provided
  Fair Value of Incremental Collateral
 
  June 30, 2009  June 30, 2009  Provided Upon: 
           Downgrade in the
 
        One Notch
  Company’s Credit Rating
 
        Downgrade
  to a Level that Triggers
 
        in the
  Full Overnight
 
        Company’s
  Collateralization or
 
     Fixed Maturity
  Credit
  Termination
 
     Securities (2)  Rating  of the Derivative Position 
  (In millions) 
 
Derivatives subject to credit-contingent provisions
 $660  $469  $77  $177 
Derivatives not subject to credit-contingent provisions
  98   98       
                 
Total
 $758  $567  $77  $177 
                 
 
 
(1) After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.
 
(2) Included in fixed maturity securities in the consolidated balance sheet. The counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral. At June 30, 2009, the Company did not provide any cash collateral.
 
Without considering the effect of netting agreements, the estimated fair value of the Company’sover-the-counterderivatives with credit-contingent provisions that were in a gross liability position at June 30, 2009 was $3,504 million. At June 30, 2009, the Company provided securities collateral of $469 million in connection with these derivatives. In the unlikely event that both (i) the Company’s credit rating is downgraded to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of all derivative positions, and (ii) the Company’s netting agreements are 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 June 30, 2009 would be $3,035 million. This amount does not consider gross derivative assets of $2,844 million for which the Company has the contractual right of offset.
 
At December 31, 2008, the Company provided securities collateral for various arrangements in connection with derivative instruments of $776 million, which is included in fixed maturity securities. The counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral.
 
The Company also has exchange-traded futures, which require the pledging of collateral. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company pledged securities collateral for exchange-traded futures of $100 million and $282 million, respectively, which is included in fixed maturity securities. The counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company provided cash collateral for exchange-traded futures of $590 million and $686 million, respectively, which is included in premiums and other receivables.
 
Embedded Derivatives
 
The Company has certain embedded derivatives that are required to be separated from their host contracts and accounted for as derivatives. These host contracts principally include: variable annuities with guaranteed minimum withdrawal, guaranteed minimum accumulation and certain guaranteed minimum income riders; ceded reinsurance contracts related to guaranteed minimum accumulation and certain guaranteed minimum income riders; and guaranteed interest contracts with equity or bond indexed crediting rates.


55


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s embedded derivatives at:
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts:
        
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefit riders
 $122  $205 
Call options in equity securities
  (33)  (173)
         
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts
 $89  $32 
         
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts:
        
Direct guaranteed minimum benefit riders
 $1,219  $3,134 
Other
  (68)  (83)
         
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts
 $1,151  $3,051 
         
 
The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended June 30,  Ended June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Net investment gains (losses) (1)
 $793  $366  $2,010  $(60)
Policyholder benefits and claims
 $(84) $  $(68) $ 
 
 
(1) Effective January 1, 2008, upon adoption of SFAS 157, the valuation of the Company’s guaranteed minimum benefit riders includes an adjustment for the Company’s own credit. Included in net investment gains (losses) for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 were gains (losses) of ($1,538) million and ($710) million, respectively, in connection with this adjustment, and for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, in connection with this adjustment, were gains (losses) of ($79) million and $275 million, respectively.
 
5.  Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired
 
Information regarding DAC and VOBA at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 is as follows:
 
             
  DAC  VOBA  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $16,653  $3,491  $20,144 
Capitalizations
  1,543      1,543 
             
Subtotal
  18,196   3,491   21,687 
             
Less: Amortization related to:
            
Net investment gains (losses)
  (385)  (56)  (441)
Other expenses
  927   150   1,077 
             
Total amortization
  542   94   636 
             
Less: Unrealized investment gains (losses)
  568   233   801 
Less: Other
  (31)  (42)  (73)
             
Balance, end of period
 $17,117  $3,206  $20,323 
             
 
The estimated future amortization expense allocated to other expenses for the next five years for VOBA is $337 million in 2009, $353 million in 2010, $322 million in 2011, $289 million in 2012, and $250 million in


56


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
2013. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, $150 million has been amortized resulting in $187 million estimated to be amortized for the remainder of 2009.
 
Amortization of VOBA and DAC is attributed to both investment gains and losses and other expenses which are the amount of gross margins or profits originating from transactions other than investment gains and losses. Unrealized investment gains and losses provide information regarding the amount of DAC and VOBA that would have been amortized if such gains and losses had been recognized.
 
Information regarding DAC and VOBA by segment and reporting unit is as follows:
 
                         
  DAC  VOBA  Total 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Institutional:
                        
Group life
 $68  $74  $5  $9  $73  $83 
Retirement & savings
  32   31   1   1   33   32 
Non-medical health & other
  921   898         921   898 
                         
Subtotal
  1,021   1,003   6   10   1,027   1,013 
                         
Individual:
                        
Traditional life
  5,624   5,813   111   154   5,735   5,967 
Variable & universal life
  3,623   3,682   961   968   4,584   4,650 
Annuities
  4,518   3,971   1,675   1,917   6,193   5,888 
Other
                  
                         
Subtotal
  13,765   13,466   2,747   3,039   16,512   16,505 
                         
International:
                        
Latin America region
  483   432   359   341   842   773 
European region
  366   303   21   22   387   325 
Asia Pacific region
  1,300   1,263   71   75   1,371   1,338 
                         
Subtotal
  2,149   1,998   451   438   2,600   2,436 
                         
Auto & Home
  179   183         179   183 
                         
Corporate & Other
  3   3   2   4   5   7 
                         
Total
 $17,117  $16,653  $3,206  $3,491  $20,323  $20,144 
                         
 
6.  Goodwill
 
Goodwill is the excess of cost over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired. Information regarding goodwill is as follows:
 
     
  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $5,008 
Other, net (1)
  28 
     
Balance, end of period
 $5,036 
     
 
 
(1) Consisting principally of foreign currency translation adjustments.


57


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Information regarding goodwill by segment and reporting unit is as follows:
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Institutional:
        
Group life
 $15  $15 
Retirement & savings
  887   887 
Non-medical health & other
  149   149 
         
Subtotal
  1,051   1,051 
         
Individual:
        
Traditional life
  73   73 
Variable & universal life
  1,172   1,174 
Annuities
  1,692   1,692 
Other
  18   18 
         
Subtotal
  2,955   2,957 
         
International:
        
Latin America region
  205   184 
European region
  41   37 
Asia Pacific region
  157   152 
         
Subtotal
  403   373 
         
Auto & Home
  157   157 
         
Corporate & Other (1)
  470   470 
         
Total
 $5,036  $5,008 
         
 
 
(1) The allocation of the goodwill to the reporting units was performed at the time of the respective acquisition. The $470 million of goodwill within Corporate & Other relates to goodwill acquired as a part of the Travelers acquisition of $405 million, as well as acquisitions by MetLife Bank, National Association (“MetLife Bank”) which resides within Corporate & Other. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the $405 million of Corporate & Other goodwill has been attributed to the Individual and Institutional segment reporting units. The Individual segment was attributed $210 million (traditional life — $23 million, variable & universal life — $11 million and annuities — $176 million), and the Institutional segment was attributed $195 million (group life — $2 million, retirement & savings — $186 million, and non-medical health & other — $7 million) at both March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment tests during the third quarter based upon data at June 30th and more frequently if events or circumstances, such as adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test.
 
In performing its goodwill impairment tests, when management believes meaningful comparable market data are available, the estimated fair values of the reporting units are determined using a market multiple approach. When relevant comparables are not available, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model. For reporting units which are particularly sensitive to market assumptions, such as the annuities and variable & universal life reporting units within the Individual segment, the Company may corroborate its estimated fair values by using additional valuation methodologies.


58


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The key inputs, judgments and assumptions necessary in determining estimated fair value include projected earnings, current book value (with and without accumulated other comprehensive loss), the capital required to support the mix of business, long-term growth rates, comparative market multiples, the account value of in-force business, projections of new and renewal business, as well as margins on such business, the level of interest rates, credit spreads, equity market levels and the discount rate management believes appropriate to the risk associated with the respective reporting unit. The estimated fair value of the annuity and variable & universal life reporting units are particularly sensitive to the equity market levels.
 
Management applies significant judgment when determining the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting. The valuation methodologies utilized are subject to key judgments and assumptions that are sensitive to change. Estimates of fair value are inherently uncertain and represent only management’s reasonable expectation regarding future developments. These estimates and the judgments and assumptions upon which the estimates are based will, in all likelihood, differ in some respects from actual future results. Declines in the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units could result in goodwill impairments in future periods which could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
 
The Company’s annual tests indicated that goodwill was not impaired at September 30, 2008. Due to economic conditions, the sustained low level of equity markets, declining market capitalizations in the insurance industry and lower operating earnings projections, particularly for the Individual segment, management determined it was appropriate to perform an interim goodwill impairment test at December 31, 2008 and again, for certain reporting units most affected by the current economic environment, at March 31, 2009. Based upon the tests performed, management concluded no impairment of goodwill had occurred for any of the Company’s reporting units at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
Management continues to evaluate current market conditions that may affect the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units to assess whether any goodwill impairment exists and concluded that there were no triggering events in the second quarter that would require further detailed goodwill impairment testing. However, additional deterioration or adverse market conditions for certain reporting units may have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of these reporting units and could result in future impairments of goodwill.


59


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
7.  Insurance
 
Insurance Liabilities
 
Insurance liabilities are as follows:
 
                         
  Future Policy Benefits  Policyholder Account Balances  Other Policyholder Funds 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Institutional:
                        
Group life
 $3,370  $3,346  $14,517  $14,044  $2,713  $2,532 
Retirement & savings
  40,288   40,320   53,320   60,787   29   58 
Non-medical health & other
  12,078   11,619   501   501   603   609 
Individual:
                        
Traditional life
  53,435   52,968   1   1   1,545   1,423 
Variable & universal life
  1,288   1,129   15,403   15,062   1,432   1,452 
Annuities
  3,855   3,655   47,373   44,282   99   88 
Other
  6   2   2,783   2,524   1   1 
International
  10,200   9,241   6,123   5,654   1,462   1,227 
Auto & Home
  3,011   3,083         46   43 
Corporate & Other
  5,292   5,192   7,862   6,950   389   329 
                         
Total
 $132,823  $130,555  $147,883  $149,805  $8,319  $7,762 
                         
 
Guarantees
 
The Company issues annuity contracts which may include contractual guarantees to the contractholder for: (i) return of no less than total deposits made to the contract less any partial withdrawals (“return of net deposits”); and (ii) the highest contract value on a specified anniversary date minus any withdrawals following the contract anniversary, or total deposits made to the contract less any partial withdrawals plus a minimum return (“anniversary contract value” or “minimum return”). The Company also issues annuity contracts that apply a lower rate of funds deposited if the contractholder elects to surrender the contract for cash and a higher rate if the contractholder elects to annuitize (“two tier annuities”). These guarantees include benefits that are payable in the event of death or at annuitization.
 
The Company also issues universal and variable life contracts where the Company contractually guarantees to the contractholder a secondary guarantee or a guaranteedpaid-upbenefit.


60


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Information regarding the types of guarantees relating to annuity contracts and universal and variable life contracts is as follows:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  In the
  At
  In the
  At
 
  Event of Death  Annuitization  Event of Death  Annuitization 
  (In millions) 
 
Annuity Contracts (1)
                
Return of Net Deposits
                
Separate account value
 $19,837   N/A  $15,882   N/A 
Net amount at risk (2)
 $3,456(3)  N/A  $4,384(3)  N/A 
Average attained age of contractholders
  63 years   N/A   62 years   N/A 
Anniversary Contract Value or Minimum Return
                
Separate account value
 $71,925  $31,266  $62,345  $24,328 
Net amount at risk (2)
 $15,610(3) $10,438(4) $18,637(3) $11,312(4)
Average attained age of contractholders
  60 years   61 years   60 years   61 years 
Two Tier Annuities
                
General account value
  N/A  $282   N/A  $283 
Net amount at risk (2)
  N/A  $50(5)  N/A  $50(5)
Average attained age of contractholders
  N/A   61 years   N/A   60 years 
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Secondary
  Paid-Up
  Secondary
  Paid-Up
 
  Guarantees  Guarantees  Guarantees  Guarantees 
  (In millions) 
 
Universal and Variable Life Contracts (1)
                
Account value (general and separate account)
 $8,760  $4,185  $7,825  $4,135 
Net amount at risk (2)
 $153,902(3) $29,994(3) $145,927(3) $31,274(3)
Average attained age of policyholders
  52 years   57 years   50 years   56 years 
 
 
(1) The Company’s annuity and life contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive.
 
(2) The net amount at risk is based on the direct amount at risk (excluding reinsurance).
 
(3) The net amount at risk for guarantees of amounts in the event of death is defined as the current guaranteed minimum death benefit in excess of the current account balance at the balance sheet date.
 
(4) The net amount at risk for guarantees of amounts at annuitization is defined as the present value of the minimum guaranteed annuity payments available to the contractholder determined in accordance with the terms of the contract in excess of the current account balance.
 
(5) The net amount at risk for two tier annuities is based on the excess of the upper tier, adjusted for a profit margin, less the lower tier.


61


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Information regarding the liabilities for guarantees (excluding base policy liabilities) relating to annuity and universal and variable life contracts at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 is as follows:
 
                     
     Universal and Variable
    
  Annuity Contracts  Life Contracts    
  Guaranteed
  Guaranteed
          
  Death
  Annuitization
  Secondary
  Paid-Up
    
  Benefits  Benefits  Guarantees  Guarantees  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Direct:
                    
Balance, beginning of period
 $251  $403  $271  $140  $1,065 
Incurred guaranteed benefits
  69   42   144   9   264 
Paid guaranteed benefits
  (111)           (111)
                     
Balance, end of period
 $209  $445  $415  $149  $1,218 
                     
Ceded:
                    
Balance, beginning of period
 $8  $  $80  $90  $178 
Incurred guaranteed benefits
  16      75   14   105 
Paid guaranteed benefits
  (17)           (17)
                     
Balance, end of period
 $7  $  $155  $104  $266 
                     
Net:
                    
Balance, beginning of period
 $243  $403  $191  $50  $887 
Incurred guaranteed benefits
  53   42   69   (5)  159 
Paid guaranteed benefits
  (94)           (94)
                     
Balance, end of period
 $202  $445  $260  $45  $952 
                     
 
Account balances of contracts with insurance guarantees are invested in separate account asset classes as follows:
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Mutual Fund Groupings:
        
Equity
 $39,664  $39,842 
Balanced
  23,732   14,548 
Bond
  6,078   5,671 
Money Market
  2,410   2,456 
Specialty
  1,480   488 
         
Total
 $73,364  $63,005 
         
 
8.  Closed Block
 
On April 7, 2000 (the “Demutualization Date”), 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.


62


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Recent experience within the closed block, in particular mortality and investment yields, as well as realized and unrealized losses, has resulted in a policyholder dividend obligation of zero at both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. The policyholder dividend obligation of zero and the Company’s decision to revise the expected policyholder dividend scales, which are based upon statutory results, has resulted in reduction to both actual and expected cumulative earnings of the closed block. Amortization of the closed block DAC, which resides outside of the closed block, will be based upon actual cumulative earnings rather than expected cumulative earnings of the closed block until such time as the actual cumulative earnings of the closed block exceed the expected cumulative earnings, at which time the policyholder dividend obligation will be reestablished. Actual cumulative earnings less than expected cumulative earnings will result in future adjustments to DAC and net income of the Company and increase sensitivity of the Company’s net income to movements in closed block results.
 
Information regarding the closed block liabilities and assets designated to the closed block is as follows:
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Closed Block Liabilities
        
Future policy benefits
 $43,451  $43,520 
Other policyholder funds
  300   315 
Policyholder dividends payable
  749   711 
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
  2,365   2,852 
Other liabilities
  498   254 
         
Total closed block liabilities
  47,363   47,652 
         
Assets Designated to the Closed Block
        
Investments:
        
Fixed maturity securitiesavailable-for-sale,at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $27,924 and $27,947, respectively)
  26,497   26,205 
Equity securitiesavailable-for-sale,at estimated fair value (cost: $259 and $280, respectively)
  229   210 
Mortgage loans
  7,068   7,243 
Policy loans
  4,476   4,426 
Real estate and real estate joint venturesheld-for-investment
  358   381 
Short-term investments
     52 
Other invested assets
  678   952 
         
Total investments
  39,306   39,469 
Cash and cash equivalents
  517   262 
Accrued investment income
  467   484 
Premiums and other receivables
  141   98 
Current income tax recoverable
  50    
Deferred income tax assets
  1,398   1,632 
         
Total assets designated to the closed block
  41,879   41,945 
         
Excess of closed block liabilities over assets designated to the closed block
  5,484   5,707 
         
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
        
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax of ($515) and ($633), respectively
  (961)  (1,174)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax of ($1) and ($8), respectively
  (2)  (15)
         
Total amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
  (963)  (1,189)
         
Maximum future earnings to be recognized from closed block assets and liabilities
 $4,521  $4,518 
         


63


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Information regarding the closed block revenues and expenses is as follows:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Revenues
                
Premiums
 $669  $686  $1,304  $1,337 
Net investment income and other revenues
  553   577   1,086   1,141 
Net investment gains (losses):
                
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
  (21)  (2)  (57)  (3)
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive loss
  8      8    
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  (82)  (6)  108   (70)
                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
  (95)  (8)  59   (73)
                 
Total revenues
  1,127   1,255   2,449   2,405 
                 
Expenses
                
Policyholder benefits and claims
  826   844   1,612   1,647 
Policyholder dividends
  373   379   739   750 
Other expenses
  52   54   104   110 
                 
Total expenses
  1,251   1,277   2,455   2,507 
                 
Revenues, net of expenses before income tax
  (124)  (22)  (6)  (102)
Income tax
  (44)  (9)  (3)  (40)
                 
Revenues, net of expenses and income tax
 $(80) $(13) $(3) $(62)
                 
 
The change in the maximum future earnings of the closed block is as follows:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $4,441  $4,478  $4,518  $4,429 
Change during period
  80   13   3   62 
                 
Balance, end of period
 $4,521  $4,491  $4,521  $4,491 
                 
 
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.
 
9.  Long-term and Short-term Debt
 
The following represent significant changes in debt from the amounts reported in Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report.


64


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Senior Notes
 
On May 29, 2009, the Holding Company issued $1,250 million senior notes due June 1, 2016. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.75%, payable semiannually. In connection with the offering, the Holding Company incurred $6 million of issuance costs which have been capitalized and included in other assets. These costs are being amortized over the term of the notes.
 
On March 26, 2009, the Holding Company issued $397 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate senior notes due June 29, 2012 under the FDIC Program. The notes bear interest at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus 0.32%. The notes are not redeemable prior to their maturity. In connection with the offering, the Holding Company incurred $15 million of issuance costs which have been capitalized and included in other assets. These costs are being amortized over the term of the notes.
 
On February 17, 2009, the Holding Company closed the successful remarketing of the $1,035 million Series B portion of the junior subordinated debt securities constituting part of its common equity units issued in June 2005. The common equity units consisted of a debt security and a stock purchase contract under which the holders of the units would be required to purchase common stock. The remarketing of the Series A portion of the junior subordinated debt securities and the associated stock purchase contract settlement occurred in August 2008. In the February 2009 remarketing, the Series B junior subordinated debt securities were modified, as permitted by their terms, to be 7.717% senior debt securities Series B, due February 15, 2019. The Holding Company did not receive any proceeds from the remarketing. Most common equity unit holders chose to have their junior subordinated debt securities remarketed and used the remarketing proceeds to settle their payment obligations under the stock purchase contracts. For those common equity unit holders that elected not to participate in the remarketing and elected to use their own cash to satisfy the payment obligations under the stock purchase contracts, the terms of the debt they received are the same as the terms of the remarketed debt. The subsequent settlement of the stock purchase contracts provided proceeds to the Holding Company of $1,035 million in exchange for shares of the Holding Company’s common stock. The Holding Company delivered 24,343,154 shares of its newly issued common stock to settle the stock purchase contracts on February 17, 2009.
 
Repurchase Agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
 
MetLife Bank is a member of the FHLB of NY and holds $187 million and $89 million of common stock of the FHLB of NY at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, which is included in equity securities. MetLife Bank has also entered into repurchase agreements with the FHLB of NY whereby MetLife Bank has issued repurchase agreements in exchange for cash and for which the FHLB of NY has been granted a blanket lien on certain of MetLife Bank’s residential mortgages, mortgage loansheld-for-sale,commercial mortgages and mortgage-backed securities to collateralize MetLife Bank’s obligations under the repurchase agreements. MetLife Bank maintains control over these pledged assets, and may use, commingle, encumber or dispose of any portion of the collateral as long as there is no event of default and the remaining qualified collateral is sufficient to satisfy the collateral maintenance level. The repurchase agreements and the related security agreement represented by this blanket lien provide that upon any event of default by MetLife Bank, the FHLB of NY’s recovery is limited to the amount of MetLife Bank’s liability under the outstanding repurchase agreements. The amount of MetLife Bank’s liability for repurchase agreements entered into with the FHLB of NY was $3.8 billion and $1.8 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, which is included in long-term debt and short-term debt depending upon the original tenor of the advance. During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, MetLife Bank received advances related to long-term borrowings totaling $550 million and $170 million, respectively, from the FHLB of NY. MetLife Bank made repayments to the FHLB of NY of $120 million and $171 million related to long-term borrowings for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The advances on the repurchase agreements related to both long-term and short-term debt are collateralized by residential mortgages, mortgage loansheld-for-sale,commercial mortgages and mortgage-backed securities with estimated fair values of $5.0 billion and $3.1 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.


65


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Collateralized Borrowing from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
 
MetLife Bank is a depository institution that is approved to use the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Discount Window borrowing privileges and participate in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Term Auction Facility. In order to utilize these facilities, MetLife Bank has pledged qualifying loans and investment securities to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as collateral. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, MetLife Bank’s liability for advances from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York under these facilities was $1.8 billion and $950 million, respectively, which is included in short-term debt. The estimated fair value of loan and investment security collateral pledged by MetLife Bank to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was $3.0 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the weighted average interest rate on these advances was 0.13%. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the average daily balance of these advances was $1.6 billion and these advances were outstanding for an average of 32 days. The Company did not participate in these programs during the six months ended June 30, 2008.
 
Short-term Debt
 
Short-term debt was $4.8 billion and $2.7 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. At June 30, 2009, short-term debt consisted of $580 million of commercial paper, $1.8 billion related to the aforementioned collateralized borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and $2.4 billion related to MetLife Bank’s liability under the aforementioned repurchase agreements with the FHLB of NY with original maturities of less than one year. At December 31, 2008, short-term debt consisted of $714 million of commercial paper, $950 million related to the aforementioned collateralized borrowing from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, $695 million related to MetLife Bank’s liability under the aforementioned repurchase agreements with the FHLB of NY with original maturities of less than one year and $300 million related to MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut’s liability for borrowings from the FHLB of Boston with original maturities of less than one year. During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the weighted average interest rate on short-term debt was 0.5% and 3.0%, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the average daily balance of short-term debt was $3.4 billion and $878 million, respectively, and short-term debt was outstanding for an average of 16 days and 31 days, respectively.
 
Credit and Committed Facilities and Letters of Credit
 
Credit Facilities.  The Company maintains committed and unsecured credit facilities aggregating $3.2 billion at June 30, 2009. When drawn upon, these facilities bear interest at varying rates in accordance with the respective agreements. The facilities can be used for general corporate purposes and, at June 30, 2009, $2.9 billion of the facilities also served asback-uplines of credit for the Company’s commercial paper programs. These facilities contain various administrative, reporting, legal and financial covenants, including a requirement for the Company to maintain a specified minimum consolidated net worth. Management has no reason to believe that its lending counterparties are unable to fulfill their respective contractual obligations.
 
Total fees associated with these credit facilities were $14 million and $30 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $1 million and $3 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Information on these credit facilities at June 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
                     
        Letter of
       
        Credit
     Unused
 
Borrower(s) Expiration  Capacity  Issuances  Drawdowns  Commitments 
  (In millions) 
 
MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Funding, Inc. 
  June 2012(1) $2,850  $534  $  $2,316 
MetLife Bank, N.A
  July 2009   300         300 
                     
Total
     $3,150  $534  $  $2,616 
                     


66


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(1) Proceeds are available to be used for general corporate purposes, to support the borrowers’ commercial paper programs and for the issuance of letters of credit. All borrowings under the credit agreement must be repaid by June 2012, except that letters of credit outstanding upon termination may remain outstanding until June 2013.
 
Committed Facilities.  The Company maintains committed facilities aggregating $11.5 billion at June 30, 2009. When drawn upon, these facilities bear interest at varying rates in accordance with the respective agreements. The facilities are used for collateral for certain of the Company’s reinsurance liabilities. These facilities contain various administrative, reporting, legal and financial covenants, including a requirement for the Company to maintain a specified minimum consolidated net worth. Management has no reason to believe that its lending counterparties are unable to fulfill their respective contractual obligations.
 
Total fees associated with these committed facilities were $14 million and $25 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $4 million and $7 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Information on committed facilities at June 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
                       
       Letter of
          
       Credit
     Unused
  Maturity
 
Account Party/Borrower(s) Expiration Capacity  Issuances  Drawdowns  Commitments  (Years) 
    (In millions) 
 
MetLife, Inc. 
 August 2009 (1) $500  $500  $  $    
Exeter Reassurance Company Ltd., MetLife, Inc., & Missouri Reinsurance (Barbados), Inc. 
 June 2016 (2)  500   490      10   7 
Exeter Reassurance Company Ltd. 
 December 2027 (3)  650   410      240   18 
MetLife Reinsurance Company of South Carolina & MetLife, Inc. 
 June 2037  3,500      2,797   703   28 
MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont & MetLife, Inc. 
 December 2037 (3)  2,896   1,421      1,475   28 
MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont & MetLife, Inc. 
 September 2038 (3)  3,500   1,261      2,239   29 
                       
Total
   $11,546  $4,082  $2,797  $4,667     
                       
 
 
(1) On July 31, 2009, MetLife, Inc. entered into an agreement to extend the availability of $300 million of this committed facility to August 2010.
 
(2) Letters of credit and replacements or renewals thereof issued under this facility of $280 million, $10 million and $200 million are set to expire no later than December 2015, March 2016 and June 2016, respectively.
 
(3) The Holding Company is a guarantor under this agreement.
 
Letters of Credit.  At June 30, 2009, the Company had outstanding $4.7 billion in letters of credit from various financial institutions, of which $4.1 billion and $534 million were part of committed and credit facilities, respectively. 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 is in compliance with all covenants at June 30, 2009.
 
10.  Collateral Financing Arrangements
 
Associated with the Closed Block
 
In December 2007, MLIC reinsured a portion of its closed block liabilities to MetLife Reinsurance Company of Charleston (“MRC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. In connection with this transaction, MRC issued to investors, placed by an unaffiliated financial institution, a $2.5 billion,35-yearsurplus note to provide statutory reserve support for the assumed closed block liabilities. Interest on the surplus note accrues at an annual rate of3-monthLIBOR plus 0.55%, payable quarterly. The ability of MRC to make interest and principal payments


67


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
on the surplus note is contingent upon South Carolina regulatory approval. At both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the amount of the surplus note outstanding was $2.5 billion.
 
Simultaneous with the issuance of the surplus note, the Holding Company entered into an agreement with the unaffiliated financial institution, under which the Holding Company is entitled to the interest paid by MRC on the surplus note of3-monthLIBOR plus 0.55% in exchange for the payment of3-monthLIBOR plus 1.12%, payable quarterly on such amount as adjusted, as described below. Under this agreement, the Holding Company may also be required to pledge collateral or make payments to the unaffiliated financial institution related to any decline in the estimated fair value of the surplus note. Any such payments would be accounted for as a receivable and included under other assets on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and would not reduce the principal amount outstanding of the surplus note. Such payments would reduce the amount of interest payments due from the Holding Company under the agreement. At December 31, 2008, the Company had paid $800 million to the unaffiliated financial institution related to the decline in the estimated fair value of the surplus note. In April 2009, the Holding Company paid an additional $400 million to the unaffiliated financial institution as a result of the continued decline in the estimated fair value of the surplus note. In June 2009, the Holding Company received $400 million from the unaffiliated financial institution as a result of the increase in the estimated fair value of the surplus note since April 2009. In addition, the Holding Company had pledged collateral with an estimated fair value of $48 million and $230 million to the unaffiliated financial institution at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. In addition, the Holding Company may also be required to make a payment to the unaffiliated financial institution in connection with any early termination of this agreement.
 
A majority of the proceeds from the offering of the surplus note was placed in trust, which is consolidated by the Company, to support MRC’s statutory obligations associated with the assumed closed block liabilities.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the estimated fair value of assets held in trust by the Company was $2.3 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. The assets are principally invested in fixed maturity securities and are presented as such within the Company’s interim condensed consolidated balance sheets, with the related income included within net investment income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Interest on the collateral financing arrangement is included as a component of other expenses. Total interest expense was $15 million and $31 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $24 million and $61 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
 
Associated with Secondary Guarantees
 
In May 2007, the Holding Company and MetLife Reinsurance Company of South Carolina, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a30-yearcollateral financing arrangement with an unaffiliated financial institution that provides up to $3.5 billion of statutory reserve support for MRSC associated with reinsurance obligations under intercompany reinsurance agreements. Such statutory reserves are associated with universal life secondary guarantees and are required under U.S. Valuation of Life Policies Model Regulation (commonly referred to asRegulation A-XXX).At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $2.8 billion and $2.7 billion had been drawn upon under the collateral financing arrangement, respectively. The collateral financing arrangement may be extended by agreement of the Holding Company and the unaffiliated financial institution on each anniversary of the closing.
 
Proceeds from the collateral financing arrangement were placed in trust to support MRSC’s statutory obligations associated with the reinsurance of secondary guarantees. The trust is a VIE which is consolidated by the Company. The unaffiliated financial institution is entitled to the return on the investment portfolio held by the trust.
 
In connection with the collateral financing arrangement, the Holding Company entered into an agreement with the same unaffiliated financial institution under which the Holding Company is entitled to the return on the investment portfolio held by the trust established in connection with this collateral financing arrangement in


68


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
exchange for the payment of a stated rate of return to the unaffiliated financial institution of3-monthLIBOR plus 0.70%, payable quarterly. The Holding Company may also be required to make payments to the unaffiliated financial institution, for deposit into the trust, related to any decline in the estimated fair value of the assets held by the trust, as well as amounts outstanding upon maturity or early termination of the collateral financing arrangement. In January 2009, the Holding Company paid $360 million to the unaffiliated financial institution as a result of the decline in the estimated fair value of the assets in the trust. Cumulatively, the Holding Company has contributed $680 million as a result of declines in the estimated fair value of the assets in the trust. All of the $680 million was deposited into the trust.
 
In addition, the Holding Company may be required to pledge collateral to the unaffiliated financial institution under this agreement. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Holding Company had pledged $75 million and $86 million under the agreement, respectively.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company held assets in trust with an estimated fair value of $3.1 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively, associated with this transaction. The assets are principally invested in fixed maturity securities and are presented as such within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, with the related income included within net investment income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Interest on the collateral financing arrangement is included as a component of other expenses. Total interest expense was $13 million and $28 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $21 million and $54 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
 
11.  Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees
 
Contingencies
 
Litigation
 
The Company is a defendant in a large number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, very largeand/orindeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the United States 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, demonstrate to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value. Thus, unless stated below, the specific monetary relief sought is not noted.
 
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 inherently impossible to ascertain with any degree of certainty. Inherent uncertainties can include how fact finders will view individually and in their totality documentary evidence, the credibility and effectiveness of witnesses’ 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.
 
On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation and contingencies to be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The review includes senior legal and financial personnel. Unless stated below, estimates of possible losses or ranges of loss for particular matters cannot in the ordinary course be made with a reasonable degree of certainty. Liabilities are established 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


69


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at June 30, 2009.
 
Demutualization Actions
 
Several lawsuits were brought in 2000 challenging the fairness of the Plan and the adequacy and accuracy of MLIC’s disclosure to policyholders regarding the Plan. The actions discussed below name as defendants some or all of MLIC, the Holding Company, and individual directors. MLIC, the Holding Company, and the individual directors believe they have meritorious defenses to the plaintiffs’ claims and are contesting vigorously all of the plaintiffs’ claims in these actions.
 
Fiala, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., et al. (Sup. Ct., N.Y. County, filed March 17, 2000).  The plaintiffs in the consolidated state court class action seek compensatory relief and punitive damages against MLIC, the Holding Company, and individual directors. The court has certified a litigation class of present and former policyholders on plaintiffs’ claim that defendants violated section 7312 of the New York Insurance Law. Pursuant to the court’s order, plaintiffs have given notice to the class of the pendency of this action. Defendants’ motion for summary judgment is pending.
 
In re MetLife Demutualization Litig. (E.D.N.Y., filed April 18, 2000).  In this class action against MLIC and the Holding Company, plaintiffs served a second consolidated amended complaint in 2004. Plaintiffs assert violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) in connection with the Plan, claiming that the Policyholder Information Booklets failed to disclose certain material facts and contained certain material misstatements. They seek rescission and compensatory damages. By orders dated July 19, 2005 and August 29, 2006, the federal trial court certified a litigation class of present and former policyholders. Pursuant to the court’s order, plaintiffs have given notice to the class of the pendency of this action. On March 30, 2009, the court denied MLIC’s and the Holding Company’s motion for summary judgment and plaintiffs’ motion for partial summary judgment. On July 17, 2009, the court entered an order setting the trial to begin on September 8, 2009.
 
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’


70


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 2008 Annual Report, MLIC received approximately 5,063 asbestos-related claims in 2008. During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, MLIC received approximately 1,726 and 2,863 new asbestos-related claims, respectively. See Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 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 with any certainty 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 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. 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 adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.
 
During 1998, MLIC paid $878 million in premiums for excess insurance policies for asbestos-related claims. The excess insurance policies for asbestos-related claims provided for recovery of losses up to $1.5 billion in excess of a $400 million self-insured retention. The Company’s initial option to commute the excess insurance policies for asbestos-related claims would have arisen at the end of 2008. On September 29, 2008, MLIC entered into agreements commuting the excess insurance policies at September 30, 2008. As a result of the commutation of the policies, MLIC received cash and securities totaling $632 million. Of this total, MLIC received $115 million in fixed maturity securities on September 26, 2008, $200 million in cash on October 29, 2008, and $317 million in cash on January 29, 2009. MLIC recognized a loss on commutation of the policies in the amount of $35.3 million during 2008.
 
In the years prior to commutation, the excess insurance policies for asbestos-related claims were subject to annual and per claim sublimits. Amounts exceeding the sublimits during 2007, 2006 and 2005 were approximately $16 million, $8 million and $0, respectively. Amounts were recoverable under the policies annually with respect to claims paid during the prior calendar year. Each asbestos-related policy contained an experience fund and a reference fund that provided for payments to MLIC at the commutation date if the reference fund was greater than zero at commutation or pro rata reductions from time to time in the loss reimbursements to MLIC if the cumulative return on the reference fund was less than the return specified in the experience fund. The return in the reference fund was tied to performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index. A claim with respect to the prior year was made under the excess insurance policies in each year from 2003 through 2008 for the amounts paid with respect to asbestos litigation in excess of the retention. The foregone loss reimbursements were approximately $62.2 million with respect to claims for the period of 2002 through 2007. Because the policies were


71


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
commuted at September 30, 2008, there will be no claims under the policies or forgone loss reimbursements with respect to payments made in 2008 and thereafter.
 
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 United States, 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 June 30, 2009.
 
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. Certain regulators have requested information and documents regarding contingent commission payments to brokers, the Company’s awareness of any “sham” bids for business, bids and quotes that the Company submitted to potential customers, incentive agreements entered into with brokers, or compensation paid to intermediaries. Regulators also have requested information relating to market timing and late trading of mutual funds and variable insurance products and, generally, the marketing of products. The Company has received a subpoena from and has had discussions with the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California regarding the insurance broker Universal Life Resources. The Company has been cooperating fully.
 
Regulatory authorities in a small number of states have had investigations or inquiries relating to sales of individual life insurance policies or annuities or other products by MLIC; New England Mutual Life Insurance Company, New England Life Insurance Company and New England Securities Corporation (collectively “New England”); General American Life Insurance Company; Walnut Street Securities, Inc. and MetLife Securities, Inc. (“MSI”). Over the past several years, these and a number of investigations by other regulatory authorities were resolved for monetary payments and certain other relief. The Company may continue to resolve investigations in a similar manner.
 
MSI is a defendant in two regulatory matters brought by the Illinois Department of Securities. In 2005, MSI received a notice from the Illinois Department of Securities asserting possible violations of the Illinois Securities Act in connection with alleged failure to disclose portability with respect to sales of a former affiliate’s mutual funds and representative compensation with respect to proprietary products. A response has been submitted and in January 2008, MSI received notice of the commencement of an administrative action by the Illinois Department of Securities. In May 2008, MSI’s motion to dismiss the action was denied. In the second matter, in December 2008 MSI received a Notice of Hearing from the Illinois Department of Securities based upon a complaint alleging that


72


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
MSI failed to reasonably supervise one of its former registered representatives in connection with the sale of variable annuities to Illinois investors. MSI intends to vigorously defend against the claims in these matters.
 
On April 14, 2009, MSI received a Wells Notice from FINRA stating that FINRA is considering recommending that a disciplinary action be brought against MSI. FINRA contends that during the period from March 1999 through December 2006, MSI’s registered representative supervisory system was not reasonably designed to achieve compliance with National Association of Securities Dealers Conduct Rules relating to the review of registered representatives’ electronic correspondence. Under FINRA procedures, MSI can avail itself of the opportunity to respond to the FINRA staff before it makes a formal recommendation regarding whether any disciplinary action should be considered.
 
In June 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a Notice of Violation (“NOV”) regarding the operations of the Homer City Generating Station, an electrical generation facility. The NOV alleges, among other things, that the electrical generation facility is being operated in violation of certain federal and state Clean Air Act requirements. Homer City OL6 LLC, an entity owned by MLIC, is a passive investor with a noncontrolling interest in the electrical generation facility, which is solely operated by the lessee, EME Homer City Generation L.P. (“EME Homer”). Homer City OL6 LLC and EME Homer are among the respondents identified in the NOV. EME Homer has been notified of its obligation to indemnify Homer City OL6 LLC and MLIC for any claims resulting from the NOV and has expressly acknowledged its obligation to indemnify Homer City OL6 LLC.
 
Other Litigation
 
Jacynthe Evoy-Larouche v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co. (Que. Super. Ct., filed March 1998).  This putative class action lawsuit involving sales practices claims was filed against MLIC in Canada. Plaintiff alleged misrepresentations regarding dividends and future payments for life insurance policies and sought unspecified damages. Pursuant to a judgment dated March 11, 2009, this lawsuit was dismissed.
 
Travelers Ins. Co., et al. v. Banc of America Securities LLC (S.D.N.Y., filed December 13, 2001).  On January 6, 2009, after a jury trial, the district court entered a judgment in favor of The Travelers Insurance Company, now known as MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, in the amount of approximately $42 million in connection with securities and common law claims against the defendant. On May 14, 2009, the district court issued an opinion and order denying the defendant’s post judgment motion seeking a judgment in its favor or, in the alternative, a new trial. On June 3, 2009, the defendant filed a notice of appeal from the January 6, 2009 judgment and the May 14, 2009 opinion and order. As it is possible that the judgment could be affected during appellate practice, and the Company has not collected any portion of the judgment, the Company has not recognized any award amount in its consolidated financial statements.
 
Shipley v. St. Paul Fire and Marine Ins. Co. and Metropolitan Property and Casualty Ins. Co. (Ill. Cir. Ct., Madison County, filed February 26 and July 2, 2003).  Two putative nationwide class actions have been filed against Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company in Illinois. One suit claims breach of contract and fraud due to the alleged underpayment of medical claims arising from the use of a purportedly biased provider fee pricing system. The second suit currently alleges breach of contract arising from the alleged use of preferred provider organizations to reduce medical provider fees covered by the medical claims portion of the insurance policy. Motions for class certification have been filed and briefed in both cases. A third putative nationwide class action relating to the payment of medical providers, Innovative Physical Therapy, Inc. v. MetLife Auto & Home, et ano (D. N.J., filed November 12, 2007), was filed against Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company in federal court in New Jersey. The court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued an order on July 22, 2009 affirming the dismissal. Simon v. Metropolitan Property and Casualty Ins. Co. (W.D. Okla., filed September 23, 2008), a fourth putative nationwide class action lawsuit relating to payment of medical providers, is pending in federal court in Oklahoma. The Company is vigorously defending against the claims in these matters.


73


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The American Dental Association, et al. v. MetLife Inc., et al. (S.D. Fla., filed May 19, 2003).  The American Dental Association and three individual providers had sued the Holding Company, MLIC and other non-affiliated insurance companies in a putative class action lawsuit. The plaintiffs purported to represent a nationwide class ofin-networkproviders who alleged that their claims were being wrongfully reduced by downcoding, bundling, and the improper use and programming of software. The complaint alleged federal racketeering and various state law theories of liability. On February 10, 2009, the district court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss plaintiffs’ second amended complaint, dismissing all of plaintiffs’ claims except for breach of contract claims. Plaintiffs were provided with an opportunity to re-plead the dismissed claims by February 26, 2009. Since plaintiffs never amended these claims, they were dismissed with prejudice on March 2, 2009. By order dated March 20, 2009, the district court declined to retain jurisdiction over the remaining breach of contract claims and dismissed the lawsuit. On April 17, 2009, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal from this order.
 
In Re Ins. Brokerage Antitrust Litig. (D. N.J., filed February 24, 2005).  In this multi-district class action proceeding, plaintiffs’ complaint alleged that the Holding Company, MLIC, several non-affiliated insurance companies and several insurance brokers violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), and antitrust laws and committed other misconduct in the context of providing insurance to employee benefit plans and to persons who participate in such employee benefit plans. In August and September 2007 and January 2008, the court issued orders granting defendants’ motions to dismiss with prejudice the federal antitrust, the RICO, and the ERISA claims. In February 2008, the court dismissed the remaining state law claims on jurisdictional grounds. Plaintiffs’ appeal from the orders dismissing their RICO and federal antitrust claims is pending with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. A putative class action alleging that the Holding Company and other non-affiliated defendants violated state laws was transferred to the District of New Jersey but was not consolidated with other related actions. Plaintiffs’ motion to remand this action to state court in Florida is pending.
 
Metropolitan Life Ins. Co. v. Park Avenue Securities, et. al. (FINRA Arbitration, filed May 2006).  MLIC commenced an action against Park Avenue Securities LLC., a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer that is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, alleging misappropriation of confidential and proprietary information and use of prohibited methods to solicit the Company’s customers and recruit the Company’s financial services representatives. On February 12, 2009, a FINRA arbitration panel awarded MLIC $21 million in damages, including punitive damages and attorneys’ fees. In March 2009, Park Avenue Securities filed a motion to vacate the decision.
 
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 and Metropolitan Insurance and Annuity Company. This group of tenants claim that the Company, and since the sale of the properties, Tishman Speyer as current owner, improperly charged market rents when only lower regulated rents were permitted. The allegations are based on the impact of so-called J-51 tax abatements. The lawsuit seeks declaratory relief and damages for rent overcharges. In August 2007, the trial court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss and dismissed the complaint in its entirety. In March 2009, New York’s intermediate appellate court reversed the trial court’s decision and held that apartments could not be deregulated during the time that a building owner is receiving J-51 tax abatements and reinstated the lawsuit. Tishman Speyer and the Company have been granted permission to appeal this decision to the New York Court of Appeals, where the Company will continue to vigorously defend against the claims in this lawsuit.
 
Thomas, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., et al. (W.D. Okla., filed January 31, 2007).  A putative class action complaint was filed against MLIC and MSI. Plaintiffs assert legal theories of violations of the federal securities laws and violations of state laws with respect to the sale of certain proprietary products by the Company’s agency distribution group. Plaintiffs seek rescission, compensatory damages, interest, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees and expenses. In January and May 2008, the court issued orders granting the defendants’ motion to dismiss in part, dismissing all of plaintiffs’ claims except for claims under the Investment Advisers Act.


74


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Defendants’ motion to dismiss claims under the Investment Advisers Act was denied. In March 2009, the defendants filed a motion for summary judgment. The Company is vigorously defending against the remaining claims in this matter.
 
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. At June 30, 2009, there were approximately 130 sales practices litigation matters pending against the Company. 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.
 
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, 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 or provide reasonable ranges of potential losses, except as noted previously in connection with specific matters. In some of the matters referred to previously, very largeand/orindeterminate 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 outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the largeand/orindeterminate 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.
 
Argentina
 
The Argentine economic, regulatory and legal environment, including interpretations of laws and regulations by regulators and courts, is uncertain. Potential legal or governmental actions related to pension reform, fiduciary responsibilities, performance guarantees and tax rulings could adversely affect the results of the Company.
 
Upon acquisition of Citigroup’s insurance operations in Argentina, the Company established insurance and contingent liabilities, most significantly related to death and disability policy coverages and to litigation against the government’s 2002 Pesification Law. These liabilities were established based upon the Company’s interpretation of Argentine law at the time and the Company’s best estimate of its obligations under laws applicable at the time.
 
In 2006, a decree was issued by the Argentine Government regarding the taxability of pesification related gains resulting in the $8 million, net of income tax, reduction of certain tax liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
In 2007, pension reform legislation in Argentina was enacted which relieved the Company of its obligation to provide death and disability policy coverages and resulted in the elimination of related insurance liabilities. The reform reinstituted the government’s pension plan system and allowed for pension participants to transfer their future contributions to the government pension plan system.


75


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Although it no longer received compensation, the Company continued to be responsible for managing the funds of those participants that transferred to the government system. This change resulted in the establishment of a liability for future servicing obligations and the elimination of the Company’s obligations under death and disability policy coverages. The impact of the 2007 Argentine pension reform was an increase to net income of $114 million, net of income tax, due to the reduction of the insurance liabilities and other balances associated with the death and disability coverages of $197 million, net of income tax, which exceeded the establishment of the liability for future service obligations of $83 million, net of income tax, during the year ended December 31, 2007. During the first quarter of 2008, the future servicing obligation was reduced by $23 million, net of income tax, when information regarding the level of participation in the government pension plan became fully available.
 
In October 2008, the Argentine government announced its intention to nationalize private pensions and, in December 2008, the Argentine government nationalized the private pension system seizing the underlying investments of participants which were being managed by the Company (“Nationalization”). With this action, the Company’s pension business in Argentina ceased to exist and the Company eliminated certain assets and liabilities held in connection with the pension business. Deferred acquisition costs, deferred tax assets, and liabilities — primarily the liability for future servicing obligation referred to above — were eliminated and the Company incurred severance costs associated with the termination of employees. The impact of the elimination of assets and liabilities and the incurral of severance costs was an increase to net income of $6 million, net of income tax, during the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
In September 2008, the Argentine Supreme Court issued a ruling in an individual lawsuit that was contrary to the 2002 Pesification Law enacted by the Argentine government. This ruling relates to certain social security pension annuity contractholders who had filed lawsuits challenging the 2002 Pesification Law. The annuity contracts impacted by this ruling, which were deemed peso denominated under the 2002 Pesification Law, are now considered to be U.S. Dollar denominated obligations of the Company. Contingent liabilities that were established at acquisition in 2005 in connection with the outstanding lawsuits have been adjusted and refined to be consistent with the ruling. The impact of the refinements resulting from the change in these contingent liabilities and the associated future policyholder benefits was an increase to net income of $34 million, net of income tax, during the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
In March 2009, in light of market developments resulting from the Supreme Court ruling contrary to the Pesification Law and the implementation by the Company of a program to allow the contractholders that had not filed a lawsuit to convert to U.S. Dollars the social security annuity contracts denominated in pesos by the Law, the Company reassessed the corresponding contingent liability established at acquisition in 2005. The impact of this reassessment is an increase to net income of $95 million, net of income tax, due to the reduction of the contingent liability established in 2005 of $108 million, net of income tax, which was partially offset by the establishment of contingent liabilities from the implementation of the program to convert these contracts to U.S. Dollars of $13 million, net of income tax, during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.
 
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 $4.2 billion and $4.5 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 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 $4.4 billion and $8.0 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The Company intends to


76


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
sell the majority of these originated residential mortgage loans. Interest rate lock commitments to fund mortgage loans that will beheld-for-saleare considered derivatives pursuant to SFAS 133, and their estimated fair value and notional amounts are included within interest rate forwards in Note 4.
 
The Company also commits to lend funds under certain other mortgage loan commitments that will beheld-for-investment.The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $2.5 billion and $2.7 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 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 $847 million and $971 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
Guarantees
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company did not record additional liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments. The Company’s recorded liabilities were $6 million at both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
12.  Employee Benefit Plans
 
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Certain subsidiaries of the Holding Company (the “Subsidiaries”) sponsorand/oradminister 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 pension and postretirement employee benefit plan assets sponsored by the Subsidiaries. A December 31 measurement date is used for all of the Subsidiaries’ defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
 
The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
 
                                 
     Other
 
  Pension Benefits  Postretirement Benefits 
  Three Months
  Six Months
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Service cost
 $43  $40  $86  $82  $5  $4  $11  $10 
Interest cost
  98   94   198   191   31   26   63   52 
Expected return on plan assets
  (108)  (130)  (220)  (263)  (18)  (21)  (37)  (44)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
  2   4   4   8   (9)  (9)  (18)  (18)
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses
  56   6   113   11   11      21    
                                 
Net periodic benefit cost
 $91  $14  $181  $29  $20  $  $40  $ 
                                 


77


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The components of net periodic benefit cost amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
 
                                 
     Other
 
  Pension Benefits  Postretirement Benefits 
  Three Months
  Six Months
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
 $2  $4  $4  $8  $(9) $(9) $(18) $(18)
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses
  56   6   113   11   11      21    
                                 
Subtotal
  58   10   117   19   2   (9)  3   (18)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
  (19)  (3)  (40)  (7)  (1)  3   (1)  6 
                                 
Components of net periodic benefit cost amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax
 $39  $7  $77  $12  $1  $(6) $2  $(12)
                                 
 
As disclosed in Note 17 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report, no contributions are required to be made to the Subsidiaries’ qualified pension plans during 2009; however, the Subsidiaries expected to make discretionary contributions of up to $150 million to the plans during 2009. At June 30, 2009, the Subsidiaries no longer expect to make this contribution to the Subsidiaries qualified pension plans in 2009. The Subsidiaries fund benefit payments for their non-qualified pension and other postretirement plans as due through their general assets.
 
13.  Equity
 
Preferred Stock
 
Information on the declaration, record and payment dates, as well as per share and aggregate dividend amounts, for the Preferred Shares is as follows:
 
                     
      Dividend 
      Series A
  Series A
  Series B
  Series B
 
Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share  Aggregate  Per Share  Aggregate 
      (In millions, except per share data) 
 
May 15, 2009
 May 31, 2009 June 15, 2009 $0.2555555  $7  $0.4062500  $24 
March 5, 2009
 February 28, 2009 March 16, 2009 $0.2500000  $6  $0.4062500  $24 
                     
          $13      $48 
                     
May 15, 2008
 May 31, 2008 June 16, 2008 $0.2555555  $7  $0.4062500  $24 
March 5, 2008
 February 29, 2008 March 17, 2008 $0.3785745  $9  $0.4062500  $24 
                     
          $16      $48 
                     
 
Common Stock
 
Repurchases
 
At June 30, 2009, the Company had $1,261 million remaining under its common stock repurchase program authorizations. In April 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion common stock repurchase program, which will begin after the completion of the January 2008 $1 billion common stock repurchase program, of which $261 million remained outstanding at June 30, 2009. Under these authorizations, the Company may


78


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 ofRule 10b5-1under the Exchange Act) and in privately negotiated transactions. The Company does not intend to make any purchases under the common stock repurchase programs in 2009.
 
Issuances
 
As described in Note 9, the Company delivered 24,343,154 shares of newly issued common stock on February 17, 2009 with proceeds of $1,035 million to settle the remaining stock purchase contracts issued as part of the common equity units sold in June 2005.
 
During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, 500,001 shares and 614,047 shares of common stock were issued from treasury stock for $27 million and $33 million, respectively.
 
Dividends
 
Future common stock dividend decisions will be determined by the Holding Company’s Board of Directors after taking into consideration factors such as the Company’s current earnings, expected medium- and long-term earnings, financial condition, regulatory capital position, and applicable governmental regulations and policies.
 
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
 
Description of Plans
 
The MetLife, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Stock Incentive Plan”), authorized the granting of awards in the form of options to buy shares of the Company’s common stock (“Stock Options”) that either qualify as incentive Stock Options under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code or are non-qualified. The MetLife, Inc. 2000 Directors Stock Plan, as amended (the “Directors Stock Plan”), authorized the granting of awards in the form of the Company’s common stock, non-qualified Stock Options, or a combination of the foregoing to outside Directors of the Company. Under the MetLife, Inc. 2005 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended (the “2005 Stock Plan”), awards granted may be in the form of Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Share Units, Cash-Based Awards, and Stock-Based Awards (each as defined in the 2005 Stock Plan). Under the MetLife, Inc. 2005 Non-Management Director Stock Compensation Plan (the “2005 Directors Stock Plan”), awards granted may be in the form of non-qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, or Stock-Based Awards (each as defined in the 2005 Directors Stock Plan). The Stock Incentive Plan, Directors Stock Plan, 2005 Stock Plan and the 2005 Directors Stock Plan, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Incentive Plans.”
 
At June 30, 2009, the aggregate number of shares remaining available for issuance pursuant to the 2005 Stock Plan and the 2005 Directors Stock Plan was 46,897,752 and 1,838,594, respectively.
 
Compensation expense of $23 million and $44 million, and income tax benefits of $8 million and $15 million, related to the Incentive Plans was recognized for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. Compensation expense of $22 million and $76 million, and income tax benefits of $8 million and $27 million, related to the Incentive Plans was recognized for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Compensation expense is principally related to the issuance of Stock Options and Performance Shares. The majority of awards granted by the Company are made in the first quarter of each year. As a result of the Company’s policy of recognizing stock-based compensation over the shorter of the stated requisite service period or period until attainment of retirement eligibility, a greater proportion of the aggregate fair value for awards granted on or after January 1, 2007 is recognized immediately on the grant date.


79


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Stock Options
 
All Stock Options granted had an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant, and have a maximum term of ten years. Certain Stock Options granted under the Stock Incentive Plan and the 2005 Stock Plan have or will become exercisable over a three year period commencing with the date of grant, while other Stock Options have or will become exercisable three years after the date of grant. Stock Options issued under the Directors Stock Plan are exercisable immediately. The date at which a Stock Option issued under the 2005 Directors Stock Plan becomes exercisable is determined at the time such Stock Option is granted.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company granted 5,328,662 Stock Option awards with a weighted average exercise price of $23.33 for which the total fair value on the date of grant was $44 million. The number of Stock Options outstanding at June 30, 2009 was 30,913,142 with a weighted average exercise price of $38.46.
 
Compensation expense of $11 million and $35 million related to Stock Options was recognized for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $10 million and $31 million related to Stock Options was recognized for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
 
At June 30, 2009, there was $59 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to Stock Options. It is expected that these costs will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.95 years.
 
Performance Shares
 
Beginning in 2005, certain members of management were awarded Performance Shares under (and as defined in) the 2005 Stock Plan. Participants are awarded an initial target number of Performance Shares with the final number of Performance Shares payable being determined by the product of the initial target multiplied by a performance factor of 0.0 to 2.0. The performance factor applied is based on measurements of the Company’s performance, including with respect to: (i) the change in annual net operating earnings per share, as defined; and (ii) the proportionate total shareholder return, as defined, each with reference to the applicable three-year performance period relative to other companies in the S&P Insurance Index with reference to the same three-year period. Beginning with awards made in 2009, in order for Performance Shares to be payable, the Company must generate positive net income for either the third year of the performance period or for the performance period as a whole. Also beginning with awards made in 2009, if the Company’s Total Shareholder Return with reference to the applicable three-year performance period is zero percent or less, the performance factor will be multiplied by 75%. Performance Share awards will normally vest in their entirety at the end of the three-year performance period and will be settled entirely in shares of the Company’s common stock.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company granted 1,944,298 Performance Share awards for which the total fair value on the date of grant was $40 million. The number of Performance Shares outstanding at June 30, 2009 was 3,664,723 with a weighted average fair value of $38.50 per share. These amounts represent aggregate initial target awards and do not reflect potential increases or decreases resulting from the final performance factor to be determined following the end of the respective performance period. The three-year performance period associated with the Performance Shares awarded in 2006 was completed effective December 31, 2008. The final performance factor has been applied to the 812,975 Performance Shares associated with the 2006 grant outstanding at December 31, 2008 and resulted in the issuance of 894,273 shares of the Company’s common stock during the second quarter of 2009.
 
Compensation expense of $12 million and $7 million related to Performance Shares was recognized for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $12 million and $44 million related to Performance Shares was recognized for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.


80


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
At June 30, 2009, there was $54 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to Performance Share awards. It is expected that these costs will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.68 years.
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
Restricted Stock Units will normally vest in their entirety on the third anniversary of their grant date and will be settled in an equal number of shares of the Company’s common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company granted 295,000 Restricted Stock Units for which the total fair value on the date of grant was $6 million. The number of Restricted Stock Units outstanding at June 30, 2009 was 419,487 with a weighted average fair value of $29.82 per unit.
 
Compensation expense of less than $1 million and $2 million related to Restricted Stock Units was recognized for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. Compensation expense of less than $1 million and $1 million related to Restricted Stock Units was recognized for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
 
At June 30, 2009, there was $7 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to Restricted Stock Units. It is expected that these costs will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.22 years.
 
14.  Other Expenses
 
Information on other expenses is as follows:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Compensation
 $1,045  $894  $1,993  $1,744 
Commissions
  867   843   1,723   1,693 
Interest and debt issue costs
  260   269   515   557 
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
  (293)  504   636   1,082 
Capitalization of DAC
  (757)  (775)  (1,543)  (1,536)
Rent, net of sublease income
  103   110   216   216 
Insurance tax
  143   128   268   251 
Other (1)
  663   634   1,225   1,147 
                 
Total other expenses
 $2,031  $2,607  $5,033  $5,154 
                 
 
 
(1) Restructuring Charges
 
In September 2008, the Company began an enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative which is expected to be fully implemented by December 31, 2010. This initiative is focused on reducing complexity, leveraging scale, increasing productivity, and improving the effectiveness of the Company’s operations, as well as providing a foundation for future growth. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had a liability for severance-related restructuring costs of $36 million and $86 million, respectively. Restructuring charges incurred in connection with this enterprise-wide initiative during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 were $16 million and $37 million, respectively, and are included in other expense. As the expenses relate to an enterprise-wide initiative, they were incurred within Corporate & Other. Estimated restructuring costs may change as


81


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
management continues to execute its restructuring plans. Restructuring charges associated with this enterprise-wide initiative were as follows:
 
         
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $39  $86 
Severance charges
  16   38 
Change in severance charge estimates
     (1)
Cash payments
  (19)  (87)
         
Balance, end of period
 $36  $36 
         
Restructuring charges incurred in current period
 $16  $37 
         
Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of program
 $138  $138 
         
 
Management anticipates further restructuring charges including severance, lease and asset impairments will be incurred during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010. However, such restructuring plans are not sufficiently developed to enable the Company to make an estimate of such restructuring charges at June 30, 2009.
 
In addition to the restructuring charges incurred in connection with the aforementioned enterprise-wide initiative, the Company also incurred severance costs in connection with the Argentine government’s nationalization of its private pension business. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had a liability for severance-related restructuring costs of $1 million and $3 million, respectively. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company made payments of $1 million and $2 million, respectively, within the International segment.


82


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
15.  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
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions, except share and per common share data) 
 
Weighted Average Shares:
                
Weighted average common stock outstanding for basic earnings per common share
  821,594,380   712,837,796   815,068,638   716,011,791 
Incremental common shares from assumed:
                
Stock purchase contracts underlying common equity
units (1)
     4,334,366      3,966,168 
Exercise or issuance of stock-based awards
  3,505,464   9,362,352   2,592,460   8,874,825 
                 
Weighted average common stock outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
  825,099,844   726,534,514   817,661,098   728,852,784 
                 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations:
                
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
 $(1,418) $879  $(2,002) $1,504 
Less: Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax
  (16)  (6)  (20)  (9)
Less: Preferred stock dividends
  31   31   61   64 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $(1,433) $854  $(2,043) $1,449 
                 
Basic
 $(1.74) $1.19  $(2.50) $2.03 
                 
Diluted
 $(1.74) $1.18  $(2.50) $1.99 
                 
Income from Discontinued Operations:
                
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
 $  $117  $36  $152 
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
     56      71 
                 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $  $61  $36  $81 
                 
Basic
 $  $0.09  $0.04  $0.11 
                 
Diluted
 $  $0.08  $0.04  $0.11 
                 
Net Income:
                
Net income (loss)
 $(1,418) $996  $(1,966) $1,656 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
  (16)  50   (20)  62 
Less: Preferred stock dividends
  31   31   61   64 
                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $(1,433) $915  $(2,007) $1,530 
                 
Basic
 $(1.74) $1.28  $(2.46) $2.14 
                 
Diluted
 $(1.74) $1.26  $(2.46) $2.10 
                 
 
 
(1) See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report for a description of the common equity units. The stock purchase contracts underlying the common equity units as described therein were settled upon the initial stock purchase in August 2008 and the subsequent stock purchase


83


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
in February 2009. During the period ended June 30, 2008, the average closing price of the Company’s common stock exceeded the threshold appreciation price on the stock purchase contracts underlying the common equity units, and, accordingly, increased the weighted average shares outstanding presented above. During the period ended June 30, 2009, the average closing price of the Company’s common stock never exceeded the threshold appreciation price on the stock purchase contracts underlying the common equity units prior to the settlement in February 2009.
 
16.  Business Segment Information
 
The Company is a leading provider of individual insurance, employee benefits and financial services with operations throughout the United States and the Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions. The Company’s business is currently divided into four operating segments: Institutional, Individual, International, and Auto & Home, as well as Corporate & Other. These segments are managed separately because they either provide different products and services, require different strategies or have different technology requirements. Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the business segments, variousstart-upentities, MetLife Bank and run-off entities, as well as interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt and expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of all intersegment amounts, which generally relate to intersegment loans, which bear interest rates commensurate with related borrowings, as well as intersegment transactions. The operations of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (“RGA”) are also reported in Corporate & Other as discontinued operations. See Note 17 for disclosures regarding discontinued operations, including real estate.
 
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 and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company, except for the method of capital allocation and the accounting for gains (losses) from intercompany sales, which are eliminated in consolidation. The Company allocates equity to each segment based upon the economic capital model that allows the Company to effectively manage its 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 MetLife’s businesses. As a part of the economic capital process, a portion of net investment income is credited to the segments based on the level of allocated equity. The Company evaluates the performance of each segment based upon net income excluding net investment gains (losses) of consolidated entities and operating joint ventures reported under the equity method of accounting, net of income tax, adjustments related to net investment gains (losses), net of income tax, the impact from the cumulative effect of changes in accounting, net of income tax, costs related to business combinations, net of income tax, and discontinued operations, other than discontinued real estate, net of income tax, less preferred stock dividends. The Company allocates certain non-recurring items, such as expenses associated with certain legal proceedings, to Corporate & Other.
 


84


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                         
           Auto
  Corporate
    
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
 Institutional  Individual  International  & Home  & Other  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Statement of Income:
                        
Revenues
                        
Premiums
 $3,904  $1,165  $777  $726  $4  $6,576 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  226   764   226         1,216 
Net investment income
  1,585   1,704   258   49   135   3,731 
Other revenues
  166   116   2   5   283   572 
Net investment gains (losses):
                        
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
  (325)  (135)  (10)     (96)  (566)
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive loss
  113   39         82   234 
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  (1,116)  (1,394)  (491)  (8)  (488)  (3,497)
                         
Total net investment gains (losses)
  (1,328)  (1,490)  (501)  (8)  (502)  (3,829)
                         
Total revenues
  4,553   2,259   762   772   (80)  8,266 
                         
Expenses
                        
Policyholder benefits and claims
  4,333   1,559   559   491   4   6,946 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  460   609   160         1,229 
Policyholder dividends
     431   2   1      434 
Other expenses
  627   176   404   192   632   2,031 
                         
Total expenses
  5,420   2,775   1,125   684   636   10,640 
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax
  (867)  (516)  (363)  88   (716)  (2,374)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
  (312)  (184)  (149)  17   (328)  (956)
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  (555)  (332)  (214)  71   (388)  (1,418)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
                  
                         
Net income (loss)
  (555)  (332)  (214)  71   (388)  (1,418)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
        (9)     (7)  (16)
                         
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
  (555)  (332)  (205)  71   (381)  (1,402)
Less: Preferred stock dividends
              31   31 
                         
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $(555) $(332) $(205) $71  $(412) $(1,433)
                         
 

85


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                         
           Auto
  Corporate
    
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:
 Institutional  Individual  International  & Home  & Other  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Statement of Income:
                        
Revenues
                        
Premiums
 $3,599  $1,067  $920  $742  $12  $6,340 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  208   895   293         1,396 
Net investment income
  1,973   1,696   356   50   244   4,319 
Other revenues
  171   154   6   10   10   351 
Net investment gains (losses):
                        
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
  (95)  (25)  (1)  (1)  (17)  (139)
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive loss
                  
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  193   (236)  (135)  (12)  (28)  (218)
                         
Total net investment gains (losses)
  98   (261)  (136)  (13)  (45)  (357)
                         
Total revenues
  6,049   3,551   1,439   789   221   12,049 
                         
Expenses
                        
Policyholder benefits and claims
  4,016   1,392   618   539   14   6,579 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  613   494   89         1,196 
Policyholder dividends
     442   2   2      446 
Other expenses
  591   933   476   205   402   2,607 
                         
Total expenses
  5,220   3,261   1,185   746   416   10,828 
                         
Income from continuing operations before provision for income tax
  829   290   254   43   (195)  1,221 
Provision for income tax expense
  280   92   87      (117)  342 
                         
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax
  549   198   167   43   (78)  879 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
     1         116   117 
                         
Net income
  549   199   167   43   38   996 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
        (6)     56   50 
                         
Net income attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
  549   199   173   43   (18)  946 
Less: Preferred stock dividends
              31   31 
                         
Net income available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $549  $199  $173  $43  $(49) $915 
                         
 

86


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                         
           Auto
  Corporate
    
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
 Institutional  Individual  International  & Home  & Other  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Statement of Income:
                        
Revenues
                        
Premiums
 $7,444  $2,302  $1,498  $1,448  $6  $12,698 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  434   1,529   436         2,399 
Net investment income
  3,050   3,220   451   89   184   6,994 
Other revenues
  337   221   4   14   550   1,126 
Net investment gains (losses):
                        
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
  (600)  (242)  (21)  (1)  (255)  (1,119)
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive loss
  113   39         82   234 
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  (2,628)  (1,222)  (26)  24   2   (3,850)
                         
Total net investment gains (losses)
  (3,115)  (1,425)  (47)  23   (171)  (4,735)
                         
Total revenues
  8,150   5,847   2,342   1,574   569   18,482 
                         
Expenses
                        
Policyholder benefits and claims
  8,280   3,146   1,128   971   3   13,528 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  971   1,189   237         2,397 
Policyholder dividends
     855   3         858 
Other expenses
  1,228   1,512   697   385   1,211   5,033 
                         
Total expenses
  10,479   6,702   2,065   1,356   1,214   21,816 
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax
  (2,329)  (855)  277   218   (645)  (3,334)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
  (823)  (302)  56   51   (314)  (1,332)
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  (1,506)  (553)  221   167   (331)  (2,002)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
     24         12   36 
                         
Net income (loss)
  (1,506)  (529)  221   167   (319)  (1,966)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
        (14)     (6)  (20)
                         
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
  (1,506)  (529)  235   167   (313)  (1,946)
Less: Preferred stock dividends
              61   61 
                         
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $(1,506) $(529) $235  $167  $(374) $(2,007)
                         
 

87


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                         
           Auto
  Corporate
    
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:
 Institutional  Individual  International  & Home  & Other  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Statement of Income:
                        
Revenues
                        
Premiums
 $7,172  $2,130  $1,824  $1,487  $18  $12,631 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  432   1,778   583         2,793 
Net investment income
  4,001   3,387   626   101   501   8,616 
Other revenues
  361   303   13   21   22   720 
Net investment gains (losses):
                        
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
  (123)  (36)  (1)  (1)  (52)  (213)
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive loss
                  
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  (510)  (329)     (23)  (12)  (874)
                         
Total net investment gains (losses)
  (633)  (365)  (1)  (24)  (64)  (1,087)
                         
Total revenues
  11,333   7,233   3,045   1,585   477   23,673 
                         
Expenses
                        
Policyholder benefits and claims
  7,927   2,751   1,443   1,017   24   13,162 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  1,297   996   136         2,429 
Policyholder dividends
     868   4   3      875 
Other expenses
  1,164   1,915   911   408   756   5,154 
                         
Total expenses
  10,388   6,530   2,494   1,428   780   21,620 
                         
Income from continuing operations before provision for income tax
  945   703   551   157   (303)  2,053 
Provision for income tax expense
  311   228   203   23   (216)  549 
                         
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax
  634   475   348   134   (87)  1,504 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
              152   152 
                         
Net income
  634   475   348   134   65   1,656 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
  1      (11)     72   62 
                         
Net income attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
  633   475   359   134   (7)  1,594 
Less: Preferred stock dividends
              64   64 
                         
Net income available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $633  $475  $359  $134  $(71) $1,530 
                         

88


Table of Contents

 
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:
 
         
  June 30, 2009 December 31, 2008
  (In millions)
 
Institutional
 $188,153  $195,191 
Individual
  228,469   214,476 
International
  28,652   25,891 
Auto & Home
  5,239   5,232 
Corporate & Other
  58,944   60,888 
         
Total
 $509,457  $501,678 
         
 
Revenues derived from any customer did not exceed 10% of consolidated revenues for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008. Revenues from U.S. operations were $7.1 billion and $15.7 billion for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, which represented 86% and 85%, respectively, of consolidated revenues. Revenues from U.S. operations were $10.6 billion and $20.5 billion for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, which represented 88% and 87%, respectively, of consolidated revenues.
 
17.  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 asheld-for-saleor sold is presented in discontinued operations. These assets are carried at the lower of depreciated cost or estimated fair value less expected disposition costs. The Company had no income from discontinued operations for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
The following information presents the components of income from discontinued real estate operations:
 
         
  Three Months
 Six Months
  Ended
 Ended
  June 30, 2008 June 30, 2008
  (In millions)
 
Revenues:
        
Investment income
 $2  $3 
Investment expense
     (2)
Net investment gains (losses)
      
         
Total revenues
  2   1 
Provision for income tax
  2   1 
         
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
 $  $ 
         
 
The carrying value of real estate related to discontinued operations was $1 million at both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.


89


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following table presents the discontinued real estate operations by segment:
 
         
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2008  June 30, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Net investment income:
        
Institutional
 $2  $2 
Individual
     (1)
Corporate & Other
      
         
Total net investment income
 $2  $1 
         
Net investment gains (losses):
        
Institutional
 $  $ 
Individual
      
Corporate & Other
      
         
Total net investment gains (losses)
 $  $ 
         
 
Operations
 
Texas Life Insurance Company
 
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Holding Company entered into an agreement to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cova, the parent company of Texas Life Insurance Company, to a third party and the sale was completed in March 2009. (See also Note 2.) The following tables present the amounts related to the operations of Cova that have been reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
     (In millions)    
 
Revenues:
                
Premiums
 $  $4  $3  $8 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
     25   15   45 
Net investment income
     9   6   19 
Net investment gains (losses)
        1    
                 
Total revenues
     38   25   72 
                 
Expenses:
                
Policyholder benefits and claims
     17   10   36 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
     6   3   10 
Policyholder dividends
        1   1 
Other expenses
     8   5   15 
                 
Total expenses
     31   19   62 
                 
Income before provision for income tax
     7   6   10 
Provision for income tax
     4   2   5 
                 
Income from operations of discontinued operations, net of income tax
     3   4   5 
Gain on disposal, net of income tax
        32    
                 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
 $  $3  $36  $5 
                 
 


90


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
     
  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 $514 
Equity securities
  1 
Mortgage and consumer loans
  41 
Policy loans
  35 
Real estate and real estate joint venturesheld-for-investment
  2 
     
Total investments
  593 
Cash and cash equivalents
  32 
Accrued investment income
  7 
Premiums and other receivables
  19 
DAC and VOBA
  232 
Deferred income tax asset
  61 
Other assets
  2 
     
Total assetsheld-for-sale
 $946 
     
Future policy benefits
 $180 
Policyholder account balances
  356 
Other policyholder funds
  181 
Policyholder dividends payable
  4 
Current income tax payable
  1 
Other liabilities
  26 
     
Total liabilitiesheld-for-sale
 $748 
     
 
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
 
As more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report, the Company completed a tax-free split-off of its majority-owned subsidiary, RGA, in September 2008. As a result of the disposition, the Reinsurance segment was eliminated and RGA’s operating results were reclassified to discontinued operations of Corporate & Other for all periods presented. Interest on economic capital associated with the Reinsurance segment has been reclassified to the continuing operations of Corporate & Other.

91


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following table presents the amounts related to the operations of RGA that have been reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income:
 
         
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2008  June 30, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Revenues:
        
Premiums
 $1,357  $2,655 
Net investment income
  255   455 
Other revenues
  20   46 
Net investment gains (losses)
  (5)  (161)
         
Total revenues
  1,627   2,995 
         
Expenses:
        
Policyholder benefits and claims
  1,119   2,260 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  63   137 
Other expenses
  353   478 
         
Total expenses
  1,535   2,875 
         
Income before provision for income tax
  92   120 
Provision for income tax
  34   44 
         
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
  58   76 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
  56   71 
         
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
 $114  $147 
         
 
The operations of RGA include direct policies and reinsurance agreements with MetLife and some of its subsidiaries. These agreements are generally terminable by either party upon 90 days written notice with respect to future new business. Agreements related to existing business generally are not terminable, unless the underlying policies terminate or are recaptured. These direct policies and reinsurance agreements do not constitute significant continuing involvement by the Company with RGA. Included in continuing operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of income are amounts related to these transactions, including ceded amounts that reduced premiums and fees and ceded amounts that reduced policyholder benefits and claims by $60 million and $58 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2008, and by $116 million and $113 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2008, that have not been eliminated as these transactions have continued after the RGA disposition.
 
18.  Fair Value
 
As described in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report, the Company prospectively adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008. 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.


92


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Amounts related to the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
 
             
  Notional
  Carrying
  Estimated
 
June 30, 2009
 Amount  Value  Fair Value 
     (In millions)    
 
Assets:
            
Fixed maturity securities
     $211,563  $211,563 
Equity securities
     $3,045  $3,045 
Trading securities
     $1,471  $1,471 
Mortgage and consumer loans:
            
Held-for-investment
     $48,229  $46,027 
Held-for-sale
      4,271   4,271 
             
Mortgage and consumer loans, net
     $52,500  $50,298 
Policy loans
     $9,907  $11,297 
Real estate joint ventures (1)
     $133  $132 
Other limited partnership interests (1)
     $1,614  $1,671 
Short-term investments
     $8,117  $8,117 
Other invested assets: (1)
            
Derivative assets (2)
 $123,533  $6,912  $6,912 
Mortgage servicing rights
     $670  $670 
Other
     $1,217  $1,262 
Cash and cash equivalents
     $13,213  $13,213 
Accrued investment income
     $3,019  $3,019 
Premiums and other receivables (1)
     $2,731  $2,965 
Other assets (1)
     $800  $777 
Separate account assets
     $126,968  $126,968 
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3)
     $122  $122 
Liabilities:
            
Policyholder account balances (1)
     $107,059  $96,884 
Short-term debt
     $4,757  $4,757 
Long-term debt (1)
     $12,898  $12,604 
Collateral financing arrangements
     $5,297  $2,321 
Junior subordinated debt securities
     $2,691  $2,115 
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
     $24,607  $24,607 
Other liabilities: (1)
            
Derivative liabilities (2)
 $67,395  $3,689  $3,689 
Trading liabilities
     $201  $201 
Other
     $1,648  $1,648 
Separate account liabilities (1)
     $28,591  $28,591 
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3)
     $1,151  $1,151 
Commitments: (4)
            
Mortgage loan commitments
 $2,532  $  $(82)
Commitments to fund bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments
 $847  $  $(104)
 


93


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
             
  Notional
  Carrying
  Estimated
 
December 31, 2008
 Amount  Value  Fair Value 
  (In millions) 
 
Assets:
            
Fixed maturity securities
     $188,251  $188,251 
Equity securities
     $3,197  $3,197 
Trading securities
     $946  $946 
Mortgage and consumer loans:
            
Held-for-investment
     $49,352  $48,133 
Held-for-sale
      2,012   2,010 
             
Mortgage and consumer loans, net
     $51,364  $50,143 
Policy loans
     $9,802  $11,952 
Real estate joint ventures (1)
     $163  $176 
Other limited partnership interests (1)
     $1,900  $2,269 
Short-term investments
     $13,878  $13,878 
Other invested assets: (1)
            
Derivative assets (2)
 $133,565  $12,306  $12,306 
Mortgage servicing rights
     $191  $191 
Other
     $801  $900 
Cash and cash equivalents
     $24,207  $24,207 
Accrued investment income
     $3,061  $3,061 
Premiums and other receivables (1)
     $2,995  $3,473 
Other assets (1)
     $800  $629 
Assets of subsidiariesheld-for-sale(1)
     $630  $649 
Separate account assets
     $120,839  $120,839 
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3)
     $205  $205 
Liabilities:
            
Policyholder account balances (1)
     $110,174  $102,902 
Short-term debt
     $2,659  $2,659 
Long-term debt (1)
     $9,619  $8,155 
Collateral financing arrangements
     $5,192  $1,880 
Junior subordinated debt securities
     $3,758  $2,606 
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
     $31,059  $31,059 
Other liabilities: (1)
            
Derivative liabilities (2)
 $64,523  $4,042  $4,042 
Trading liabilities
     $57  $57 
Other
     $638  $638 
Liabilities of subsidiariesheld-for-sale(1)
     $50  $49 
Separate account liabilities (1)
     $28,862  $28,862 
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3)
     $3,051  $3,051 
Commitments: (4)
            
Mortgage loan commitments
 $2,690  $  $(129)
Commitments to fund bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments
 $971  $  $(105)

94


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(1) Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented on the consolidated balance sheet because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are not considered financial instruments. Financial statement captions omitted from the table above are not considered financial instruments.
 
(2) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets and derivatives liabilities are presented within other liabilities. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, certain non-derivative hedging instruments of $344 million and $323 million, respectively, which are carried at amortized cost, are included with the liabilities total in Note 4 but excluded from derivative liabilities here as they are not derivative instruments.
 
(3) Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums and other receivables. Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented primarily within policyholder account balances. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, equity securities also includes embedded derivatives of ($33) million and ($173) million, respectively.
 
(4) Commitments are off-balance sheet obligations. Negative estimated fair values represent off-balance sheet liabilities.
 
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments are summarized as follows:
 
Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities and Trading Securities — When available, the estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity, equity and trading securities 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 judgment.
 
When quoted prices in active markets are not available, the determination of estimated fair value is based on market standard valuation methodologies. The market standard valuation methodologies utilized include: discounted cash flow methodologies, matrix pricing or other similar techniques. The assumptions and 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, estimated duration and management’s assumptions regarding 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, liquid 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 judgment or estimation, and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such 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 and Consumer Loans — The Company originates mortgage and consumer loans for both investment purposes and with the intention to sell them to third parties. Commercial and agricultural loans are originated for investment purposes and are primarily carried at amortized cost. Loans classified as consumer loans are generally


95


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
purchased from third parties for investment purposes and are primarily carried at amortized cost. Mortgage loansheld-for-saleconsist principally of residential mortgage loans for which the Company has elected the fair value option and which are carried at estimated fair value and to a significantly lesser degree certain loans which were previouslyheld-for-investmentbut where the Company has changed its intention as it relates to holding them for investment. The estimated fair values of these loans are determined as follows:
 
Mortgage and Consumer LoansHeld-for-Investment — For mortgage and consumer loansheld-for-investmentand carried at amortized cost, fair value was primarily determined by estimating expected future cash flows and discounting them using current interest rates for similar loans with similar credit risk.
 
Mortgage LoansHeld-for-Sale —Mortgage loansheld-for-saleprincipally include residential mortgage loans for which the fair value option was elected and which are carried at estimated fair value. Generally, quoted market prices are not available for residential mortgage loansheld-for-sale;accordingly, the estimated fair values of such assets are determined based on observable pricing of residential mortgage loansheld-for-salewith similar characteristics, or observable pricing for securities backed by similar types of loans, adjusted to convert the securities prices to loan prices. When observable pricing for similar loans or securities that are backed by similar loans are not available, the estimated fair values of residential mortgage loansheld-for-saleare determined using independent broker quotations, which is intended to approximate the amounts that would be received from third parties. Certain other mortgages previously classified asheld-for-investmenthave also been designated asheld-for-sale.For these loans, estimated fair value is determined using independent broker quotations or, when the loan is in foreclosure or otherwise determined to be collateral dependent, the fair value of the underlying collateral is estimated using internal models.
 
Policy Loans — For policy loans with fixed interest rates, estimated fair values are determined using a discounted cash flow model applied to groups of similar policy loans determined by the nature of the underlying insurance liabilities. Cash flow estimates are developed applying a weighted-average interest rate to the outstanding principal balance of the respective group of 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. The estimated fair value for policy loans with variable interest rates 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 — Real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests included in the preceding table consist of those investments accounted for using the cost method. The remaining carrying value recognized in the consolidated balance sheet represents investments in real estate or real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests accounted for using the equity method, which do not meet the definition of financial instruments for which fair value is required to be disclosed.
 
The estimated fair values for other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures accounted for under the cost method are generally based on the Company’s share of the net asset value (“NAV”) as provided in the financial statements of the investees. In certain circumstances, management may adjust the net asset value by a premium or discount when it has sufficient evidence to support applying such adjustments.
 
Short-term Investments — Certain short-term investments do not qualify as securities and are recognized at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheet. For these instruments, the Company believes that there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit of the issuer such that estimated fair value approximates carrying value. In light of recent market conditions, short-term investments have been monitored to ensure there is sufficient demand and maintenance of issuer credit quality and the Company has determined additional adjustment is not required. Short-term investments that meet the definition of a security are recognized at estimated fair value in the


96


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
consolidated balance sheet in the same manner described above for similar instruments that are classified within captions of other major investment classes.
 
Other Invested Assets — Other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheet is principally comprised of freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values, leveraged leases, investments in tax credit partnerships, joint venture investments, mortgage servicing rights, investment in a funding agreement, funds withheld at interest and various interest-bearing assets held in foreign subsidiaries. Leveraged leases and investments in tax credit partnerships and joint ventures, which are accounted for under the equity method, are not financial instruments subject to fair value disclosure. Accordingly, they have been excluded from the preceding table.
 
The estimated fair value of derivatives — with positive and negative estimated fair values — is described in the section labeled “Derivatives” which follows.
 
Although mortgage servicing rights are not financial instruments, the Company has included them in the preceding table as a result of its election to carry mortgage servicing rights at fair value pursuant to SFAS No. 140,Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, as amended by SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets. As sales of mortgage servicing rights tend to occur in private transactions where the precise terms and conditions of the sales are typically not readily available, observable market valuations are limited. As such, the Company relies primarily on a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights. 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 pre-payment, and servicing costs.
 
The fair value of the investment in a funding agreement is estimated discounting the expected future cash flows using current market rates and the credit risk of the note issuer.
 
For funds withheld at interest and 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.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents — Due to the short-term maturities of cash and cash equivalents, the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit of the issuer such that estimated fair value generally approximates carrying value. In light of recent market conditions, cash and cash equivalent instruments have been monitored to ensure there is sufficient demand and maintenance of issuer credit quality, or sufficient solvency in the case of depository institutions, and the Company has determined additional adjustment is not required.
 
Accrued Investment Income — Due to the short-term until settlement of accrued investment income, the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit of the issuer such that estimated fair value approximates carrying value. In light of recent market conditions, the Company has monitored the credit quality of the issuers and has determined additional adjustment is not required.
 
Premiums and Other Receivables — Premiums and other receivables in the consolidated balance sheet are principally comprised of premiums due and unpaid for insurance contracts, amounts recoverable under reinsurance contracts, amounts on deposit with financial institutions to facilitate daily settlements related to certain derivative positions, amounts receivable for securities sold but not yet settled, fees and general operating receivables, and embedded derivatives related to the ceded reinsurance of certain variable annuity riders.
 
Premiums receivable and those amounts recoverable under reinsurance treaties determined to transfer sufficient risk are not financial instruments subject to disclosure and thus have been excluded from the amounts presented in the preceding table. Amounts recoverable under ceded reinsurance contracts which the Company has determined do not transfer sufficient risk such that they are accounted for using the deposit method of accounting have been included in the preceding table with the estimated fair value determined as the present value


97


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
of expected future cash flows under the related contracts discounted using an interest rate determined to reflect the appropriate credit standing of the assuming counterparty.
 
The amounts on deposit for derivative settlements essentially represent the equivalent of demand deposit balances such that the estimated fair value approximates carrying value. In light of recent market conditions, the Company has monitored the solvency position of the financial institutions and has determined additional adjustments are not required.
 
Embedded derivatives recognized in connection with ceded reinsurance of certain variable annuity riders are included in this caption in the consolidated financial statements but excluded from this caption in the preceding table as they are separately presented. The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is described in the section labeled “Embedded Derivatives within Asset and Liability Host Contracts” which follows.
 
Other Assets — Other assets in the consolidated balance sheet is principally comprised of prepaid expenses, amounts held under corporate owned life insurance, fixed assets, capitalized software, deferred sales inducements, value of distribution agreements, value of customer relationships acquired, and a receivable for cash collateral pledged under the MRC collateral financing arrangement as described in Note 10. With the exception of the receivable for collateral pledged, other assets are not considered financial instruments subject to disclosure. Accordingly, the amount presented in the preceding table represents the receivable for collateral pledged for which the estimated fair value was determined by discounting the expected future cash flows using a discount rate that reflects the credit of the financial institution.
 
Separate Account Assets — Separate account assets are carried at estimated fair value and reported as a summarized total on the consolidated balance sheet in accordance with Statement of Position (“SOP”)03-1,Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts(“SOP 03-1”).The estimated fair values of separate account assets are based on the estimated fair value of the underlying assets owned by the separate account. Assets within the Company’s separate accounts include: mutual funds, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, mortgage loans, derivatives, hedge funds, other limited partnership interests, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. The estimated fair value of mutual funds is based upon quoted prices or reported net assets values provided by the fund manager. The estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents held by separate accounts are determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described herein for similar financial instruments held within the general account. The estimated fair value of hedge funds is based upon NAVs provided by the fund manager. The estimated fair value of mortgage loans is determined by discounting expected future cash flows, using current interest rates for similar loans with similar credit risk. 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.
 
Policyholder Account Balances — Policyholder account balances in the table above include investment contracts and customer bank deposits. Embedded derivatives on investment contracts and certain variable annuity riders accounted for as embedded derivatives are included in this caption in the consolidated financial statements but excluded from this caption in the table above as they are separately presented therein. The remaining difference between the amounts reflected as policyholder account balances in the preceding table and those recognized in the consolidated balance sheet represents those amounts due under contracts that satisfy the definition of insurance contracts and are not considered financial instruments.
 
The investment contracts primarily include guaranteed interest contracts, certain funding arrangements, fixed deferred annuities, modified guaranteed annuities, fixed term payout annuities, and total control accounts. The fair values for these investment contracts are estimated by discounting best estimate future cash flows using current market risk-free interest rates and adding a spread for the Company’s own credit determined using market standard


98


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
swap valuation models and observable market inputs that take into consideration publicly available information relating to the Company’s debt, as well as its claims paying ability.
 
Due to 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, estimated fair values are estimated by discounting the expected cash flows to maturity using a discount rate based on an average market rate for certificates of deposit being offered by a representative group of large financial institutions at the date of the valuation.
 
Short-term and Long-term Debt, Collateral Financing Arrangements, and Junior Subordinated Debt — The estimated fair value for short-term debt approximates carrying value due to the short-term nature of these obligations. The estimated fair values of long-term debt, collateral financing arrangements, and junior subordinated debt securities are generally determined by discounting expected future cash flows using market rates currently available for debt with similar remaining maturities and reflecting the credit risk of the Company including inputs, when available, from actively traded debt of the Company or other companies with similar types of borrowing arrangements. Risk-adjusted discount rates applied to the expected future cash flows can vary significantly based upon the specific terms of each individual arrangement, including, but not limited to: subordinated rights; contractual interest rates in relation to current market rates; the structuring of the arrangement; and the nature and observability of the applicable valuation inputs. Use of different risk-adjusted discount rates could result in different estimated fair values.
 
The carrying value of long-term debt presented in the table above differs from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet as it does not include capital leases which are not required to be disclosed at estimated fair value.
 
Payables for Collateral Under Securities Loaned and Other Transactions — The estimated fair value for payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions approximates carrying value. The related agreements to loan securities are short-term in nature such that Company believes there is limited risk of a material change in market interest rates. Additionally, because borrowers are cross-collateralized by the borrowed securities, the Company believes no additional consideration for changes in its own credit are necessary.
 
Other Liabilities — Other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet is principally comprised of freestanding derivatives with negative estimated fair values; securities trading liabilities; tax and litigation contingency liabilities; obligations for employee-related benefits; interest due on the Company’s debt obligations and on cash collateral held in relation to securities lending; dividends payable; amounts due for securities purchased but not yet settled; amounts due under assumed reinsurance contracts; and general operating accruals and payables.
 
The estimated fair value of derivatives — with positive and negative estimated fair values — and embedded derivatives within asset and liability host contracts are described in the sections labeled “Derivatives” and “Embedded Derivatives within Asset and Liability Host Contracts” which follow.
 
The amounts included in the table above reflect those other liabilities that satisfy the definition of financial instruments subject to disclosure. These items consist primarily of securities trading liabilities; interest and dividends payable; amounts due for securities purchased but not yet settled; and amounts payable under certain assumed reinsurance contracts recognized using the deposit method of accounting. The Company evaluates the specific terms, facts and circumstances of each arrangement to determine the appropriate estimated fair values, which were not materially different from the recognized carrying values.
 
Separate Account Liabilities — Separate account liabilities included in the table above represent those balances due to policyholders under contracts that are classified as investment contracts. The difference between the separate account liabilities reflected above and the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet represents those contracts classified as insurance contracts which do not satisfy the criteria of financial instruments for which fair value is to be disclosed.


99


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 arrangements related to institutional group life contracts; and certain contracts that provide for benefit funding under Institutional retirement & savings products.
 
Separate account liabilities, whether related to investment or insurance contracts, are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at an equivalent summary total of the separate account assets as prescribed bySOP 03-1.Separate account assets, which equal net deposits, net investment income and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, are fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to the contractholders’ liability which is reflected in separate account liabilities. Since separate account liabilities are fully funded by cash flows from the separate account assets which are recognized at estimated fair value as described above, the Company believes the value of those assets approximates the estimated fair value of the related separate account liabilities.
 
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 residential mortgage-backed securities or through the use of pricing models forover-the-counterderivatives. The determination of estimated fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that are assumed to be 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 (including the counterparties to the contract), volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models.
 
The significant inputs to the pricing models for mostover-the-counterderivatives 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, certainover-the-counterderivatives 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: independent broker quotes, credit correlation assumptions, 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 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 allover-the-counterderivatives after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. Credit risk is monitored and consideration of any potential credit adjustment is based on net exposure by counterparty. This is due to the existence of netting agreements and collateral arrangements which effectively serve to mitigate risk. The Company values its derivative positions using the standard swap curve which includes a credit risk adjustment. This credit risk adjustment 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 need for such additional credit risk adjustments is monitored by the Company. 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.
 
Most inputs forover-the-counterderivatives 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.


100


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Embedded Derivatives within Asset and Liability Host Contracts — Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity riders and certain guaranteed investment contracts with equity or bond indexed crediting rates. Embedded derivatives are recorded in the financial statements at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value adjusted through net income.
 
The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefit riders. Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit, guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit (“GMAB”) and certain guaranteed minimum income benefit (“GMIB”) riders 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 investment gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances. The fair value for these riders is estimated using the present value of future benefits minus the present value of future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions related to the projected cash flows over the expected lives of the contracts. A risk neutral valuation methodology is used under which the cash flows from the riders are projected under multiple capital market scenarios using observable risk free rates. The valuation of these riders includes an adjustment for the Company’s own credit and risk margins for non-capital market inputs. The Company’s own credit adjustment is determined taking into consideration publicly available information relating to the Company’s debt, as well as its claims paying ability. 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. These riders 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 the Company’s own credit standing; and variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the riders that could materially affect net income.
 
The Company ceded the risk associated with certain of the GMIB and GMAB riders described in the preceding paragraph. These reinsurance contracts contain embedded derivatives which are included in premiums and other receivables with changes in estimated fair value reported in net investments gains (losses) or policyholder benefit and claims depending on the income statement 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 riders directly written by the Company.
 
The estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives within funds withheld at interest 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 described above in “Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities and Trading Securities” and “Short-term Investments.” The fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with their funds withheld hosts, in other liabilities with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net investment 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 guaranteed interest contracts is determined using market standard swap valuation models and observable market inputs, including an adjustment for the Company’s own credit that takes into consideration publicly available information relating to the Company’s debt, as well as its claims paying ability. The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives are included, along with their guaranteed investment contract host, within policyholder account balances with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net investment 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.


101


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The accounting for embedded derivatives is complex and interpretations of the primary accounting standards continue to evolve in practice. If interpretations change, there is a risk that features previously not bifurcated may require bifurcation and reporting at estimated fair value in the consolidated financial statements and respective changes in estimated fair value could materially affect net income.
 
Assets and Liabilities of SubsidiariesHeld-For-Sale — The carrying value of the assets and liabilities of subsidiariesheld-for-salereflects those assets and liabilities which were previously determined to be financial instruments and which were reflected in other financial statement captions in the table above in previous periods but have been reclassified to this caption to reflect the discontinued nature of the operations. The estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities of subsidiariesheld-for-salehave been determined on a basis consistent with the asset type as described herein.
 
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 and commitments to fund bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments reflected in the above table represent 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 original commitments.


102


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 fair value option, are determined as described in the preceding section. These estimated fair values and their corresponding fair value hierarchy are summarized as follows:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009 
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using    
  Quoted Prices in
          
  Active Markets for
     Significant
    
  Identical Assets
  Significant Other
  Unobservable
  Total
 
  and Liabilities
  Observable Inputs
  Inputs
  Estimated
 
  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Fair Value 
  (In millions) 
 
Assets
                
Fixed maturity securities:
                
U.S. corporate securities
 $  $59,318  $6,663  $65,981 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
     40,304   1,494   41,798 
Foreign corporate securities
     28,878   4,729   33,607 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  11,042   16,594   37   27,673 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
     13,744   251   13,995 
Asset-backed securities
     10,254   2,160   12,414 
Foreign government securities
  291   9,923   346   10,560 
State and political subdivision securities
     5,413   104   5,517 
Other fixed maturity securities
     10   8   18 
                 
Total fixed maturity securities
  11,333   184,438   15,792   211,563 
                 
Equity securities:
                
Common stock
  387   1,213   118   1,718 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
     260   1,067   1,327 
                 
Total equity securities
  387   1,473   1,185   3,045 
                 
Trading securities
  1,134   265   72   1,471 
Short-term investments (1)
  5,411   2,388   5   7,804 
Mortgage and consumer loans (2)
     4,122   136   4,258 
Derivative assets (3)
  126   4,265   2,521   6,912 
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4)
        122   122 
Mortgage servicing rights (5)
        670   670 
Separate account assets (6)
  96,050   29,364   1,554   126,968 
                 
Total assets
 $114,441  $226,315  $22,057  $362,813 
                 
Liabilities
                
Derivative liabilities (3)
 $49  $2,885  $755  $3,689 
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4)
     (79)  1,230   1,151 
Trading liabilities (7)
  142      59   201 
                 
Total liabilities
 $191  $2,806  $2,044  $5,041 
                 
 


103


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                 
  December 31, 2008 
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using    
  Quoted Prices in
          
  Active Markets for
     Significant
    
  Identical Assets
  Significant Other
  Unobservable
  Total
 
  and Liabilities
  Observable Inputs
  Inputs
  Estimated
 
  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Fair Value 
  (In millions) 
 
Assets
                
Fixed maturity securities:
                
U.S. corporate securities
 $  $55,805  $7,498  $63,303 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
     35,433   595   36,028 
Foreign corporate securities
     23,735   5,944   29,679 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  10,132   11,090   88   21,310 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
     12,384   260   12,644 
Asset-backed securities
     8,071   2,452   10,523 
Foreign government securities
  282   9,463   408   10,153 
State and political subdivision securities
     4,434   123   4,557 
Other fixed maturity securities
     14   40   54 
                 
Total fixed maturity securities
  10,414   160,429   17,408   188,251 
                 
Equity securities:
                
Common stock
  413   1,167   105   1,685 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
     238   1,274   1,512 
                 
Total equity securities
  413   1,405   1,379   3,197 
                 
Trading securities
  587   184   175   946 
Short-term investments (1)
  10,549   2,913   100   13,562 
Mortgage and consumer loans (2)
     1,798   177   1,975 
Derivative assets (3)
  55   9,483   2,768   12,306 
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4)
        205   205 
Mortgage servicing rights (5)
        191   191 
Separate account assets (6)
  85,886   33,195   1,758   120,839 
                 
Total assets
 $107,904  $209,407  $24,161  $341,472 
                 
Liabilities
                
Derivative liabilities (3)
 $273  $3,548  $221  $4,042 
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4)
     (83)  3,134   3,051 
Trading liabilities (7)
  57         57 
                 
Total liabilities
 $330  $3,465  $3,355  $7,150 
                 
 
 
(1) Short-term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet because certain short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value (e.g. time deposits, money market funds, etc.).

104


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(2) Mortgage and consumer loans as presented in the tables above differ from the amount presented in the consolidated balance sheet as these tables only include residential mortgage loansheld-for-salemeasured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis.
 
(3) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities. 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 following tables. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, certain non-derivative hedging instruments of $344 million and $323 million, respectively, which carried at amortized cost, are included with the liabilities total in Note 4 but excluded from derivative liabilities here as they are not derivative instruments.
 
(4) Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums and other receivables. Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented primarily within policyholder account balances. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, equity securities also includes embedded derivatives of ($33) million and ($173) million, respectively.
 
(5) MSRs are presented within other invested assets.
 
(6) 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 as prescribed bySOP 03-1.
 
(7) Trading liabilities are presented within other liabilities.
 
The Company has categorized its assets and liabilities into the three-level fair value hierarchy based upon the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique. The following summarizes the types of assets and liabilities included within the three-level fair value hierarchy presented in the preceding table.
 
  Level 1  This category includes certain U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed fixed maturity securities, certain foreign government fixed maturity securities; exchange-traded common stock; and certain short-term money market securities. As it relates to derivatives, this level includes exchange-traded equity and interest rate futures, as well as interest rate forwards to sell residential mortgage-backed securities. Separate account assets classified within this level principally include mutual funds. Also included are assets held within separate accounts which are similar in nature to those classified in this level for the general account.
 
  Level 2  This category includes fixed maturity and equity securities priced principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs. Fixed maturity securities classified as Level 2 include most U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, as well as the majority of U.S. and foreign corporate securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, state and political subdivision securities, foreign government securities, and asset-backed securities. Equity securities classified as Level 2 securities consist principally of common stock and non-redeemable preferred stock where market quotes are available but are not considered actively traded. Short-term investments and trading securities included within Level 2 are of a similar nature to these fixed maturity and equity securities. Mortgage and consumer loans included in Level 2 include residential mortgage loans held-for-sale for which there is readily available observable pricing for similar loans or securities backed by similar loans and the unobservable adjustments to such prices are insignificant. As it relates to derivatives, this level includes all types of derivative instruments utilized by the Company with the exception of exchange-traded futures and interest rate forwards to sell residential mortgage-backed securities included within Level 1 and those derivative instruments with unobservable inputs as described in Level 3. Separate account assets classified within this level are generally similar to those classified within this level for the general account. Hedge funds owned by separate accounts are also included within this level. Embedded derivatives


105


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 classified within this level include embedded equity derivatives contained in certain guaranteed interest contracts.
 
  Level 3  This category includes fixed maturity securities priced principally through independent broker quotations or market standard valuation methodologies using inputs that are not market observable or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This level primarily consists of less liquid fixed maturity securities with very limited trading activity or where less price transparency exists around the inputs to the valuation methodologies including: U.S. and foreign corporate securities — including below investment grade private placements; residential mortgage-backed securities; and asset-backed securities — including all of those supported by sub-prime mortgage loans. Equity securities classified as Level 3 securities consist principally of non-redeemable preferred stock and common stock of companies that are privately held or of companies for which there has been very limited trading activity or where less price transparency exists around the inputs to the valuation. Short-term investments and trading securities included within Level 3 are of a similar nature to these fixed maturity and equity securities. Mortgage and consumer loans included in Level 3 include residential mortgage loans held-for-sale for which pricing for similar loans or securities backed by similar loans is not observable and the estimated fair value is determined using unobservable broker quotes. As it relates to derivatives this category includes: swap spreadlocks with maturities which extend beyond observable periods; interest rate forwards including interest rate lock commitments with certain unobservable inputs, including pull-through rates; equity variance swaps with unobservable volatility inputs or that are priced via independent broker quotations; foreign currency swaps which are cancelable and priced through independent broker quotations; interest rate swaps with maturities which extend beyond the observable portion of the yield curve; credit default swaps based upon baskets of credits having unobservable credit correlations, as well as credit default swaps with maturities which extend beyond the observable portion of the credit curves and credit default swaps priced through independent broker quotes; foreign currency forwards priced via independent broker quotations or with liquidity adjustments; interest rate caps and floors referencing unobservable yield curvesand/or which include liquidity and volatility adjustments; implied volatility swaps with unobservable volatility inputs; and equity options with unobservable volatility inputs. Separate account assets classified within this level are generally similar to those classified within this level for the general account; however, they also include mortgage loans, and other limited partnership interests. Embedded derivatives classified within this level primarily include embedded derivatives associated with certain variable annuity riders. This category also includes MSRs which are carried at estimated fair value and have multiple significant unobservable inputs including discount rates, estimates of loan prepayments and servicing costs.


106


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
A rollforward of all assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
 
                         
  Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) 
     Total Realized/Unrealized
          
     Gains (Losses) included in:          
                
           Purchases,
       
  Balance,
     Other
  Sales,
  Transfer In
  Balance,
 
  Beginning
     Comprehensive
  Issuances and
  and/or Out
  End of
 
  of Period  Earnings (2, 3)  Income (Loss)  Settlements (4)  of Level 3(5)  Period 
  (In millions) 
 
                         
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                        
                         
Fixed maturity securities:
                        
                         
U.S. corporate securities
 $6,867  $(40) $400  $(67) $(497) $6,663 
                         
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  513   53   11   1,184   (267)  1,494 
                         
Foreign corporate securities
  4,051   (77)  1,003   (8)  (240)  4,729 
                         
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  63      (1)  (25)     37 
                         
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  243   (12)  21   (4)  3   251 
                         
Asset-backed securities
  2,048   25   147   (91)  31   2,160 
                         
Foreign government securities
  273   8   (22)  57   30   346 
                         
State and political subdivision securities
  100      8   (4)     104 
                         
Other fixed maturity securities
  8      2   (2)     8 
                         
                         
Total fixed maturity securities
 $14,166  $(43) $1,569  $1,040  $(940) $15,792 
                         
                         
Equity securities:
                        
                         
Common stock
 $104  $  $5  $9  $  $118 
                         
Non-redeemable preferred stock
  902   (55)  295   (75)     1,067 
                         
                         
Total equity securities
 $1,006  $(55) $300  $(66) $  $1,185 
                         
                         
Trading securities
 $105  $6  $  $(39) $  $72 
                         
Short-term investments
 $12  $  $  $(7) $  $5 
                         
Mortgage and consumer loans
 $211  $(7) $  $1  $(69) $136 
                         
Net derivatives (6)
 $2,585  $(987) $20  $123  $25  $1,766 
                         
Mortgage servicing rights (7),(8)
 $405  $131  $  $134  $  $670 
                         
Separate account assets (9)
 $1,500  $(61) $  $114  $1  $1,554 
                         
Net embedded derivatives (10)
 $(1,812) $743  $(16) $(23) $  $(1,108)
                         
Trading liabilities
 $  $  $  $(59) $  $(59)
                         
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:
                        
                         
Fixed maturity securities:
                        
                         
U.S. corporate securities
 $7,383  $(41) $85  $53  $(8) $7,472 
                         
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  1,776      (33)  378   (963)  1,158 
                         
Foreign corporate securities
  7,511   16   (338)  (123)  957   8,023 
                         
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  62   1   (2)  (1)  22   82 
                         
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  493   (3)  (18)  (5)  (17)  450 
                         
Asset-backed securities
  3,844   (15)  (36)  (156)  (10)  3,627 
                         
Foreign government securities
  860   7   (7)  (154)  (112)  594 
                         
State and political subdivision securities
  82      (3)  36   7   122 
                         
Other fixed maturity securities
  273      (6)  2      269 
                         
                         
Total fixed maturity securities
 $22,284  $(35) $(358) $30  $(124) $21,797 
                         
                         
Equity securities:
                        
                         
Common stock
 $197  $4  $(14) $12  $(13) $186 
                         
Non-redeemable preferred stock
  1,949   (8)  (10)  (41)  (19)  1,871 
                         
                         
Total equity securities
 $2,146  $(4) $(24) $(29) $(32) $2,057 
                         
                         
Trading securities
 $179  $3  $1  $129  $  $312 
                         
Short-term investments
 $156  $(1) $  $(21) $  $134 
                         
Net derivatives (6)
 $1,215  $(368) $  $25  $(19) $853 
                         
Separate account assets (9)
 $1,581  $(54) $  $375  $(208) $1,694 
                         
Net embedded derivatives (10)
 $(764) $337  $  $(17) $  $(444)


107


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
A rollforward of all assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
 
                                 
  Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) 
           Total Realized/Unrealized
          
           Gains (Losses) included in:          
     Impact of
        Other
  Purchases,
       
     SFAS 157 and
  Balance,
     Comprehensive
  Sales,
  Transfer In
  Balance,
 
  Balance,
  SFAS 159
  Beginning
  Earnings
  Income
  Issuances and
  and/or Out
  End of
 
  December 31, 2007  Adoption (1)  of Period  (2,3)  (Loss)  Settlements (4)  of Level 3 (5)  Period 
  (In millions) 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                                
Fixed maturity securities:
                                
U.S. corporate securities
         $7,498  $(208) $30  $(204) $(453) $6,663 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
          595   47   12   903   (63)  1,494 
Foreign corporate securities
          5,944   (237)  680   (221)  (1,437)  4,729 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
          88      (2)  (29)  (20)  37 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
          260   (12)  17   (16)  2   251 
Asset-backed securities
          2,452   (36)  (114)  (205)  63   2,160 
Foreign government securities
          408   (47)  24   (17)  (22)  346 
State and political subdivision securities
          123      6   17   (42)  104 
Other fixed maturity securities
          40   1   1   (34)     8 
                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
         $17,408  $(492) $654  $194  $(1,972) $15,792 
                                 
Equity securities:
                                
Common stock
         $105  $  $5  $8  $  $118 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
          1,274   (259)  133   (81)     1,067 
                                 
Total equity securities
         $1,379  $(259) $138  $(73) $  $1,185 
                                 
Trading securities
         $175  $7  $  $(104) $(6) $72 
Short-term investments
         $100  $(2) $  $(10) $(83) $5 
Mortgage and consumer loans
         $177  $(7) $  $32  $(66) $136 
Net derivatives(6)
         $2,547  $(965) $(62) $221  $25  $1,766 
Mortgage servicing rights(7),(8)
         $191  $134  $  $345  $  $670 
Separate account assets(9)
         $1,758  $(270) $  $55  $11  $1,554 
Net embedded derivatives(10)
         $(2,929) $1,844  $25  $(48) $  $(1,108)
Trading liabilities
         $  $  $—$  $(59) $  $(59)
                                 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:
                                
Fixed maturity securities:
                                
U.S. corporate securities
 $8,368  $  $8,368  $(59) $(195) $(166) $(476) $7,472 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  1,423      1,423   3   (87)  311   (492)  1,158 
Foreign corporate securities
  7,228   (8)  7,220   17   (288)  (372)  1,446   8,023 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  80      80   1   (1)  (3)  5   82 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  539      539   (3)  (60)  (9)  (17)  450 
Asset-backed securities
  4,490      4,490   (52)  (348)  (434)  (29)  3,627 
Foreign government securities
  785      785   12   (3)  (155)  (45)  594 
State and political subdivision securities
  124      124      (4)  30   (28)  122 
Other fixed maturity securities
  289      289      (23)  3      269 
                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
 $23,326  $(8) $23,318  $(81) $(1,009) $(795) $364  $21,797 
                                 
Equity securities:
                                
Common stock
 $183  $  $183  $3  $(3) $16  $(13) $186 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
  2,188      2,188   (43)  (195)  (49)  (30)  1,871 
                                 
Total equity securities
 $2,371  $  $2,371  $(40) $(198) $(33) $(43) $2,057 
                                 
Trading securities
 $183  $8  $191  $(2) $1  $131  $(9) $312 
Short-term investments
 $179  $  $179  $(1) $  $(44) $  $134 
Net derivatives(6)
 $789  $(1) $788  $46  $  $18  $1  $853 
Separate account assets(9)
 $1,464  $  $1,464  $(49) $  $387  $(108) $1,694 
Net embedded derivatives(10)
 $(278) $24  $(254) $(138) $  $(52) $  $(444)


108


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(1) Impact of SFAS 157 adoption represents the amount recognized in earnings as a change in estimate upon the adoption of SFAS 157 associated with Level 3 financial instruments held at January 1, 2008. The net impact of adoption on Level 3 assets and liabilities presented in the table above was a $23 million increase to net assets. Such amount was also impacted by an increase to DAC of $17 million. The impact of adoption of SFAS 157 on RGA — not reflected in the table above as a result of the reflection of RGA in discontinued operations — was a net increase of $2 million (i.e., a decrease in Level 3 net embedded derivative liabilities of $17 million offset by a DAC decrease of $15 million) for a total impact of $42 million on Level 3 assets and liabilities. This impact of $42 million along with a $12 million reduction in the estimated fair value of Level 2 freestanding derivatives, results in a total net impact of adoption of SFAS 157 of $30 million as described in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report.
 
(2) Amortization of premium/discount is included within net investment income which is reported within the earnings caption of total gains/losses. Impairments charged to earnings are included within net investment gains (losses) which are reported within the earnings caption of total gains/losses. Lapses associated with embedded derivatives are included with the earnings caption of total gains/losses.
 
(3) Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.
 
(4) The amount reported within purchases, sales, issuances and settlements is the purchase/issuance price (for purchases and issuances) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased/issued or sold/settled. Items purchased/issued and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. For embedded derivatives, attributed fees are included within this caption along with settlements, if any.
 
(5) Total gains and losses (in earnings and other comprehensive income (loss)) are calculated assuming transfers in and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred in and/or out in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.
 
(6) Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
 
(7) The additions and reductions (due to loan payments) affecting MSRs were $170 million and ($36) million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and $406 million and ($61) million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2009. There were no MSRs at June 30, 2008.
 
(8) The changes in estimated fair value due to changes in valuation model inputs or assumptions, and other changes in estimated fair value affecting MSRs were $131 million and $0, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2009, and $133 million and $1 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2009. There were no MSRs at June 30, 2008.
 
(9) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities.
 
(10) Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
 
(11) Amounts presented do not reflect any associated hedging activities. Actual earnings associated with Level 3, inclusive of hedging activities, could differ materially.


109


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The table below summarizes both realized and unrealized gains and losses for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 due to changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
 
                     
  Total Gains and Losses 
  Classification of Realized/Unrealized Gains
 
  (Losses) included in Earnings 
  Net
  Net
     Policyholder
    
  Investment
  Investment
  Other
  Benefits and
    
  Income  Gains (Losses)  Revenues  Claims  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
For The Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                    
Fixed maturity securities:
                    
U.S. corporate securities
 $3  $(43) $  $  $(40)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  2   51         53 
Foreign corporate securities
  (2)  (75)        (77)
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
               
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
     (12)        (12)
Asset-backed securities
  1   24         25 
Foreign government securities
  2   6         8 
State and political subdivision securities
               
Other fixed maturity securities
               
                     
Total fixed maturity securities
 $6  $(49) $  $  $(43)
                     
Equity securities:
                    
Common stock
 $  $  $  $  $ 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
     (55)        (55)
                     
Total equity securities
 $  $(55) $  $  $(55)
                     
Trading securities
 $6  $  $  $  $6 
Mortgage and consumer loans
 $  $  $(7) $  $(7)
Net derivatives
 $(51) $(885) $(51) $  $(987)
Mortgage servicing rights
 $  $  $131  $  $131 
Net embedded derivatives
 $  $827  $  $(84) $743 
                     
For The Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:
                    
Fixed maturity securities:
                    
U.S. corporate securities
 $4  $(45) $  $  $(41)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  2   (2)         
Foreign corporate securities
  46   (30)        16 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  1            1 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  1   (4)        (3)
Asset-backed securities
  4   (19)        (15)
Foreign government securities
  8   (1)        7 
State and political subdivision securities
               
Other fixed maturity securities
               
                     
Total fixed maturity securities
 $66  $(101) $  $  $(35)
                     
Equity securities:
                    
Common stock
 $  $4  $  $  $4 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
     (8)        (8)
                     
Total equity securities
 $  $(4) $  $  $(4)
                     
Trading securities
 $3  $  $  $  $3 
Short-term investments
 $  $(1) $  $  $(1)
Net derivatives
 $(13) $(355) $  $  $(368)
Net embedded derivatives
 $  $337  $  $  $337 


110


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The table below summarizes both realized and unrealized gains and losses for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 due to changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
 
                     
  Total Gains and Losses 
  Classification of Realized/Unrealized Gains
 
  (Losses) included in Earnings 
  Net
  Net
     Policyholder
    
  Investment
  Investment
  Other
  Benefits and
    
  Income  Gains (Losses)  Revenues  Claims  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                    
Fixed maturity securities:
                    
U.S. corporate securities
 $7  $(215) $  $  $(208)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  2   45         47 
Foreign corporate securities
  (3)  (234)        (237)
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
               
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  1   (13)        (12)
Asset-backed securities
  2   (38)        (36)
Foreign government securities
  5   (52)        (47)
State and political subdivision securities
               
Other fixed maturity securities
  1            1 
                     
Total fixed maturity securities
 $15  $(507) $  $  $(492)
                     
Equity securities:
                    
Common stock
 $  $  $  $  $ 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
     (259)        (259)
                     
Total equity securities
 $  $(259) $  $  $(259)
                     
Trading securities
 $7  $  $  $  $7 
Short-term investments
 $  $(2) $  $  $(2)
Mortgage and consumer loans
 $  $  $(7) $  $(7)
Net derivatives
 $(71) $(874) $(20) $  $(965)
Mortgage servicing rights
 $  $  $134  $  $134 
Net embedded derivatives
 $  $1,912  $  $(68) $1,844 
                     
For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:
                    
Fixed maturity securities:
                    
U.S. corporate securities
 $7  $(66) $  $  $(59)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  2   1         3 
Foreign corporate securities
  76   (59)        17 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  1            1 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  2   (5)        (3)
Asset-backed securities
  6   (58)        (52)
Foreign government securities
  15   (3)        12 
State and political subdivision securities
               
Other fixed maturity securities
               
                     
Total fixed maturity securities
 $109  $(190) $  $  $(81)
                     
Equity securities:
                    
Common stock
 $  $3  $  $  $3 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
     (43)        (43)
                     
Total equity securities
 $  $(40) $  $  $(40)
                     
Trading securities
 $(2) $  $  $  $(2)
Short-term investments
 $  $(1) $  $  $(1)
Net derivatives
 $9  $37  $  $  $46 
Net embedded derivatives
 $  $(138) $  $  $(138)


111


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The table below summarizes the portion of unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 for Level 3 assets and liabilities that are still held at June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
                     
  Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 
  Relating to Assets Held at June 30, 2009 and 2008 
  Net
  Net
     Policyholder
    
  Investment
  Investment
  Other
  Benefits and
    
  Income  Gains (Losses)  Revenues  Claims  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
For The Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                    
Fixed maturity securities:
                    
U.S. corporate securities
 $4  $(65) $  $  $(61)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  2   51         53 
Foreign corporate securities
  (2)  (61)        (63)
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
               
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
     (25)        (25)
Asset-backed securities
  1   (31)        (30)
Foreign government securities
  3   5         8 
State and political subdivision securities
               
Other fixed maturity securities
               
                     
Total fixed maturity securities
 $8  $(126) $  $  $(118)
                     
Equity securities:
                    
Common stock
 $  $  $  $  $ 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
     (4)        (4)
                     
Total equity securities
 $  $(4) $  $  $(4)
                     
Trading securities
 $6  $  $  $  $6 
Short-term investments
 $  $  $  $  $ 
Mortgage and consumer loans
 $  $  $(7) $  $(7)
Net derivatives
 $(51) $(895) $14  $  $(932)
Mortgage servicing rights
 $  $  $109  $  $109 
Net embedded derivatives
 $  $823  $  $(84) $739 
                     
For The Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:
                    
Fixed maturity securities:
                    
U.S. corporate securities
 $1  $(24) $  $  $(23)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  1            1 
Foreign corporate securities
  46   (31)        15 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
               
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  1   (5)        (4)
Asset-backed securities
  5   (14)        (9)
Foreign government securities
  6            6 
State and political subdivision securities
               
Other fixed maturity securities
               
                     
Total fixed maturity securities
 $60  $(74) $  $  $(14)
                     
Equity securities:
                    
Common stock
 $  $  $  $  $ 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
     (5)        (5)
                     
Total equity securities
 $  $(5) $  $  $(5)
                     
Trading securities
 $2  $  $  $  $2 
Short-term investments
 $  $(1) $  $  $(1)
Net derivatives
 $(13) $(299) $  $  $(312)
Net embedded derivatives
 $  $332  $  $  $332 


112


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The table below summarizes the portion of unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 for Level 3 assets and liabilities that are still held at June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
                     
  Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 
  Relating to Assets Held at June 30, 2009 and 2008 
  Net
  Net
     Policyholder
    
  Investment
  Investment
  Other
  Benefits and
    
  Income  Gains (Losses)  Revenues  Claims  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                    
Fixed maturity securities:
                    
U.S. corporate securities
 $7  $(226) $  $  $(219)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  2   51         53 
Foreign corporate securities
  (3)  (213)        (216)
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
               
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  1   (26)        (25)
Asset-backed securities
  2   (92)        (90)
Foreign government securities
  5            5 
State and political subdivision securities
               
Other fixed maturity securities
               
                     
Total fixed maturity securities
 $14  $(506) $  $  $(492)
                     
Equity securities:
                    
Common stock
 $  $  $  $  $ 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
     (113)        (113)
                     
Total equity securities
 $  $(113) $  $  $(113)
                     
Trading securities
 $7  $  $  $  $7 
Short-term investments
 $  $  $(2) $  $(2)
Mortgage and consumer loans
 $  $  $(8) $  $(8)
Net derivatives
 $(71) $(822) $17  $  $(876)
Mortgage servicing rights
 $  $  $121  $  $121 
Net embedded derivatives
 $  $1,899  $  $(68) $1,831 
                     
For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:
                    
Fixed maturity securities:
                    
U.S. corporate securities
 $3  $(24) $  $  $(21)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  2            2 
Foreign corporate securities
  74   (61)        13 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  1            1 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  2   (4)        (2)
Asset-backed securities
  6   (38)        (32)
Foreign government securities
  11            11 
State and political subdivision securities
               
Other fixed maturity securities
               
                     
Total fixed maturity securities
 $99  $(127) $  $  $(28)
                     
Equity securities:
                    
Common stock
 $  $  $  $  $ 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
     (30)        (30)
                     
Total equity securities
 $  $(30) $  $  $(30)
                     
Trading securities
 $  $  $  $  $ 
Short-term investments
 $  $(1) $  $  $(1)
Net derivatives
 $9  $22  $  $  $31 
Net embedded derivatives
 $  $(146) $  $  $(146)


113


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Fair Value Option — Mortgage and Consumer Loans
 
The Company has elected fair value accounting under SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities for certain residential mortgage loans held-for-sale. At June 30, 2009, the estimated fair value carrying amount of $4,258 million is greater than the aggregate unpaid principal amount of $4,220 million by $38 million. Less than $1 million of the loans where the fair value option has been elected were in non-accrual status and $1 million of the loans were more than 90 days past due at June 30, 2009.
 
At December 31, 2008, the estimated fair value carrying amount of $1,975 million was greater than the aggregate unpaid principal amount of $1,920 million by $55 million. None of the loans where the fair value option has been elected were more than 90 days past due or in non-accrual status at December 31, 2008.
 
Residential mortgage loans held-for-sale accounted for under the fair value option are initially measured at estimated fair value. Gains and losses from initial measurement, subsequent changes in estimated fair value, and gains or losses on sales are recognized in other revenues. 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.
 
Changes in estimated fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk are estimated based on changes in credit spreads for non-agency loans and adjustments in individual loan quality, of which a $0 and $1 million decrease in fair value were included in the statement of income for residential mortgage loans held-for-sale for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Changes in estimated fair value due to other changes in fair value of $122 million and $307 million have been included in the statement of income for residential mortgage loans held-for-sale for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.
 
At June 30, 2008, the Company did not have any residential mortgage loans held-for-sale accounted for under the fair value option; therefore, there was no impact for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008.
 
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
 
At June 30, 2009, the Company held $124 million in impaired mortgage loans of which $111 million was related to mortgage loans held-for-investment and $13 million related to certain mortgage loans held-for-sale. At December 31, 2008, the Company held $220 million in impaired mortgage loans, of which $188 million was related to mortgage loans held-for-investment and $32 million to certain mortgage loans held-for-sale. These impaired mortgage loans are carried at their estimated fair values at the time such impairments were recognized. Estimated fair values for impaired mortgage loans are based on independent broker quotations or, if the loans are in foreclosure or are otherwise determined to be collateral dependent, on the value of the underlying collateral. Impairments to estimated fair value of less than $1 million and $13 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $26 million and $42 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were recognized within net investment gains (losses). These impairments to estimated fair value represent nonrecurring fair value measurements that have been categorized as Level 3 due to the lack of price transparency inherent in the limited markets for such mortgage loans.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company held $410 million and $137 million, respectively, of impaired other limited partnership interests which are accounted for using the cost basis. Impairments on cost basis other limited partnership interests are recognized at estimated fair value determined from information provided in the financial statements of the underlying other limited partnership interests in the period in which the impairment is recognized. Impairments to estimated fair value for such other limited partnership interests of $245 million and $12 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $341 million and $16 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were recognized within net investment gains (losses). These impairments to estimated fair value represent nonrecurring fair value measurements that have been classified as Level 3 due to the limited activity and price transparency inherent in the market for such investments.


114


Table of Contents

 
MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
At June 30, 2009, the Company held $69 million in cost basis real estate joint ventures which were impaired based on the underlying real estate joint venture financial statements. These real estate joint ventures were recorded at estimated fair value and represent a nonrecurring fair value measurement. The estimated fair value was categorized as Level 3. Included within net investment gains (losses) for such real estate joint ventures are impairments of $68 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.
 
19.  Subsequent Event
 
On July 8, 2009, the Holding Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debt securities. The debt securities are scheduled for redemption on August 1, 2039 and the final maturity of the debt securities is August 1, 2069.
 
On August 3, 2009, the date the June 30, 2009 interim condensed consolidated financial statements of MetLife, Inc. were issued, the Company evaluated the recognition and disclosure of subsequent events.


115


Table of Contents

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
For purposes of this discussion, “MetLife” or the “Company” refers to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999 (the “Holding Company”), and its subsidiaries, including Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”). 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 onForm 10-Kfor the year ended December 31, 2008, as amended onForm 8-Kon June 12, 2009, (“2008 Annual Report”) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), 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. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining MetLife’s actual future results. 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 SEC. These factors include: (i) difficult and adverse conditions in the global and domestic capital and credit markets; (ii) continued volatility and further deterioration of the capital and credit markets, which may affect the Company’s ability to seek financing or access its credit facilities; (iii) uncertainty about the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s plan to stabilize the financial system by injecting capital into financial institutions, purchasing large amounts of illiquid, mortgage-backed and other securities from financial institutions, or otherwise; (iv) the impairment of other financial institutions; (v) potential liquidity and other risks resulting from MetLife’s participation in a securities lending program and other transactions; (vi) exposure to financial and capital market risk; (vii) changes in general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates, which may affect the Company’s ability to raise capital, generate fee income and market-related revenue and finance statutory reserve requirements and may require the Company to pledge collateral or make payments related to declines in value of specified assets; (viii) defaults on the Company’s mortgage and consumer loans; (ix) investment losses and defaults, and changes to investment valuations; (x) impairments of goodwill and realized losses or market value impairments to illiquid assets; (xi) unanticipated changes in industry trends; (xii) heightened competition, including with respect to pricing, entry of new competitors, consolidation of distributors, the development of new products by new and existing competitors and for personnel; (xiii) discrepancies between actual claims experience and assumptions used in setting prices for the Company’s products and establishing the liabilities for the Company’s obligations for future policy benefits and claims; (xiv) discrepancies between actual experience and assumptions used in establishing liabilities related to other contingencies or obligations; (xv) ineffectiveness of risk management policies and procedures, including with respect to guaranteed benefit riders (which may be affected by fair value adjustments arising from changes in our own credit spread) on certain of the Company’s variable annuity products; (xvi) increased expenses relating to pension and post-retirement benefit plans, (xvii) catastrophe losses; (xviii) changes in assumptions related to deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), value of business acquired (“VOBA”) or goodwill; (xix) downgrades in MetLife, Inc.’s and its affiliates’ claims paying ability, financial strength or credit ratings; (xx) economic, political, currency and other risks relating to the Company’s international operations; (xxi) availability and effectiveness of reinsurance or indemnification arrangements; (xxii) regulatory,


116


Table of Contents

legislative or tax changes that may affect the cost of, or demand for, the Company’s products or services; (xxiii) changes in accounting standards, practicesand/orpolicies; (xxiv) adverse results or other consequences from litigation, arbitration or regulatory investigations; (xxv) deterioration in the experience of the “closed block’’ established in connection with the reorganization of MLIC; (xxvi) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to terrorism, other hostilities, or natural catastrophes; (xxvii) MetLife’s ability to identify and consummate on successful terms any future acquisitions, and to successfully integrate acquired businesses with minimal disruption; (xxviii) 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; and (xxix) 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.
 
Executive Summary
 
MetLife is a leading provider of insurance, employee benefits and financial services with operations throughout the United States and the Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife offers life insurance, annuities, auto and home insurance, retail banking and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions. MetLife is currently organized into four operating segments: Institutional, Individual, Auto & Home and International, as well as Corporate & Other.
 
                         
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  Change  2009  2008  Change 
  (In millions, except per share data) 
 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $(1,433) $915  $(2,348) $(2,007) $1,530  $(3,537)
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per diluted common share
 $(1.74) $1.26  $(3.00) $(2.46) $2.10  $(4.56)
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
 
The continued volatility in the financial markets during the second quarter half of 2009 weighed heavily on the Company’s results and drove the $1.4 billion net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to net income of $0.9 billion in the same period of 2008. This net loss reflects $2.5 billion in net investment losses, compared to $0.2 billion of net investment losses in the second quarter of 2008, and a 14% decline in net investment income to $2.4 billion, all net of income tax.
 
Premiums, fees and other revenues of $8.4 billion increased by 4% primarily due to higher sales in the Institutional segment and the impact of MetLife Bank, National Association (“MetLife Bank”) acquisitions in 2008, partially offset by the impact of currency changes on the international businesses. Total revenues of $8.3 billion, a decrease of $3.8 billion from 2008, reflected the negative investment results. A 6% increase in policyholder benefits and claims to $6.9 billion was offset by a decrease in other expenses. Management continues to achieve cost reductions under its enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative, although these were offset by higher pension and post-retirement benefit costs in the second quarter of 2009. Total expenses were $10.6 billion in the second quarter of 2009, a decrease of 2% from 2008.
 
The adverse change in net investment losses of $2.3 billion, net of income tax, was primarily due to an increase in losses of $2.1 billion, net of income tax, on freestanding derivatives including interest rate swaps, options and futures, as well as equity futures and options. These instruments were impacted by rising interest rates and improving equity markets, respectively. The narrowing of MetLife’s own credit spread also contributed an increased loss on embedded derivatives of $0.9 billion, net of income tax. Additional losses of $0.4 billion, net


117


Table of Contents

of income tax, were incurred across other asset classes including other limited partnership interests, fixed maturity and equity securities, mortgage and consumer loans, as well as real estate and real estate joint ventures. These losses were attributable primarily to an increase in impairments across several industry sectors and in valuation allowances, both driven by difficult underlying operating environments, capital market factors, and weakening of economic fundamentals. These decreases were partially offset by gains on embedded derivatives of $1.2 billion, net of income tax, principally associated with variable annuity riders. The gains were due to the positive impact of interest rate and equity market movements.
 
The decline in net investment income impacted Company results by $0.4 billion, net of income tax. Management attributes this decline primarily to a decrease in yields, slightly offset by growth in average invested assets. The decrease in net investment income attributable to lower yields was primarily due to lower returns on real estate joint ventures, international joint ventures, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans, partially offset by increased returns on trading securities. The increase in average invested assets on the cost basis of less than $0.1 billion occurred primarily within mortgage loans, cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and fixed maturity securities excluding securities lending.
 
These decreases were offset by an improvement of $0.4 billion, net of income tax, in other expenses, primarily due to a decrease in the Individual segment due to lower DAC amortization driven by net derivative losses and separate account balance increases, which increase expected future gross profits, as a result of market improvement. The decrease was also driven by higher DAC capitalization resulting primarily from increases in annuity deposits. The impact of foreign currency exchange rates further lowered expenses in the International segment. These decreases were substantially offset by the impact of higher MetLife Bank costs for compensation, rent, and mortgage loan origination and servicing expenses primarily related to acquisitions in 2008, higher post employment related costs in the current period associated with the implementation of an enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative, higher pension and post-retirement benefits and commission expenses, and higher deferred compensation expenses.
 
Increases in premiums, fees and other revenues of $0.2 billion, net of income tax, were attributable to MetLife Bank loan origination and servicing fees from acquisitions in 2008 and income from counterparties on collateral pledged in 2008, offset by the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the International segment. The increase in premiums, fees and other revenues was almost entirely offset by an increase in policyholder benefits and claims due to business growth in the Institutional segment and by the impact of equity markets improvements on hedge losses net of lower guaranteed annuity benefit costs in the Individual segment. These increases in policyholder benefits and claims were offset by the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the International segment.
 
An increase in interest credited to policyholder account balances of less than $0.1 billion, net of income tax, resulted from higher average general account balances and higher crediting rates within the Individual segment. This was offset by a decline in crediting rates in the Institutional segment, which was largely due to the impact of lower short-term interest rates in the current period, offset by an increase solely from growth in the average policyholder account balance.
 
The remainder of the change in net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders is principally attributable to changes in the effective tax rate due to the impact of tax preference items and the ratio of permanent differences to income from continuing operations before provision for income tax as well as the impact of valuation allowances associated with our international operations.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008
 
The continued volatility in the financial markets during the first half of 2009 weighed heavily on the Company’s results and drove the $2.0 billion net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to net income of $1.5 billion in the same period of 2008. This net loss reflects $3.1 billion in net investment losses, compared to $0.7 billion of net investment losses in the first six months of 2008, and a 19% decline in net investment income to $4.5 billion, all net of income tax.


118


Table of Contents

Premiums, fees and other revenues of $16.2 billion were relatively unchanged, as sales activity remained solid despite the recessionary environment and growth in international businesses was offset by currency changes. Total revenues of $18.5 billion, a decrease of $5.2 billion from 2008, reflected the negative investment results. A 3% increase in policyholder benefits and claims to $13.5 billion was offset by lower interest and dividends paid to policyholders, reflecting lower investment yields, and a decrease in other expenses. Management continues to achieve cost reductions under its enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative, although these were offset by higher pension and post-retirement benefit costs in 2009. Total expenses were $21.8 billion in 2009, an increase of less than 1% from 2008.
 
The adverse change in net investment losses of $2.4 billion, net of income tax, was primarily due to an increase in losses of $2.8 billion, net of income tax, on freestanding derivatives including interest rate swaps, floors, options and futures, as well as equity futures and options. These instruments were impacted by rising interest rates and improving equity markets, respectively. The narrowing of MetLife’s own credit spread in the current period also contributed an increased loss on embedded derivatives of $0.6 billion, net of income tax. Additional losses of $0.9 billion, net of income tax, were incurred across other asset classes including fixed maturity and equity securities, other limited partnership interests, mortgage and consumer loans, as well as real estate and real estate joint ventures. These losses were attributable primarily to an increase in impairments across several industries and in valuation allowances, both driven by difficult underlying operating environments, market volatility, and weakening of economic fundamentals. These decreases were partially offset by gains on embedded derivatives of $2.0 billion, net of income tax, principally associated with variable annuity riders. The gains were due to the positive impact of interest rate, foreign currency and equity market movements. Losses were also mitigated by the impact of sales of fixed maturity securities and by foreign currency transaction gains.
 
The decline in net investment income impacted Company results by $1.1 billion, net of income tax. Management attributes $1.2 billion, net of income tax, of this change to a decrease in yields, partially offset by an increase of $0.1 billion, net of income tax, attributable to growth in average invested assets. The decrease in net investment income attributable to lower yields was primarily due to lower returns on real estate joint ventures, fixed maturity securities, cash equivalents and short-term investments, other limited partnership interests and mortgage loans, partially offset by increased returns on trading securities. The increase in average invested assets on the cost basis occurred primarily within mortgage loans, cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and fixed maturity securities excluding securities lending.
 
These decreases were offset by an improvement of $0.1 billion, net of income tax, in other expenses, primarily due to a decrease in the Individual segment due to lower DAC amortization driven by net investment losses and due to higher DAC capitalization resulting primarily from increases in annuity deposits. The impact of foreign currency exchange rates further lowered expenses in the International segment. These decreases were substantially offset by the impact of higher MetLife Bank costs for compensation, rent, and mortgage loan origination and servicing expenses primarily related to acquisitions in 2008, higher post employment related costs in the current period associated with the implementation of an enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative, higher pension and post-retirement benefits and commission expenses, and higher deferred compensation expenses.
 
Increases in premiums, fees and other revenues of $0.1 billion, net of income tax, were attributable to MetLife Bank loan origination and servicing fees from acquisitions in 2008 and income from counterparties on collateral pledged in 2008, offset by the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the International segment. The increase in premiums, fees and other revenues was more than offset by an increase in policyholder benefits and claims of $0.2 billion, net of income tax, due to business growth in the Institutional segment and by the impact of weaker equity markets on hedge losses and guaranteed annuity benefit costs in the Individual segment. These increases in policyholder benefits and claims were also largely offset by the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the International segment.
 
A decrease in interest credited to policyholder account balances of less than $0.1 billion, net of income tax, resulted from the decline in average crediting rates, which was largely due to the impact of lower short-term interest rates in the current period, offset by an increase solely from growth in the average policyholder account balance all of which occurred within the Institutional segment. Partially offsetting this decrease, interest credited increased within the Individual segment due to higher average general account balances and marginally higher crediting rates.


119


Table of Contents

 
The remainder of the change in net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders is principally attributable to changes in the effective tax rate due to the impact of tax preference items and the ratio of permanent differences to income from continuing operations before provision for income tax as well as the impact of valuation allowances associated with our international operations.
 
Consolidated Company Outlook
 
The marketplace continues to react and adapt to the economic crisis and the unusual financial market events that began in 2008 and have moderated in the second quarter of 2009. Management expects the volatility in the financial markets to persist throughout the remainder of 2009. As a result, management anticipates a modest increase, on a constant exchange rate basis, in premiums, fees and other revenues in 2009, with mixed results across the various businesses. While the Company continues to gain market share in certain product lines, as management expected, premiums, fees and other revenues have been, and may continue to be, impacted by the U.S. and global recession, which may be reflected in, but is not limited to:
 
  • Lower fee income from separate account businesses, including variable annuity and life products in Individual Business.
 
  • A potential reduction in payroll linked revenue from Institutional group insurance customers.
 
  • A decline in demand for certain International and Institutional retirement & savings products.
 
  • A decrease in Auto & Home premiums resulting from a depressed housing market and auto industry.
 
With the expectation of the turbulent financial markets continuing in 2009, management believes there will be continued downward pressure on net income, specifically net investment income, resulting from lower returns from other limited partnerships, real estate joint ventures, and securities lending. Management also anticipates that its decision to maintain a slightly higher than normal level of short-term liquidity will adversely impact net investment income in 2009. In addition, the resulting impact of the financial markets and the recession on net investment gains (losses) and unrealized investment gains (losses) can and will vary greatly and therefore, is difficult to predict. Also difficult to determine is the impact of changes in our own credit standing, particularly on our net investment gains and losses, as it varies significantly and this exposure is not hedged.
 
Certain insurance-related liabilities, specifically those associated with guarantees, are tied to market performance, which in times of depressed investment markets may require management to establish additional liabilities. However, many of the risks associated with these guarantees are hedged. The turbulent financial markets, sustained over a period of time, may also necessitate management to strengthen insurance liabilities that are not associated with guarantees. Management does not anticipate significant changes in the underlying trends that drive underwriting results, with the possible exception of certain trends in the disability business.
 
Certain expenses may increase due to initiatives such as Operational Excellence. Other charges are also possible as the combination of the downward pressure on net income coupled with the expectations of the financial markets, may necessitate a review of goodwill impairment, specifically within Individual Business. The unusual financial market conditions have caused, and may continue to cause an increase in DAC amortization. As expected, the Company’s pension-related expense for 2009 has increased.
 
In response to the challenges presented by the unusual economic environment, management continues to focus on disciplined underwriting, pricing, hedging strategies, as well as focused expense management.
 
Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
Disposition of Texas Life Insurance Company
 
On March 2, 2009, the Company sold Cova Corporation (“Cova”), the parent company of Texas Life Insurance Company (“Texas Life”) to a third party for $134 million in cash consideration, excluding $1 million of transaction costs. The net assets sold were $101 million, resulting in a gain on disposal of $32 million, net of income tax. The Company has also reclassified $4 million, net of income tax, of the 2009 operations of Texas Life into discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. As a result, the Company recognized income from discontinued operations of $36 million, net of income tax, during the first quarter of 2009.


120


Table of Contents

Industry Trends
 
The Company’s segments continue to be influenced by a variety of trends that affect the industry.
 
Financial and Economic Environment.  Our results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally, both in the United States and elsewhere around the world. The stress experienced by global capital markets that began in the second half of 2007 continued and substantially increased through 2008. Beginning in mid- September 2008, the global financial markets experienced unprecedented disruption, adversely affecting the business environment in general, as well as the financial services industry, in particular. This disruption has since moderated, but the financial markets remain fragile and volatile. The U.S. economy entered a recession in January 2008 and most economists believe this recession is approaching its later stages.
 
Throughout 2008 and continuing in 2009, Congress, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the U.S. Treasury and other agencies of the Federal government took a number of increasingly aggressive actions (in addition to continuing a series of interest rate reductions that began in the second half of 2007) intended to provide liquidity to financial institutions and markets, to avert a loss of investor confidence in particular troubled institutions, to prevent or contain the spread of the financial crisis and to spur economic growth. How and to whom these governmental institutions distribute amounts available under the governmental programs could have the effect of supporting some aspects of the financial services industry more than others or provide advantages to some of our competitors. Governments in many of the foreign markets in which MetLife operates have also responded to address market imbalances and have taken meaningful steps intended to restore market confidence. We cannot predict whether the U.S. or foreign governments will establish additional governmental programs or the impact any additional measures or existing programs will have on the financial markets, whether on the levels of volatility currently being experienced, the levels of lending by financial institutions, the prices buyers are willing to pay for financial assets or otherwise. See “Business — Regulation — Governmental Responses to Extraordinary Market Conditions” in the 2008 Annual Report.
 
The economic crisis and the resulting recession have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on the financial results of companies in the financial services industry, including the Company. The declining financial markets and economic conditions have negatively impacted our investment income, our net investment gains (losses), and the demand for and the cost and profitability of certain of our products, including variable annuities and guarantee riders. See “— Results of Operations” and “— Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
 
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
 
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. The most critical estimates include those used in determining:
 
  (i) the estimated fair value of investments in the absence of quoted market values;
 
  (ii) investment impairments;
 
  (iii) the recognition of income on certain investment entities;
 
  (iv) the application of the consolidation rules to certain investments;
 
  (v) the existence and estimated fair value of embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation;
 
  (vi) the estimated fair value of and accounting for derivatives;
 
  (vii) the capitalization and amortization of DAC and the establishment and amortization of VOBA;
 
  (viii) the measurement of goodwill and related impairment, if any;
 
  (ix) the liability for future policyholder benefits;
 
  (x) accounting for income taxes and the valuation of deferred income tax assets;


121


Table of Contents

 
  (xi) accounting for reinsurance transactions;
 
  (xii) accounting for employee benefit plans; and
 
  (xiii) the liability for litigation and regulatory matters.
 
In applying the Company’s accounting policies, which are more fully described in the 2008 Annual Report, 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 businesses 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 our 2008 Annual Report. We have updated the disclosures below due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Staff Position (“FSP”)No. FAS 115-2andFAS 124-2,Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments(“FSP 115-2”),which affects the recognition and measurement of impaired securities and significant changes in DAC estimates due to market volatility.
 
Investment Impairments
 
One of the significant estimates related to available-for-sale securities is the evaluation of investments for other-than-temporary impairments. The assessment of whether impairments have occurred is based on management’scase-by-caseevaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in estimated fair value. The Company’s review of its fixed maturity and equity securities for impairments includes an analysis of the total gross unrealized losses by three categories of securities: (i) securities where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by less than 20%; (ii) securities where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by 20% or more for less than six months; and (iii) securities where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by 20% or more for six months or greater. 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 certain equity securities, greater weight and consideration are given by the Company to a decline in estimated fair value and the likelihood such estimated fair value decline will recover.
 
Additionally, management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations used by the Company in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to:
 
  (i) the length of time and the extent to which the estimated fair value has been below cost or amortized cost;
 
  (ii) the potential for impairments of securities when the issuer is experiencing significant financial difficulties;
 
  (iii) the potential for impairments in an entire industry sector or sub-sector;
 
  (iv) the potential for impairments in certain economically depressed geographic locations;
 
  (v) the potential for impairments of securities where the issuer, series of issuers or industry has suffered a catastrophic type of loss or has exhausted natural resources;
 
  (vi) with respect to equity securities, whether the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of its value to an amount equal to or greater than cost or amortized cost;


122


Table of Contents

 
  (vii) with respect to fixed maturity securities, whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before recovery of the decline in fair value below amortized cost;
 
  (viii) unfavorable changes in forecasted cash flows on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and
 
  (ix) other subjective factors, including concentrations and information obtained from regulators and rating agencies.
 
The cost of fixed maturity and equity securities is adjusted for impairments in value deemed to be other-than-temporary and charged to earnings in the period in which the determination is made. For equity securities, the carrying value of the equity security is impaired to its fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings. When an other-than-temporary impairment of a fixed maturity security has occurred, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings depends on whether the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the fixed maturity security meets either of these two criteria, the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings is equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the impairment measurement date. For other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturity securities that do not meet either of these two criteria, the net amount recognized in earnings is equal to the difference between the amortized cost of the fixed maturity security and the present value of projected future cash flows to be collected from this security. Any difference between the fair value and the present value of the expected future cash flows of the security at the impairment measurement date is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). The Company does not change the revised cost basis for subsequent recoveries in value.
 
The determination of the amount of allowances and impairments on other invested asset classes is highly subjective and is based upon the Company’s periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. Management updates its evaluations regularly and reflects changes in allowances and impairments in operations as such evaluations are revised.
 
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 vary with and relate to the production of new business are deferred as DAC. Such costs consist principally of commissions and agency and policy issuance expenses. VOBA is an intangible asset that reflects the estimated fair value of in-force contracts in a life insurance company acquisition and represents the portion of the purchase price that is allocated to the value of the right to receive future cash flows from the business in-force at the acquisition date. VOBA 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 and other factors. Actual experience on the purchased business may vary from these projections. The recovery of DAC and VOBA is dependent upon the future profitability of the related business. DAC and VOBA are aggregated in the financial statements for reporting purposes.
 
Separate account rates of return on variable universal life contracts and variable deferred annuity contracts affect in-force account balances on such contracts each reporting period which can result in significant fluctuations in amortization of DAC and VOBA. Returns that are higher than the Company’s long-term expectation produce higher account balances, which increases the Company’s future fee expectations and decreases future benefit payment expectations on minimum death and living benefit guarantees, resulting in higher expected future gross profits and lower current period DAC amortization. The opposite result occurs when returns are lower than the Company’s long-term expectation. The Company’s practice to determine the impact of gross profits resulting from returns on separate accounts assumes that long-term appreciation in equity markets is not changed by short-term market fluctuations, but is only changed when sustained interim deviations are expected. The Company monitors these changes and only changes the assumption when its long-term expectation changes. The effect of an increase/(decrease) by 100 basis points in the assumed future rate of return is reasonably likely to result in a decrease/(increase) in DAC and VOBA amortization of approximately $110 million with an offset to the Company’s


123


Table of Contents

unearned revenue liability of approximately $25 million for this factor. During the current quarter, the Company did not change its long-term expectation of equity market appreciation.
 
Over the last several years, the Company’s most significant assumption updates resulting in a change to expected future gross margins and profits and the amortization of DAC and VOBA have been updated due to revisions to expected future investment returns, expenses, in-force or persistency assumptions and policyholder dividends on contracts included within the Individual segment. During late 2008 and in 2009, the amount of net investment gains (losses), as well as the level of separate account balances also resulted in significant changes to expected future gross margins and profits impacting the amortization of DAC and VOBA. The Company expects these assumptions to be the ones most reasonably likely to cause significant changes in the future. Changes in these assumptions can be offsetting and the Company is unable to predict their movement or offsetting impact over time.
 
Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements provides a rollforward of DAC and VOBA for the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2009, as well as a breakdown of DAC and VOBA by segment and reporting unit at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. At June 30, 2009, DAC and VOBA for the Company was $20.3 billion. A substantial portion, approximately 81%, of the Company’s DAC and VOBA is associated with the Individual segment, which had DAC and VOBA of $16.5 billion at June 30, 2009. Amortization of DAC and VOBA associated with the variable & universal life and the annuities reporting units within the Individual segment are significantly impacted by movements in equity markets. The following chart illustrates the effect on DAC and VOBA within the Company’s Individual segment of changing each of the respective assumptions, as well as updating estimated gross margins or profits with actual gross margins or profits for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Increases (decreases) in DAC and VOBA balances, as presented below, result in a corresponding decrease (increase) in amortization.
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
     (In millions)    
 
Investment return
 $49  $(4) $50  $(32)
Separate account balances
  117   (48)  (106)  (116)
Net investment gain (loss) related
  624   145   441   259 
Expense
  (1)  2   (8)  4 
In-force/Persistency
  6   (7)  8   (19)
Policyholder dividends and other
  44   (26)  68   (26)
                 
Total
 $839  $62  $453  $70 
                 
 
Prior to late 2008, fluctuations in the amounts presented in the table above arose principally from normal assumption reviews during the period. The following represents significant items contributing to the changes to DAC and VOBA amortization in 2009.
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
 
  • The increase in equity markets during the quarter increased separate account balances resulting in an increase in expected future gross profits on variable universal life contracts and variable deferred annuity contracts resulting in a decrease of $117 million in DAC and VOBA amortization
 
  • Changes in net investment gains (losses) resulted in the following changes in DAC and VOBA amortization:
 
 Actual gross profits increased as a result of a decrease in liabilities associated with guarantee obligations on variable annuities resulting in an increase of DAC and VOBA amortization of $604 million. This increase in actual gross profits was partially offset by freestanding derivative losses associated with the hedging of such guarantee obligations which resulted in a decrease in DAC and VOBA amortization of $447 million.
 
 A change in valuation of guarantee liabilities, resulting from the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements(“SFAS 157”) during 2008, also


124


Table of Contents

 impacted the computation of actual gross profits and the related amortization of DAC and VOBA. Lower risk margins decreased the guarantee liability valuations, increased actual gross profits and increased amortization by $20 million. However, the narrowing of own credit spreads increased the valuation of guarantee liabilities, decreased actual gross profits and decreased amortization by $537 million. The inclusion of the Company’s own credit in the valuation of these guarantee liabilities increases the volatility of these valuations, the related DAC and VOBA amortization, and the net income of the Company.
 
 The remainder of the impact of net investment gains (losses), which decreased DAC amortization by $264 million, was primarily attributable to current period investment activities.
 
  • Included in policyholder dividends and other is a decrease of amortization of $13 million due to lower actual closed block earnings resulting in lower actual gross margins in the current period. The remainder of the decrease is due to various immaterial items. Note 8 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements provides additional information on closed block business.
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
 
  • The decrease in amortization due to the increase in equity markets during the second quarter did not fully offset the increase in amortization from the decrease in the equity markets during the first quarter of 2009. As a result, the net decrease in separate account balances resulted in a decrease in expected future gross profits on variable universal life contracts and variable deferred annuity contracts resulting in an increase of $106 million in DAC and VOBA amortization.
 
  • Changes in net investment gains (losses) resulted in the following changes in DAC and VOBA amortization:
 
 Actual gross profits increased as a result of a decrease in liabilities associated with guarantee obligations on variable annuities resulting in an increase of DAC and VOBA amortization of $630 million. This increase in actual gross profits was partially offset by freestanding derivative losses associated with the hedging of such guarantee obligations which resulted in a decrease in DAC and VOBA amortization of $398 million.
 
 A change in valuation of guarantee liabilities, resulting from the adoption of SFAS 157 during 2008, also impacted the computation of actual gross profits and the related amortization of DAC and VOBA. Lower risk margins decreased the guarantee liability valuations, increased actual gross profits and increased amortization by $32 million. However, the narrowing of MetLife’s own credit spread increased the valuation of guarantee liabilities, decreased actual gross profits and decreased amortization by $302 million. The inclusion of the Company’s own credit in the valuation of these guarantee liabilities increases the volatility of these valuations, the related DAC and VOBA amortization, and the net income of the Company.
 
 The remainder of the impact of net investment gains (losses), which decreased DAC amortization by $403 million, was primarily attributable to current period investment activities.
 
  • Included in policyholder dividends and other is a decrease of amortization of $28 million due to lower actual closed block earnings resulting in lower actual gross margins in the current period. The remainder of the decrease is due to various immaterial items. Note 8 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements provides additional information on closed block business.
 
The Company’s DAC and VOBA balance is also impacted by unrealized investment gains (losses) and the amount of amortization which would have been recognized if such gains and losses had been recognized. The decrease in unrealized investment losses for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 resulted in a decrease in DAC and VOBA of $1.6 billion and $801 million, respectively. Notes 3 and 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the DAC and VOBA offset to unrealized investment losses.
 
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


125


Table of Contents

unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in MetLife’s businesses. As a part of the economic capital process, a portion of net investment income is credited to the segments based on the level of allocated equity. This is in contrast to the standardized regulatory risk-based capital formula, which is not as refined in its risk calculations with respect to the nuances of the Company’s businesses.
 
Results of Operations
 
Discussion of Results
 
The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Company for the periods indicated:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Revenues
                
Premiums
 $6,576  $6,340  $12,698  $12,631 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  1,216   1,396   2,399   2,793 
Net investment income
  3,731   4,319   6,994   8,616 
Other revenues
  572   351   1,126   720 
Net investment gains (losses):
                
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
  (566)  (139)  (1,119)  (213)
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive loss
  234      234    
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  (3,497)  (218)  (3,850)  (874)
                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
  (3,829)  (357)  (4,735)  (1,087)
                 
Total revenues
  8,266   12,049   18,482   23,673 
                 
Expenses
                
Policyholder benefits and claims
  6,946   6,579   13,528   13,162 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  1,229   1,196   2,397   2,429 
Policyholder dividends
  434   446   858   875 
Other expenses
  2,031   2,607   5,033   5,154 
                 
Total expenses
  10,640   10,828   21,816   21,620 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax
  (2,374)  1,221   (3,334)  2,053 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
  (956)  342   (1,332)  549 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  (1,418)  879   (2,002)  1,504 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
     117   36   152 
                 
Net income (loss)
  (1,418)  996   (1,966)  1,656 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
  (16)  50   (20)  62 
                 
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
  (1,402)  946   (1,946)  1,594 
Less: Preferred stock dividends
  31   31   61   64 
                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $(1,433) $915  $(2,007) $1,530 
                 


126


Table of Contents

Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 — The Company
 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations decreased by $2,297 million to a loss of $1,418 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from income of $879 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
The following table provides the change from the prior period in income (loss) from continuing operations by segment:
 
     
  Change 
  (In millions) 
 
Institutional
 $(1,104)
Individual
  (530)
International
  (381)
Auto & Home
  28 
Corporate & Other
  (310)
     
Total change, net of income tax
 $(2,297)
     
 
The primary driver of change in income (loss) from continuing operations was an increase in net investment losses. This increase in losses was primarily due to freestanding derivatives, other limited partnership interests, fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans, equity securities, and real estate and real estate joint ventures. The narrowing of MetLife’s own credit spread also contributed to the increase in losses and was partially offset by other increases in gains on embedded derivatives. Excluding the impact of net investment gains (losses), changes in income (loss) from continuing operations were driven by factors identified below.
 
The Institutional segment’s income (loss) from continuing operations was adversely impacted by a decrease in interest margin within the retirement & savings, non-medical health & other, and group life businesses. In addition, higher other expenses contributed to the decrease in income from continuing operations, mainly due to an increase in higher non-deferrable volume related expenses, primarily pension and post-retirement benefit expense. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of higher underwriting results in the retirement & savings business.
 
The Individual segment’s income (loss) from continuing operations decreased primarily due to lower universal life and investment-type product policy fees combined with other revenues, higher annuity benefits, lower net investment income on blocks of business not driven by interest margins, a decrease in interest margins, higher expenses, and an increase in interest credited to policyholder account balances. These factors were partially offset by lower DAC amortization primarily due to net derivative losses and separate account balance increases as a result of market improvement, favorable underwriting results in life products, and a decrease in policyholder dividends.
 
The International segment’s income (loss) from continuing operations decreased primarily due to the operation in Mexico which experienced an increase in certain policyholder liabilities, higher claims experience, as well as an increase in sales-related expenses, partially offset by a decrease in policyholder liabilities resulting from a policy cancellation, a revision to certain dollar-denominated policyholder liabilities and business growth, as well as a lower effective tax rate. The Company’s earnings from its investment in Japan decreased due to hedging activities associated with Japan’s guaranteed annuity benefits, the adverse impact from the utilization of the fair value option for certain fixed annuities offset by a decrease in the costs of guaranteed annuity benefits, as well as an increase from assumed reinsurance due to a decrease in liabilities resulting from a refinement in methodology on certain annuity guarantee liabilities. Results were also negatively impacted by movements in foreign exchange rates.
 
The increase in income from continuing operations in the Auto & Home segment was primarily attributable to decreases in policyholder benefits and claims driven primarily by a decrease in catastrophe losses, offset mainly by less favorable development of prior year non-catastrophe losses. In addition, other expenses decreased due to information technology infrastructure charges and other operational efficiencies. A reduction in premiums related to decreased exposures partially offset these factors.


127


Table of Contents

Corporate & Other’s loss from continuing operations increased primarily due lower net investment income. This was partially offset by higher other revenues and corporate expenses, both of which were principally due to MetLife Bank acquisitions in 2008. In addition, tax benefits increased over the comparable 2008 period due to the actual and the estimated tax rate allocated to the various segments, as well as the ratio of tax preference items to income before income tax on an annualized basis.
 
Revenues and Expenses
 
Premiums, Fees and Other Revenues
 
Premiums, fees and other revenues increased by $277 million, or 3%, to $8,364 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $8,087 million for the comparable 2008 period. The following table provides the change from the prior period in premiums, fees and other revenues by segment:
 
     
  Change 
  (In millions) 
 
Institutional
 $318 
Individual
  (71)
International
  (214)
Auto & Home
  (21)
Corporate & Other
  265 
     
Total change
 $277 
     
 
The increase in the Institutional segment was driven by increases in the retirement & savings business, group life and non-medical health & other businesses. The increase in the retirement & savings business was primarily due to increases in the group institutional annuity and structured settlement businesses, both of which were primarily due to higher sales. The increase was offset by lower sales in the income annuity business and across several other products. The increase in group life business was primarily due to an increase in term life, which was largely attributable to an increase in net reinsurance activity. In addition, the impact of lower experience rated refunds in the current period also contributed to this increase. In addition, an increase in the corporate owned life insurance (“COLI”) business was largely attributable to higher fees in the current period. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in the universal life business, primarily due to lower experience rated refunds in the prior period. The growth in the non-medical health & other business was largely due to increases in the dental and long-term care (“LTC”) businesses, both attributable to continued growth. Partially offsetting these increases were declines in the disability and accidental death and dismemberment (“AD&D”) businesses which were attributable to higher reserve buyout activity in the prior period and higher experience rated refunds in the current period, respectively.
 
The decrease in the Individual segment was primarily due to a decrease in universal life and investment-type product policy fees combined with other revenues primarily resulting from lower average separate account balances due to recent unfavorable equity market performance. Partially offsetting these items was an increase in premiums primarily due to an increase in immediate annuity premiums and increased renewals of traditional life business. These increases were partially offset by a decline in premiums associated with the run-off of the Company’s closed block of business.
 
The decrease in the International segment was primarily due to an adverse impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, there were decreases in Chile primarily due to lower annuity sales resulting from a contraction of the annuity market and in Argentina primarily due to the nationalization of the pension business in the fourth quarter of 2008, which eliminated the revenue from this business. Partially offsetting these decreases was business growth in premiums, fees and other revenues in Mexico, Australia and South Korea. Contributions from the other countries account for the remainder of the change in premiums, fees and other revenues.
 
The change in the Auto & Home segment was primarily due to the impact on premiums of a decrease in exposures and a reduction in average earned premium per policy. Other revenues decreased primarily related to less income from COLI. Partially offsetting these decreases in revenue was a decrease in catastrophe reinsurance costs.


128


Table of Contents

Partially offsetting these decreases in premiums, fees and other revenues is an increase in Corporate & Other primarily due to an increase in other revenues related to MetLife Bank loan origination and servicing fees from acquisitions in 2008 and income from counterparties on collateral pledged in 2008, partially offset by lower revenue on COLI policies. Premiums decreased as a result of an increase in indemnity reinsurance on certain run-off products.
 
Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income decreased by $588 million, or 14%, to $3,731 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $4,319 million for the comparable 2008 period. The following table provides the change from the prior period in net investment income. The following table provides the change from the prior period in net investment income by invested asset class.
 
     
  Change 
  (In millions) 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 $(495)
Equity securities
  (27)
Trading securities
  121 
Mortgage and consumer loans
  1 
Policy loans
  10 
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
  (277)
Other limited partnership interests
  1 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
  (68)
International joint ventures
  (76)
Other
  (27)
     
Total investment income
  (837)
Investment expenses
  249 
     
Net investment income
 $(588)
     
 
Management attributes $648 million of this change to a decrease in yields, partially offset by an increase of $60 million due to growth in average invested assets. Average invested assets are calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses. The decrease in net investment income attributable to lower yields was primarily due to lower returns on real estate joint ventures, International joint ventures, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans, partially offset by increased returns on trading securities. The decrease in yields and the negative returns in the second quarter of 2009 realized on real estate joint ventures was primarily from continued declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in value driven by capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions, which have led to declining property valuations, while the real estate development joint ventures have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions. The reduction in yields and the negative returns in the second quarter of 2009 realized on the International joint ventures were driven by hedging losses associated with Japan’s guaranteed annuity business. The decrease in short-term investment yields was primarily attributable to declining short-term interest rates. The decrease in fixed maturity securities yields was primarily due to lower yields on floating rate securities due to declines in short-term interest rates and an increased allocation to high quality, lower yielding U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (“FDIC”) Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“FDIC Program”) bonds, and from decreased securities lending results due to the smaller size of the program, offset slightly by improved spreads. The increase in yields from the decrease in investment expenses was primarily attributable to lower cost of funds expense on the securities lending program and this decreased cost partially offset the decrease in net investment income. The decrease in yields associated with our mortgage loan


129


Table of Contents

portfolio was primarily attributable to lower prepayments on commercial mortgage loans and lower yields on variable rate loans due to declines in short-term interest rates. Trading securities results increased primarily due to increased estimated fair value on equity securities within the trading securities portfolio. Trading securities and short sale agreement liabilities are recorded at estimated fair value with subsequent changes in estimated fair value recognized in net investment income. The decrease in net investment income attributable to lower yields was partially offset by increased net investment income attributable to an increase in average invested assets on the cost basis, primarily within mortgages loans, cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and fixed maturity securities excluding securities lending. The increases in mortgage loans were driven by an increased allocation to residential mortgage loans, primarily loans originated with the intent to sell. The increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments has been accumulated to provide additional flexibility to address potential variations in cash needs while credit markets continue to stabilize. The decrease in fixed maturity securities was driven by a decrease in the size of the securities lending program. Excluding securities lending, fixed maturity securities increased, driven by the reinvestment of operating cash flows and accumulated liquidity balances into longer duration investments.
 
Interest Margin
 
Interest margin, which represents the difference between interest earned and interest credited to policyholder account balances, decreased in the Individual segment for the three months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the 2008 period due to decreases in the deferred annuity business and other investment-type products. Interest margins decreased in retirement & savings, group life and non-medical health & other, all within the Institutional segment. Interest earned approximates net investment income on investable assets attributed to the segment with minor adjustments related to the consolidation of certain separate accounts and other minor non-policyholder elements. Interest credited is the amount attributed to insurance products, recorded in policyholder benefits and claims, and the amount credited to policyholder account balances for investment-type products, recorded in interest credited to policyholder account balances. Interest credited on insurance products reflects the current period impact of the interest rate assumptions established at issuance or acquisition. Interest credited to policyholder account balances is subject to contractual terms, including some minimum guarantees. This tends to move gradually over time to reflect market interest rate movements and may reflect actions by management to respond to competitive pressures and, therefore, generally does not introduce volatility in expense.


130


Table of Contents

Net Investment Gains (Losses)
 
Net investment losses increased by $3,472 million, to a loss of $3,829 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from a loss of $357 million for the comparable 2008 period. The following table provides the change from the prior period in net investment gains (losses) by invested asset class.
 
     
  Change 
  (In millions) 
 
Losses on fixed maturity securities:
    
Total OTTI losses recognized
 $(427)
Less: Noncredit portion of OTTI loss transferred to and recognized in other comprehensive loss
  234 
     
Net OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings
  (193)
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals
  121 
     
Fixed maturity securities — net
  (72)
Equity securities
  (108)
Mortgage and consumer loans
  (91)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
  (72)
Other limited partnership interests
  (235)
Freestanding derivatives
  (3,221)
Embedded derivatives
  427 
Other
  (100)
     
Net investment gains (losses)
 $(3,472)
     
 
The increase in net investment losses was primarily due to increased losses on freestanding derivatives, other limited partnership interests, fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans, equity securities, and real estate and real estate joint ventures, partially offset by increased gains on embedded derivatives. The increase in losses on freestanding derivatives of $3,221 million was primarily attributable to rising interest rates and improving equity markets in the current period. Rising interest rates drove losses on interest rate swaps, options and futures. Improving equity markets drove losses on equity futures and options. The increase in freestanding derivative losses was partially offset by increased gains on embedded derivatives principally associated with variable annuity riders. The positive change in embedded derivatives of $427 million was driven by gains on embedded derivatives in the current period of $793 million as compared with gains in the prior period of $366 million. As it relates to hedged risks associated with variable annuity riders, the year over year increase in gains of $1,780 million was due to the positive impact of interest rate and equity market movements. Hedged risks associated with variable annuity riders include interest rate risk, equity market risk and foreign currency risk. As it relates to unhedged risks associated with variable annuity embedded derivatives, there was a year over year increase in losses of $1,276 million. The increased losses associated with unhedged risks were driven by the narrowing of MetLife’s own credit spread in the current period. Losses on own credit were $1,538 million in the current period, compared to losses of $79 million in the prior period contributing to a $1,459 million unfavorable year over year change related to own credit. The increase in losses on other limited partnership interests of $235 million was principally due to impairments of certain cost method investments which experienced a reduction in net asset values due to the revaluation of the underlying portfolio companies. The underlying valuations of the portfolio companies have decreased due to the current economic environment. The increase in fixed maturity securities OTTI credit losses of $193 million and equity securities losses of $108 million was attributable to an increase in impairments across several industry sectors due to increased financial restructurings, bankruptcy filings, ratings downgrades or difficult underlying operating environments of the issuer, including impairments on perpetual hybrid securities as a result of deterioration of the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position. The increased impairments were partially offset by decreased losses on the sale of fixed maturity securities of $121 million. The increase in losses on mortgage loans of $91 million was principally due to increases in the valuation allowances and strengthening of the allowances, which resulted from weakening of the real estate market and other economic fundamentals. The increase in losses on real estate and real estate joint


131


Table of Contents

ventures of $72 million was principally due to higher impairments on cost method real estate joint venture investments resulting from declines in value driven by capital market factors and from the weakening of real estate market fundamentals.
 
Underwriting
 
Underwriting results are generally the difference between the portion of premium and fee income intended to cover mortality, morbidity or other insurance costs, less claims incurred, and the change in insurance-related liabilities. Underwriting results are significantly influenced by mortality, morbidity or other insurance-related experience trends, as well as the reinsurance activity related to certain blocks of business. Consequently, results can fluctuate from period to period. Underwriting results in Auto & Home, including catastrophes, were favorable for the three months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the corresponding 2008 period, as the combined ratio, including catastrophes, decreased to 93.5% from 99.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2008. Underwriting results in Auto & Home, excluding catastrophes, were unfavorable for the three months ended June 30, 2009, as the combined ratio, excluding catastrophes, increased to 88.0% from 81.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2008. Underwriting results were higher in the retirement & savings business, partially offset by decreases in the non-medical health & other and group life businesses in the Institutional segment. Underwriting results were favorable in the Individual segment in life products for the three months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Other Expenses
 
Other expenses decreased by $576 million, or 22%, to $2,031 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $2,607 million for the comparable 2008 period. The following table provides the change from the prior period in other expenses by segment:
 
     
  Change 
  (In millions) 
 
Institutional
 $36 
Individual
  (757)
International
  (72)
Auto & Home
  (13)
Corporate & Other
  230 
     
Total change
 $(576)
     
 
The Institutional segment’s increase in other expense was primarily due to higher non-deferrable volume related expenses. This increase was primarily attributable to higher pension and post-retirement benefit expense, partially offset by a reduction in certain expenses, which management attributes to the Company’s enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative. Non-deferrable volume related expenses include those expenses associated with information technology and direct departmental spending. Direct departmental spending includes expenses associated with advertising, consultants, travel, printing and postage.
 
Other expenses in the Individual segment decreased primarily due to lower DAC amortization as a result of current period net derivative losses, as well as separate account balance increases, which increase expected future gross profits, as a result of market improvement. In addition, expenses decreased due to higher DAC capitalization primarily from increases in annuity deposits and a reduction in certain expenses, which management attributes to the Company’s enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative. These decreases were offset by higher pension and post-retirement benefits and commission expenses in the current period. Non-deferrable volume related expenses, which include those expenses associated with information technology and direct departmental spending, also increased.
 
The International segment’s other expenses decreased primarily due to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, other expenses decreased in the home office primarily due to lower headcount and lower spending on growth and infrastructure initiatives and in Argentina due to lower administrative expenses resulting from nationalization of the pension business. Partially offsetting these decreases in other expenses were increases in Ireland primarily due to higher spending on regional initiatives, as well as business growth. India’s


132


Table of Contents

other expenses increased primarily due to increased staffing, rent and DAC amortization due to business growth. Increases in other countries account for the remainder of the change in other expenses.
 
Other expenses in the Auto & Home segment decreased primarily due to lower information technology infrastructure charges and other operational efficiencies in a number of expense categories.
 
The increase in Corporate & Other expenses was due to higher MetLife Bank costs for compensation, rent, and mortgage loan origination and servicing expenses primarily related to acquisitions in 2008, higher post employment related costs in the current quarter associated with the implementation of an enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative and higher deferred compensation expenses. Corporate expenses also increased as a result of higher corporate support expenses, which included consultant fees, banking fees, rent, advertising, and information technology costs. Interest expense was also higher due to the issuance of senior notes in March 2009 and May 2009 and the issuance of junior subordinated debt in April 2008, partially offset by rate reductions on variable rate collateral financing arrangements in 2008 and the reduction of commercial paper outstanding.
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
Income tax benefit for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $956 million, or 40% of income from continuing operations before provision for income tax, compared with an income tax expense of $342 million, or 28%, of such income, for the comparable 2008 period. The 2009 and 2008 effective tax rates differ from the corporate tax rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of non-taxable investment income and tax credits for investments in low income housing. Also impacting the effective tax rate are changes in valuation allowances associated with our international operations. In addition, the increase in effective tax rate was primarily attributable to changes in the ratio of permanent differences to income from continuing operations before provision for income tax.
 
There was no income from discontinued operations for the three months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to $117 million for the comparable 2008 period. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Holding Company entered into an agreement to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cova, the parent company of Texas Life Insurance Company, to a third party and the sale was completed on March 2, 2009. Income from discontinued operations related to Cova was $3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. In addition, the Company completed the split-off of substantially all of the Company’s interest in Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (“RGA”), in September 2008. Income related to RGA’s operations amounted to $114 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. There was no income related to the operations of RGA or Cova in the current quarter.
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests declined in the current period as compared to the prior period due to the disposal of RGA in the third quarter of 2008.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 — The Company
 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations decreased by $3,506 million to a loss of $2,002 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from net income of $1,504 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
The following table provides the change from the prior period in income (loss) from continuing operations by segment:
 
     
  Change 
  (In millions) 
 
Institutional
 $(2,140)
Individual
  (1,028)
International
  (127)
Auto & Home
  33 
Corporate & Other
  (244)
     
Total change, net of income tax
 $(3,506)
     


133


Table of Contents

The primary driver of change in income (loss) from continuing operations was an increase in net investment losses. This increase in net investment losses was primarily due to freestanding derivatives, fixed maturity and equity securities, other limited partnership interests, mortgage and consumer loans, as well as real estate and real estate joint ventures. The narrowing of MetLife’s own credit spread also contributed to the increase in net investment losses and was partially offset by increases in gains on certain embedded derivatives. Excluding the impact of net investment gains (losses), changes in income (loss) from continuing operations were driven by factors identified below.
 
The Institutional segment’s income (loss) from continuing operations was adversely impacted by a decrease in interest margin within the retirement & savings, non-medical health & other, and group life businesses. These decreases were compounded by lower underwriting results in the non-medical health & other and group life businesses. In addition, higher other expenses contributed to the decrease in income from continuing operations, mainly due to an increase in higher non-deferrable volume related expenses.
 
The Individual segment’s income (loss) from continuing operations decreased primarily due to lower universal life and investment-type product policy fees combined with other revenues, higher annuity benefits, a decrease in interest margins, lower net investment income on blocks of business not driven by interest margins, higher expenses, and an increase in interest credited to policyholder account balances. These decreases in income were partially offset by lower DAC amortization primarily due to net investment losses, favorable underwriting results in life products, and a decrease in policyholder dividends.
 
The International segment’s income (loss) from continuing operations decreased primarily due to the operation in Mexico which experienced an increase in certain policyholder liabilities, higher claims experience, an increase in sales-related expenses, a reduction in fees charged on the pension business, higher expenses from initiative spending, the impact of portfolio repositioning and a decrease in short-term yields, as well as the prior year impact from the reinstatement of premiums. These items were partially offset by a decrease in policyholder liabilities resulting from a policy cancellation, as well as a revision to certain dollar-denominated policyholder liabilities, a lower effective tax rate, growth in its individual and institutional businesses, and a one-time tax benefit related to the change in assumption regarding the repatriation of earnings. The decrease due to the operation in Mexico was partially offset by an increase in Argentina due to a reassessment by the Company of its approach to managing existing and potential future claims related to certain social security pension annuity contractholders, as a result of which liabilities related to pesification were reduced, as well as higher yields resulting from portfolio repositioning. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in fees due to the nationalization of the pension business in December 2008, the reduction in the prior year of the liability for pension servicing obligations resulting from a refinement of assumptions and methodology, the availability of government statistics regarding the number of participants transferring to the government-sponsored plan created by the pension reform program, which was in effect from January 1, 2008 until December 2008 when the business was nationalized, as well as the adverse impact of currency transaction losses in the prior year. The operations in Argentina also benefited more significantly in the current year from the utilization of deferred tax assets against which valuation allowances had previously been established.
 
The increase in income from continuing operations in the Auto & Home segment was primarily attributable to decreases in policyholder benefits and claims driven primarily by a decrease in catastrophe losses and favorable development of prior year catastrophe losses. In addition, other expenses decreased due to information technology infrastructure charges and other operational efficiencies. A reduction in premiums related to decreased exposures partially offset these factors.
 
Corporate & Other’s loss from continuing operations increased primarily due to lower net investment income. This was partially offset by higher other revenues and corporate expenses, both of which were principally due to MetLife Bank acquisitions in 2008. In addition, tax benefits increased over the comparable 2008 period due to the actual and the estimated tax rate allocated to the various segments, as well as the ratio of tax preference items to income before income tax on an annualized basis.


134


Table of Contents

Revenues and Expenses
 
Premiums, Fees and Other Revenues
 
Premiums, fees and other revenues increased by $79 million, or 0.5%, to $16,223 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $16,144 million for the comparable 2008 period. The following table provides the change from the prior period in premiums, fees and other revenues by segment:
 
     
  Change 
  (In millions) 
 
Institutional
 $250 
Individual
  (159)
International
  (482)
Auto & Home
  (46)
Corporate & Other
  516 
     
Total change
 $79 
     
 
The increase in the Institutional segment was due to increases in the group life and non-medical health & other businesses, partially offset by a decrease in the retirement & savings business. The increase in group life business was primarily due to an increase in term life, which was largely attributable to an increase in net reinsurance activity and the impact of lower experience rated refunds in the current period. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in the COLI business, which was largely attributable to lower net fees, mainly driven by lower assets under management, and a decrease in the universal life business, primarily due to the impact of higher experience rated refunds in the prior period. The growth in the non-medical health & other business was largely due to increases in the dental and LTC businesses. The increase in the dental business was primarily due to organic growth and the incremental impact of an acquisition that closed in the prior period, while the increase in LTC was primarily due to growth in the business. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in the disability business primarily attributable to higher case terminations and the impact of a decrease in covered lives in the current period, coupled with the impact of higher reserve buyout activity in the prior period. The decrease in the retirement & savings business was primarily due to decreases in premiums in the group institutional annuity and income annuity businesses, both of which were primarily due to lower sales. Partially offsetting these decreases was the impact of higher sales in the current period in the structured settlement business. The remaining decrease in the retirement & savings business was attributable to lower premiums, fees and other revenues across several products.
 
The decrease in the Individual segment was primarily due to a decrease in universal life and investment-type product policy fees combined with other revenues primarily resulting from lower average separate account balances due to recent unfavorable equity market performance. Partially offsetting these items were an increase in immediate annuity premiums and growth driven by increased renewals of traditional life business. These increases were partially offset by a decline in premiums associated with the run-off of the Company’s closed block of business.
 
The decrease in the International segment was primarily due to an adverse impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Premiums, fees and other revenues grew in Mexico, South Korea, India, the U.K., Brazil, and Australia due to general growth in business offset substantially by decreases in Chile primarily due to lower annuity sales resulting from a contraction of the annuity market and in Argentina primarily due to the nationalization of the pension business in the fourth quarter of 2008, which eliminated the revenue from this business. Contributions from the other countries account for the remainder of the change in premiums, fees and other revenues.
 
The decrease in the Auto & Home segment was primarily due to a decrease in premiums which related to a decrease in exposures, a reduction in average earned premium per policy and a decrease in premiums from various involuntary programs. Other revenues decreased, primarily related to less income from COLI. Partially offsetting these decreases in revenue was a decrease in catastrophe reinsurance costs.
 
Partially offsetting these decreases in premiums, fees and other revenues was an increase in Corporate & Other primarily due to an increase in other revenues related to MetLife Bank loan origination and servicing fees from acquisitions in 2008 and income from counterparties on collateral pledged in 2008, partially offset by lower revenue


135


Table of Contents

on COLI policies. Premiums decreased as a result of an increase in indemnity reinsurance on certain run-off products.
 
Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income decreased by $1,622 million, or 19%, to $6,994 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $8,616 million for the comparable 2008 period. The following table provides the change from the prior period in net investment income by invested asset class.
 
     
  Change 
  (In millions) 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 $(1,224)
Equity securities
  (57)
Trading securities
  189 
Mortgage and consumer loans
  (19)
Policy loans
  19 
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
  (536)
Other limited partnership interests
  (384)
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
  (130)
International joint ventures
  (65)
Other
  (28)
     
Total investment income
  (2,235)
Investment expenses
  613 
     
Net investment income
 $(1,622)
     
 
Management attributes $1,862 million of this change to a decrease in yields, partially offset by an increase of $240 million due to growth in average invested assets. Average invested assets are calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses. The decrease in net investment income attributable to lower yields was primarily due to lower returns on real estate joint ventures, fixed maturity securities, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, other limited partnership interests and mortgage loans partially offset by increased returns on trading securities. The decrease in yields and the negative returns on real estate joint ventures realized in the first six months of 2009 were primarily from continued declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in value driven by capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions, which have led to declining property valuations, while the real estate development joint ventures have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions. The decrease in fixed maturity securities yields was primarily due to lower yields on floating rate securities due to declines in short-term interest rates and an increased allocation to high quality, lower yielding U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, including FDIC Program bonds, and from decreased securities lending results due to the smaller size of the program, offset slightly by improved spreads. The increase in yields from the decrease in investment expenses was primarily attributable to lower cost of funds expense on the securities lending program and decreased cost partially offset the decrease in net investment income. The decrease in short-term investment yields was primarily attributable to continuing declines in short-term interest rates. The reduction in yields and the negative returns realized on other limited partnership interests were primarily due to a lack of liquidity and available credit in the financial markets, driven by volatility in the equity and credit markets. The decrease in yields associated with our mortgage loan portfolio was primarily attributable to lower prepayments on commercial mortgage loans and lower yields on variable rate loans due to declines in short-term interest rates. Trading securities results increased primarily due to increased estimated fair value on equity securities within the trading securities portfolio. Trading securities and short sale agreement liabilities are recorded at estimated fair value with subsequent changes in estimated fair value recognized in net investment income. The decrease in net


136


Table of Contents

investment income attributable to lower yields was partially offset by increased net investment income attributable to an increase in average invested assets on the cost basis, primarily within mortgages loans, cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and fixed maturity securities excluding securities lending. The increases in mortgage loans were driven by an increased allocation to residential mortgage loans, primarily loans originated with the intent to sell. The increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments has been accumulated to provide additional flexibility to address potential variations in cash needs while credit markets continue to stabilize. The decrease in fixed maturity securities was driven by a decrease in the size of the securities lending program. Excluding securities lending, fixed maturity securities increased, driven by the reinvestment of operating cash flows and accumulated liquidity balances into longer duration investments.
 
Interest Margin
 
Interest margin, which represents the difference between interest earned and interest credited to policyholder account balances, decreased in the Individual segment for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the comparable 2008 period due to decreases in the deferred annuity business and other investment-type products. Interest margins decreased in retirement & savings, group life and non-medical health & other, all within the Institutional segment. Interest earned approximates net investment income on investable assets attributed to the segment with minor adjustments related to the consolidation of certain separate accounts and other minor non-policyholder elements. Interest credited was the amount attributed to insurance products, recorded in policyholder benefits and claims, and the amount credited to policyholder account balances for investment-type products, recorded in interest credited to policyholder account balances. Interest credited on insurance products reflects the current period impact of the interest rate assumptions established at issuance or acquisition. Interest credited to policyholder account balances is subject to contractual terms, including some minimum guarantees. This tends to move gradually over time to reflect market interest rate movements and may reflect actions by management to respond to competitive pressures and, therefore, generally does not introduce volatility in expense.
 
Net Investment Gains (Losses)
 
Net investment losses increased by $3,648 million, to a loss of $4,735 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from a loss of $1,087 million for the comparable 2008 period. The following table provides the change from the prior period in net investment gains (losses) by invested asset class:
 
     
  Change 
  (In millions) 
 
Losses on fixed maturity securities:
    
Total OTTI losses recognized
 $(906)
Less: Noncredit portion of OTTI loss transferred to and recognized in other comprehensive loss
  234 
     
Net OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings
  (672)
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals
  194 
     
Fixed maturity securities — net
  (478)
Equity securities
  (367)
Mortgage and consumer loans
  (209)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
  (95)
Other limited partnership interests
  (329)
Freestanding derivatives
  (4,329)
Embedded derivatives
  2,070 
Other
  89 
     
Net investment gains (losses)
 $(3,648)
     
 
The increase in net investment losses was primarily due to increased losses on freestanding derivatives, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, other limited partnership interests, mortgage loans, and real estate and real estate joint ventures, partially offset by increased gains on embedded derivatives and certain foreign currency


137


Table of Contents

transaction gains. The increase in losses on freestanding derivatives of $4,329 million was primarily attributable to rising interest rates and improving equity markets in the current period. Rising interest rates drove losses on interest rate swaps, floors, options and futures. Improving equity markets drove losses on equity futures and options. The increase in freestanding derivative losses was partially offset by increased gains on embedded derivatives principally associated with variable annuity riders. The positive change in embedded derivatives of $2,070 million was driven by gains on embedded derivatives in the current period of $2,010 million as compared with losses in the prior period of $60 million. As it relates to hedged risks associated with variable annuity riders, the year over year increase in gains of $2,578 million was due to the positive impact of interest rates, and foreign currency and equity market movements. Hedged risks associated with variable annuity riders include interest rate risk, equity market risk and foreign currency risk. As it relates to unhedged risks associated with variable annuity embedded derivatives, there was a year over year increase in losses of $579 million. The increased losses associated with unhedged risks were driven by the narrowing of MetLife’s own credit spread in the current period. Losses on own credit were $710 million in the current period, as compared with gains of $275 million in the prior period, contributing to a $985 million unfavorable year over year change related to own credit. The increase in fixed maturity securities OTTI credit losses of $672 million and equity securities losses of $367 million was attributable to an increase in impairments across several industries due to increased financial restructurings, bankruptcy filings, ratings downgrades or difficult underlying operating environments of the issuer, including impairments on perpetual hybrid securities as a result of deterioration of the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position. The increased impairments were partially offset by decreased losses on the sale of fixed maturity securities of $194 million. The increase in losses on other limited partnership interests of $329 million, as well as the increase in losses on real estate and real estate joint ventures of $95 million were principally due to higher impairments on cost method investments resulting from deterioration in value due to volatility in real estate, equity and credit markets and from weakening of real estate market fundamentals. These investments experienced a reduction in net asset values due to the revaluation of the underlying portfolio companies. The underlying valuations of the portfolio companies have decreased due to the current economic environment. The increase in losses on mortgage loans of $209 million was principally due to increases in the valuation allowances and strengthening of the allowances, which resulted from weakening of the real estate market and other economic fundamentals. Other net investment gains (losses) improved by $89 million principally due to the combined effects of foreign currency transaction gains of foreign currency-denominated assets, due to the U.S. Dollar weakening against the British Pound and the Canadian Dollar, along with net gains on foreign currency-denominated liabilities, due to the mixed results of changes in the relative value of the U.S. Dollar against numerous other major currencies.
 
Underwriting
 
Underwriting results are generally the difference between the portion of premium and fee income intended to cover mortality, morbidity or other insurance costs, less claims incurred, and the change in insurance-related liabilities. Underwriting results are significantly influenced by mortality, morbidity or other insurance-related experience trends, as well as the reinsurance activity related to certain blocks of business. Consequently, results can fluctuate from period to period. Underwriting results in Auto & Home, including catastrophes, were favorable for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the corresponding 2008 period, as the combined ratio, including catastrophes, decreased to 93.0% from 95.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Underwriting results in Auto & Home, excluding catastrophes, were unfavorable for the six months ended June 30, 2009, as the combined ratio, excluding catastrophes, increased to 88.1% from 84.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Underwriting results were lower in the non-medical health & other and group life businesses in the Institutional segment, partially offset by an increase in the retirement & savings business. Underwriting results were favorable in the Individual segment in life products for the six months ended June 30, 2009.


138


Table of Contents

Other Expenses
 
Other expenses decreased by $121 million, or 2%, to $5,033 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $5,154 million for the comparable 2008 period. The following table provides the change from the prior period in other expenses by segment:
 
     
  Change 
  (In millions) 
 
Institutional
 $64 
Individual
  (403)
International
  (214)
Auto & Home
  (23)
Corporate & Other
  455 
     
Total change
 $(121)
     
 
The Institutional segment’s increase in other expenses was primarily due to higher non-deferrable volume related expenses. This increase was primarily attributable to higher pension and post-retirement benefit expense, partially offset by a reduction in certain expenses, which management attributes to the Company’s enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative. Non-deferrable volume related expenses include those expenses associated with information technology and direct departmental spending. Direct departmental spending includes expenses associated with advertising, consultants, travel, printing and postage.
 
Other expenses in the Individual segment decreased due to lower DAC amortization primarily due to net investment losses. Additionally, expenses decreased due to higher DAC capitalization resulting primarily from increases in annuity deposits and by a reduction in certain expenses, which management attributes to the Company’s enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative. These deceases were offset by higher pension and post-retirement benefits and commission expenses, as well as an increase associated with higher non-deferrable volume related expenses, which include those expenses associated with information technology and direct departmental spending.
 
The International segment’s other expenses decreased primarily due to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, other expenses decreased in Argentina due to a reassessment by the Company of its approach to managing existing and potential future claims related to certain social security pension annuity contractholders and the home office due to lower staffing and lower spending on growth and infrastructure initiatives. Partially offsetting these decreases in other expenses were increases in Ireland primarily due to foreign currency transaction gains in the prior year, higher spending on regional initiatives, as well as business growth. Mexico’s other expenses increased primarily due to higher sales-related expenses, as well as higher expenses from initiative spending and business growth. India’s other expenses increased primarily due to business growth. Increases in other countries account for the remainder of the change in other expenses.
 
Other expenses in the Auto & Home segment decreased primarily due to lower information technology infrastructure charges and other operational efficiencies in a number of expense categories partially offset by an increase in pension and postretirement benefit costs.
 
The increase in Corporate & Other expenses was primarily due to higher MetLife Bank costs for compensation, rent, and mortgage loan origination and servicing expenses primarily related to acquisitions in 2008, higher post employment related costs in the current period associated with the implementation of an enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative and higher deferred compensation expenses. Corporate expenses also increased as a result of higher corporate support expenses, which included consultant fees, banking fees, rent, advertising, and information technology costs, and lease impairments for Company use space that is currently vacant. Acquisition-related costs were also higher during the current period. Legal costs were lower primarily due to prior year asbestos insurance costs and a decrease in the current period resulting from the resolution of certain matters. Interest expense was also lower due to rate reductions on variable rate collateral financing arrangements in 2008 and the reduction of commercial paper outstanding, partially offset by the issuance of senior notes in March 2009 and May 2009 and junior subordinated debt in April 2008.


139


Table of Contents

Net Income (Loss)
 
Income tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $1,332 million, or 40% of income from continuing operations before provision for income tax, compared with an income tax expense of $549 million, or 27%, of such income, for the comparable 2008 period. The 2009 and 2008 effective tax rates differ from the corporate tax rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of non-taxable investment income and tax credits for investments in low income housing. Also impacting the effective tax rate are changes in valuation allowances associated with our International operations. In addition, the increase in effective tax rate was primarily attributable to changes in the ratio of permanent differences to income from continuing operations before provision for income tax.
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax, decreased by $116 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 to $36 million from $152 million for the comparable 2008 period. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Holding Company entered into an agreement to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cova, the parent company of Texas Life Insurance Company, to a third party and the sale was completed on March 2, 2009. Income from discontinued operations related to Cova was $36 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. In the comparable prior period, income from discontinued operations related to Cova was $5 million. In addition, the Company completed the split-off of substantially all of the Company’s interest in RGA, in September 2008. Income related to RGA’s operations amounted to $147 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. There was no income related to RGA’s operations in the current quarter.
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests declined in the current period as compared to the prior period due to the disposal of RGA in the third quarter of 2008.
 
Institutional
 
The Company’s Institutional segment offers a broad range of group insurance and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions and their respective employees. Group insurance products and services include group life insurance, non-medical health insurance products and related administrative services, as well as other benefits, such as employer-sponsored auto and homeowners insurance provided through the Auto & Home segment and prepaid legal services plans. The Company’s Institutional segment also offers group insurance products as employer-paid benefits or as voluntary benefits where all or a portion of the premiums are paid by the employee. Retirement & savings products and services include an array of annuity and investment products, including defined contribution plans, guaranteed interest products and other stable value products, accumulation and income annuities, and separate account contracts for the investment management of defined benefit and defined contribution plan assets.


140


Table of Contents

The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Institutional segment for the periods indicated:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Revenues
                
Premiums
 $3,904  $3,599  $7,444  $7,172 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  226   208   434   432 
Net investment income
  1,585   1,973   3,050   4,001 
Other revenues
  166   171   337   361 
Net investment gains (losses):
                
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
  (325)  (95)  (600)  (123)
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
                
transferred to other comprehensive loss
  113      113    
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  (1,116)  193   (2,628)  (510)
                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
  (1,328)  98   (3,115)  (633)
                 
Total revenues
  4,553   6,049   8,150   11,333 
                 
Expenses
                
Policyholder benefits and claims
  4,333   4,016   8,280   7,927 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  460   613   971   1,297 
Other expenses
  627   591   1,228   1,164 
                 
Total expenses
  5,420   5,220   10,479   10,388 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax
  (867)  829   (2,329)  945 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
  (312)  280   (823)  311 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  (555)  549   (1,506)  634 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
            
                 
Net income (loss)
  (555)  549   (1,506)  634 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
           1 
                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $(555) $549  $(1,506) $633 
                 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 — Institutional
 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations decreased by $1,104 million to a loss of $555 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from income of $549 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Net investment losses increased by $926 million, net of income tax, to a loss of $863 million, net of income tax, for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from a gain of $63 million, net of income tax, for the comparable 2008 period. The increase in net investment losses was due primarily to increased losses on freestanding derivatives, other limited partnership interests, fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans, equity securities, and real estate and real estate joint ventures. The increase in the losses on freestanding derivatives was $610 million, net of income tax, primarily driven by losses on interest rate swaps and futures interest rates rose in the current period. The increase in losses on other limited partnership interests of $94 million, net of income tax, was principally due to impairments of


141


Table of Contents

certain cost method investments. These funds experienced a reduction in net asset value due to the revaluation of the underlying portfolio companies. The underlying valuations of the portfolio companies have decreased due to the current economic environment. The increase in fixed maturity securities OTTI credit losses of $75 million, net of income tax, and equity securities losses of $36 million, net of income tax, was attributable to an increase in impairments across several industry sectors due to increased financial restructurings, bankruptcy filings, ratings downgrades or difficult underlying operating environments of the issuer, including impairments on perpetual hybrid securities as a result of deterioration of the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position. The increase in losses due to mortgage loans of $40 million, net of income tax, was principally due to increases in the valuation allowances and strengthening of the allowances, which resulted from weakening of real estate market fundamentals. The increase in losses on embedded derivatives of $34 million, net of income tax, was driven by embedded derivatives in various liabilities. The increase in losses on real estate joint ventures of $12 million, net of income tax, was principally due to higher impairments on cost method investments resulting from declines in value driven by capital market factors and from weakening of real estate market fundamentals. Additional losses of $21 million, net of income tax, were principally attributable to losses related to the early termination of unamortized balances pertaining to a basis adjustment resulting from a fair value hedging relationship, partially offset by the combined effects of foreign currency transaction gains on foreign currency denominated assets, due to the U.S. Dollar weakening against the British pound and the Canadian Dollar, along with net gains on foreign currency denominated liabilities, due to the mixed results of changes in the relative value of the U.S. Dollar against numerous major currencies.
 
The impact of the change in net investment gains (losses) increased policyholder benefits and claims by $41 million, net of income tax, the majority of which relates to policyholder participation in the performance of the portfolio.
 
Excluding the impact from net investment gains (losses), income (loss) from continuing operations decreased by $137 million, net of income tax, compared to the prior period.
 
A decrease in interest margins of $182 million, net of income tax, compared to the prior period, contributed to the decrease in income from continuing operations. Management attributed this decrease to the retirement & savings, group life, and non-medical health & other businesses, which contributed $134 million, $30 million and $18 million, net of income tax, respectively. Interest margin is the difference between interest earned and interest credited to policyholder account balances. Interest earned approximates net investment income on investable assets attributed to the segment with minor adjustments related to the consolidation of certain separate accounts and other minor non-policyholder elements. Interest credited is the amount attributed to insurance products, recorded in policyholder benefits and claims, and the amount credited to policyholder account balances for investment-type products, recorded in interest credited to policyholder account balances. Interest credited on insurance products reflects the current period impact of the interest rate assumptions established at issuance or acquisition. Interest credited to policyholder account balances is subject to contractual terms, including some minimum guarantees. This tends to move in a manner similar to market interest rate movements, and may reflect actions by management to respond to competitive pressures and, therefore, generally does not, but it may, introduce volatility in expense.
 
Higher underwriting results of $54 million, net of income tax, compared to the prior period, partially offset the decrease in income from continuing operations. Management attributed $69 million, net of income tax, of this increase to the retirement & savings business partially offset by decreases in the non-medical health & other, and group life businesses of $11 million and $4 million, both net of income tax, respectively. Underwriting results are generally the difference between the portion of premium and fee income intended to cover mortality, morbidity, or other insurance costs less claims incurred, and the change in insurance-related liabilities. Underwriting results are significantly influenced by mortality, morbidity, or other insurance-related experience trends, as well as the reinsurance activity related to certain blocks of business. During periods of high unemployment, underwriting results, specifically in the disability businesses, tend to decrease as incidence levels trend upwards with unemployment levels and the amount of recoveries decline. In addition, certain insurance-related liabilities can vary as a result of the valuation of the assets supporting those liabilities. As invested assets underperform or lose value, the related insurance liabilities are increased to reflect the Company’s obligation with respect to those products, specifically certain LTC products. Consequently, underwriting results can and will fluctuate from period to period.


142


Table of Contents

Other expenses contributed to the decrease in income from continuing operations, mainly due to an increase of $23 million, net of income tax, from higher non-deferrable volume related expenses primarily in pension and post-retirement benefits expense. In addition, higher expenses of $1 million, net of income tax, related to DAC amortization contributed to the decrease in income from continuing operations. A portion of premiums, fees and other revenues is intended to cover the Company’s operating expenses or non-insurance related expenses. As many of those expenses are fixed expenses, management may not be able to reduce those expenses, in a timely manner, proportionate with declining revenues that may result from customer-related bankruptcies, customers’ reduction of coverage stemming from plan changes, elimination of retiree coverage, or a reduction in covered payroll.
 
The remaining increase in operating expenses was more than offset by the remaining increase in premiums, fees, and other revenues.
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), decreased by $70 million, or 1%, to $5,881 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $5,951 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Net investment income decreased by $388 million compared to the prior period. Management attributed a $275 million decrease in net investment income to a decrease in yields, primarily due to lower returns on real estate joint ventures, fixed maturity securities, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and mortgage loans, partially offset by a decrease in net investment expenses. Management also attributed a decrease of $113 million to a decrease in average invested assets, calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses, principally in fixed maturity securities including securities lending, partially offset by increases in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, and mortgage loans. The reduction in yields and the negative returns in the second quarter of 2009 realized on real estate joint ventures was primarily from declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in value driven by capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions, which have led to declining property valuations, while the real estate development joint ventures have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions. The decrease in fixed maturity securities yields was primarily due to lower yields on floating rate securities due to declines in short-term interest rates and an increased allocation to high quality, lower yielding U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, including FDIC Program bonds, and from decreased securities lending results due to the smaller size of the program, offset slightly by improved spreads. The decrease in cash, cash equivalent and short-term investment yields was primarily attributable to declines in short-term interest rates. The decrease in yields associated with our mortgage loan portfolio was primarily attributable to lower prepayments on commercial mortgage loans and lower yields on variable rate loans due to declines in short-term interest rates. The increase in yields from the decrease in investment expenses was primarily attributable to lower cost of funds expense on the securities lending program and this decreased cost partially offsets the decrease in net investment income on fixed maturity securities. The decrease in net investment income was attributable to a $113 million decrease in average invested assets calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses, primarily within fixed maturity securities including securities lending, partially offset by increases in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, and mortgage loans. The decrease in fixed maturity securities was primarily due to the smaller size of the securities lending program and reinvestment into shorter-term investments within the securities lending program. Excluding securities lending, fixed maturity securities and cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities decreased slightly. The increases in mortgage loans are driven by the reinvestment of operating cash flows in accordance with our investment portfolio allocation guidelines.
 
Partially offsetting the decrease in net investment income was an increase of $318 million in premiums, fees and other revenues, which was largely due to increases in the retirement & savings, group life and non-medical health & other businesses of $195 million, $79 million and $44 million, respectively.
 
The increase in the retirement & savings business of $195 million was primarily due to increases in the group institutional annuity and structured settlement businesses of $120 million and $107 million, respectively, both of


143


Table of Contents

which were primarily due to higher sales in the current period. Partially offsetting these increases was the impact of lower sales, in the current period, in the income annuity business of $28 million. The remaining decrease in the retirement & savings business was attributed to lower premiums, fees and other revenues across several products. Premiums, fees and other revenues from retirement & savings products are significantly influenced by large transactions and the demand for certain of these products can decline during periods of volatile credit and investment markets and, as a result, can fluctuate from period to period.
 
The increase in group life business of $79 million was primarily due to a $77 million increase in term life, which was largely attributable to an increase in net reinsurance activity. In addition, the impact of lower experience rated refunds in the current period also contributed to this increase. An increase in the COLI business of $9 million was largely attributable to higher fees in the current period. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease of $7 million in the universal life business, primarily due to lower experience rated refunds in the prior period. Premiums, fees and other revenues from group life business can and will fluctuate based, in part, on the covered payroll of customers. In periods of high unemployment, revenue may be impacted. Revenue may also be impacted as a result of customer-related bankruptcies, customers’ reduction of coverage stemming from plan changes or elimination of retiree coverage.
 
The growth in the non-medical health & other business of $44 million was largely due to increases in the dental business of $60 million, and the LTC business of $9 million, both attributable to continued growth. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in the disability and AD&D businesses of $27 million and $2 million, respectively. The decrease in disability was primarily attributable to higher reserve buyout activity in the prior period. The decrease in AD&D was primarily attributable to higher experience rated refunds in the current period. The remaining increase in the non-medical health & other business was attributed to business growth across several products.
 
Expenses
 
Total expenses increased by $200 million, or 4%, to $5,420 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $5,220 million for the comparable 2008 period. The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to increases in policyholder benefits and claims of $317 million and higher other expenses of $36 million, partially offset by lower interest credited to policyholder account balances of $153 million.
 
The increase in policyholder benefits and claims of $317 million included a $63 million increase related to net investment gains (losses). Excluding the increase related to net investment gains (losses), policyholder benefits and claims increased by $254 million.
 
Retirement & savings’ policyholder benefits and claims increased $121 million, which was primarily attributable to increases in the structured settlement and group institutional annuity businesses of $94 million and $58 million, respectively. The increase in the structured settlement business was primarily due to the aforementioned increase in premiums and an increase in interest credited on future policyholder benefits, partially offset by favorable mortality and the impact of a favorable liability refinement of $8 million, both in the current period. The increase in the group institutional annuity business was primarily due to the aforementioned increase in premiums, fees and other revenues, less favorable mortality in the current period and an increase in interest credited on future policyholder benefits, which is consistent with the expectations of an aging block of business. Partially offsetting these increases was the net favorable impact of liability refinements in both periods. There were unfavorable liability refinements of $64 million in the prior period and favorable liability refinements of $21 million in the current period. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in the income annuity business of $28 million, primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in premium.
 
Group life’s policyholder benefits and claims increased $72 million, mostly due to increases in the term life business of $75 million, which was primarily due to the aforementioned increase in premiums, fees and other revenues, and less favorable mortality in the current period. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in interest credited on future policyholder benefits, mainly due to lower crediting rates. An increase in the COLI business of $9 million was primarily attributable to the aforementioned increase in premiums, fees and other revenues. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in the universal life business of $8 million, which was primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in premiums, fees and other revenues.


144


Table of Contents

Non-medical health & other’s policyholder benefits and claims increased $61 million, which was primarily attributable to an increase in the dental and LTC businesses of $112 million. The increase in dental of $105 million was largely due to the aforementioned increase in premium and the impact of unfavorable morbidity, primarily due to higher benefit utilization which management attributes to current labor market conditions. The increase in the LTC business of $7 million was primarily attributable to the aforementioned increase in premium and an increase in interest credited on future policyholder benefits, partially offset by lower claims incidence. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in the disability business of $33 million, primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in premiums, fees, and other revenues. In addition, favorable morbidity, primarily due to higher claim terminations, contributed to this decrease. Lastly, a decrease in the AD&D business of $18 million was primarily due to favorable claims experience.
 
Higher other expenses of $36 million include an increase in DAC amortization of $1 million. Non-deferrable volume related expenses increased $35 million. This increase was primarily attributable to higher pension and post-retirement benefit expense, partially offset by a reduction in certain expenses, which management attributes to the Company’s enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative. Non-deferrable volume related expenses include those expenses associated with information technology and direct departmental spending. Direct departmental spending includes expenses associated with advertising, consultants, travel, printing and postage.
 
Management attributed the decrease of $153 million in interest credited to policyholder account balances to a $157 million decrease resulting from a decline in average crediting rates, which was largely due to the impact of lower short-term interest rates in the current period, partially offset by a $4 million increase, solely from growth in the average policyholder account balances, primarily the result of continued growth in the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, partially offset by a decline in funding agreements. Management considers the absence of funding agreement issuances in the current period to be a direct result of the conditions in credit markets.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 — Institutional
 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations decreased by $2,140 million to a loss of $1,506 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from income of $634 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Net investment losses increased by $1,613 million, net of income tax, to a loss of $2,025 million, net of income tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from a loss of $412 million, net of income tax, for the comparable 2008 period. The increase in net investment losses was primarily due to increased losses on freestanding derivatives, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, other limited partnership interests, mortgage loans, and real estate and real estate joint ventures, partially offset by increased gains on foreign currency transactions. The increase in the losses on freestanding derivatives was $1,072 million, net of income tax, primarily driven by losses on interest rate swaps and swaptions as interest rates rose in the current period. The increase in fixed maturity securities OTTI credit losses of $237 million, net of income tax, and equity securities losses of $143 million, net of income tax, was attributable to an increase in impairments across several industry sectors due to increased financial restructurings, bankruptcy filings, ratings downgrades or difficult underlying operating environments of the issuer, including impairments on perpetual hybrid securities as a result of deterioration of the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position. Additional losses of $47 million, net of income tax, were realized on the sale of fixed maturity securities. The increase in losses on other limited partnership interests of $110 million, net of income tax, as well as the increase in losses on real estate and real estate joint ventures of $21 million, net of income tax, is principally due to higher impairments on cost method investments resulting from deterioration in value due to volatility in real estate, equity and credit markets and from weakening of real estate market fundamentals. These investments experienced a reduction in net asset values due to the revaluation of the underlying portfolio companies. The underlying valuations of the portfolio companies have decreased due to the current economic environment. The increase in losses on mortgage loans of $82 million, net of income tax, was principally due to increases in the valuation allowances and strengthening of the allowances, which resulted from weakening of real estate market fundamentals. The losses in freestanding derivatives, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, other limited partnership interests, mortgage loans, and real estate and real estate joint ventures were partially offset by gains of $115 million, net of income tax, which were principally attributable to the


145


Table of Contents

combined effects of foreign currency transaction gains on foreign currency-denominated assets due to the U.S. Dollar weakening against the British pound and the Canadian Dollar, along with net gains on foreign currency denominated liabilities due to mixed results of changes in the relative value of the U.S. Dollar against numerous other major currencies.
 
The impact of the change in net investment gains (losses) increased policyholder benefits and claims by $47 million, net of income tax, the majority of which relates to policyholder participation in the performance of the portfolio.
 
Excluding the impact from net investment gains (losses), income (loss) from continuing operations decreased by $480 million, net of income tax, compared to the prior period.
 
A decrease in interest margins of $443 million, net of income tax, compared to the prior period, contributed to the decrease in income from continuing operations. Management attributed this decrease to the retirement & savings, non-medical health & other, and group life businesses, which contributed $324 million, $64 million and $55 million, net of income tax, respectively. Interest margin is the difference between interest earned and interest credited to policyholder account balances. Interest earned approximates net investment income on investable assets attributed to the segment with minor adjustments related to the consolidation of certain separate accounts and other minor non-policyholder elements. Interest credited is the amount attributed to insurance products, recorded in policyholder benefits and claims, and the amount credited to policyholder account balances for investment-type products, recorded in interest credited to policyholder account balances. Interest credited on insurance products reflects the current period impact of the interest rate assumptions established at issuance or acquisition. Interest credited to policyholder account balances is subject to contractual terms, including some minimum guarantees. This tends to move in a manner similar to market interest rate movements, and may reflect actions by management to respond to competitive pressures and, therefore, generally does not, but it may, introduce volatility in expense.
 
Lower underwriting results of $10 million, net of income tax, compared to the prior period, also contributed to the decrease in income from continuing operations. Management attributed this decrease to the non-medical health & other and group life businesses of $24 million and $15 million, both net of income tax, respectively, partially offset by an increase in the retirement and savings business of $29 million, net of income tax. Underwriting results are generally the difference between the portion of premium and fee income intended to cover mortality, morbidity, or other insurance costs less claims incurred, and the change in insurance-related liabilities. Underwriting results are significantly influenced by mortality, morbidity, or other insurance-related experience trends, as well as the reinsurance activity related to certain blocks of business. During periods of high unemployment, underwriting results, specifically in the disability businesses, tend to decrease as incidence levels trend upwards with unemployment levels and the amount of recoveries decline. In addition, certain insurance-related liabilities can vary as a result of the valuation of the assets supporting those liabilities. As invested assets underperform or lose value, the related insurance liabilities are increased to reflect the Company’s obligation with respect to those products, specifically certain LTC products. Consequently, underwriting results can and will fluctuate from period to period.
 
In addition, other expenses contributed to the decrease in income from continuing operations, mainly due to an increase of $36 million, net of income tax, from higher non-deferrable volume related expenses. In addition, higher expenses of $6 million, net of income tax, related to DAC amortization contributed to the decrease in income from continuing operations. A portion of premiums, fees and other revenues is intended to cover the Company’s operating expenses or non-insurance related expenses. As many of those expenses are fixed expenses, management may not be able to reduce those expenses, in a timely manner, proportionate with declining revenues that may result from customer-related bankruptcies, customers’ reduction of coverage stemming from plan changes, elimination of retiree coverage, or a reduction in covered payroll.
 
The remaining increase in operating expenses was more than offset by the remaining increase in premiums, fees, and other revenues.


146


Table of Contents

Revenues
 
Total revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), decreased by $701 million, or 6%, to $11,265 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $11,966 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Net investment income decreased by $951 million compared to the prior period. Management attributed an $820 million decrease in net investment income to a decrease in yields, primarily due to lower returns on real estate joint ventures, fixed maturity securities, other limited partnership interests, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and mortgage loans, partially offset by a decrease in net investment expenses. Management also attributed a decrease of $131 million to a decrease in average invested assets, calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses, principally in fixed maturity securities including securities lending, partially offset by increases in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, and mortgage loans. The decrease in yields and the negative returns in the first six months of 2009 realized on real estate joint ventures were primarily from declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in value driven by capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions, which have led to declining property valuations, while the real estate development joint ventures have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions. The decrease in fixed maturity securities yields resulted primarily from lower yields on floating rate securities due to declines in short-term interest rates and an increased allocation to high quality, lower yielding U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, including FDIC Program bonds, and from decreased securities lending results due to the smaller size of the program, offset slightly by improved spreads. The increase in yields from the decrease in investment expenses was primarily attributable to lower cost of funds expense on the securities lending program and this decreased cost partially offsets the decrease in net investment income on fixed maturity securities. The reduction in yields and the negative returns realized on other limited partnership interests were primarily due to a lack of liquidity and available credit in the financial markets, driven by volatility in the equity and credit markets. The decrease in cash, cash equivalent and short-term investment yields was primarily attributable to declines in short-term interest rates. The decrease in yields associated with our mortgage loan portfolio was primarily attributable to lower prepayments on commercial mortgage loans and lower yields on variable rate loans due to declines in short-term interest rates. The decrease in net investment income was attributable to a $131 million decrease in average invested assets calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses, primarily within fixed maturity securities including securities lending, partially offset by increases in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, and mortgage loans. The decrease in fixed maturity securities was primarily due to the smaller size of the securities lending program and reinvestment into shorter-term investments within the securities lending program. Excluding securities lending, fixed maturity securities and cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities decreased slightly. The increases in mortgage loans are driven by the reinvestment of operating cash flows in accordance with our investment portfolio allocation guidelines.
 
The increase of $250 million in premiums, fees and other revenues was largely due to increases in the group life and non-medical health & other businesses of $170 million and $113 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in the retirement & savings business of $33 million.
 
The increase in group life business of $170 million was primarily due to a $187 million increase in term life, which was largely attributable to an increase in net reinsurance activity and the impact of lower experience rated refunds in the current period. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in the COLI business of $9 million, which was largely attributable to lower net fees, mainly driven by lower assets under management. In addition, a decrease of $4 million was attributed to the universal life business, primarily due to the impact of higher experience rated refunds in the prior period. Premiums, fees and other revenues from group life business can and will fluctuate based, in part, on the covered payroll of customers. In periods of high unemployment, revenue may be impacted. Revenue may also be impacted as a result of customer-related bankruptcies, customers’ reduction of coverage stemming from plan changes or elimination of retiree coverage.


147


Table of Contents

The growth in the non-medical health & other business of $113 million was largely due to increases in the dental and LTC businesses of $170 million. The increase in the dental business of $143 million was primarily due to organic growth and the incremental impact of an acquisition that closed in the prior period. The increase in LTC of $27 million was primarily due to growth in the business. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in the disability business of $61 million, which was primarily attributable to higher case terminations and the impact of a decrease in covered lives in the current period, coupled with the impact of higher reserve buyout activity in the prior period. The remaining increase in the non-medical health & other business was attributed to business growth across several products.
 
The decrease in the retirement & savings business of $33 million was primarily due to decreases in premiums in the group institutional annuity and income annuity businesses of $86 million and $58 million, respectively, both of which were primarily due to lower sales in the current period. Partially offsetting these decreases was the impact of higher sales, in the current period, in the structured settlement business of $119 million. The remaining decrease in the retirement & savings business was attributed to lower premiums, fees and other revenues across several products. Premiums, fees and other revenues from retirement & savings products are significantly influenced by large transactions and the demand for certain of these products can decline during periods of volatile credit and investment markets and, as a result, can fluctuate from period to period.
 
Expenses
 
Total expenses increased by $91 million, or 1%, to $10,479 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $10,388 million for the comparable 2008 period. The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to increases in policyholder benefits and claims of $353 million and higher other expenses of $64 million, partially offset by lower interest credited to policyholder account balances of $326 million.
 
The increase in policyholder benefits and claims of $353 million included a $72 million increase related to net investment gains (losses). Excluding the increase related to net investment gains (losses), policyholder benefits and claims increased by $281 million.
 
Non-medical health & other’s policyholder benefits and claims increased $159 million, which was primarily attributable to an increase in the dental and LTC businesses of $220 million. The increase in dental of $177 million was largely due to the aforementioned increase in premium and the impact of unfavorable morbidity, primarily due to higher benefit utilization which management attributes to current labor market conditions. The increase in the LTC business of $43 million was primarily attributable to the aforementioned increase in premium, higher claims incidence, an increase in interest credited on future policyholder benefits, and the impact of an unfavorable liability refinement in the current period. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in the disability business of $37 million, primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in premiums, fees, and other revenues, partially offset by marginally higher claim incidence and an increase in interest credited on future policyholder benefits. In addition, a decrease in the AD&D business of $20 million was primarily due to favorable claims experience.
 
Group life’s policyholder benefits and claims increased $153 million, mostly due to increases in the term life business of $162 million, which was primarily due to the aforementioned increase in premiums, fees and other revenues and less favorable mortality in the current period, partially offset by a decrease in interest credited on future policyholder benefits, mainly due to lower crediting rates. Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease in the COLI business of $6 million, which was primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in premiums, fees and other revenues. In addition, a decrease in the universal life business of $2 million was primarily attributable to the aforementioned increase in premiums, fees and other revenues partially offset by less favorable mortality in the current period.
 
Retirement & savings’ policyholder benefits decreased $31 million, which was primarily attributable to the group institutional annuity and income annuity businesses of $108 million and $51 million, respectively. The decrease in the group institutional annuity business was primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in premiums, fees and other revenues and the net favorable impact of liability refinements in both periods. There were unfavorable liability refinements of $64 million in the prior period and favorable liability refinements of $28 million in the current period. Partially offsetting these decreases was the impact of less favorable mortality in the current period and an increase in interest credited on future policyholder benefits, which is


148


Table of Contents

consistent with the expectations of an aging block of business. The decrease in the income annuity business was primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in premium, partially offset by unfavorable mortality and an increase in interest credited to future policyholder benefits. An increase in structured settlements of $128 million was largely due to the aforementioned increase in premiums, an increase in interest credited on future policyholder benefits and the impact of unfavorable mortality in the current period. These increases were partially offset by a favorable liability refinement in the current period of $8 million.
 
Higher other expenses of $64 million include an increase in DAC amortization of $8 million. Non-deferrable volume related expenses increased $56 million. This increase was primarily attributable to higher pension and post-retirement benefit expense, partially offset by a reduction in certain expenses, which management attributes to the Company’s enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative. Non-deferrable volume related expenses include those expenses associated with information technology, and direct departmental spending. Direct departmental spending includes expenses associated with advertising, consultants, travel, printing and postage.
 
Management attributed the decrease of $326 million in interest credited to policyholder account balances to a $402 million decrease resulting from a decline in average crediting rates, which was largely due to the impact of lower short-term interest rates in the current period, partially offset by a $76 million increase, solely from growth in the average policyholder account balances, primarily the result of continued growth in the FHLB advances, partially offset by a decline in funding agreements. Management considers the absence of funding agreement issuances in the current period to be a direct result of conditions in the credit markets.
 
Individual
 
The Company’s Individual segment offers a wide variety of protection and asset accumulation products aimed at serving the financial needs of its customers throughout their entire life cycle. Products offered by Individual include insurance products, such as traditional, variable and universal life insurance, and variable and fixed annuities. In addition, Individual sales representatives distribute disability insurance and LTC insurance products offered through the Institutional segment, investment products such as mutual funds, as well as other products offered by the Company’s other businesses.


149


Table of Contents

The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Individual segment for the periods indicated:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Revenues
                
Premiums
 $1,165  $1,067  $2,302  $2,130 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  764   895   1,529   1,778 
Net investment income
  1,704   1,696   3,220   3,387 
Other revenues
  116   154   221   303 
Net investment gains (losses):
                
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
  (135)  (25)  (242)  (36)
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive loss
  39      39    
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  (1,394)  (236)  (1,222)  (329)
                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
  (1,490)  (261)  (1,425)  (365)
                 
Total revenues
  2,259   3,551   5,847   7,233 
                 
Expenses
                
Policyholder benefits and claims
  1,559   1,392   3,146   2,751 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  609   494   1,189   996 
Policyholder dividends
  431   442   855   868 
Other expenses
  176   933   1,512   1,915 
                 
Total expenses
  2,775   3,261   6,702   6,530 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax
  (516)  290   (855)  703 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
  (184)  92   (302)  228 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  (332)  198   (553)  475 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
     1   24    
                 
Net income (loss)
  (332)  199   (529)  475 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
            
                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $(332) $199  $(529) $475 
                 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 — Individual
 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations decreased by $530 million to a loss of $332 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from income of $198 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Included in this decrease in income (loss) from continuing operations was an increase in net investment losses of $799 million, net of income tax. The increase in net investment losses was due primarily to increased losses on freestanding derivatives, fixed maturity securities, real estate joint ventures, other limited partnership interests, mortgage loans and equity securities, partially offset by increased gains on embedded derivatives. The increase in losses on freestanding derivatives of $1,099 million, net of income tax, was primarily attributable to rising interest rates and improving equity markets. Rising interest rates drove losses on interest rate swaps, floors and futures. Improving equity markets drove losses on equity futures and options. The increase in freestanding derivative losses was partially offset by increased gains on embedded derivatives principally associated with variable annuity riders.


150


Table of Contents

The positive change in embedded derivatives of $420 million, net of income tax, was driven by gains on embedded derivatives in the current period of $500 million, net of income tax, less gains in the prior period of $80 million, net of income tax. As it relates to hedged risks associated with variable annuity riders, the year over year increase in gains was $913 million, net of income tax, due to the positive impact of interest rate and equity market movements. Hedged risks associated with variable annuity riders include interest rate risk, equity market risk and foreign currency risk. As it relates to unhedged risks associated with variable annuity embedded derivatives, there was a year over year increase in losses of $488 million, net of income tax. The increased losses associated with unhedged risks were driven by the narrowing of MetLife’s own credit spread in the current period. Losses on own credit were $625 million, net of income tax, in the current period, compared to losses of $7 million, net of income tax, in the prior period, resulting in a $618 million, net of income tax, unfavorable year over year change related to own credit. The increase in fixed maturity securities OTTI credit losses of $45 million, net of income tax, and equity securities losses of $18 million, net of income tax, was attributable to an increase in impairments across several industry sectors due to increased financial restructurings, bankruptcy filings, ratings downgrades, or difficult underlying operating environments of the issuer, including impairments on perpetual hybrid securities as a result of deterioration of the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position. The increase in losses on real estate and real estate joint ventures of $27 million, net of income tax, was principally due to higher impairments on cost method investments resulting from declines in value driven by capital market factors and from the weakening of real estate market fundamentals. The increase in losses on other limited partnership interests of $19 million, net of income tax, was principally due to impairments of certain cost method investments. These investments experienced a reduction in net asset value due to the revaluation of the underlying portfolio companies. The underlying valuations of the portfolio companies have decreased due to the current economic environment.
 
Excluding the impact of net investment gains (losses), income (loss) from continuing operations increased by $269 million, net of income tax, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
The increase in income (loss) from continuing operations for the period was driven by the following items:
 
  • Lower DAC amortization of $514 million, net of income tax, primarily due to current period net derivative losses, as well as separate account balance increases, which increase expected future gross profits, as a result of market improvement.
 
  • Favorable underwriting results in life products of $23 million, net of income tax. Underwriting results are generally the difference between the portion of premium and fee income intended to cover mortality, morbidity or other insurance costs less claims incurred and the change in insurance-related liabilities. Underwriting results are significantly influenced by mortality, morbidity, or other insurance-related experience trends, as well as the reinsurance activity related to certain blocks of business. Consequently, results can fluctuate from period to period.
 
  • A decrease in policyholder dividends of $7 million, net of income tax, primarily due to updates of actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the terminal dividend liability for certain life products.
 
These aforementioned increases in income (loss) from continuing operations were partially offset by the following items:
 
  • Lower universal life and investment-type product policy fees combined with other revenues of $103 million, net of income tax, primarily resulting from lower average separate account balances due to recent unfavorable equity market performance.
 
  • Higher annuity benefits of $75 million, net of income tax, primarily due to current period hedge losses net of lower guaranteed annuity benefit costs, partially offset by lower amortization of sales inducements.
 
  • Lower net investment income on blocks of business not driven by interest margins of $44 million, net of income tax.
 
  • A decrease in interest margins of $23 million, net of income tax. Interest margins relate primarily to the general account portion of investment-type products. Management attributed $20 million of this decrease to the deferred annuity business and $3 million of the decrease to other investment-type products, both net of


151


Table of Contents

 income tax. Interest margin is the difference between interest earned and interest credited to policyholder account balances related to the general account on these businesses. Interest earned approximates net investment income on invested assets attributed to these businesses with net adjustments for other non-policyholder elements. Interest credited approximates the amount recorded in interest credited to policyholder account balances. Interest credited to policyholder account balances is subject to contractual terms, including some minimum guarantees, and may reflect actions by management to respond to competitive pressures. Interest credited to policyholder account balances tends to move in a manner similar to market interest rate movements, subject to any minimum guarantees and, therefore, generally does not, but may introduce volatility in expense.
 
  • Higher expenses of $21 million, net of income tax, include higher pension and post-retirement benefits and commission expenses offset by higher DAC capitalization primarily from increases in annuity deposits and a reduction in certain expenses, which management attributes to the Company’s enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative. In addition, non-deferrable volume related expenses, which include those expenses associated with information technology and direct departmental spending, have also increased.
 
  • An increase in interest credited to policyholder account balances of $3 million, net of income tax, due primarily to lower amortization of the excess interest reserves on acquired annuity and universal life blocks of business.
 
The change in effective tax rates between periods accounts for the remainder of the decrease in income (loss) from continuing operations.
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), decreased by $63 million, or 2%, to $3,749 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $3,812 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Premiums increased by $98 million primarily due to an increase in immediate annuity premiums of $58 million, and growth in premiums of $57 million driven by increased renewals of traditional life business. These increases were partially offset by a $17 million decline in premiums associated with the run-off of the Company’s closed block of business.
 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees combined with other revenues decreased by $169 million primarily resulting from lower average separate account balances due to recent unfavorable equity market performance. Policy fees from variable life and annuity and investment-type products are typically calculated as a percentage of the average assets in policyholder accounts. The value of these assets can fluctuate depending on equity performance.
 
Net investment income increased by $8 million. Management attributes an increase of $81 million of net investment income to the general account portion of investment-type products and a decrease of $73 million to other businesses. Management attributes $98 million of the increase to a higher average asset base across various investment types, primarily fixed maturity securities excluding securities lending, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, and mortgage loans, partially offset by a decrease in equity securities. Average invested assets are calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses. This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $90 million on lower yields, primarily due to lower returns on real estate joint ventures, fixed maturity securities, real estate and cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, partially offset by increased securities lending results from improved spreads and other limited partnership interests. Excluding the impact of the decrease in the securities lending program, fixed maturity securities increased, driven by the reinvestment of operating cash flows and accumulated liquidity balances into longer duration investments. The increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments has been accumulated to provide additional flexibility to address potential variations in cash needs while credit markets continue to stabilize. The increases in mortgage loans are driven by the reinvestment of operating cash flows in accordance with our investment portfolio allocation guidelines. The decrease in yields and the negative returns in the second quarter of 2009 realized on real estate joint ventures was primarily from declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value


152


Table of Contents

and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in value driven by capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions, which have led to declining property valuations, while the real estate development joint ventures have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions. The decrease in fixed maturity securities yields resulted primarily from to lower yields on floating rate securities due to declines in short-term interest rates and an increased allocation to high quality, lower yielding U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, including FDIC Program bonds, and from decreased securities lending results due to the smaller size of the program, offset slightly by improved spreads. The decrease in the short-term investment yields was primarily due to declines in short-term interest rates. The increase in yields due to the decrease in investment expenses was primarily attributable to lower cost of funds expense on the securities lending program and this decreased cost partially offset the decrease in net investment income. The increase in yields due to other limited partnership interests was primarily attributable to the impact of the stabilization of market and economic conditions on equity method investments.
 
Expenses
 
Total expenses decreased by $486 million, or 15%, to $2,775 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $3,261 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Policyholder benefits and claims increased by $167 million. Recent equity market improvements contributed to an increase of $139 million from current period hedge losses net of lower guaranteed annuity benefit costs, partially offset by $24 million of lower amortization of sales inducements. Revisions to policyholder benefits and claims in the current period and favorable mortality contributed decreases of $32 million and $14 million, respectively. Additionally, policyholder benefits and claims increased by $98 million commensurate with the change in premiums discussed above.
 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances increased by $115 million. Interest credited on the general account portion of investment-type products increased by $116 million, of which $98 million is attributed to higher average general account balances, and $18 million to higher crediting rates. Interest credited on other businesses decreased by $5 million. Lower amortization of the excess interest reserves on acquired annuity and universal life blocks of business, primarily driven by lower lapses in the current period, increased interest credited to policyholder account balances by $4 million.
 
Policyholder dividends decreased by $11 million primarily due to updates of actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the terminal dividend liability for certain life products.
 
Lower other expenses of $757 million include lower DAC amortization of $790 million primarily due to current period net derivative losses as well as separate account balance increases, which increase expected future gross profits, as a result of market improvement. In addition, expenses decreased due to higher DAC capitalization primarily from increases in annuity deposits and a reduction in certain expenses, which management attributes to the Company’s enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative. These increases were offset by includes higher pension and post-retirement benefits and commission expenses in the current period. Non-deferrable volume related expenses, which include those expenses associated with information technology and direct departmental spending, also increased $33 million.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 — Individual
 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations decreased by $1,028 million to a loss of $553 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from income of $475 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Included in this decrease in income (loss) from continuing operations was an increase in net investment losses of $689 million, net of income tax. The increase in net investment losses was due primarily to increased losses on freestanding derivatives, mortgage loans, other limited partnership interests, real estate joint ventures, equity securities and fixed maturity securities, partially offset by increased gains on embedded derivatives and gains on


153


Table of Contents

foreign currency transactions. The increase in losses on freestanding derivatives of $1,524 million, net of income tax, was primarily attributable to the rising interest rates and improving equity markets. Rising interest rates drove losses on interest rate floors, swaps and futures. Improving equity markets drove losses on equity futures and options. The increase in freestanding derivative losses was partially offset by increased gains on embedded derivatives principally associated with variable annuity riders. The positive change in embedded derivatives of $943 million, net of income tax, was driven by gains on embedded derivatives in the current period of $875 million, net of income tax, less losses in the prior period of $68 million, net of income tax. As it relates to hedged risks associated with variable annuity riders, the year over year increase in gains was $1,104 million, net of income tax, due to the positive impact of interest rate and equity market movements. Hedged risks associated with variable annuity riders include interest rate risk, equity market risk and foreign currency risk. As it relates to unhedged risks associated with variable annuity embedded derivatives, there was a year over year increase in losses of $192 million, net of income tax. The increased losses associated with unhedged risks were driven by the narrowing of MetLife’s own credit spread in the current period. Losses on own credit were $349 million, net of income tax, in the current period, compared to gains of $81 million, net of income tax, in the prior period, contributing to a $430 million unfavorable year over year change related to own credit. The increase in losses on mortgage loans of $51 million, net of income tax, was principally due to increases in the valuation allowances and strengthening of the allowances, which resulted from weakening of real estate market fundamentals. The increase in losses on other limited partnership interests of $34 million, net of income tax, was principally due to impairments of certain cost method investments. These investments experienced a reduction in net asset value due to the revaluation of the underlying portfolio companies. The underlying valuations of the portfolio companies have decreased due to the current economic environment. The increase in losses on real estate and real estate joint ventures of $33 million, net of income tax, was principally due to higher impairments on cost method investments resulting from decline in value driven by capital market factors and the weakening of real estate market fundamentals. The increase in fixed maturity securities OTTI credit losses of $108 million, net of income tax, and equity securities losses of $24 million, net of income tax, was attributable to an increase in impairments across several industry sectors due to increased financial restructurings, bankruptcy filings, ratings downgrades or difficult underlying operating environments of the issuer, including impairments on perpetual hybrid securities as a result of deterioration of the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position. The increased impairments were partially offset by decreased losses on the sale of fixed maturity securities of $120 million, net of income tax. The increased losses in freestanding derivatives, mortgage loans, other limited partnership interests, real estate and real estate joint ventures, fixed maturity securities and equity securities were partially offset by gains of $22 million, net of income tax, principally attributable to the effect of foreign currency transaction gains on foreign currency denominated assets, due to the U.S. Dollar weakening against the British pound and Canadian Dollar.
 
Excluding the impact of net investment gains (losses), income (loss) from continuing operations decreased by $339 million, net of income tax, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
The decrease in income (loss) from continuing operations for the period was driven by the following items:
 
  • Lower universal life and investment-type product policy fees combined with other revenues of $225 million, net of income tax, primarily resulting from lower average separate account balances due to recent unfavorable equity market performance.
 
  • Higher annuity benefits of $165 million, net of income tax, primarily due to current period hedge losses and higher guaranteed annuity benefit costs, partially offset by lower amortization of sales inducements.
 
  • A decrease in interest margins of $146 million, net of income tax. Interest margins relate primarily to the general account portion of investment-type products. Management attributed $96 million of this decrease to the deferred annuity business and $50 million of the decrease to other investment-type products, both net of income tax. Interest margin is the difference between interest earned and interest credited to policyholder account balances related to the general account on these businesses. Interest earned approximates net investment income on invested assets attributed to these businesses with net adjustments for other non-policyholder elements. Interest credited approximates the amount recorded in interest credited to policyholder account balances. Interest credited to policyholder account balances is subject to contractual terms, including some minimum guarantees, and may reflect actions by management to respond to competitive pressures. Interest credited to policyholder account balances tends to move in a


154


Table of Contents

 manner similar to market interest rate movements, subject to any minimum guarantees and, therefore, generally does not, but may introduce volatility in expense.
 
  • Lower net investment income on blocks of business not driven by interest margins of $79 million, net of income tax.
 
  • Higher expenses of $11 million, net of income tax, include higher pension and post-retirement benefits and commission expenses offset by higher DAC capitalization primarily from increases in annuity deposits and a reduction in certain expenses, which management attributes to the Company’s enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative. In addition, non-deferrable volume related expenses, which include those expenses associated with information technology and direct departmental spending have also increased.
 
  • An increase in interest credited to policyholder account balances of $9 million, net of income tax, due primarily to lower amortization of the excess interest reserves on acquired annuity and universal life blocks of business.
 
These aforementioned decreases in income (loss) from continuing operations were partially offset by the following items:
 
  • Lower DAC amortization of $274 million, net of income tax, primarily due to net investment losses; the remainder of the change in DAC amortization was driven by various immaterial items.
 
  • Favorable underwriting results in life products of $30 million, net of income tax. Underwriting results are generally the difference between the portion of premium and fee income intended to cover mortality, morbidity or other insurance costs less claims incurred and the change in insurance-related liabilities. Underwriting results are significantly influenced by mortality, morbidity, or other insurance-related experience trends, as well as the reinsurance activity related to certain blocks of business. Consequently, results can fluctuate from period to period.
 
  • A decrease in policyholder dividends of $8 million, net of income tax, primarily due to updates of actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the terminal dividend liability for certain life products.
 
The change in effective tax rates between periods accounts for the remainder of the decrease in income (loss) from continuing operations.
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), decreased by $326 million, or 4%, to $7,272 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $7,598 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Premiums increased by $172 million primarily due to an increase in immediate annuity premiums of $128 million, and growth in premiums of $77 million driven by increased renewals of traditional life business. These increases were partially offset by a $33 million decline in premiums associated with the run-off of the Company’s closed block of business.
 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees combined with other revenues decreased by $331 million primarily resulting from lower average separate account balances due to recent unfavorable equity market performance. Policy fees from variable life and annuity and investment-type products are typically calculated as a percentage of the average assets in policyholder accounts. The value of these assets can fluctuate depending on equity performance.
 
Net investment income decreased by $167 million. Management attributes a decrease of $36 million of net investment income to the general account portion of investment-type products and a decrease of $131 million to other businesses. Management attributed $371 million of the decrease to lower yields, primarily due to lower returns on real estate joint ventures, fixed maturity securities, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and other limited partnership interests, partially offset by increased securities lending results from improved spreads. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $204 million due to a higher average asset base across various investment types. The decrease in yields and the negative returns in the first six months of 2009 realized on real


155


Table of Contents

estate joint ventures was primarily from declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in value driven by capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions, which have led to declining property valuations, while the real estate development joint ventures have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions. The decrease in fixed maturity securities yields was primarily due to lower yields on floating rate securities due to declines in short-term interest rates and an increased allocation to high quality, lower yielding U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, including FDIC Program bonds, and from decreased securities lending results due to the smaller size of the program, offset slightly by improved spreads. The increase in yields due to the decrease in investment expenses was primarily attributable to lower cost of funds expense on the securities lending program and this decreased cost partially offset the decrease in net investment income. The decrease in the short-term investment yields was primarily due to declines in short-term interest rates. The reduction in yields and the negative returns for the six months ended June 30, 2009 realized on other limited partnership interests were primarily due to a lack of liquidity and available credit in the financial markets, driven by volatility in the equity and credit markets. Management attributed a $204 million increase due to a higher average asset base across various investment types, primarily fixed maturities excluding securities lending, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and mortgage loans, partially offset by a decrease in equity securities. Average invested assets are calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses. Excluding the impact of the decrease in the securities lending program, fixed maturity securities increased, driven by the reinvestment of operating cash flows and accumulated liquidity balances into longer duration investments. The increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments has been accumulated to provide additional flexibility to address potential variations in cash needs while credit markets continue to stabilize. The increases in mortgage loans are driven by the reinvestment of operating cash flows in accordance with our investment portfolio allocation guidelines.
 
Expenses
 
Total expenses increased by $172 million, or 3%, to $6,702 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $6,530 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Policyholder benefits and claims increased by $395 million. This was primarily due to weaker equity markets during the current period, which resulted in hedge losses and higher guaranteed annuity benefit costs of $260 million, partially offset by lower amortization of sales inducements of $6 million. Revisions to policyholder benefits and claims in the current period and favorable mortality contributed decreases of $17 million and $14 million, respectively. Additionally, policyholder benefits and claims increased by $172 million commensurate with the change in premiums discussed above.
 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances increased by $193 million. Interest credited on the general account portion of investment-type products increased by $189 million, of which $182 million is attributed to higher average general account balances, and $7 million to higher crediting rates. Interest credited on other businesses decreased by $10 million. Lower amortization of the excess interest reserves on acquired annuity and universal life blocks of business, primarily driven by lower lapses in the current period, increased interest credited to policyholder account balances by $14 million.
 
Policyholder dividends decreased by $13 million primarily due to updates of actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the terminal dividend liability for certain life products.
 
Lower other expenses of $403 million include lower DAC amortization of $421 million primarily due to net investment losses; the remainder of the change in DAC amortization was driven by various immaterial items. Additionally, expenses decreased due to higher DAC capitalization primarily from increases in annuity deposits and a reduction in certain expenses, which management attributes to the Company’s enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative. These decreases were offset by higher pension and post-retirement benefits and commission expenses, as well as an increase of $18 million associated with non-deferrable volume related expenses, which include those expenses associated with information technology and direct departmental spending.


156


Table of Contents

International
 
International provides life insurance, accident and health insurance, credit insurance, annuities and retirement & savings products to both individuals and groups. The Company focuses on emerging markets primarily within the Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. The following table presents consolidated financial information for the International segment for the periods indicated:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Revenues
                
Premiums
 $777  $920  $1,498  $1,824 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  226   293   436   583 
Net investment income
  258   356   451   626 
Other revenues
  2   6   4   13 
Net investment gains (losses):
                
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
  (10)  (1)  (21)  (1)
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive loss
            
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  (491)  (135)  (26)   
                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
  (501)  (136)  (47)  (1)
                 
Total revenues
  762   1,439   2,342   3,045 
                 
Expenses
                
Policyholder benefits and claims
  559   618   1,128   1,443 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
  160   89   237   136 
Policyholder dividends
  2   2   3   4 
Other expenses
  404   476   697   911 
                 
Total expenses
  1,125   1,185   2,065   2,494 
                 
Income from continuing operations before provision for income tax
  (363)  254   277   551 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
  (149)  87   56   203 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  (214)  167   221   348 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax
            
                 
Net income (loss)
  (214)  167   221   348 
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
  (9)  (6)  (14)  (11)
                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $(205) $173  $235  $359 
                 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 — International
 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations decreased by $381 million, or 228%, to a loss of $214 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from income of $167 million for the comparable 2008 period. Included in this decrease in income (loss) from continuing operations was an increase in net investment losses of $223 million, net of income tax. The increase in net investment losses was due to an increase in losses on derivatives, partially offset by lower losses on fixed maturity securities. Derivative losses were driven by losses on embedded derivatives associated with assumed risk on variable annuity riders written directly through the Japan joint venture, as well as losses on freestanding derivatives. Losses on the embedded derivatives increased by $101 million, net of income


157


Table of Contents

tax, and were driven by an increase in losses of $322 million, net of income taxes, resulting from the effect of the narrowing of MetLife’s own credit spread, as well as the impact of interest rates and foreign currency rates, partially offset by gains due to movement in the equity markets. Losses on freestanding derivatives increased by $131 million, net of income tax, and were primarily driven by losses from equity options and futures due to increases in equity markets, partially offset by gains on interest rate futures due to rising interest rates and gains from foreign currency forwards due to the U.S. Dollar weakening. The losses on the freestanding derivatives substantially offset the change in the underlying embedded derivative liability that is hedged by these derivatives. The remaining change in net investment losses results primarily from lower losses on the sale of fixed maturities from the comparable period.
 
The remaining $158 million decrease in income (loss) from continuing operations from the comparable 2008 period was comprised of the factors described below which decreased income (loss) from continuing operations by $97 million, as well as the negative impact of changes in foreign exchange rates of $61 million, net of income tax.
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations excluding net investment gains (losses) decreased in:
 
  • Mexico by $66 million, net of income tax, primarily due to an increase in certain policyholder liabilities caused by an increase in the unrealized investment results on the invested assets supporting those liabilities relative to the prior year, higher claims experience, as well as an increase in sales-related expenses, partially offset by a decrease in policyholder liabilities resulting from a policy cancellation, a revision to certain dollar-denominated policyholder liabilities and business growth, as well as a lower effective tax rate.
 
  • Japan by $46 million, net of income tax, due to a decrease of $38 million, net of income tax, from hedging activities associated with Japan’s guaranteed annuity benefits, a decrease of $20 million, net of income tax, in the Company’s earnings from its investment in Japan resulting from the adverse impact from the utilization of the fair value option for certain fixed annuities offset by a decrease in the costs of guaranteed annuity benefits, as well as an increase of $12 million, net of income tax, from assumed reinsurance due to a decrease in liabilities resulting from a refinement in methodology on certain annuity guarantee liabilities.
 
  • Ireland by $5 million, net of income tax, primarily due to higher initiative spending.
 
Partially offsetting these decreases, income (loss) from continuing operations excluding net investment gains (losses) increased in:
 
  • South Korea by $14 million, net of income tax, primarily due to an increase in surrender charges and business growth, as well as lower taxes resulting from a reduction in the statutory tax rate.
 
  • The home office by $6 million, net of income tax, primarily due to lower headcount and lower spending on growth and infrastructure initiatives, partially offset by higher investment charges.
 
  • Hong Kong by $4 million, net of income tax, primarily due to business growth.
 
Contributions from other countries account for the remainder of the change in income (loss) from continuing operations excluding net investment gains (losses).
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), decreased by $312 million, or 20%, to $1,263 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $1,575 million for the comparable 2008 period. This decrease was comprised of the impact of foreign currency exchange rates which decreased total revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), by $286 million, as well as other factors described below which decreased total revenues by $26 million, or 2%, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
Premiums, fees and other revenues decreased by $214 million, or 18%, to $1,005 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $1,219 million for the comparable 2008 period. The decrease was comprised of the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates which decreased premiums, fees and other revenues by $219 million, as well as other factors described below which increased premiums, fees and other revenues increased by $5 million from the comparable 2008 period.


158


Table of Contents

Premiums, fees and other revenues increased in:
 
  • Mexico by $33 million due to growth in its individual and institutional businesses partially offset by a reduction in fees charged on the pension business.
 
  • Australia by $9 million primarily due to business growth.
 
  • South Korea by $9 million primarily due to an increase in surrender charges, as well as business growth, partially offset by various immaterial items.
 
  • Hong Kong by $6 million due to a shift to traditional business.
 
  • Brazil, India and Poland by $5 million, $3 million and $2 million, respectively, primarily due to business growth.
 
  • Japan by $4 million due to an increase in assumed reinsurance business.
 
Partially offsetting these increases, premiums, fees and other revenues decreased in:
 
  • Chile by $52 million primarily due to lower annuity sales resulting from a contraction of the annuity market in Chile.
 
  • Argentina by $17 million primarily due to the nationalization of the pension business in the in the fourth quarter of 2008, which eliminated the revenue from this business.
 
Contributions from the other countries account for the remainder of the change in premiums, fees and other revenues.
 
Net investment income decreased by $98 million, or 28%, to $258 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $356 million for the comparable 2008 period. This decrease was comprised of the impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $67 million, as well as other factors described below which decreased net investment income by $31 million, or 11%, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
Net investment income decreased in:
 
  • Japan by $80 million primarily due to a decrease of $60 million from hedging activities associated with Japan’s guaranteed annuity benefits, as well as a decrease of $20 million, net of income tax, in the Company’s earnings from its investment in Japan resulting from the adverse impact from the utilization of the fair value option for certain fixed annuities offset by a decrease in the costs of guaranteed annuity benefits.
 
  • Chile by $52 million due to the impact of lower inflation rates on indexed securities, the valuations and returns of which are linked to inflation rates.
 
Partially offsetting these decreases, net investment income increased in:
 
  • Hong Kong by $64 million due to favorable results on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked policyholder liabilities, compared to the prior year.
 
  • Mexico by $12 million primarily due to an increase in invested assets.
 
  • Ireland by $12 million due to favorable results on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked policyholder liabilities, compared to the prior year.
 
  • Argentina by $4 million due to higher yields resulting from portfolio repositioning, as well as the adverse impact of currency transaction losses in the prior year.
 
  • South Korea and Taiwan by $4 million and $2 million, respectively, primarily due to increases in invested assets.
 
  • Brazil by $2 million due to favorable results on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked pension liabilities.
 
Contributions from the other countries account for the remainder of the change in net investment income.


159


Table of Contents

Expenses
 
Total expenses decreased by $60 million, or 5%, to $1,125 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $1,185 million for the comparable 2008 period. The impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates decreased total expenses by $196 million. Other factors described below increased total expenses by $136 million, or 14%, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
Policyholder benefits and claims, policyholder dividends and interest credited to policyholder account balances increased by $12 million, or 2%, to $721 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $709 million for the comparable 2008 period. This increase was comprised of a decrease from changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $112 million, as well as other factors described below which increased policyholder benefits and claims, policyholder dividends and interest credited to policyholder account balances by $124 million, or 21%, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
Policyholder benefits and claims, policyholder dividends and interest credited to policyholder account balances increased in:
 
  • Mexico by $155 million, primarily due to an increase in certain policyholder liabilities of $129 million caused by an increase in the unrealized investment results on the invested assets supporting those liabilities relative to the prior period, an increase in claims experience, as well as in interest credited to policyholder account balances resulting from business growth, partially offset by a decrease in policyholder liabilities resulting from a policy cancellation, as well as a revision in the calculation of certain dollar-denominated policyholder liabilities.
 
  • Hong Kong by $65 million primarily due to favorable results on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked policyholder liabilities compared to the prior period, as discussed above.
 
  • Ireland by $11 million due favorable results on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked policyholder liabilities.
 
  • Australia by $6 million primarily due to business growth, as well as higher claims experience and an increase in liabilities related to reinsurance.
 
  • Taiwan by $5 million primarily due to business growth.
 
  • Brazil by $5 million due to higher interest credited resulting from better performance on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked pension liabilities.
 
Partially offsetting these increases in policyholder benefits and claims, policyholder dividends and interest credited to policyholder account balances were decreases in:
 
  • Chile by $110 million primarily due to a decrease in inflation indexed policyholder liabilities commensurate with the decrease in net investment income from inflation-indexed assets, as well as a decrease in the annuity business mentioned above, partially offset by higher interest credited.
 
  • Our operation in Japan by $15 million resulting from a refinement in methodology on certain annuity guarantee liabilities.
 
Increases in other countries account for the remainder of the change.
 
Other expenses decreased by $72 million, or 15%, to $404 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $476 million for the comparable 2008 period. The impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates decreased other expenses by $84 million, and other factors described below increased other expenses by $12 million, or 3%, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
Other expenses increased in:
 
  • Ireland by $7 million due to higher spending on regional initiatives, as well as business growth.
 
  • India by $6 million primarily due to increased staffing, rent and DAC amortization due to business growth.
 
  • Australia by $4 million primarily due to business growth.


160


Table of Contents

 
  • Chile by $4 million due to an adjustment in DAC amortization related to the decrease in inflation.
 
  • Brazil by $3 million primarily due to entry into the dental insurance business.
 
  • Mexico by $3 million due to an increase in sales-related expenses.
 
  • Korea and Taiwan by $3 million and $3 million, respectively due to business growth.
 
Partially offsetting these increases in other expenses were decreases in:
 
  • The home office of $12 million primarily due to lower headcount and lower spending on growth and infrastructure initiatives.
 
  • Argentina by $10 million due to lower administrative expenses resulting from the nationalization of the pension business.
 
Increases in other countries account for the remainder of the change.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 — International
 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations decreased by $127 million, or 36%, to $221 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $348 million for the comparable 2008 period. Included in this decrease in income (loss) from continuing operations was an increase in net investment losses of $24 million, net of income tax. The increase in net investment losses was due to losses on fixed maturity securities, partially offset by an increase in gains on derivatives. Losses on fixed maturities increased by $31 million, net of income tax, due to the loss on the exchange of certain government bonds in Argentina, an increase in impairments primarily associated with financial services industry holdings, including impairments as a result of deterioration of the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position, partially offset by lower losses on the sale of fixed maturities from the comparable period. Derivative gains were driven by gains on embedded derivatives associated with assumed risk on variable annuity riders written directly through the Japan joint venture partially offset by losses on freestanding derivatives. Gains on the embedded derivatives increased by $387 million, net of income tax, and were driven by the positive impact of interest rates, foreign currency rates and movement in the equity markets. These embedded derivative gains include a $209 million, net of income tax, decrease in gains resulting from the effect of the narrowing of MetLife’s own credit spread. Losses on freestanding derivatives increased by $380 million, net of income tax, and were primarily driven by losses from equity options and futures due to rising equity indices, foreign currency forwards primarily due to the U.S. Dollar strengthening, as well as interest rate futures due to rising interest rates, all of which hedge the embedded derivatives. The losses on these hedges partially offset the change in the underlying embedded derivative liability that is hedged by these derivatives.
 
The remaining $103 million decrease in income (loss) from continuing operations from the comparable 2008 period was comprised of the factors described below which caused a decrease in income (loss) from continuing operations by $12 million, as well as the negative impact of change in foreign exchange rates of $91 million, net of income tax.
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations excluding net investment gains (losses) decreased in:
 
  • Mexico by $44 million, net of income tax, primarily due to an increase in certain policyholder liabilities caused by an increase in the unrealized investment results on the invested assets supporting those liabilities relative to the prior year, higher claims experience, an increase in sales-related expenses, a reduction in fees charged on the pension business, higher expenses from initiative spending, the impact of portfolio repositioning and a decrease in short-term yields as well as the prior year impact from the reinstatement of premiums. The remainder of the decrease was driven by various immaterial items. These items were partially offset by a decrease in policyholder liabilities resulting from a policy cancellation, as well as a revision to certain dollar-denominated policyholder liabilities, a lower effective tax rate, growth in its individual and institutional businesses, and a one-time tax benefit related to a change in assumption regarding the repatriation of earnings.


161


Table of Contents

 
  • The home office by $29 million, net of income tax, primarily due to a valuation allowance of $40 million established against net deferred tax assets resulting from an election to not repatriate earnings from our Mexico operation, as well as higher economic capital charges and lower interest income due to a decrease in cash equivalents, partially offset by lower headcount, lower spending on growth and infrastructure initiatives.
 
  • Japan by $21 million, net of income tax, due to a decrease of $80 million, net of income tax, from hedging activities associated with Japan’s guaranteed annuity benefits. This was partially offset by an increase of $56 million, net of income tax, in the Company’s earnings from its investment in Japan resulting from the impact from refinement in assumptions for DAC amortization on guaranteed annuity business, a decrease in the costs of guaranteed annuity benefits, the impact of a reduction in a liability for guarantee fund assessments and the unfavorable impact from the utilization of the fair value option for certain fixed annuities, as well as an increase of $3 million, net of income tax, from assumed reinsurance due to a decrease in liabilities resulting from a refinement in methodology on certain annuity guarantee liabilities. The remainder of the decrease was driven by various immaterial items.
 
  • Ireland by $19 million, net of income tax, primarily due to foreign currency transaction gains and a tax benefit in the prior period, as well as higher initiative spending.
 
  • Hong Kong by $2 million primarily due to business growth.
 
Partially offsetting these decreases, income (loss) from continuing operations excluding net investment gains (losses) increased in:
 
  • Argentina by $75 million, net of income tax, due to a reassessment by the Company of its approach to managing existing and potential future claims related to certain social security pension annuity contractholders, as a result of which liabilities of $95 million related to pesification were released, as well as higher yields resulting from portfolio repositioning. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in fees due to the nationalization of the pension business in December 2008, the reduction in the prior year of the liability for pension servicing obligations resulting from a refinement of assumptions and methodology, the availability of government statistics regarding the number of participants transferring to the government-sponsored plan created by the pension reform program, which was in effect from January 1, 2008 until December 2008 when the business was nationalized, as well as the adverse impact of currency transaction losses in the prior year. Our operations in Argentina also benefited more significantly in the current year from the utilization of deferred tax assets against which valuation allowances had previously been established.
 
  • South Korea by $22 million, net of income tax, due to an increase in surrender charges, lower taxes resulting from a reduction in the statutory tax rate and a one-time tax benefit related to the reduction in the statutory tax rate as well as business growth, partially offset by an increase in claims and by various immaterial items.
 
  • Chile by $9 million primarily due to the net impact of lower inflation rates on indexed securities and on policyholder liabilities. While the impact of inflation is neutral to net income, a portion of the inflation impact is accounted for in net investment gains (losses).
 
Contributions from other countries account for the remainder of the change in income (loss) from continuing operations excluding net investment gains (losses).
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), decreased by $657 million, or 22%, to $2,389 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $3,046 million for the comparable 2008 period. The impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates decreased total revenues by $654 million. Other factors described below decreased total revenues by $3 million from the comparable 2008 period.
 
Premiums, fees and other revenues decreased by $482 million, or 20%, to $1,938 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $2,420 million for the comparable 2008 period. This decrease was comprised of the impact of foreign currency exchange rates, which decreased premiums, fees and other revenues by $511 million,


162


Table of Contents

partially offset by an increase from other factors described below, which increased premiums, fees and other revenues by $29 million, or 2%, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
Premiums, fees and other revenues increased in:
 
  • Mexico by $45 million due to growth in its individual and institutional businesses, partially offset by the reinstatement of premiums in the prior period and a reduction in fees charged on the pension business.
 
  • Hong Kong by $18 million due to a shift to traditional business, as well as an increase in surrender charges on non-traditional business.
 
  • South Korea by $18 million primarily due to an increase in surrender charges, as well as business growth.
 
  • India by $12 million due to business growth and a shift to traditional products.
 
  • United Kingdom by $7 million due to premium growth and the impact of stronger foreign currencies from business written outside of the United Kingdom, partially offset by a decrease in business written in the United Kingdom.
 
  • Brazil by $10 million due to its entry into the dental business in the fourth quarter of 2008, as well as growth in existing lines.
 
  • Australia and Poland by $14 million and $3 million, respectively, primarily due to business growth.
 
  • Japan by $5 million due to an increase in assumed reinsurance business.
 
Partially offsetting these increases, premiums, fees and other revenues decreased in:
 
  • Chile by $81 million primarily due to lower annuity sales resulting from a contraction of the annuity market in Chile.
 
  • Argentina by $29 million primarily due to the nationalization of the pension business in the fourth quarter of 2008, which eliminated the revenue from this business.
 
Contributions from the other countries account for the remainder of the change in premiums, fees and other revenues.
 
Net investment income decreased by $175 million, or 28%, to $451 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $626 million for the comparable 2008 period. This decrease was comprised of the impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $143 million, as well as other factors described below which decreased net investment income by $32 million, or 7%, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
Net investment income decreased in:
 
  • Chile by $122 million due to the impact of lower inflation rates on indexed securities, the valuations and returns of which are linked to inflation rates, as well as lower yields partially offset by an increase in invested assets.
 
  • Japan by $68 million primarily due to a decrease of $124 million from hedging activities associated with Japan’s guaranteed annuity benefits, partially offset by an increase of $56 million, net of income tax, in the Company’s earnings from its investment in Japan resulting from the impact from refinement in assumptions for DAC amortization on guaranteed annuity business, a decrease in the costs of guaranteed annuity benefits, the impact of a reduction in a liability for guarantee fund assessments and the unfavorable impact from the utilization of the fair value option for certain fixed annuities, and various immaterial items.
 
  • The home office by $6 million primarily due to an increase in the amount charged for economic capital and lower interest income due to a decrease in cash equivalents.
 
Partially offsetting these decreases, net investment income increased in:
 
  • Hong Kong by $106 million due to favorable results on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked policyholder liabilities, compared to the prior year.


163


Table of Contents

 
  • Ireland by $5 million due to favorable results on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked policyholder liabilities, compared to the prior year.
 
  • Mexico by $23 million primarily due to an increase in invested assets, partially offset by the impact of lower inflation rates on indexed securities, the impact of portfolio repositioning and a decrease in short-term yields.
 
  • Brazil by $8 million primarily due to favorable results on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked pension liabilities.
 
  • South Korea and Taiwan by $8 million and $6 million, respectively, primarily due to increases in invested assets.
 
  • Argentina by $4 million due to higher yields resulting from portfolio repositioning, as well as the adverse impact of currency transaction losses in the prior year.
 
Contributions from the other countries account for the remainder of the change in net investment income.
 
Expenses
 
Total expenses decreased by $429 million, or 17%, to $2,065 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $2,494 million for the comparable 2008 period. The impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates decreased total expenses by $518 million. Other factors described below increased total expenses by $89 million, or 5%, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
Policyholder benefits and claims, policyholder dividends and interest credited to policyholder account balances decreased by $215 million, or 14%, to $1,368 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $1,583 million for the comparable 2008 period. This decrease was comprised of the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates which decreased policyholder benefits and claims, policyholder dividends and interest credited to policyholder account balances by $330 million, and other factors described below which increased policyholder benefits and claims, policyholder dividends and interest credited to policyholder account balances by $115 million, or 9%, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
Policyholder benefits and claims, policyholder dividends and interest credited to policyholder account balances increased in:
 
  • Mexico by $158 million, primarily due to an increase in certain policyholder liabilities of $98 million caused by an increase in the unrealized investment results on the invested assets supporting those liabilities relative to the prior period, an increase in claims experience, as well as in interest credited to policyholder account balances resulting from business growth, partially offset by a decrease in policyholder liabilities resulting from a policy cancellation, as well as a revision in the calculation of certain dollar-denominated policyholder liabilities.
 
  • Hong Kong by $122 million primarily due to favorable results on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked policyholder liabilities compared to the prior period, as discussed above, as well as a shift to traditional business.
 
  • South Korea by $12 million primarily due to an increase in claims and surrenders.
 
  • Brazil by $12 million due to higher interest credited resulting from better performance on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked pension liabilities, as well as growth from entry into the dental insurance business in fourth quarter of 2008.
 
  • Australia by $10 million primarily due to business growth, as well as higher claims experience and an increase in liabilities related to reinsurance.
 
  • India by $8 million due to business growth.
 
  • Taiwan by $5 million primarily due to business growth.


164


Table of Contents

 
  • Ireland by $4 million due to favorable results on the trading securities portfolio which supports unit-linked policyholder liabilities.
 
  • Our operation in Japan by $1 million due to an increase in liabilities for guaranteed death benefits, almost completely offset by a refinement in methodology on certain annuity guarantee liabilities.
 
Partially offsetting these increases in policyholder benefits and claims, policyholder dividends and interest credited to policyholder account balances were decreases in:
 
  • Chile by $219 million primarily due to a decrease in inflation indexed policyholder liabilities commensurate with the decrease in net investment income from inflation-indexed assets, as well as a decrease in the annuity business mentioned above, partially offset by higher interest credited.
 
Increases in other countries account for the remainder of the change.
 
Other expenses decreased by $214 million, or 23%, to $697 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $911 million for the comparable 2008 period. The impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates decreased other expenses by $188 million and the other factors described below decreased other expenses by $26 million, or 4%, from the comparable 2008 period.
 
Other expenses decreased in:
 
  • Argentina by $82 million, due to a reassessment by the Company of its approach to managing existing and potential future claims related to certain social security pension annuity contractholders. As a result of this reassessment, contingent liabilities of $95 million related to pesification were released. In addition, the nationalization of the pension business in December 2008 resulted in lower administrative expenses. These decreases were partially offset by a reduction in the prior period of the liability for pension servicing obligations resulting from a refinement of assumptions and methodology, as well as the availability of government statistics regarding the number of participants transferring to the government-sponsored plan created by the pension reform program which was in effect from January 1, 2008 until December 2008 when the business was nationalized.
 
  • The home office of $22 million primarily due to lower headcount and lower spending on growth and infrastructure initiatives.
 
Partially offsetting these decreases in other expenses were increases in:
 
  • Ireland by $22 million due to foreign currency transaction gains in the prior period, higher spending on regional initiatives, as well as business growth.
 
  • Mexico by $11 million primarily from higher expenses from initiative spending and business growth, higher sales-related expenses and various immaterial items.
 
  • India by $11 million primarily due to increased staffing, rent and DAC amortization due to business growth.
 
  • Australia by $7 million primarily due to business growth.
 
  • The United Kingdom by $6 million due to higher commission cost related to the increase in premiums, as well as foreign currency transaction gains recognized in the prior period.
 
  • Brazil by $6 million primarily due to business growth and entry into the dental insurance business.
 
  • Chile by $6 million due to an adjustment in DAC amortization related to the decrease in inflation.
 
  • Hong Kong and Korea by $5 million and $3 million, respectively, due to business growth.
 
Decreases in other countries account for the remainder of the change.


165


Table of Contents

Auto & Home
 
Auto & Home, operating through Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, offers personal lines property and casualty insurance directly to employees at their employer’s worksite, as well as to individuals through a variety of retail distribution channels, including the agency distribution group, independent agents, property and casualty specialists and direct response marketing. Auto & Home primarily sells auto insurance and home insurance.
 
The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Auto & Home segment for the periods indicated:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Revenues
                
Premiums
 $726  $742  $1,448  $1,487 
Net investment income
  49   50   89   101 
Other revenues
  5   10   14   21 
Net investment gains (losses):
                
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
     (1)  (1)  (1)
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  (8)  (12)  24   (23)
                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
  (8)  (13)  23   (24)
                 
Total revenues
  772   789   1,574   1,585 
                 
Expenses
                
Policyholder benefits and claims
  491   539   971   1,017 
Policyholder dividends
  1   2      3 
Other expenses
  192   205   385   408 
                 
Total expenses
  684   746   1,356   1,428 
                 
Income before provision for income tax
  88   43   218   157 
Provision for income tax
  17      51   23 
                 
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax
  71   43   167   134 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
            
                 
Net income
  71   43   167   134 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
            
                 
Net income available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $71  $43  $167  $134 
                 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 — Auto & Home
 
Income from Continuing Operations
 
Income from continuing operations increased by $28 million, or 65%, to $71 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $43 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
The increase in income from continuing operations was primarily attributable to a decrease in policyholder benefits and claims of $31 million, net of income tax, and a decrease in operating expenses of $9 million, net of income tax, offset by a decrease in premiums of $11 million, net of income tax.
 
The decrease in policyholder benefits and claims was due to a decrease of $60 million, net of income tax, in catastrophe losses resulting from a decrease of $53 million, net of income tax, from fewer and less severe


166


Table of Contents

catastrophe events than 2008’s near record levels and due to $7 million, net of income tax, more of favorable development of prior year catastrophe losses. Also impacting policyholder benefits and claims was a $6 million, net of income tax, decrease related to earned exposures. Offsetting these decreases were $23 million, net of income tax, less of favorable development of prior year non-catastrophe losses, an increase of $8 million, net of income tax, due to higher severities, primarily in the auto line of business, an increase of $3 million, net of income tax, from higher non-catastrophe claim frequencies, primarily in the auto line of business, and a $2 million, net of income tax, increase in unallocated adjustment expenses.
 
The decrease in other expenses of $9 million, net of income tax, resulted from decreases in information technology infrastructure charges and other operational efficiencies in a number of expense categories.
 
Also contributing to the increase in income from continuing operations was a decrease in net investment losses of $3 million, net of income tax, and a decrease of $1 million, net of income tax, in policyholder dividends.
 
These increases in income from continuing operations were offset by a decrease in premiums of $11 million, net of income tax, which was primarily comprised of a decrease of $11 million, net of income tax, related to decreased exposures and a decrease of $1 million, net of income tax, related to a reduction in average earned premium per policy. Offsetting these decreases in premiums was an increase of $1 million, net of income tax, from a decrease in catastrophe reinsurance costs.
 
Also decreasing income from continuing operations was a decline in net investment income of $1 million, net of income tax, which was primarily due to a smaller asset base and a decrease of $3 million, net of income tax, in other revenues.
 
Income taxes unfavorably impacted income from continuing operations by $1 million due to favorable resolution of prior year tax audit.
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), decreased $22 million, or 3%, to $780 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $802 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Premiums decreased $16 million due to a decrease of $17 million related to a decrease in exposures, a decrease of $1 million related to a decrease in average earned premium per policy offset by a decrease of $2 million in catastrophe reinsurance costs.
 
Net investment income decreased $1 million due primarily to a smaller asset base. Other revenues decreased $5 million primarily related to less income from COLI.
 
Expenses
 
Total expenses decreased $62 million, or 8%, to $684 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $746 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Policyholder benefits and claims decreased $48 million due to a decrease of $92 million in catastrophe losses resulting from a decrease of $81 million from fewer and less severe catastrophe events than 2008’s near record levels and due to $11 million more of favorable development of prior year catastrophe losses and a $9 million decrease related to earned exposures. Offsetting these decreases were $35 million less of favorable development of prior year non-catastrophe losses, an increase of $12 million due to higher severities, primarily in the auto line of business, an increase of $4 million from higher non-catastrophe claim frequencies, primarily in the auto line of business, and a $3 million increase in unallocated adjustment expenses.
 
Other expenses decreased $13 million due to decreases in information technology infrastructure charges and other operational efficiencies in a number of expense categories and policyholder dividends decreased $1 million.
 
Underwriting results, including catastrophes, were favorable for the three months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the corresponding 2008 period, as the combined ratio, including catastrophes, decreased to 93.5% from 99.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2008. Underwriting results, excluding catastrophes, were


167


Table of Contents

unfavorable for the three months ended June 30, 2009, as the combined ratio, excluding catastrophes, increased to 88.0% from 81.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2008.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 — Auto & Home
 
Income from Continuing Operations
 
Income from continuing operations increased by $33 million, or 25%, to $167 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $134 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
The increase in income from continuing operations was primarily attributable to a decrease in policyholder benefits and claims of $29 million, net of income tax, a $31 million, net of income tax, increase in net investment gains, offset by a decrease of $26 million, net of income tax, in premiums and a decrease of $8 million, net of income tax, in net investment income.
 
The decrease in policyholder benefits and claims was due to a decrease of $55 million, net of income tax, in catastrophe losses resulting from a decrease of $49 million, net of income tax, from fewer and less severe catastrophe events than 2008’s near record levels and due to $6 million, net of income tax, more of favorable development of prior year catastrophe losses. Also impacting policyholder benefits and claims was a $14 million, net of income tax, decrease related to earned exposures. Offsetting these decreases were $29 million, net of income tax, less of favorable development of prior year non-catastrophe losses and an increase of $11 million, net of income tax, from higher non-catastrophe claim frequencies, primarily in the homeowner’s line of business.
 
The increase in net investment gains of $31 million, net of income tax, was due primarily to gains on credit spread-sensitive options which are embedded derivatives within certain equity securities.
 
Also contributing to the increase in income from continuing operations was a decrease of $15 million, net of income tax, in other expenses resulting from information technology infrastructure charges and other operational efficiencies in a number of expense categories and a decrease of $2 million, net of income tax, in policyholder dividends.
 
These increases in income from continuing operations were offset by a decrease in premiums of $26 million, net of income tax, which was comprised of a decrease of $24 million, net of income tax, related to decreased exposures, a decrease of $3 million, net of income tax, related to a reduction in average earned premium per policy and a decrease of $1 million, net of income tax, in premiums primarily from various involuntary programs, offset by an increase of $2 million, net of income tax, from a decrease in catastrophe reinsurance costs.
 
Also decreasing income from continuing operations was a decline in net investment income of $8 million, net of income tax, which was primarily due to a smaller asset base and a decrease of $4 million, net of income tax, in other revenues.
 
Income taxes unfavorably impacted income from continuing operations by $2 million due to the favorable resolution of a prior year audit in 2008 and by an additional $4 million due to a reduction in tax advantaged investment income.
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), decreased $58 million, or 4%, to $1,551 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $1,609 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Premiums decreased $39 million due to a decrease of $38 million related to a decrease in exposures, a decrease of $4 million related to a decrease in average earned premium per policy and a decrease of $1 million in premiums primarily from various involuntary programs. These decreases in premiums were offset by a decrease of $4 million in catastrophe reinsurance costs.
 
Net investment income decreased $12 million due primarily to a smaller asset base. Other revenues decreased $7 million primarily related to less income from COLI.


168


Table of Contents

Expenses
 
Total expenses decreased $72 million, or 5%, to $1,356 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $1,428 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Policyholder benefits and claims decreased $46 million due to a decrease of $85 million in catastrophe losses resulting from a decrease of $75 million from fewer and less severe catastrophe events than 2008’s near record levels and due to $10 million more of favorable development of prior year catastrophe losses and a $21 million decrease related to earned exposures. Offsetting these decreases were $44 million less of favorable development of prior year non-catastrophe losses, an increase of $16 million from higher non-catastrophe claim frequencies, primarily in the homeowner’s line of business, and a $1 million increase in unallocated adjustment expenses.
 
Other expenses decreased $23 million due to decreases in information technology infrastructure charges and other operational efficiencies in a number of expense categories partially offset by an increase in pension and postretirement benefit costs. Policyholder dividends decreased $3 million due primarily to unfavorable loss experience on participating policies.
 
Underwriting results, including catastrophes, were favorable for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the corresponding 2008 period, as the combined ratio, including catastrophes, decreased to 93.0% from 95.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Underwriting results, excluding catastrophes, were unfavorable for the six months ended June 30, 2009, as the combined ratio, excluding catastrophes, increased to 88.1% from 84.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
 
Corporate & Other
 
Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the business segments, variousstart-upentities, MetLife Bank and run-off entities, as well as interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt and expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of all intersegment amounts, which generally relate to intersegment loans, which bear interest at rates commensurate with related borrowings, as well as intersegment transactions. The operations of RGA are also reported in Corporate & Other as discontinued operations. Additionally, the Company’s asset management business, including amounts reported as discontinued operations, is included in the results of operations for Corporate & Other. See Note 17 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosures regarding discontinued operations, including real estate.


169


Table of Contents

The following table presents consolidated financial information for Corporate & Other for the periods indicated:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Revenues
                
Premiums
 $4  $12  $6  $18 
Net investment income
  135   244   184   501 
Other revenues
  283   10   550   22 
Net investment gains (losses):
                
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities
  (96)  (17)  (255)  (52)
Other-than-temporaryimpairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive loss
  82      82    
Other net investment gains (losses), net
  (488)  (28)  2   (12)
                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
  (502)  (45)  (171)  (64)
                 
Total revenues
  (80)  221   569   477 
                 
Expenses
                
Policyholder benefits and claims
  4   14   3   24 
Other expenses
  632   402   1,211   756 
                 
Total expenses
  636   416   1,214   780 
                 
Loss from continuing operations before income tax
  (716)  (195)  (645)  (303)
Income tax benefit
  (328)  (117)  (314)  (216)
                 
Loss from continuing operations, net of income tax
  (388)  (78)  (331)  (87)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
     116   12   152 
                 
Net income (loss)
  (388)  38   (319)  65 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
  (7)  56   (6)  72 
                 
Net loss attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
  (381)  (18)  (313)  (7)
Less: Preferred stock dividends
  31   31   61   64 
                 
Net loss available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $(412) $(49) $(374) $(71)
                 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 — Corporate & Other
 
Loss from Continuing Operations
 
Loss from continuing operations increased by $310 million to $388 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $78 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Net investment losses increased by $296 million, net of income tax, to a loss of $326 million, net of income tax, for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from a loss of $30 million, net of income tax, for the comparable 2008 period. The increase in net investment losses was primarily due to increased losses on freestanding derivatives, certain foreign currency transactions, and other limited partnerships, partially offset by gains on the sale of fixed maturity securities. The increase in losses on freestanding derivatives of $251 million, net of income tax, was primarily attributable to the impact of rising short-term interest rates in the prior period and improving equity markets in the current period. Rising short-term interest rates in the prior period drove gains on certain interest rate swaps that were terminated prior to the current period. Improving equity markets in the current period drove losses on equity options which were entered into as part of a macro-economic hedging strategy to mitigate the Company’s


170


Table of Contents

equity exposure arising from variable annuity guarantees. The increase in losses attributable to certain foreign currency transactions of $51 million, net of income tax, was due to the weakening of the U.S Dollar. The increase in losses on other limited partnerships of $40 million, net of income tax, as well as the increase in losses on real estate and real estate joint ventures of $7 million, net of income tax, was principally due to higher impairments on cost method investments resulting from deterioration in value due to volatility in real estate, equity and credit markets and from weakening of real estate market fundamentals. These investments experienced a reduction in net asset values due to the revaluation of the underlying portfolio companies. The underlying valuations of the portfolio companies have decreased due to the current economic environment. The increase in fixed maturity securities OTTI credit losses was attributable to an increase in impairments across several industries due to increased financial restructurings, bankruptcy filings, ratings downgrades or difficult underlying operating environments of the issuer, including impairments on perpetual hybrid securities as a result of deterioration of the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position. These losses were offset by gains of $73 million, net of income tax, on the sale of fixed maturity securities.
 
Excluding the impact of net investment gains (losses), loss from continuing operations increased by $14 million, compared to the comparable 2008 period.
 
The increase in loss from continuing operations excluding net investment gains (losses) was primarily attributable to higher corporate expenses, lower net investment income, lower premiums, higher interest expenses and higher interest credited on bank deposits of $157 million, $71 million, $5 million, $2 million, and $1 million, respectively, each of which were net of income tax. This increase was partially offset by higher other revenues, lower policyholder benefits and claims, lower interest on uncertain tax positions, and lower legal costs of $177 million, $7 million, $7 million and $4 million, respectively, each of which were net of income tax. Tax benefits increased by $29 million over the comparable 2008 period due to the actual and the estimated tax rate allocated to the various segments, as well as the ratio of tax preference items to income before income tax on an annualized basis.
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), increased by $156 million, or 59%, to $422 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $266 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
This increase was primarily due to an increase in other revenues of $273 million, which was principally due to an increase in MetLife Bank loan origination and servicing fees of $271 million related to acquisitions in 2008 and income from counterparties on collateral pledged in 2008 of $6 million, partially offset by a $4 million reduction in revenue on COLI policies.
 
Net investment income decreased by $109 million, or 45%, to $135 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $244 million for the comparable 2008 period. Management attributes $173 million of this change to a decrease in yields, partially offset by an increase of $64 million due to growth in average invested assets. Average invested assets are calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses. Net investment income, excluding MetLife Bank, decreased $153 million, mainly due to reduced yields on fixed maturity securities, cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, and real estate joint ventures, partially offset by a decrease in investment expense related to securities lending cost of funds expense. The decrease in fixed maturity securities yields was primarily due to lower yields on floating rate securities due to declines in short-term interest rates and an increased allocation to high quality, lower yielding U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, including FDIC Program bonds, and from decreased securities lending results due to the smaller size of the program, offset slightly by improved spreads. The decrease in short-term investment yields was primarily attributable to declining short-term interest rates. The decrease in yields and the negative returns in the second quarter of 2009 realized on real estate joint ventures was primarily from continued declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in value driven by capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions while the real estate development joint ventures have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market


171


Table of Contents

fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions. The decrease in investment expenses was primarily attributable to lower cost of funds expense on the securities lending program and this decreased cost partially offsets the decrease in net investment income on fixed maturity securities. This decrease in yields was partially offset by a higher asset base, primarily within fixed maturity securities excluding securities lending related to the investment of proceeds from the sale of common stock in October 2008 partially offset by repurchases of outstanding common stock throughout 2008 and the reduction of commercial paper outstanding. Net investment income on MetLife Bank increased by $44 million primarily due to increased interest income on consumer loans related to mortgage loan production primarily from acquisitions in 2008. This increase in the net investment income of MetLife Bank was partially offset by discontinued participation in the securities lending program.
 
Premiums decreased by $8 million as a result of an increase in indemnity reinsurance on certain run-off products. Also included as a component of total revenues was the elimination of intersegment amounts which was offset within total expenses.
 
Expenses
 
Total expenses increased by $220 million, or 53%, to $636 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $416 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Corporate expenses were higher by $242 million primarily due to higher MetLife Bank costs of $210 million for compensation, rent, and mortgage loan origination and servicing expenses primarily related to operations acquired in 2008, higher post employment related costs of $16 million in the current period associated with the implementation of an enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative and higher deferred compensation expenses of $9 million. Corporate expenses also increased as a result of higher corporate support expenses of $7 million, which included consultant fees, banking fees, rent, advertising, and information technology costs. Interest expense was higher by $3 million due to the issuance of senior notes in March 2009 and May 2009, and the issuance of junior subordinated debt securities in April 2008, partially offset by rate reductions on variable rate collateral financing arrangements in 2008 and the reduction of commercial paper outstanding. Interest credited on bank deposits increased by $1 million at MetLife Bank due to higher bank deposit balances, partially offset by lower interest rates. Interest on uncertain tax positions was lower by $11 million as a result of a decrease in published Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) interest rates. Policyholder benefits and claims were lower by $10 million primarily as a result of an increase in indemnity reinsurance on certain run-off products. Legal costs were lower by $5 million primarily due to prior year asbestos insurance costs of $4 million and a decrease in other legal fees of $1 million. Also included as a component of total expenses was the elimination of intersegment amounts which were offset within total revenues.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 — Corporate & Other
 
Loss from Continuing Operations
 
Loss from continuing operations increased by $244 million to a loss of $331 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $87 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Net investment losses increased by $69 million, net of income tax, to a loss of $111 million, net of income tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from a loss of $42 million, net of income tax, for the comparable 2008 period. The increase in net investment losses was primarily due to increased losses on certain foreign currency transactions, fixed maturity securities OTTI, other limited partnership interests, equity securities, and real estate joint ventures, partially offset by decreased losses on freestanding derivatives and increased gains on the sale of fixed maturity securities. The increase in losses attributable to certain foreign currency transactions of $89 million, net of income tax, was due to the weakening of the U.S Dollar. The increase in losses on other limited partnerships of $69 million, net of income tax, as well as the increase in losses on real estate and real estate joint ventures of $9 million, net of income tax, was principally due to higher impairments on cost method investments resulting from deterioration in value due to volatility in real estate, equity and credit markets and from weakening of real estate market fundamentals. These investments experienced a reduction in net asset values due to the revaluation of the underlying portfolio companies. The underlying valuations of the portfolio companies have decreased due to the


172


Table of Contents

current economic environment. The increase in fixed maturity securities OTTI credit losses of $79 million, net of income tax, and equity securities losses of $68 million, net of income tax, was attributable to an increase in impairments across several industries due to increased financial restructurings, bankruptcy filings, ratings downgrades or difficult underlying operating environments of the issuer, including impairments on perpetual hybrid securities as a result of deterioration of the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position. These losses were partially offset by gains of $74 million, net of income tax, on the sale of fixed maturity securities. The decrease in losses on freestanding derivatives of $167 million, net of income tax, was primarily attributable to the impact of the weakening of the U.S. Dollar, which resulted in gains on foreign currency swaps, and rising interest rates, which resulted in gains on interest rate swaps, partially offset improving equity markets which resulted in losses on equity options which were entered into as part of a macro-economic hedging strategy to mitigate the Company’s equity exposure arising from variable annuity guarantees.
 
Excluding the impact of net investment gains (losses), loss from continuing operations increased by $175 million, compared to the comparable 2008 period.
 
The increase in loss from continuing operations excluding net investment gains (losses) was primarily attributable to higher corporate expenses, lower net investment income, acquisition-related costs, and lower premiums of $329 million, $206 million, $9 million, and $8 million, respectively, each of which were net of income tax. This increase was partially offset by higher other revenues, lower interest expense, lower legal costs, lower policyholder benefits and claims, and lower interest on uncertain tax positions of $343 million, $15 million, $15 million, $14 million and $10 million, respectively, each of which were net of income tax. Tax benefits decreased by $19 million over the comparable 2008 period due to the actual and the estimated tax rate allocated to the various segments, as well as the ratio of tax preference items to income before income tax on an annualized basis.
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), increased by $199 million, or 37%, to $740 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $541 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
This increase was primarily due to an increase in other revenues of $528 million, which was principally due to an increase in MetLife Bank loan origination and servicing fees of $526 million related to operations acquired in 2008 and income from counterparties on collateral pledged in 2008 of $10 million, partially offset by an $8 million reduction in revenue on COLI policies.
 
Net investment income decreased by $317 million, or 63%, to $184 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $501 million for the comparable 2008 period. Management attributes $449 million of this change to a decrease in yields, partially offset by an increase of $132 million due to growth in average invested assets. Average invested assets are calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses. Net investment income, excluding MetLife Bank, decreased $399 million, mainly due to reduced yields on fixed maturity securities, cash, cash equivalents, and short term investments, mortgage loans, other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures, partially offset by a decrease in investment expense related to securities lending cost of funds. The decrease in fixed maturity securities yields was primarily due to lower yields on floating rate securities due to declines in short-term interest rates and an increased allocation to high quality, lower yielding U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, including FDIC Program bonds, and from decreased securities lending results due to the smaller size of the program, offset slightly by improved spreads. The decrease in short-term investment yields was primarily attributable to declining short-term interest rates. The decrease in yields associated with our mortgage loan portfolio was primarily attributable to lower prepayments on commercial mortgage loans and lower yields on variable rate loans due to declines in short-term interest rates. The reduction in yields and the negative returns realized on other limited partnership interests were primarily due to a lack of liquidity and available credit in the financial markets, driven by volatility in the equity and credit markets. The decrease in yields and the negative returns in the first six months of 2009 realized on real estate joint ventures was primarily from continued declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate


173


Table of Contents

properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions which have led to declining property valuations, while the real estate development joint ventures have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions. The decrease in investment expenses was primarily attributable to lower cost of funds expense on the securities lending program and this decreased cost partially offsets the decrease in net investment income on fixed maturity securities. This decrease in yields was partially offset by a higher asset base, primarily within fixed maturity securities excluding securities lending, related to the investment of proceeds from the sale of common stock in October 2008 partially offset by repurchases of outstanding common stock throughout 2008 and the reduction of commercial paper outstanding. Net investment income on MetLife Bank increased by $82 million primarily due to increased interest income on consumer loans related to mortgage loan production primarily from acquisitions in 2008. This increase in net investment income of MetLife Bank was partially offset by discontinued participation in the securities lending program.
 
Premiums decreased by $12 million as a result of an increase in indemnity reinsurance on certain run-off products. Also included as a component of total revenues was the elimination of intersegment amounts which was offset within total expenses.
 
Expenses
 
Total expenses increased by $434 million, or 56%, to $1,214 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $780 million for the comparable 2008 period.
 
Corporate expenses were higher by $506 million primarily due to higher MetLife Bank costs of $401 million for compensation, rent, and mortgage loan origination and servicing expenses primarily related to acquisitions in 2008, higher post employment related costs of $37 million in the current period associated with the implementation of an enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative and higher deferred compensation expenses of $31 million. Corporate expenses also increased as a result of higher corporate support expenses of $25 million, which included consultant fees, banking fees, rent, advertising, and information technology costs, and lease impairments of $12 million for Company use space that is currently vacant. Acquisition-related costs were $11 million in the current period. Legal costs were lower by $24 million primarily due to prior year asbestos insurance costs of $14 million and a decrease of $10 million in the current period resulting from the resolution of certain matters. Interest expense was lower by $23 million due to rate reductions on variable rate collateral financing arrangements in 2008 and the reduction of commercial paper outstanding, partially offset by the issuance of senior notes in March 2009 and May 2009 and junior subordinated debt in April 2008. Policyholder benefits and claims were lower by $21 million primarily as a result of an increase in indemnity reinsurance on certain run-off products. Interest on uncertain tax positions was lower by $15 million as a result of a decrease in published IRS interest rates. Also included as a component of total expenses was the elimination of intersegment amounts which were offset within total revenues.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Overview
 
Beginning in September 2008, the global financial markets experienced unprecedented disruption, adversely affecting the business environment in general, as well as financial services companies in particular. Although conditions in the financial markets have stabilized since March 2009, continuing adverse financial market conditions or a recurrence of the stressed conditions that prevailed at the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 could significantly affect the Company’s ability to meet liquidity needs and obtain capital. The following discussion supplements the discussion in the 2008 Annual Report under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Extraordinary Market Conditions.”
 
Liquidity Management.  Based upon the strength of its franchise, diversification of its businesses and strong financial fundamentals, management believes that the Company has ample liquidity and capital resources to meet business requirements under current market conditions. Processes for monitoring and managing liquidity risk, including liquidity stress models, have been enhanced to take into account the extraordinary market conditions,


174


Table of Contents

including the impact on policyholder and counterparty behavior, the ability to sell various investment assets and the ability to raise incremental funding from various sources. The Company’s short-term liquidity position (cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, excluding cash collateral received under the Company’s securities lending program and in connection with derivative instruments that has been reinvested in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and publicly-traded securities) was $14.4 billion and $26.7 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. A somewhat higher than normal level of short-term liquidity is being maintained to provide additional flexibility to address potential variations in cash needs while credit market conditions remain distressed. Maintaining a higher than normal level of short-term liquidity adversely impacts net investment income. During the first and second quarters of 2009, the Company invested a portion of its short-term liquidity in higher quality, more liquid asset types, including government securities and agency residential mortgage-backed securities. During this extraordinary market environment, management is continuously monitoring and adjusting its liquidity and capital plans for the Holding Company and its subsidiaries in light of changing needs and opportunities. The dislocation in the credit markets has limited the access of financial institutions to long-term debt and hybrid capital. While, in general, yields on benchmark U.S. Treasury securities have been historically low during the current extraordinary market conditions, related spreads on debt instruments, in general, and those of financial institutions, specifically, have been as high as they have been in MetLife’s history as a public company.
 
Liquidity Needs of the Business.  The liquidity needs of the Company’s insurance businesses did not change materially from the discussion included in the 2008 Annual Report. With respect to the insurance businesses, Individual and Institutional segments tend to behave differently under these extraordinary market conditions. In the Company’s Individual segment, which includes individual life and annuity products, lapses and surrenders occur in the normal course of business in many product areas. These lapses and surrenders have not deviated materially from management expectations during the financial crisis. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, for both fixed and variable annuities, net flows were positive and lapse rates declined.
 
Within the Institutional segment, the retirement & savings business consists of general account values of $93.6 billion at June 30, 2009. Of that amount, $90.3 billion is comprised of pension closeouts, other fixed annuity contracts without surrender or withdrawal options, as well as global guaranteed interest contracts (“GICs”) that have stated maturities and cannot be put back to the Company prior to maturity. As a result, the surrenders or withdrawals are fairly predictable and even during this difficult environment they have not deviated materially from management expectations. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, policyholder account balances and future policy benefits in the Institutional segment declined by $6.5 billion, related to a decrease of $7.5 billion in the retirement & savings business that resulted from market conditions that were adverse to issuing new global GICs to replace maturities or renewing maturing funding agreements, partially offset by an increase in the outstanding amount of the funding agreement-backed commercial paper program at quarter end.
 
With regard to Institutional’s retirement & savings liabilities where customers have limited liquidity rights, at June 30, 2009, there were $2.5 billion of funding agreements and global GICs that could be put back to the Company after a period of notice. While the notice requirements vary, the shortest is 15 days and applies to only $0.3 billion of these liabilities. The next shortest notice period is 90 days, which applies to $1.3 billion of these liabilities. The remainder of the notice periods are between 6 and 13 months, so even on the small portion of the portfolio where there is ability to accelerate withdrawal, the exposure is relatively limited. With respect to credit ratings downgrade triggers that permit early termination, $500 million of the retirement & savings liabilities were subject to such triggers. In addition, such early termination payments are subject to 90 day prior notice. Management controls the liquidity exposure that can arise from these various product features.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company renewed maturing funding agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB of New York”), primarily replacing shorter term maturities with new agreements for maturities ranging from two to seven years. See “— The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Global Funding Sources” for additional detail on the funding agreements issued to the FHLB of New York and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB of Boston”).
 
At June 30, 2009, the Company held $4,271 million in residential loansheld-for-sale,compared with $2,012 million at December 31, 2008, an increase of $2,259 million. As a result of acquisitions completed by MetLife Bank in 2008 and a significant increase in refinancing activity driven by lower interest rates, MetLife Bank


175


Table of Contents

has an increased liquidity need to fund mortgage loans that it generally holds for a relatively short period before selling them to one of the government-sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. To meet the increased funding requirement, as well as to increase overall liquidity, MetLife Bank has taken increased advantage of collateralized borrowing opportunities with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the FHLB of New York. MetLife Bank’s outstanding borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Discount Window and Term Auction Facility increased to $1.8 billion at June 30, 2009 from $950 million at December 31, 2008, and its liability under outstanding repurchase agreements with the FHLB of New York increased to $3.8 billion at June 30, 2009 from $1.8 billion at December 31, 2008.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company used $1.2 billion of net cash in operating activities, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $5.4 billion during the six months ended June 30, 2008. Cash flows from operations represent net income earned adjusted for non-cash charges and changes in operating assets and liabilities. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, cash flows from operations include the impact of the Company entering the mortgage origination and servicing business in the latter part of 2008 discussed above, resulting in a reduction of operating cash flows of $2.8 billion as a result of growth within the quarter in net residential loansheld-for-saleand mortgage servicing rights compared with no impact for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Cash flows from operations also reflected a loss of $2.0 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared with a profit of $1.7 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Excluding the impact from the mortgage origination and servicing business and from the net loss for the period, the Company’s net cash provided by operating activities was $3.6 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009. See “— The Company — Liquidity and Capital Uses — Consolidated Cash Flows” for additional information.
 
Securities Lending.  Under the Company’s securities lending program, blocks of securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms and commercial banks, and the Company receives cash collateral from the borrower, which must be returned to the borrower when the loaned securities are returned to the Company. The Company was liable for cash collateral under its control of $21.5 billion and $23.3 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Based upon present market conditions, management anticipates the securities lending program will be maintained in the $18 billion to $25 billion range. For further detail on the securities lending program and the related liquidity needs, see “— Investments — Securities Lending.”
 
Internal Asset Transfers.  MetLife employs an internal asset transfer process that allows for the sale of securities among the business portfolio segments for the purposes of efficient asset/liability matching. The execution of the internally transferred assets is permitted when mutually beneficial to both business segments. The asset is transferred at estimated fair market value with corresponding net investment gains (losses) being eliminated in Corporate & Other.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, a period of market disruption, internal asset transfers were utilized to preserve economic value for MetLife by transferring assets across business segments instead of selling them to external parties at depressed market prices. Securities with an estimated fair value of $3.7 billion were transferred across business segments in the six months ended June 30, 2009 generating $509 million in net investment losses, principally within Individual and Institutional, with the offset in Corporate & Other’s net investment gains (losses). Transfers of securities out of the securities lending portfolio to other investment portfolios in exchange for cash and short-term investments represented the majority of the internal asset transfers during this period.
 
Derivatives and Collateral Financing Arrangements.  The Company does not operate a financial guarantee or financial products business with exposures in derivative products that could give rise to extremely large collateral calls. The Company is a net receiver of collateral from counterparties under the Company’s current derivative transactions. With respect to derivative transactions with credit ratings downgrade triggers, a two-notch downgrade would impact the Company’s derivative collateral requirements by $131 million at June 30, 2009. As a result, the Company does not have significant exposure to any credit ratings dependent liquidity factors resulting from current derivative positions. As discussed under “— The Holding Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Collateral Financing Arrangements,” the Company has been providing, and may be required from time to time to provide, collateral in connection with collateral financing arrangements related to reinsurance of closed block liabilities and universal life secondary guarantee liabilities.


176


Table of Contents

Holding Company.  The Holding Company relies principally on dividends from its subsidiaries to meet its cash requirements. The ability of the Holding Company’s insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends is subject to regulatory restrictions, as described under “— The Holding Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources.” None of the Holding Company’s long-term debt is due before 2011, so there is no near-term refinancing risk. In addition to its fixed obligations, the Holding Company has pledged and may be required to pledge further collateral under collateral support agreements if the estimated fair value of the related derivativesand/orcollateral financing arrangements declines. The Holding Company holds significant liquid assets of $4.7 billion at June 30, 2009, compared to $2.7 billion at December 31, 2008. At June 30, 2009, the Holding Company had pledged $532 million of liquid assets under collateral support agreements, compared to $820 million at December 31, 2008.
 
In April 2009, the Holding Company made a payment of $400 million to an unaffiliated financial institution related to a decline in the estimated fair value of the surplus note issued by MetLife Reinsurance Company of Charleston (“MRC”) pursuant to a collateral financing arrangement. In June 2009, the Holding Company received $400 million from the unaffiliated financial institution as a result of the increase in the estimated fair value of the surplus note since April 2009. See “— The Holding Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Collateral Financing Arrangements.”
 
In January 2009, the Holding Company paid $360 million to an unaffiliated financial institution pursuant to a collateral financing arrangement providing statutory reserve support for MetLife Reinsurance Company of South Carolina (“MRSC”) associated with its intercompany reinsurance obligations relating to reinsurance of universal life secondary guarantees. All of the $360 million paid by the Holding Company was deposited into a trust securing MRSC’s obligations to the ceding companies. See “— The Holding Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Collateral Financing Arrangements.”
 
On March 2, 2009, the Company completed the sale of Cova, the parent company of Texas Life, for a purchase price of $134 million, excluding $1 million of transaction costs. The proceeds of the transaction were paid to the Holding Company.
 
On February 17, 2009, in connection with the successful remarketing of the $1,035 million Series B portion of the junior subordinated debt securities constituting part of the common equity units issued in June 2005, the Holding Company received proceeds of $1,035 million from the settlement of the related stock purchase contracts and delivered 24,343,154 shares of its newly issued common stock. On March 26, 2009, the Holding Company issued $397 million aggregate principal amount of floating-rate senior notes due June 2012 under the FDIC Program.
 
On May 29, 2009, the Holding Company issued $1,250 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due June 1, 2016. Interest on the notes accrues at a fixed rate of 6.75%, payable semiannually. See “— The Holding Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Debt Issuances and Other Borrowings.”
 
See “— Subsequent Events” for discussion of issuances of junior subordinated debt securities since June 30, 2009.
 
Capital.  Although the Company has been able to raise new capital during the difficult market conditions prevailing since the second half of 2008, the increase in credit spreads experienced since the second half of 2008 has resulted in an increase in the cost of new debt capital. As a result of reductions in interest rates, the Company’s interest expense and dividends on floating rate securities has been lower; however, the increase in the Company’s credit spreads since the second half of 2008 has caused the Company’s letter of credit fees to increase.
 
The Company manages its capital structure to maintain a level of capital needed for “AA” financial strength ratings. However, management believes that the rating agencies have recently heightened the level of scrutiny that they apply to insurance companies and are considering several other factors, in addition to the level of capital, in assigning financial strength ratings. In the current environment, holding capital at levels that have been historically associated with a particular financial strength rating is one factor in the maintenance of that rating. The rating agencies may also adjust upward the capital and other requirements employed in their models for maintenance of certain ratings levels.


177


Table of Contents

The Company
 
Capital
 
Capital and liquidity represent the financial strength of the Company and reflect its ability to generate strong cash flows at the operating companies, borrow funds at competitive rates and raise additional capital to meet operating and growth needs.
 
Statutory Capital and Dividends.  Our insurance subsidiaries have statutory surplus well above levels to meet current regulatory requirements.
 
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 provide an additional margin for risk protection and invest 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.
 
Rating Agencies.  The rating agencies assign insurer financial strength ratings to the Company’s domestic life subsidiaries and credit ratings to MetLife, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries. The level and composition of our 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 the current environment, holding capital at levels that have been historically associated with a particular financial strength rating is one factor in the maintenance of that rating. Management believes that the rating agencies have recently heightened the level of scrutiny that they apply to insurance companies, and that they may 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.
 
The Company’s financial strength ratings for its domestic life insurance companies are “AA-/Aa2/AA/A+” for Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), and A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), respectively. The Company’s long-term senior debt credit ratings are “A-/A2/A/a-” for S&P, Moody’s, Fitch, and A.M. Best, respectively. The Company’s ratings outlooks are “Negative/Negative/Negative/Stable” for S&P, Moody’s, Fitch, and A.M. Best, respectively.
 
A downgrade in the credit or financial strength (i.e., claims-paying) ratings of the Company or its subsidiaries would likely impact the cost and availability of unsecured financing for the Company 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.
 
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. See “— Overview” and “— Liquidity and Capital Uses — Contractual Obligations.”
 
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 and net investment income. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash inflows are the risk of default by debtors and market volatilities. The Company closely monitors and manages these risks through its credit risk management process. Since the latter half of 2008, the Company has held a higher short-term liquidity position in response to the extraordinary market conditions. The Company’s short-term liquidity position, defined as cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments excluding both cash collateral received under the Company’s securities lending program that has been reinvested in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and collateral received from counterparties in connection with derivative instruments, was $14.4 billion and $26.7 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. See “— Investments — Current Environment.”


178


Table of Contents

Liquid Assets.  An integral part of the Company’s liquidity management is the amount of liquid assets it holds. Liquid assets include cash, 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, cash equivalents, short-term investments and publicly-traded securities; (ii) cash collateral received from counterparties in connection with derivative instruments; (iii) cash, 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 June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had $144.5 billion and $141.7 billion in liquid assets, respectively. 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 — Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral.”
 
Global Funding Sources.  Liquidity is also provided by a variety of short-term instruments, including repurchase agreements and commercial paper. Capital is provided by a variety of instruments, including medium- and long-term debt, junior subordinated debt securities, capital securities and stockholders’ equity. The diversity of the Company’s funding sources, including funding that may be available through certain economic stabilization programs established by various government institutions, enhances flexibility, limits dependence on any one source of funds and generally lowers the cost of funds.
 
During the turbulent market conditions that began in 2008 and continued through the second quarter of 2009, the Company has had available to it various means of short- and long-term financing, including certain economic stabilization programs established by various government institutions.
 
  • MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Funding, Inc. (“MetLife Funding”) each have commercial paper programs. Depending on market conditions, we may issue shorter maturities than we would otherwise like. The commercial paper markets have effectively closed to certain issuers, depending upon their ratings.
 
  • The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Commercial Paper Funding Facility (“CPFF”) is intended to improve liquidity in short-term funding markets by increasing the availability of term commercial paper funding to issuers and by providing greater assurance to both issuers and investors that firms will be able to rollover their maturing commercial paper. MetLife Short Term Funding LLC, the issuer of commercial paper under a program supported by funding agreements issued by MLIC and MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut (“MICC”), was accepted in October 2008 for the CPFF and may issue a maximum amount of $3.8 billion under the CPFF. At June 30, 2009 MetLife Short Term Funding LLC had no drawdown under its CPFF capacity, compared to $1,650 million at December 31, 2008. MetLife Funding was accepted in November 2008 for the CPFF and may issue a maximum amount of $1 billion under the CPFF. No drawdown by MetLife Funding has taken place under this facility at June 30, 2009.
 
  • MetLife Bank is a depository institution that is approved to use the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Discount Window borrowing privileges and participate in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Term Auction Facility. In order to utilize these facilities, MetLife Bank has pledged qualifying loans and investment securities to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as collateral. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, MetLife Bank’s liability for advances from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York under these facilities was $1.8 billion and $950 million, respectively, which is included in short-term debt. The Company did not participate in these programs during the six months ended June 30, 2008. See Note 9 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
  • As a member of the FHLB of New York, MetLife Bank has entered into repurchase agreements with FHLB of New York on both short- and long-term bases, with a total liability for repurchase agreements with the FHLB of New York of $3.8 billion and $1.8 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. See Note 9 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
  • MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Bank have elected to continue to participate in the debt guarantee component of the FDIC Program. On March 26, 2009, MetLife, Inc. issued $397 million aggregate principal amount of floating-rate senior notes due June 2012 under the FDIC Program, representing all MetLife, Inc.’s capacity


179


Table of Contents

 under the FDIC Program. MetLife Bank may issue up to $178 million of guaranteed debt under the FDIC Program. Unless extended, the FDIC Program will not apply to debt issued after October 31, 2009.
 
  • In addition, the Company had obligations under funding agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB of NY”) of $14.9 billion and $15.2 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, for MLIC and with the FHLB of Boston of $325 million and $526 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, for MICC. The FHLB of Boston had also advanced $300 million to MICC at December 31, 2008, which was included in short-term debt. There were no such advances at June 30, 2009. In the current market environment, the Federal Home Loan Bank system has demonstrated its commitment to provide funding to its members especially through these stressful market conditions. Management expects the renewal of these funding resources. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company renewed maturing funding agreements with the FHLB-NY, replacing shorter term maturities with new agreements for maturities ranging from 2 to 7 years. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding $4.8 billion and $2.7 billion in short-term debt, respectively, and $12.9 billion and $9.7 billion in long-term debt, respectively. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding $5.3 billion and $5.2 billion in collateral financing arrangements, respectively, and $2.7 billion and $3.8 billion in junior subordinated debt, respectively. Short-term and long-term debt include the above-mentioned MetLife Bank funding from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the FHLB of NY, as well as the above-mentioned advances from the FHLB of Boston.
 
Debt Issuances and Other Borrowings.  For information on debt issuances and other borrowings entered into by the Company, see “— The Holding Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Debt Issuances and Other Borrowings.”
 
Collateral Financing Arrangements.  For information on collateral financing arrangements entered into by the Company, see “— The Holding Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Collateral Financing Arrangements.”
 
Credit Facilities.  The Company maintains committed and unsecured credit facilities aggregating $3.2 billion at June 30, 2009. When drawn upon, these facilities bear interest at varying rates in accordance with the respective agreements. The facilities can be used for general corporate purposes and, at June 30, 2009, $2.9 billion of the facilities also served asback-uplines of credit for the Company’s commercial paper programs. These facilities contain various administrative, reporting, legal and financial covenants, including a requirement for the Company to maintain a specified minimum consolidated net worth. Management has no reason to believe that its lending counterparties are unable to fulfill their respective contractual obligations.
 
Total fees associated with these credit facilities were $14 million and $30 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $1 million and $3 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Information on these credit facilities at June 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
                     
        Letter of
       
        Credit
     Unused
 
Borrower(s)
 Expiration  Capacity  Issuances  Drawdowns  Commitments 
     (In millions) 
 
MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Funding, Inc. 
  June 2012(1) $2,850  $534  $  $2,316 
MetLife Bank, N.A
  July 2009   300         300 
                     
Total
     $3,150  $534  $  $2,616 
                     
 
 
(1) Proceeds are available to be used for general corporate purposes, to support the borrowers’ commercial paper programs and for the issuance of letters of credit. All borrowings under the credit agreement must be repaid by June 2012, except that letters of credit outstanding upon termination may remain outstanding until June 2013.
 
Committed Facilities.  The Company maintains committed facilities aggregating $11.5 billion at June 30, 2009. When drawn upon, these facilities bear interest at varying rates in accordance with the respective agreements. The facilities are used for collateral for certain of the Company’s reinsurance liabilities. These facilities contain various administrative, reporting, legal and financial covenants, including a requirement for the Company to


180


Table of Contents

maintain a specified minimum consolidated net worth. Management has no reason to believe that its lending counterparties are unable to fulfill their respective contractual obligations.
 
Total fees associated with these committed facilities were $14 million and $25 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $4 million and $7 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Information on committed facilities at June 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
                       
       Letter of
          
       Credit
     Unused
  Maturity
 
Account Party/Borrower(s)
 Expiration Capacity  Issuances  Drawdowns  Commitments  (Years) 
    (In millions) 
 
MetLife, Inc. 
 August 2009 (1) $500  $500  $  $    
Exeter Reassurance Company Ltd., MetLife, Inc., & Missouri Reinsurance (Barbados), Inc. 
 June 2016 (2)  500   490      10   7 
Exeter Reassurance Company Ltd. 
 December 2027 (3)  650   410      240   18 
MetLife Reinsurance Company of South Carolina & MetLife, Inc. 
 June 2037  3,500      2,797   703   28 
MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont & MetLife, Inc. 
 December 2037 (3)  2,896   1,421      1,475   28 
MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont & MetLife, Inc. 
 September 2038 (3)  3,500   1,261      2,239   29 
                       
Total
   $11,546  $4,082  $2,797  $4,667     
                       
 
 
(1) On July 31, 2009, MetLife, Inc. entered into an agreement to extend the availability of $300 million of this committed facility to August 2010.
 
(2) Letters of credit and replacements or renewals thereof issued under this facility of $280 million, $10 million and $200 million are set to expire no later than December 2015, March 2016 and June 2016, respectively.
 
(3) The Holding Company is a guarantor under this agreement.
 
Letters of Credit.  At June 30, 2009, the Company had outstanding $4.7 billion in letters of credit from various financial institutions, of which $4.1 billion and $534 million were part of committed and credit facilities, respectively. 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 is in compliance with all covenants at June 30, 2009.
 
Liquidity and Capital Uses
 
Debt Repayments.  During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, MetLife Bank made repayments of $120 million and $171 million, respectively, to the FHLB of NY related to long-term borrowings. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, MetLife Bank made repayments of $16 billion to the FHLB of NY and $8.1 billion to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York related to short-term borrowings. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, MICC made repayments of $300 million to the FHLB of Boston related to short-term borrowings.
 
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. See “— Contractual Obligations.”
 
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.
 
Securities Lending.  The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby blocks of securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms and commercial banks. The Company was liable for cash collateral under its control of


181


Table of Contents

$21.5 billion and $23.3 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. During the unprecedented market disruption since mid-September 2008, the demand for securities loans from the Company’s counterparties has decreased. The volume of securities lending has decreased in line with reduced demand from counterparties and reduced trading capacity of certain segments of the fixed income securities market. See “— Overview” and ‘‘— Investments — Securities Lending” for further information.
 
Contractual Obligations.  The following table summarizes the Company’s major contractual obligations at June 30, 2009:
 
                         
              More Than
    
           More Than
  Three Years
    
           One Year and
  and Less
    
        Less Than
  Less Than
  Than Five
  More Than
 
Contractual Obligations
    Total  One Year  Three Years  Years  Five Years 
     (In millions) 
 
Future policy benefits
  (1) $301,362  $7,139  $10,838  $11,600  $271,785 
Policyholder account balances
  (2)  205,328   33,137   30,556   24,533   117,102 
Other policyholder liabilities
  (3)  6,137   6,137          
Short-term debt
  (4)  4,757   4,757          
Long-term debt
  (4)  21,198   1,290   3,469   2,668   13,771 
Collateral financing arrangements
  (4)  7,656   97   194   193   7,172 
Junior subordinated debt securities
  (4)  8,462   205   409   409   7,439 
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
  (5)  24,607   24,607          
Commitments to lend funds
  (6)  7,619   7,528   66   5   20 
Operating leases
  (7)  2,056   286   437   298   1,035 
Other
  (8)  11,001   10,622   6   2   371 
                         
Total
     $600,183  $95,805  $45,975  $39,708  $418,695 
                         
 
 
(1) Future policyholder benefits include liabilities related to traditional whole life policies, term life policies, closeout and other group annuity contracts, structured settlements, master terminal funding agreements, single premium immediate annuities, long-term disability policies, individual disability income policies, LTC policies and property and casualty contracts. Included within future policyholder benefits are contracts where the Company is currently making payments and will continue to do so until the occurrence of a specific event such as death, as well as those where the timing of a portion of the payments has been determined by the contract. Also included are contracts where the Company is not currently making payments and will not make payments until the occurrence of an insurable event, such as death or illness, or where the occurrence of the payment triggering event, such as a surrender of a policy or contract, is outside the control of the Company. The Company has estimated the timing of the cash flows related to these contracts based on historical experience, as well as its expectation of future payment patterns.
 
Liabilities related to accounting conventions, or which are not contractually due, such as shadow liabilities, excess interest reserves and property and casualty loss adjustment expenses, of $463 million have been excluded from amounts presented in the table above.
 
Amounts presented in the table above, excluding those related to property and casualty contracts, represent the estimated cash payments for benefits under such contracts including assumptions related to the receipt of future premiums and assumptions related to mortality, morbidity, policy lapse, renewal, retirement, inflation, disability incidence, disability terminations, policy loans and other contingent events as appropriate to the respective product type. Payments for case reserve liabilities and incurred but not reported liabilities associated with property and casualty contracts of $1.5 billion have been included using an estimate of the ultimate amount to be settled under the policies based upon historical payment patterns. The ultimate amount to be paid under property and casualty contracts is not determined until the Company reaches a settlement with the claimant, which may vary significantly from the liability or contractual obligation presented above especially as it relates to incurred but not reported liabilities. All estimated cash payments presented in the table above are undiscounted as to interest, net of estimated future premiums on policies currently in-force and gross of any reinsurance recoverable. The more than five years category displays estimated payments due for periods extending for more than 100 years from the present date.


182


Table of Contents

 
The sum of the estimated cash flows shown for all years in the table of $301.4 billion exceeds the liability amount of $132.8 billion included on the consolidated balance sheet principally due to the time value of money, which accounts for at least 80% of the difference, as well as differences in assumptions, most significantly mortality, between the date the liabilities were initially established and the current date.
 
For the majority of the Company’s insurance operations, estimated contractual obligations for future policy benefits and policyholder account balance liabilities as presented in the table above are derived from the annual asset adequacy analysis used to develop actuarial opinions of statutory reserve adequacy for state regulatory purposes. These cash flows are materially representative of the cash flows under generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Actual cash payments to policyholders may differ significantly from the liabilities as presented in the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated cash payments as presented in the table above due to differences between actual experience and the assumptions used in the establishment of these liabilities and the estimation of these cash payments.
 
(2) Policyholder account balances include liabilities related to conventional guaranteed interest contracts, guaranteed interest contracts associated with formal offering programs, funding agreements, individual and group annuities, total control accounts, bank deposits, individual and group universal life, variable universal life and company-owned life insurance.
 
Included within policyholder account balances are contracts where the amount and timing of the payment is essentially fixed and determinable. These amounts relate to policies where the Company is currently making payments and will continue to do so, as well as those where the timing of the payments has been determined by the contract. Other contracts involve payment obligations where the timing of future payments is uncertain and where the Company is not currently making payments and will not make payments until the occurrence of an insurable event, such as death, or where the occurrence of the payment triggering event, such as a surrender of or partial withdrawal on a policy or deposit contract, is outside the control of the Company. The Company has estimated the timing of the cash flows related to these contracts based on historical experience, as well as its expectation of future payment patterns.
 
Excess interest reserves representing purchase accounting adjustments of $625 million have been excluded from amounts presented in the table above as they represent an accounting convention and not a contractual obligation.
 
Amounts presented in the table above represent the estimated cash payments to be made to policyholders undiscounted as to interest and including assumptions related to the receipt of future premiums and deposits; withdrawals, including unscheduled or partial withdrawals; policy lapses; surrender charges; annuitization; mortality; future interest credited; policy loans and other contingent events as appropriate to the respective product type. Such estimated cash payments are also presented net of estimated future premiums on policies currently in-force and gross of any reinsurance recoverable. For obligations denominated in foreign currencies, cash payments have been estimated using current spot rates.
 
The sum of the estimated cash flows shown for all years in the table of $205.3 billion exceeds the liability amount of $147.9 billion included on the consolidated balance sheet principally due to the time value of money, which accounts for at least 80% of the difference, as well as differences in assumptions between the date the liabilities were initially established and the current date. See the comments under footnote 1 regarding the source and uncertainties associated with the estimation of the contractual obligations related to future policyholder benefits and policyholder account balances. See also “— Overview.”
 
(3) Other policyholder liabilities are comprised of other policyholder funds, policyholder dividends payable and the policyholder dividend obligation. Amounts included in the table above related to these liabilities are as follows:
 
a. Other policyholder funds includes liabilities for incurred but not reported claims and claims payable on group term life, long-term disability, LTC and dental; policyholder dividends left on deposit and policyholder dividends due and unpaid related primarily to traditional life and group life and health; and premiums received in advance. Liabilities related to unearned revenue of $2.1 billion have been excluded from the cash payments presented in the table above because they reflect an accounting convention and not a contractual obligation. With the exception of policyholder dividends left on deposit, and those items excluded as noted in the preceding sentence, the contractual obligation presented in the table above related to other policyholder funds is equal to the liability reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. Such


183


Table of Contents

amounts are reported in the less than one year category due to the short-term nature of the liabilities. Contractual obligations on policyholder dividends left on deposit are projected based on assumptions of policyholder withdrawal activity.
 
b. Policyholder dividends payable consists of liabilities related to dividends payable in the following calendar year on participating policies. As such, the contractual obligation related to policyholder dividends payable is presented in the table above in the less than one year category at the amount of the liability presented in the consolidated balance sheet.
 
c. The nature of the policyholder dividend obligation is described in Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report. Because the exact timing and amount of the ultimate policyholder dividend obligation is subject to significant uncertainty and the amount of the policyholder dividend obligation is based upon a long-term projection of the performance of the closed block, management has reflected the obligation at the amount of the liability, if any, presented in the consolidated balance sheet in the more than five years category. This was done to reflect the long-duration of the liability and the uncertainty of the ultimate cash payment.
 
(4) Amounts presented in the table above for short-term debt, long-term debt, collateral financing arrangements and junior subordinated debt securities differ from the balances presented on the consolidated balance sheet as the amounts presented in the table above do not include premiums or discounts upon issuance or purchase accounting fair value adjustments. The amounts presented above also include interest on such obligations as described below.
 
Short-term debt consists of borrowings with original maturities of less than one year carrying fixed interest rates. The contractual obligation for short-term debt presented in the table above represents the amounts due upon maturity plus the related interest for the period from April 1, 2009 through maturity.
 
Long-term debt bears interest at fixed and variable interest rates through their respective maturity dates. Interest on fixed rate debt was computed using the stated rate on the obligations through maturity. Interest on variable rate debt is computed using prevailing rates at June 30, 2009 and, as such, does not consider the impact of future rate movements. Long-term debt also includes payments under capital lease obligations of $8 million, $4 million, $1 million and $28 million, in the less than one year, one to three years, three to five years and more than five years categories, respectively.
 
Collateral financing arrangements bear interest at fixed and variable interest rates through their respective maturity dates. Interest on fixed rate debt was computed using the stated rate on the obligations through maturity. Interest on variable rate debt is computed using prevailing rates at June 30, 2009 and, as such, does not consider the impact of future rate movements. Pursuant to these collateral financing arrangements, the Holding Company may be required to deliver cash or pledge collateral to the respective unaffiliated financial institutions. See “— Holding Company — Global Funding Sources.”
 
Junior subordinated debt securities bear interest at fixed interest rates through their respective redemption dates. Interest was computed using the stated rates on the obligations through the scheduled redemption dates as it is the Company’s expectation that the debt will be redeemed at that time. Inclusion of interest payments on junior subordinated debt through the final maturity dates would increase the contractual obligation by $4.1 billion.
 
(5) The Company has accepted cash collateral in connection with securities lending and derivative transactions. As the securities lending transactions expire within the next year or the timing of the return of the collateral is uncertain, the return of the collateral has been included in the less than one year category in the table above. The Company also holds non-cash collateral, which is not reflected as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet, of $435 million at June 30, 2009.
 
(6) The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loans, partnerships, bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments. In the table above, the timing of the funding of mortgage loans and private corporate bond investments is based on the expiration date of the commitment. As it relates to commitments to lend funds to partnerships and under bank credit facilities, the Company anticipates that these amounts could be invested any time over the next five years; however, as the timing of the fulfillment of the obligation cannot be predicted, such obligations are presented in the less than one year category in the table above. Commitments to fund bridge loans are short-term obligations and, as a result, are presented in the less than one year category in the table above. See “— Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.”


184


Table of Contents

 
(7) As a lessee, the Company has various operating leases, primarily for office space. Contractual provisions exist that could increase or accelerate those leases obligations presented, including various leases with early buyouts and/or escalation clauses. However, the impact of any such transactions would not be material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See “— Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.”
 
(8) Other includes those other liability balances which represent contractual obligations, as well as other miscellaneous contractual obligations of $11 million not included elsewhere in the table above. Other liabilities presented in the table above are principally comprised of amounts due under reinsurance arrangements, payables related to securities purchased but not yet settled, securities sold short, accrued interest on debt obligations, estimated fair value of derivative obligations, deferred compensation arrangements, guaranty liabilities, the estimated fair value of forward stock purchase contracts, as well as general accruals and accounts payable due under contractual obligations. If the timing of any of the other liabilities is sufficiently uncertain, the amounts are included within the less than one year category.
 
The other liabilities presented in the table above differs from the amount presented in the consolidated balance sheet by $3.7 billion due primarily to the exclusion of items such as legal liabilities, pension and postretirement benefit obligations, taxes due other than income tax, unrecognized tax benefits and related accrued interest, accrued severance and employee incentive compensation and other liabilities such as deferred gains and losses. Such items have been excluded from the table above as they represent accounting conventions or are not liabilities due under contractual obligations.
 
The net funded status of the Company’s pension and other postretirement liabilities included within other liabilities has been excluded from the amounts presented in the table above. Rather, the amounts presented represent the discretionary contributions of $72 million, based on the current year’s expected gross benefit payments to participants, to be made by the Company to the postretirement benefit plans during 2009. Virtually all contributions to the pension and postretirement benefit plans are made by the insurance subsidiaries of the Holding Company with little impact on the Holding Company’s cash flows.
 
Excluded from the table above are unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest of $768 million and $182 million, respectively, for which the Company cannot reliably determine the timing of payment. Current income tax payable is also excluded from the table.
 
See also “— Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.”
 
Separate account liabilities are excluded from the table above. Generally, the separate account owner, rather than the Company, bears the investment risk of these funds. The separate account assets are legally segregated and are not subject to the claims that arise out of any other business of the Company. Net deposits, net investment income and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses on the separate accounts are fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected with the separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are fully funded by cash flows from the separate account assets and are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets as prescribed bySOP 03-1Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts(“SOP 03-1”).
 
The Company also enters into agreements to purchase goods and services in the normal course of business; however, these purchase obligations are not material to its consolidated results of operations or financial position at June 30, 2009.
 
Additionally, the Company has agreements in place for services it conducts, generally at cost, between subsidiaries relating to insurance, reinsurance, loans, and capitalization. Intercompany transactions have appropriately been eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany transactions among insurance subsidiaries and affiliates have been approved by the appropriate departments of insurance as required.
 
Support Agreements.  The Holding Company and several of its subsidiaries (each, an “Obligor”) are parties to various capital support commitments, guarantees and contingent reinsurance agreements with certain subsidiaries of the Holding Company and a corporation in which the Holding Company owns 50% of the equity. 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. Management anticipates that


185


Table of Contents

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. See “— The Holding Company — Liquidity and Capital Uses — Support Agreements.”
 
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, 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 or determine the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings or provide reasonable ranges of potential losses except as noted elsewhere herein in connection with specific matters. In some of the matters referred to herein, very largeand/orindeterminate 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 largeand/orindeterminate 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.
 
Fair Value.  The estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities, trading securities, short-term investments, derivatives, and embedded derivatives along with their fair value hierarchy, are described and disclosed in Note 18 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and “— Investments.”
 
Unprecedented credit and equity market conditions have resulted in difficulty in valuing certain asset classes due to inactive or disorderly markets and less observable market data. Rapidly changing market conditions and less liquid markets could materially change the valuation of securities within our consolidated financial statements andperiod-to-periodchanges in value could vary significantly. The ultimate value at which securities may be sold could differ significantly from the valuations reported within the consolidated financial statements and could impact our liquidity.
 
Further, recent events have prompted accounting standard setters and law makers to study the definition and application of fair value accounting. It appears likely that further disclosures regarding the application of, and amounts carried at, fair value will be required.
 
See also “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
 
Other.  Based on management’s analysis of its expected cash inflows from operating activities, the dividends it receives from subsidiaries, that are permitted to be paid without prior insurance regulatory approval and its portfolio of liquid assets and other anticipated cash flows, management believes there will be sufficient liquidity to enable the Company to make payments on debt, make cash dividend payments on its common and preferred stock, pay all operating expenses, and meet its cash needs. The nature of the Company’s diverse product portfolio and customer base lessens the likelihood that normal operations will result in any significant strain on liquidity.
 
Consolidated Cash Flows.  Net cash used in operating activities was $1.2 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $5.4 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Accordingly, net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $6.6 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. Cash flows from operations represent net income earned adjusted for non-cash charges and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was a loss of $2.0 billion as compared to a profit of $1.7 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Accordingly, the decrease in net income contributed $3.7 billion of the $6.6 billion decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. Also, for the six months ended June 30, 2009, cash flows from operations includes the impact


186


Table of Contents

of the Company entering the mortgage origination and servicing business in the latter part of 2008, resulting in a reduction of operating cash flows of $2.8 billion due to growth for the six months ended June 30, 2009 in net residential loansheld-for-saleand mortgage servicing rights compared with no impact for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Excluding the impacts of changes in net income and the mortgage origination and servicing business, the Company’s net cash provided by operating activities was $3.6 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared with $3.7 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The net cash generated from operating activities is used to meet the Company’s liquidity needs, such as debt and dividend payments, and provides cash available for investing activities. Cash flows from operations are affected by the timing of receipt of premiums and other revenues, as well as the payment of the Company’s insurance liabilities.
 
Net cash used in financing activities was $1.0 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $7.5 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Accordingly, net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $8.5 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. Since the third quarter of 2008, the Company has reduced securities lending activities in line with market conditions, which resulted in a decrease of $1.8 billion in the cash collateral received in connection with the securities lending program for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to a $1.6 billion increase for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The Company also experienced a $4.7 billion decrease in cash collateral received under derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to an increase of $0.2 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The cash collateral received under derivatives transactions is invested in cash, cash equivalents and other short-term investments, and the reduction in cash collateral received therefore contributed in part to the decrease in the liquid assets. Primarily as a result of unfavorable market conditions for the issuance of funding agreements and funding agreement-backed notes (Global GIC) contracts, net cash flows from policyholder account balances were relatively flat for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to a net increase of $6.1 billion during the six months ended June 30, 2008. Partially offsetting these decreases in cash flow from financing activities, short-term debt increased by $2.1 billion during the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared with no material change in the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase in short-term debt primarily reflected MetLife Bank’s borrowings from the FHLB of NY and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to fund the increase in the mortgage origination and servicing business mentioned above. Also during the six months ended June 30, 2009, there was a net issuance of long-term debt of $2.1 billion compared to $0.8 billion issuance of junior subordinated debt in the six months ended June 30, 2008. The Company made a payment of $400 million to an unaffiliated financial institution related to a decline in the estimated fair value of a surplus note issued by MRC in January 2009 and also received $400 million from the unaffiliated financial institution as a result of the increase in the estimated fair value of the surplus note at June 30, 2009. Finally, in order to strengthen its capital base, during the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company issued $1.0 billion of common stock and did not repurchase any of its common stock under its common stock repurchase programs as compared to no common stock issuance and $1.3 billion of repurchases of its common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2008.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $8.9 billion and $9.5 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Accordingly, net cash used in investing activities decreased by $0.6 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to six months ended June 30, 2008. The net cash used in investing activities in the six months ended June 30, 2009 corresponded with a net decrease of $11.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents in the same period, reflecting the Company’s effort to redeploy the elevated level of cash and cash equivalents accumulated at year-end 2008 in response to extraordinary market conditions. The net cash used in investing activities in the six months ended June 30, 2009 was primarily composed of net purchases of $15.3 billion of fixed maturity securities, partly offset by a net reduction of $5.8 billion in short term investments. In the comparable 2008 period, cash and cash equivalents increased by $3.4 billion and there was a net reduction of $0.7 billion in short term investments. Of the net cash used in investing activities in the six months ended June 30, 2008, a little over half was used for net purchases of fixed maturity securities and the rest was spread across various asset classes.


187


Table of Contents

The Holding Company
 
Capital
 
Restrictions and Limitations on Bank Holding Companies and Financial Holding Companies — Capital.  The Holding Company 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 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. At their most recently filed reports with the federal banking regulatory agencies, MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Bank met the minimum capital standards as per federal banking regulatory agencies with all of MetLife Bank’s risk-based and leverage capital ratios meeting the federal banking regulatory agencies’ “well capitalized” standards and all of MetLife, Inc.’s risk-based and leverage capital ratios meeting the “adequately capitalized” standards.
 
Liquidity
 
Liquidity and capital are managed to preserve stable, reliable and cost-effective sources of cash to meet all current and future financial obligations and are provided by a variety of sources, including a portfolio of liquid assets, a diversified mix of short- and long-term funding sources from the wholesale financial markets and the ability to borrow through committed credit facilities. The Holding Company is an active participant in the global financial markets through which it obtains a significant amount of funding. These markets, which serve as cost-effective sources of funds, are critical components of the Holding Company’s liquidity and capital management. Decisions to access these markets are based upon relative costs, prospective views of balance sheet growth and a targeted liquidity profile and capital structure. A disruption in the financial markets could limit the Holding Company’s access to liquidity. See “— Overview.”
 
The Holding Company’s ability to maintain regular access to competitively priced wholesale funds is fostered by its current high credit ratings from the major credit rating agencies. Management views its capital ratios, credit quality, stable and diverse earnings streams, diversity of liquidity sources and its liquidity monitoring procedures as critical to retaining high credit ratings. See “— The Company — Capital — Rating Agencies.”
 
Liquidity is monitored through the use of internal liquidity risk metrics, including the composition and level of the liquid asset portfolio, timing differences in short-term cash flow obligations, access to the financial markets for capital and debt transactions and exposure to contingent draws on the Holding Company’s liquidity.
 
Liquidity and Capital Sources
 
Dividends.  The primary source of the Holding Company’s liquidity is dividends it receives from its insurance subsidiaries. The Holding Company’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 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, reserve calculation assumptions, goodwill and surplus notes. Management of the Holding Company cannot provide assurances that the Holding Company’s insurance subsidiaries will have statutory earnings to support payment of dividends to the Holding Company in an amount sufficient to fund its cash requirements and pay cash dividends and that the applicable insurance departments will not disapprove any dividends that such insurance subsidiaries must submit for approval.


188


Table of Contents

The table below sets forth the dividends permitted to be paid by the respective insurance subsidiary without insurance regulatory approval:
 
     
  2009 
  Permitted w/o
 
Company
 Approval (1) 
  (In millions) 
 
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
 $552 
MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
 $714 
Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company
 $88 
Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company
 $9 
 
 
(1) Reflects dividend amounts that may be paid during 2009 without prior regulatory approval. However, if paid before a specified date during 2009, some or all of such dividends may require regulatory approval.
 
Liquid Assets.  An integral part of the Holding Company’s liquidity management is the amount of liquid assets it holds. Liquid assets include cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and publicly-traded securities. Liquid assets exclude cash collateral received under the Company’s securities lending program that has been reinvested in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and publicly-traded securities. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Holding Company had $4.7 billion and $2.7 billion in liquid assets, respectively. In addition to its other fixed obligations, the Holding Company has and may be required to pledge further collateral under collateral support agreements if the estimated fair value of the related derivativesand/orcollateral financing arrangements declines. At June 30, 2009, the Holding Company had pledged $532 million of liquid assets under collateral support agreements as described in “— Investments — Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral.” At December 31, 2008, the Holding Company had pledged $820 million of liquid assets under collateral support agreements.
 
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 diversity of the Holding Company’s funding sources enhances funding flexibility and limits dependence on any one source of funds and generally lowers the cost of funds. Other sources of the Holding Company’s liquidity include programs for short-and long-term borrowing, as needed.
 
During this extraordinary market environment, management is continuously monitoring and adjusting its liquidity and capital plans for the Holding Company and its subsidiaries in light of changing needs and opportunities. The dislocation in the credit markets has limited the access of financial institutions to long-term debt and hybrid capital. While, in general, yields on benchmark U.S. Treasury securities are historically low, related spreads on debt instruments, in general, and those of financial institutions, specifically, are as high as they have been in our history as a public company.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Holding Company had $0 and $300 million in short-term debt outstanding, respectively. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Holding Company had $10.5 billion and $7.7 billion of unaffiliated long-term debt outstanding, respectively. At both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Holding Company had $500 million of affiliated long-term debt outstanding. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Holding Company had $1.2 billion and $2.3 billion of junior subordinated debt securities outstanding, respectively. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Holding Company had $2.8 billion and $2.7 billion in collateral financing arrangements outstanding, respectively.
 
Debt Issuances and Other Borrowings.  On May 29, 2009, the Holding Company issued $1,250 million senior notes due June 1, 2016. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.75%, payable semiannually. In connection with the offering, the Holding Company incurred $6 million of issuance costs which have been capitalized and included in other assets. These costs are being amortized over the term of the notes.
 
In March 2009, the Holding Company issued $397 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate senior notes due June 2012 under the FDIC Program. The notes bear interest at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR, reset


189


Table of Contents

quarterly, plus 0.32%. In connection with the offering, the Holding Company incurred $15 million of issuance costs which have been capitalized and included in other assets. These costs are being amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the notes.
 
On February 17, 2009, the Holding Company closed the successful remarketing of the Series B portion of the junior subordinated debt securities constituting part of its common equity units issued in June 2005. The common equity units consisted of a debt security and a stock purchase contract under which the holders of the units would be required to purchase common stock. The remarketing of the Series A portion of the junior subordinated debt securities and the associated stock purchase contract settlement occurred in August 2008. In the February 2009 remarketing, the Series B junior subordinated debt securities were modified as permitted by their terms to be 7.717% senior debt securities Series B, due February 15, 2019. The Holding Company did not receive any proceeds from the remarketing. Most common equity unit holders chose to have their junior subordinated debt securities remarketed and used the remarketing proceeds to settle their payment obligations under the stock purchase contracts. For those common equity unit holders that elected not to participate in the remarketing and elected to use their own cash to satisfy the payment obligations under the stock purchase contracts, the terms of the debt they received are the same as the terms of the remarketed debt. The subsequent settlement of the stock purchase contracts provided proceeds to the Holding Company of $1,035 million in exchange for shares of the Holding Company’s common stock. The Holding Company delivered 24,343,154 shares of its newly issued common stock to settle the stock purchase contracts on February 17, 2009.
 
See “— Subsequent Events” for discussion of issuances of junior subordinated debt securities since June 30, 2009.
 
Collateral Financing Arrangements.  As described more fully in Note 10 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
 
  • In December 2007, the Holding Company, in connection with the collateral financing arrangement associated with MRC’s reinsurance of the closed block liabilities, entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated financial institution that referenced the $2.5 billion surplus note issued by MRC. Under the agreement, the Holding Company is entitled to the interest paid by MRC on the surplus note of3-monthLIBOR plus 0.55% in exchange for the payment of3-monthLIBOR plus 1.12%, payable quarterly on such amount as adjusted, as described below.
 
Under this agreement, the Holding Company may also be required to pledge collateral or make payments to the unaffiliated financial institution related to any decline in the estimated fair value of the surplus note. Any such payments would be accounted for as a receivable and included under other assets on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and would not reduce the principal amount outstanding of the surplus note. Such payments would reduce the amount of interest payments due from the Holding Company under the agreement. At December 31, 2008, the Company had paid $800 million to the unaffiliated financial institution related to the decline in the estimated fair value of the surplus note. In April 2009, the Holding Company paid $400 million to the unaffiliated financial institution related to a decline in the estimated fair value of the surplus note. In June 2009, the Holding Company received $400 million from the unaffiliated financial institution as a result of the increase in the estimated fair value of the surplus note since April 2009. In addition, the Holding Company had pledged collateral with an estimated fair value of $48 million and $230 million to the unaffiliated financial institution at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The Holding Company may also be required to make a payment to the unaffiliated financial institution in connection with any early termination of this agreement.
 
  • In May 2007, the Holding Company, in connection with the collateral financing arrangement associated with MRSC’s reinsurance of universal life secondary guarantees, entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated financial institution under which the Holding Company is entitled to the return on the investment portfolio held by a trust established in connection with this collateral financing arrangement in exchange for the payment of a stated rate of return to the unaffiliated financial institution of3-monthLIBOR plus 0.70%, payable quarterly. The collateral financing agreement may be extended by agreement of the Holding Company and the unaffiliated financial institution on each anniversary of the closing. The Holding Company may also be required to make payments to the unaffiliated financial institution, for deposit into the trust,


190


Table of Contents

 related to any decline in the estimated fair value of the assets held by the trust, as well as amounts outstanding upon maturity or early termination of the collateral financing arrangement. In January 2009, the Holding Company paid $360 million to the unaffiliated financial institution as a result of the decline in the estimated fair value of the assets in the trust. Cumulatively, the Holding Company has contributed $680 million as a result of declines in the estimated fair value of the assets in the trust through June 30, 2009, all of which was deposited into the trust.
 
In addition, the Holding Company may be required to pledge collateral to the unaffiliated financial institution under this agreement. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Holding Company had pledged $75 million and $86 million under the agreement, respectively.
 
Credit Facilities.  The Holding Company and MetLife Funding entered into a $2.9 billion credit agreement with various financial institutions, the proceeds of which are available to be used for general corporate purposes, to support their commercial paper programs and for the issuance of letters of credit. All borrowings under the credit agreement must be repaid by June 2012, except that letters of credit outstanding upon termination may remain outstanding until June 2013. Total fees associated with these credit facilities were $14 million and $30 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $1 million and $3 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
 
At June 30, 2009, $534 million of letters of credit have been issued under these unsecured credit facilities on behalf of the Holding Company.
 
Management has no reason to believe that its lending counterparties are unable to fulfill their respective contractual obligations. See “— The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Credit Facilities.”
 
Committed Facilities.  The Holding Company maintains committed facilities aggregating $11.5 billion at June 30, 2009. When drawn upon, these facilities bear interest at varying rates in accordance with the respective agreements. The facilities are used for collateral for certain of the Company’s reinsurance liabilities. Management has no reason to believe that its lending counterparties are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations. See “— The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Committed Facilities.”
 
Letters of Credit.  At June 30, 2009, the Holding Company had outstanding $1.0 billion in letters of credit from various financial institutions, of which $500 million and $534 million were part of committed and credit facilities, respectively. As commitments associated with letters of credit and financing arrangements may expire unused, these amounts do not necessarily reflect the Holding Company’s actual future cash funding requirements.
 
Covenants.  Certain of the Holding Company’s debt instruments, credit facilities and committed facilities contain various administrative, reporting, legal and financial covenants. The Holding Company believes it is in compliance with all covenants at June 30, 2009.
 
Liquidity and Capital Uses
 
The primary uses of liquidity of the Holding Company include debt service, cash dividends on common and preferred stock, capital contributions to subsidiaries, payment of general operating expenses, acquisitions and the repurchase of the Holding Company’s common stock.
 
Dividends
 
Future common stock dividend decisions will be determined by the Holding Company’s Board of Directors after taking into consideration factors such as the Company’s current earnings, expected medium- and long-term earnings, financial condition, regulatory capital position, and applicable governmental regulations and policies. Furthermore, the payment of dividends and other distributions to the Holding Company by its insurance subsidiaries is regulated by insurance laws and regulations.


191


Table of Contents

Information on the declaration, record and payment dates, as well as per share and aggregate dividend amounts, for the Holding Company’s Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A and 6.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B is as follows for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:
 
                     
      Dividend 
      Series A
  Series A
  Series B
  Series B
 
Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share  Aggregate  Per Share  Aggregate 
      (In millions, except per share data) 
 
May 15, 2009
 May 31, 2009 June 15, 2009 $0.2555555  $7  $0.4062500  $24 
March 5, 2009
 February 28, 2009 March 16, 2009 $0.2500000   6  $0.4062500   24 
                     
          $13      $48 
                     
May 15, 2008
 May 31, 2008 June 16, 2008 $0.2555555  $7  $0.4062500  $24 
March 5, 2008
 February 29, 2008 March 17, 2008 $0.3785745   9  $0.4062500   24 
                     
          $16      $48 
                     
 
Affiliated Capital Transactions.  During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Holding Company invested an aggregate of $755 million and $788 million, respectively, in various subsidiaries.
 
The Holding Company lends funds, as necessary, to its subsidiaries, some of which are regulated, to meet their capital requirements. Such loans are included in loans to subsidiaries and consisted of the following at:
 
             
Subsidiaries Interest Rate Maturity Date June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
      (In millions) 
 
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
 3-month LIBOR + 1.15% December 31, 2009 $700  $700 
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
 7.13% December 15, 2032  400   400 
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
 7.13% January 15, 2033  100   100 
             
Total
     $1,200  $1,200 
             
 
Share Repurchases.  At June 30, 2009, the Company had $1,261 million remaining on the April 2008 and January 2008 common stock repurchase authorizations. The Company does not intend to make any purchases under the common stock repurchase programs in 2009.
 
Support Agreements.  The Holding Company is party to various capital support commitments and guarantees with certain of its subsidiaries and a corporation in which it owns 50% of the equity. Under these arrangements, the Holding Company has agreed to cause each such entity to meet specified capital and surplus levels or has guaranteed certain contractual obligations. See the 2008 Annual Report for a description of various support arrangements of the Holding Company.
 
Management anticipates that in the event that these arrangements place demands upon the Holding Company, there will be sufficient liquidity and capital to enable the Holding Company to meet anticipated demands.
 
Based on management’s analysis and comparison of its current and future cash inflows from the dividends it receives from subsidiaries that are permitted to be paid without prior insurance regulatory approval, its asset portfolio and other cash flows and anticipated access to the capital markets, management believes there will be sufficient liquidity and capital to enable the Holding Company to make payments on debt, make cash dividend payments on its common and preferred stock, contribute capital to its subsidiaries, pay all operating expenses and meet its cash needs.
 
Holding Company Cash Flows.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $88 million and $421 million for the six months ending June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Accordingly, net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $333 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. The net cash generated from operating activities is used to meet the Holding Company’s liquidity


192


Table of Contents

needs, such as debt and dividend payments, and provides cash available for investing activities. Cash flows from operations represent net income earned adjusted for non-cash charges and changes in operating assets and liabilities. The 2008 and 2009 operating activities included net income and earnings from subsidiaries, and changes in current assets and liabilities.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $2.4 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to $1.6 billion of net cash used for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Accordingly, net cash provided by financing activities increased by $4.0 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, there was a net issuance of $1.6 billion of long-term debt compared to no net issuance in the comparable period of the prior year. Also, in order to strengthen its capital base, during the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Holding Company did not repurchase any of its common stock under its common stock repurchase programs as compared to the Holding Company repurchasing $1.3 billion of its common stock in the comparable period of the prior year. In addition, the Holding Company issued $1.0 billion of common stock compared with no issuance during the six months ended June 30, 2008. An increase in securities lending activity during the six months ended June 30, 2009 contributed an increase of $102 million to the Holding Company’s cash flows from financing activities compared to a decrease of $322 million in cash flows from financing activities from securities lending in the comparable period of the prior year. Partially offsetting these increases in cash flows in the current period, the Holding Company repaid $300 million of short-term debt during the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared with no repayments during the six months ended June 30, 2008. The Holding Company made a payment of $400 million to an unaffiliated financial institution related to a decline in the estimated fair value of a surplus note issued by MRC and also received $400 million from the unaffiliated financial institution as a result of the increase in the estimated fair value of the surplus note at June 30, 2009. Financing activity results relate to the Holding Company’s debt and equity financing activities, as well as changes due to the needs and obligations arising from securities lending and collateral financing arrangements.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $2.5 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to $745 million of net cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Accordingly, net cash provided by investing activities decreased by $3.3 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the prior period. Net purchases of fixed maturity securities in the first six months of 2009 were above the first six months of 2008 activity due to the investment of the net proceeds from the issuance of $1.0 billion in common stock in February 2009 and the issuance of $1.6 billion of long-term debt described above. Investing activity results relate to the Holding Company’s management of its capital and the capital of its subsidiaries, and any business development opportunities. The Holding Company received $134 million for the sale of a subsidiary during the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the use of $202 million related to acquisitions during the six months ended June 30, 2008. The Holding Company also made capital contributions of $667 million to subsidiaries (including $360 million paid pursuant to a collateral financing arrangement providing statutory reserve support for MRSC associated with its intercompany reinsurance obligations relating to reinsurance of universal life secondary guarantees, as described above under “— Collateral Financing Arrangements”) during the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $447 million (including $205 million paid pursuant to the collateral financing arrangement related to MRSC) during the six months ended June 30, 2008.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Holding Company paid $61 million in dividends on its Series A and Series B preferred shares.
 
Subsequent Events
 
On July 8, 2009, the Holding Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debt securities. The debt securities are scheduled for redemption on August 1, 2039 and the final maturity of the debt securities is August 1, 2069.
 
On July 14, 2009, the Company announced the combination of its institutional and individual businesses, as well as its auto & home unit into a single U.S. business organization beginning in August 2009.
 
On August 3, 2009, the date the June 30, 2009 interim condensed consolidated financial statements of MetLife, Inc. were issued, the Company evaluated the recognition and disclosure of subsequent events.


193


Table of Contents

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments
 
The Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business for the purpose of enhancing the Company’s total return on its investment portfolio. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $4.2 billion and $4.5 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The Company anticipates that these amounts will be invested in partnerships over the next five years. There are no other obligations or liabilities arising from such arrangements that are reasonably likely to become material.
 
Mortgage Loan Commitments
 
The Company has issued interest rate lock commitments on certain residential mortgage loan applications totaling $4.4 billion and $8.0 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The Company intends to sell the majority of these originated residential mortgage loans. Interest rate lock commitments to fund mortgage loans that will beheld-for-saleare considered derivatives pursuant to SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging(“SFAS 133”), and their estimated fair value and notional amounts are included within interest rate forwards.
 
The Company also commits to lend funds under certain other mortgage loan commitments that will beheld-for-investment.The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $2.5 billion and $2.7 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
The purpose of the Company’s loan program is to enhance the Company’s total return on its investment portfolio. There are no other obligations or liabilities arising from such arrangements that are reasonably likely to become material.
 
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 $847 million and $971 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. There are no other obligations or liabilities arising from such arrangements that are reasonably likely to become material.
 
Lease Commitments
 
The Company, as lessee, has entered into various lease and sublease agreements for office space, data processing and other equipment. The Company’s commitments under such lease agreements are included within the contractual obligations table. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Company — Liquidity and Capital Uses — Investment and Other.”
 
Credit Facilities, Committed Facilities and Letters of Credit
 
The Company maintains committed and unsecured credit facilities and letters of credit with various financial institutions. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Credit Facilities,” “— Committed Facilities” and “— Letters of Credit” for further descriptions of such arrangements.
 
Guarantees
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2009, the Company did not record additional liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments. The Company’s recorded liabilities were $6 million at both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
Other Commitments
 
MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and holds $70 million of common stock of the FHLB of Boston at both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, which is included in equity securities. MICC has also entered into funding agreements with the FHLB of Boston whereby


194


Table of Contents

MICC has issued such funding agreements in exchange for cash and for which the FHLB of Boston has been granted a blanket lien on certain MICC assets, including residential mortgage-backed securities, to collateralize MICC’s obligations under the funding agreements. MICC maintains control over these pledged assets, and may use, commingle, encumber or dispose of any portion of the collateral as long as there is no event of default and the remaining qualified collateral is sufficient to satisfy the collateral maintenance level. Upon any event of default by MICC, the FHLB of Boston’s recovery on the collateral is limited to the amount of MICC’s liability to the FHLB of Boston. The amount of the Company’s liability for funding agreements with the FHLB of Boston was $326 million and $526 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, which is included in policyholder account balances. MICC had no advances from the FHLB of Boston at June 30, 2009. At December 31, 2008, MICC had advances of $300 million from the FHLB of Boston with original maturities of less than one year and therefore, such advances were included in short-term debt. These advances and the advances on these funding agreements are collateralized by mortgage-backed securities with estimated fair values of $434 million and $1,284 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company is a member of the FHLB of NY and holds $797 million and $830 million of common stock of the FHLB of NY at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, which is included in equity securities. MLIC has also entered into funding agreements with the FHLB of NY whereby MLIC has issued such funding agreements in exchange for cash and for which the FHLB of NY has been granted a lien on certain MLIC assets, including residential mortgage-backed securities, to collateralize MLIC’s obligations under the funding agreements. MLIC maintains control over these pledged assets, and may use, commingle, encumber or dispose of any portion of the collateral as long as there is no event of default and the remaining qualified collateral is sufficient to satisfy the collateral maintenance level. Upon any event of default by MLIC, the FHLB of NY’s recovery on the collateral is limited to the amount of MLIC’s liability to the FHLB of NY. The amount of the Company’s liability for funding agreements with the FHLB of NY was $14.9 billion and $15.2 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, which is included in policyholder account balances. The advances on these agreements are collateralized by mortgage-backed securities with estimated fair values of $17.1 billion and $17.8 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
MetLife Bank is a member of the FHLB of NY and holds $187 million and $89 million of common stock of the FHLB of NY at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, which is included in equity securities. MetLife Bank has also entered into repurchase agreements with the FHLB of NY whereby MetLife Bank has issued repurchase agreements in exchange for cash and for which the FHLB of NY has been granted a blanket lien on certain of MetLife Bank’s residential mortgages, mortgage loansheld-for-sale,commercial mortgages and mortgage-backed securities to collateralize MetLife Bank’s obligations under the repurchase agreements. MetLife Bank maintains control over these pledged assets, and may use, commingle, encumber or dispose of any portion of the collateral as long as there is no event of default and the remaining qualified collateral is sufficient to satisfy the collateral maintenance level. The repurchase agreements and the related security agreement represented by this blanket lien provide that upon any event of default by MetLife Bank, the FHLB of NY’s recovery is limited to the amount of MetLife Bank’s liability under the outstanding repurchase agreements. The amount of MetLife Bank’s liability for repurchase agreements entered into with the FHLB of NY was $3.8 billion and $1.8 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, which is included in long-term debt and short-term debt depending upon the original tenor of the advance. During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, MetLife Bank received advances related to long-term borrowings totaling $550 million and $170 million, respectively, from the FHLB of NY. MetLife Bank made repayments to the FHLB of NY of $120 million and $171 million related to long-term borrowings for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The advances on the repurchase agreements related to both long-term and short-term debt are collateralized by residential mortgages, mortgage loansheld-for-sale,commercial mortgages and mortgage-backed securities with estimated fair values of $5.0 billion and $3.1 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
Collateral for Securities Lending
 
The Company has non-cash collateral for securities lending 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 $29 million and $279 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.


195


Table of Contents

Goodwill
 
Goodwill is the excess of cost over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances, such as adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test. Impairment testing is performed using the fair value approach, which requires the use of estimates and judgment, 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.
 
     
  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $5,008 
Other, net (1)
  28 
     
Balance, end of period
 $5,036 
     
 
 
(1) Consisting principally of foreign currency translation adjustments.
 
Information regarding goodwill by segment and reporting unit is as follows:
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Institutional:
        
Group life
 $15  $15 
Retirement & savings
  887   887 
Non-medical health & other
  149   149 
         
Subtotal
  1,051   1,051 
         
Individual:
        
Traditional life
  73   73 
Variable & universal life
  1,172   1,174 
Annuities
  1,692   1,692 
Other
  18   18 
         
Subtotal
  2,955   2,957 
         
International:
        
Latin America region
  205   184 
European region
  41   37 
Asia Pacific region
  157   152 
         
Subtotal
  403   373 
         
Auto & Home
  157   157 
         
Corporate & Other (1)
  470   470 
         
Total
 $5,036  $5,008 
         
 
 
(1) The allocation of the goodwill to the reporting units was performed at the time of the respective acquisition. The $470 million of goodwill within Corporate & Other relates to goodwill acquired as a part of the Travelers acquisition of $405 million, as well as acquisitions by MetLife Bank which resides within Corporate & Other. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the $405 million of Corporate & Other goodwill has been attributed to the Individual and Institutional segment reporting units. The Individual segment was attributed $210 million (traditional life — $23 million, variable & universal life — $11 million and annuities — $176 million), and the Institutional segment was attributed $195 million (group


196


Table of Contents

life — $2 million, retirement & savings — $186 million, and non-medical health & other — $7 million) at both March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, if the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value, there is an indication of impairment, and the implied fair value of the goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill would be determined in a business acquisition. The excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill is recognized as an impairment and recorded as a charge against net income. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment tests during the third quarter of 2008 based upon data at June 30, 2008. Such tests indicated that goodwill was not impaired at September 30, 2008. Due to economic conditions, the sustained low level of equity markets, declining market capitalizations in the insurance industry and lower operating earnings projections, particularly for the Individual segment, management determined it was appropriate to perform an interim goodwill impairment test at December 31, 2008 and again, for certain reporting units most affected by the current economic environment, at March 31, 2009. Based upon the tests performed, management concluded no impairment of goodwill had occurred for any of the Company’s reporting units at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
In performing its goodwill impairment tests, when management believes meaningful comparable market data are available, the estimated fair values of the reporting units are determined using a market multiple approach. When relevant comparables are not available, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model. For reporting units which are particularly sensitive to market assumptions, such as the annuities and variable & universal life reporting units within the Individual segment, the Company may corroborate its estimated fair values by using additional valuation methodologies.
 
The key inputs, judgments and assumptions necessary in determining estimated fair value include projected earnings, current book value (with and without accumulated other comprehensive loss), the capital required to support the mix of business, long-term growth rates, comparative market multiples, the account value of in-force business, projections of new and renewal business, as well as margins on such business, the level of interest rates, credit spreads, equity market levels and the discount rate management believes appropriate to the risk associated with the respective reporting unit. The estimated fair value of the annuity and variable & universal life reporting units are particularly sensitive to the equity market levels.
 
When testing goodwill for impairment, management also considers the Company’s market capitalization in relation to its book value. Management believes that the overall decrease in the Company’s current market capitalization is not representative of a long-term decrease in the value of the underlying reporting units.
 
Management applies significant judgment when determining the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting. The valuation methodologies utilized are subject to key judgments and assumptions that are sensitive to change. Estimates of fair value are inherently uncertain and represent only management’s reasonable expectation regarding future developments. These estimates and the judgments and assumptions upon which the estimates are based will, in all likelihood, differ in some respects from actual future results. Declines in the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units could result in goodwill impairments in future periods which could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
 
Management continues to evaluate current market conditions that may affect the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units to assess whether any goodwill impairment exists and concluded that there were no triggering events in the second quarter that would require further detailed goodwill impairment testing. However, additional deterioration or adverse market conditions for certain reporting units may have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of these reporting units and could result in future impairments of goodwill.
 
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
Fair Value and Financial Instruments
 
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company adoptedFSP 115-2which amends the recognition guidance for determining whether another-than-temporaryimpairment (“OTTI”) exists for fixed maturity securities, changes the presentation of OTTI for fixed maturity securities and requires additional disclosures for OTTI on fixed maturity and equity securities in interim and annual financial statements.FSP 115-2requires that an OTTI be recognized in


197


Table of Contents

earnings for a fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position when it is anticipated that the amortized cost will not be recovered. In such situations, the OTTI recognized in earnings is the entire difference between the fixed maturity security’s amortized cost and its fair value only when either (1) the Company has the intent to sell the fixed maturity security or (2) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of the decline in fair value below amortized cost. If neither of these two conditions exists, the difference between the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security and the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected is recognized as an OTTI in earnings (“credit loss”). If fair value is less than the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected, this portion of OTTI related to other-than credit factors (“noncredit loss”) is recorded as other comprehensive income (loss). When an unrealized loss on a fixed maturity security is considered temporary, the Company continues to record the unrealized loss in other comprehensive income (loss) and not in earnings. There was no change for equity securities which, when an OTTI has occurred, continue to be impaired for the entire difference between the equity security’s cost or amortized cost and its fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings.
 
Prior to the adoption of this new guidance, the Company recognized in earnings an OTTI for a fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position unless it could assert that it had both the intent and ability to hold the fixed maturity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery of fair value to the security’s amortized cost basis. Also prior to the adoption ofFSP 115-2,the entire difference between the fixed maturity security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value was recognized in earnings if it was determined to have an OTTI.
 
The Company’s net cumulative effect adjustment of adoptingFSP 115-2was an increase of $76 million to retained earnings with a corresponding increase to accumulated other comprehensive loss to reclassify the noncredit loss portion of previously recognized OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities held at April 1, 2009. This cumulative effect adjustment was comprised of an increase in the amortized cost basis of fixed maturity securities of $126 million, net of policyholder related amounts of $10 million and net of deferred income taxes of $40 million, resulting in the net cumulative effect adjustment of $76 million. The increase in amortized cost basis of fixed maturity securities of $126 million by sector was as follows: $53 million — asset-backed securities, $43 million — residential mortgage-backed securities, $17 million — U.S. corporate securities, and $13 million — commercial mortgage-backed securities.
 
As a result of the adoption ofFSP 115-2,the Company’s pre-tax earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2009 increased by $216 million offset by an increase in other comprehensive loss representing OTTI relating to noncredit losses recognized in the three months period ended June 30, 2009.
 
The enhanced financial statement presentation required byFSP 115-2of the total OTTI loss and the offset for the portion of OTTI transferred to and recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) is presented in the consolidated statements of income and stockholders’ equity. The enhanced disclosures required byFSP 115-2are included in Note 3 — “Investments.”
 
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company adopted two FSPs providing additional guidance relating to fair value measurement and disclosure.
 
  • FSPNo. FAS 157-4,Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly(“FSP 157-4”),provides guidance on (1) estimating the fair value of an asset or liability if there was a significant decrease in the volume and level of trading activity for these assets or liabilities and (2) identifying transactions that are not orderly. Further,FSP 157-4requires disclosure in interim financial statements of the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The adoption ofFSP 157-4did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the Company has provided all of the material required disclosures in its consolidated financial statements.
 
  • FSPNo. FAS 107-1and APB28-1,Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires interim financial instrument fair value disclosures similar to those included in annual financial statements. The Company has provided all of the material required disclosures in its consolidated financial statements.


198


Table of Contents

 
Business Combinations and Noncontrolling Interests
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations — A Replacement of FASB Statement No. 141 (“SFAS 141(r)”), FSP 141(r)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (“FSP 141(r)-1”) and SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — An Amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”). Under this new guidance:
 
  • All business combinations (whether full, partial or “step” acquisitions) result in all assets and liabilities of an acquired business being recorded at fair value, with limited exceptions.
 
  • Acquisition costs are generally expensed as incurred; restructuring costs associated with a business combination are generally expensed as incurred subsequent to the acquisition date.
 
  • The fair value of the purchase price, including the issuance of equity securities, is determined on the acquisition date.
 
  • Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are recognized at fair value if the acquisition-date fair value can be reasonably determined. If the fair value is not estimable, an asset or liability is recorded if existence or incurrence at the acquisition date is probable and its amount is reasonably estimable.
 
  • Changes in deferred income tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally affect income tax expense.
 
  • Noncontrolling interests (formerly known as “minority interests”) are valued at fair value at the acquisition date and are presented as equity rather than liabilities.
 
  • Net income includes amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests.
 
  • When control is attained on previously noncontrolling interests, the previously held equity interests are remeasured at fair value and a gain or loss is recognized.
 
  • Purchases or sales of equity interests that do not result in a change in control are accounted for as equity transactions.
 
  • When control is lost in a partial disposition, realized gains or losses are recorded on equity ownership sold and the remaining ownership interest is remeasured and holding gains or losses are recognized.
 
The adoption of SFAS 141(r) and FSP 141(r)-1 on a prospective basis did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Financial statements and disclosures for periods prior to 2009 reflect the retrospective application of the accounting for noncontrolling interests as required under SFAS 160.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted prospectively Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) IssueNo. 08-6,Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations(“EITF 08-6”).EITF 08-6addresses a number of issues associated with the impact that SFAS 141(r) and SFAS 160 might have on the accounting for equity method investments, including how an equity method investment should initially be measured, how it should be tested for impairment, and how changes in classification from equity method to cost method should be treated. The adoption ofEITF 08-6did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted prospectively EITF IssueNo. 08-7,Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets(“EITF 08-7”).EITF 08-7requires that an acquired defensive intangible asset (i.e., an asset an entity does not intend to actively use, but rather, intends to prevent others from using) be accounted for as a separate unit of accounting at time of acquisition, not combined with the acquirer’s existing intangible assets. In addition, the EITF concludes that a defensive intangible asset may not be considered immediately abandoned following its acquisition or have indefinite life. The adoption ofEITF 08-7did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted prospectively FSPNo. FAS 142-3,Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets(“FSP 142-3”).FSP 142-3amends the factors that should be considered in


199


Table of Contents

developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets(“SFAS 142”). This change is intended to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141(r) and other GAAP. The Company will determine useful lives and provide all of the material required disclosures prospectively on intangible assets acquired on or after January 1, 2009 in accordance withFSP 142-3.The adoption ofFSP 142-3did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Other Pronouncements
 
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company prospectively adopted SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events(“SFAS 165”). SFAS 165 establishes general standards for accounting and disclosures of events that occur subsequent to the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. SFAS 165 also requires disclosure of the date through which management has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. The Company has provided all of the material required disclosures in its consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires enhanced qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The Company has provided all of the material required disclosures in its consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company implemented guidance of SFAS 157, for certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. This guidance which applies to such items as (i) nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities initially measured at estimated fair value in a business combination, (ii) reporting units measured at estimated fair value in the first step of a goodwill impairment test and (iii) indefinite-lived intangible assets measured at estimated fair value for impairment assessment, was previously deferred underFSP 157-2,Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157(“FSP 157-2”).The adoption ofFSP 157-2did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted prospectively EITF IssueNo. 08-5,Issuer’s Accounting for Liabilities Measured at Fair Value with a Third-Party Credit Enhancement(“EITF 08-5”).EITF 08-5concludes that an issuer of a liability with a third-party credit enhancement should not include the effect of the credit enhancement in the fair value measurement of the liability. In addition,EITF 08-5requires disclosures about the existence of any third-party credit enhancement related to liabilities that are measured at fair value. The adoption ofEITF 08-5did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted EITF IssueNo. 07-5,Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock(“EITF 07-5”).EITF 07-5provides a framework for evaluating the terms of a particular instrument and whether such terms qualify the instrument as being indexed to an entity’s own stock. The adoption ofEITF 07-5did not have an impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted prospectively FSPNo. FAS 140-3,Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions(“FSP 140-3”).FSP 140-3provides guidance for evaluating whether to account for a transfer of a financial asset and repurchase financing as a single transaction or as two separate transactions. At adoptionFSP 140-3did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued two standards providing additional guidance on financial instrument transfers and evaluation of special purpose entities for consolidation. The standards must be adopted in the first quarter of 2010.


200


Table of Contents

  • SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets (“SFAS 166”) eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special purpose entity,” eliminates the guaranteed mortgage securitization exception, changes the criteria for achieving sale accounting when transferring a financial asset and changes the initial recognition of retained beneficial interests. SFAS 166 also requires additional disclosures about transfers of financial assets, including securitized transactions, as well as a company’s continuing involvement in transferred financial assets. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 166 on its consolidated financial statements.
 
  • SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (“SFAS 167”) changes the determination of the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) from a quantitative model to a qualitative model. Under the new qualitative model, the primary beneficiary must have both the ability to direct the activities of the VIE and the obligation to absorb either losses or gains that could be significant to the VIE. SFAS 167 also changes when reassessment is needed, as well as requires enhanced disclosures, including the effects of a company’s involvement with VIEs on its financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 167 on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSPNo. FAS 132(r)-1,Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (“FSP 132(r)-1”). FSP 132(r)-1 amends SFAS No. 132(r), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, to enhance the transparency surrounding the types of assets and associated risks in an employer’s defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plan. The FSP requires an employer to disclose information about the valuation of plan assets similar to that required under SFAS 157. FSP 132(r)-1 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The Company will provide the required disclosures in the appropriate future annual periods.
 
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 four 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; and
 
  • market valuation risk.
 
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; product design, such as the use of market value adjustment features and surrender charges; and 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 and interest rate risks.
 
Current Environment.  Concerns over the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. residential mortgage market, geopolitical issues, energy costs, and a declining real estate market in the United States have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and the financial markets going forward. These factors, combined with declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment, have precipitated an economic slowdown which was deemed an on-going U.S. recession since December 2007 by the National Bureau of Economic Research. As a result of the stress experienced by the global financial markets, the


201


Table of Contents

fixed-income markets are recovering somewhat from a period of extreme volatility which had negatively impacted market liquidity conditions. Initially, the concerns on the part of market participants were focused on thesub-primesegment of the mortgage-backed securities market. However, these concerns expanded to include a broad range of mortgage-backed and asset-backed and other fixed-income securities, including those rated investment grade, the U.S. and international credit and inter-bank money markets generally, and a wide range of financial institutions and markets, asset classes and sectors. Securities that are less liquid are more difficult to value and have fewer opportunities for disposal.
 
As a result of this unprecedented disruption and market dislocation, we have experienced both volatility in the valuation of certain investments and decreased liquidity in certain asset classes. Even some of our very high quality assets have been more illiquid for periods of time as a result of the recent challenging market conditions. These market conditions have also led to an increase in unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities in recent quarters, particularly for residential and commercial mortgage-backed, asset-backed and corporate fixed maturity securities and within the Company’s financial services industry fixed maturity and equity securities holdings.


202


Table of Contents

Composition of Investment Portfolio Results
 
The following table illustrates the net investment income, net investment gains (losses), annualized yields on average ending assets and ending carrying value for each of the components of the Company’s investment portfolio:
 
                 
  At or For the Three
  At or For the Six
 
  Months Ended
  Months Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
                
Yield (1)
  5.91%  6.51%  5.81%  6.51%
Investment income (2)
 $3,036  $3,186  $5,836  $6,323 
Investment gains (losses)
 $(378) $(306) $(987) $(509)
Ending carrying value (2)
 $213,034  $231,896  $213,034  $231,896 
Mortgage and Consumer Loans
                
Yield (1)
  5.37%  6.10%  5.35%  6.14%
Investment income (3)
 $694  $674  $1,374  $1,350 
Investment gains (losses)
 $(125) $(34) $(271) $(62)
Ending carrying value
 $52,500  $48,158  $52,500  $48,158 
Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures (4)
                
Yield (1)
  (8.83)%  6.78%  (9.01)%  5.94%
Investment income
 $(162) $121  $(334) $208 
Investment gains (losses)
 $(68) $4  $(93) $2 
Ending carrying value
 $7,296  $7,328  $7,296  $7,328 
Policy Loans
                
Yield (1)
  6.51%  6.25%  6.45%  6.24%
Investment income
 $161  $151  $318  $299 
Ending carrying value
 $9,907  $9,683  $9,907  $9,683 
Equity Securities (7)
                
Yield (1)
  6.01%  6.01%  4.94%  5.43%
Investment income
 $54  $80  $91  $145 
Investment gains (losses)
 $(108) $  $(377) $(10)
Ending carrying value
 $3,045  $5,228  $3,045  $5,228 
Other Limited Partnership Interests (7)
                
Yield (1)
  5.46%  4.63%  (6.59)%  6.76%
Investment income
 $72  $71  $(181) $203 
Investment gains (losses)
 $(247) $(12) $(344) $(15)
Ending carrying value
 $5,193  $6,707  $5,193  $6,707 
Cash and Short-Term Investments
                
Yield (1)
  0.45%  2.66%  0.47%  2.89%
Investment income
 $24  $86  $60  $181 
Investment gains (losses)
 $2  $  $  $1 
Ending carrying value
 $21,330  $15,343  $21,330  $15,343 
Other Invested Assets (5),(6),(8)
                
Investment income
 $98  $46  $190  $94 
Investment gains (losses)
 $(3,033) $2  $(2,800) $(471)
Ending carrying value
 $13,071  $8,617  $13,071  $8,617 
Total Investments
                
Gross investment income yield (1)
  5.02%  6.11%  4.63%  6.14%
Investment fees and expenses yield
  (0.15)  (0.16)  (0.14)  (0.16)
                 
Net Investment Income Yield
  4.87%  5.95%  4.49%  5.98%
                 
Gross investment income
 $3,977  $4,415  $7,354  $8,803 
Investment fees and expenses
  (118)  (118)  (221)  (237)
                 
Net Investment Income
 $3,859  $4,297  $7,133  $8,566 
                 
Ending carrying value
 $325,376  $332,960  $325,376  $332,960 
                 
Gross investment gains
 $263  $300  $834  $688 
Gross investment losses
  (546)  (346)  (1,081)  (881)
Writedowns
  (846)  (262)  (1,887)  (448)
                 
Subtotal
 $(1,129) $(308) $(2,134) $(641)
Derivative not qualifying for hedge accounting (8)
  (2,828)  (38)  (2,738)  (423)
                 
Investment Gains (Losses)
 $(3,957) $(346) $(4,872) $(1,064)
Investment gains (losses) tax benefit (provision)
  1,394   115   1,719   364 
                 
Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Income Tax
 $(2,563) $(231) $(3,153) $(700)
                 
 
 
(1) Yields are based on quarterly average asset carrying values, excluding recognized and unrealized investment gains (losses), and for yield calculation purposes, average ending assets exclude collateral received from counterparties associated with the Company’s securities lending program.


203


Table of Contents

 
(2) Fixed maturity securities include $1,471 million and $883 million at estimated fair value related to trading securities at June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Fixed maturity securities include $130 million and $147 million of investment income (loss) related to trading securities for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $9 million and ($42) million of investment income (loss) for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
 
(3) Investment income from mortgage and consumer loans includes prepayment fees.
 
(4) Included in investment income (loss) from real estate and real estate joint ventures is $2 million and $1 million from discontinued operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. There were no discontinued operations from real estate and real estate joint ventures for any other period.
 
(5) Included in investment income from other invested assets are scheduled periodic settlement payments on derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133 of $32 million and $63 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and ($40) million and ($47) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. These amounts are excluded from investment gains (losses). Additionally, excluded from investment gains (losses) is $0 and ($2) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $13 million and $28 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, related to settlement payments on derivative instruments used to hedge interest rate and currency risk on policyholder account balances that do not qualify for hedge accounting. Such amounts are included within interest credited to policyholder account balances.
 
(6) Other invested assets are principally comprised of free-standing derivatives with positive estimated fair values and leveraged leases. Freestanding derivatives with negative estimated fair values are included within other liabilities. As yield is not considered a meaningful measure of performance for other invested assets it has been excluded from the table above.
 
(7) Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
 
(8) The caption “Derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting” is comprised of amounts for freestanding derivatives of ($3,621) million and ($404) million; and embedded derivatives of $793 million and $366 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, it is comprised of amounts for freestanding derivatives of ($4,748) million and ($363) million; and embedded derivatives of $2,010 million and ($60) million.
 
(9) Included in investment gains (losses) from other invested assets are the net results of the hedged embedded derivatives related to certain variable annuities with guarantees of consolidated entities and operating joint ventures reported under the equity method of accounting of $96 million and $16 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, it is related to amounts of joint ventures of $76 million and ($4) million.
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
 
Net investment income decreased by $438 million, or 10%, to $3,859 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $4,297 million for the comparable 2008 period. Excluding the impacts of discontinued operations and periodic settlement payments on derivative instruments as described in Notes 4 and 5 of the yield table presented above, net investment income decreased by $588 million, or 14%, to $3,731 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $4,319 million for the comparable 2008 period. Management attributes $648 million of this change to a decrease in yields, partially offset by an increase of $60 million due to growth in average invested assets. Average invested assets are calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses. The decrease in net investment income attributable to lower yields was primarily due to lower returns on real estate joint ventures, International joint ventures, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, fixed maturity securities, trading securities and mortgage loans. The decrease in yields and the negative returns in the second quarter of 2009 realized on real estate joint ventures was primarily from continued declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in value driven by capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions, which have led to declining property valuations, while the real estate development joint ventures


204


Table of Contents

have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions. The reduction in yields and the negative returns in the second quarter of 2009 realized on the International joint venture were driven by hedging losses associated with Japan’s guaranteed annuity business. The decrease in short-term investment yields was primarily attributable to declining short-term interest rates. The decrease in fixed maturity securities yields was primarily due to lower yields on floating rate securities due to declines in short-term interest rates and an increased allocation to high quality, lower yielding U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, including Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program bonds, and from decreased securities lending results due to the smaller size of the program, offset slightly by improved spreads. The increase in yields from the decrease in investment expenses was primarily attributable to lower cost of funds expense on the securities lending program and this decreased cost partially offsets the decrease in net investment income on fixed maturity securities. Trading securities results increased primarily due to increased unrealized gains on equity securities within the trading securities portfolio. The decrease in yields associated with our mortgage loan portfolio was primarily attributable to lower prepayments on commercial mortgage loans and lower yields on variable rate loans due to declines in short-term interest rates. The decrease in net investment income attributable to lower yields was partially offset by increased net investment income attributable to an increase in average invested assets on the cost basis, primarily within mortgages loans, cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and fixed maturity securities excluding securities lending. The increases in mortgage loans are driven by an increased allocation to residential mortgage loans, primarily loans originated with the intent to sell. The increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments has been accumulated to provide additional flexibility to address potential variations in cash needs while credit markets continue to stabilize. The decrease in fixed maturity securities was driven by a decrease in the size of the securities lending program. Excluding securities lending, fixed maturity securities increased, driven by the reinvestment of operating cash flows and accumulated liquidity balances into longer duration investments.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008
 
Net investment income decreased by $1,433 million, or 17%, to $7,133 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $8,566 million for the comparable 2008 period. Excluding the impacts of discontinued operations and periodic settlement payments on derivative instruments as described in Notes 4 and 5 of the yield table presented above, net investment income decreased by $1,622 million, or 19%, to $6,994 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $8,616 million for the comparable 2008 period. Management attributes $1,862 million of this change to a decrease in yields, partially offset by an increase of $240 million due to growth in average invested assets. Average invested assets are calculated on the cost basis without unrealized gains and losses. The decrease in net investment income attributable to lower yields was primarily due to lower returns on real estate joint ventures, fixed maturity securities, trading securities, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, other limited partnership interests and mortgage loans. The decrease in yields and the negative returns on real estate joint ventures realized in the first six months of 2009 were primarily from continued declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in value driven by capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions, which have led to declining property valuations, while the real estate development joint ventures have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions. The decrease in fixed maturity securities yields was primarily due to lower yields on floating rate securities due to declines in short-term interest rates and an increased allocation to high quality, lower yielding U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, including Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program bonds, and from decreased securities lending results due to the smaller size of the program, offset slightly by improved spreads. The increase in yields from the decrease in investment expenses was primarily attributable to lower cost of funds expense on the securities lending program and this decreased cost partially offsets the decrease in net investment income on fixed maturity securities. Trading securities results increased primarily due to increased unrealized gains on equity securities within the trading securities portfolio. The decrease in short-term investment yields was primarily attributable to continuing declines in short-term interest rates. The reduction in yields and the negative returns realized on other limited partnership interests were primarily due to a lack of liquidity and available credit in the financial markets, driven by volatility in the equity and credit


205


Table of Contents

markets. The decrease in yields associated with our mortgage loan portfolio was primarily attributable to lower prepayments on commercial mortgage loans and lower yields on variable rate loans due to declines in short-term interest rates. The decrease in net investment income attributable to lower yields was partially offset by increased net investment income attributable to an increase in average invested assets on the cost basis, primarily within mortgages loans, cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and fixed maturity securities excluding securities lending. The increases in mortgage loans are driven by an increased allocation to residential mortgage loans, primarily loans originated with the intent to sell. The increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments has been accumulated to provide additional flexibility to address potential variations in cash needs while credit markets continue to stabilize. The decrease in fixed maturity securities was driven by a decrease in the size of the securities lending program. Excluding securities lending, fixed maturity securities increased, driven by the reinvestment of operating cash flows and accumulated liquidity balances into longer duration investments.
 
Investment Outlook
 
Management anticipates that the significant volatility in the equity, credit and real estate markets will continue in 2009 which could continue to impact net investment income and the related yields on private equity funds, hedge funds and real estate joint ventures, included within our other limited partnership interests and real estate and real estate joint venture portfolios. Further, in light of the current market conditions, liquidity will be reinvested in a prudent manner and invested according to our asset / liability management (“ALM”) discipline in appropriate assets over time. However, considering the continued, uncertain equity, credit and real estate markets conditions, management plans to continue to maintain a slightly higher than normal level of short-term liquidity. Net investment income may be adversely affected if the reinvestment process occurs over an extended period of time due to challenging market conditions or asset availability.
 
Fixed Maturity and Equity SecuritiesAvailable-for-Sale
 
Fixed maturity securities consisted principally of publicly-traded and privately placed fixed maturity securities, and represented 65% and 58% of total cash and invested assets at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Based on estimated fair value, public fixed maturity securities represented $175.3 billion, or 83%, and $156.7 billion, or 83%, of total fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Based on estimated fair value, private fixed maturity securities represented $36.3 billion, or 17%, and $31.6 billion, or 17%, of total fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
Valuation of Securities.  Management is responsible for the determination of estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of publicly-traded fixed maturity, equity and trading securities as well as short-term investments is determined by management after considering one of three primary sources of information: quoted market prices in active markets, independent pricing services, or independent broker quotations. The number of quotes obtained varies by instrument and depends on the liquidity of the particular instrument. Generally, we obtain prices from multiple pricing services to cover all asset classes and do obtain multiple prices for certain securities, but ultimately utilize the price with the highest placement in the fair value hierarchy. Independent pricing services that value these instruments use market standard valuation methodologies based on inputs that are market observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Such observable inputs include benchmarking prices for similar assets in active, liquid markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market. The market standard valuation methodologies utilized include: discounted cash flow methodologies, matrix pricing or similar techniques. The assumptions and 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, estimated duration, and management’s assumptions regarding liquidity and estimated future cash flows. When a price is not available in the active market or through an independent pricing service, management will value the security primarily using independent non-binding broker quotations. Independent non-binding broker quotations utilize inputs that are not market observable or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
 
Senior management, independent of the trading and investing functions, is responsible for the oversight of control systems and valuation policies, including reviewing and approving new transaction types and markets, for


206


Table of Contents

ensuring that observable market prices and market-based parameters are used for valuation, wherever possible, and for determining that judgmental valuation adjustments, if any, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. Management reviews its valuation methodologies on an ongoing basis and ensures that any changes to valuation methodologies are justified. The Company gains assurance on the overall reasonableness and consistent application of input assumptions, valuation methodologies and compliance with accounting standards for fair value determination through various controls designed to ensure that the financial assets and financial liabilities are appropriately valued and represent an exit price. The control systems and procedures include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, 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 and ongoing confirmation that independent pricing services use, wherever possible, market-based parameters for valuation. Management determines 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 also follows a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of fair value. If we conclude that prices received from independent pricing services are not reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, we will seek independent non-binding broker quotes or use an internally developed valuation to override these prices. Such overrides are classified as Level 3. Despite the credit events prevalent in the current dislocated markets and reduced levels of liquidity over the past few quarters, our internally developed valuations of current estimated fair value, which reflect our estimates of liquidity and non- performance risks, compared with pricing received from the independent pricing services, did not produce material differences for the vast majority of our fixed maturity securities portfolio. Our estimates of liquidity and non-performance risks are generally based on available market evidence and on what other market participants would use. In absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. As a result, we generally continued to use the price provided by the independent pricing service under our normal pricing protocol and pricing overrides were not material. Even some of our very high quality invested assets have been more illiquid for periods of time as a result of the challenging market conditions. The Company uses the results of this analysis for classifying the estimated fair value of these instruments in Level 1, 2 or 3. For example, management will review the estimated fair values received to determine whether corroborating evidence (i.e., similar observable positions and actual trades) will support a Level 2 classification in the estimated fair value hierarchy. Security prices which cannot be corroborated due to relatively less pricing transparency and diminished liquidity will be classified as Level 3.
 
For privately placed fixed maturity securities, the Company determines the estimated fair value generally through matrix pricing or discounted cash flow techniques. The discounted cash flow valuations rely upon the estimated future cash flows of the security, credit spreads of comparable public securities and secondary transactions, as well as taking account of, among other factors, the credit quality of the issuer and the reduced liquidity associated with privately placed debt securities.
 
The Company has reviewed the significance and observability of inputs used in the valuation methodologies to determine the appropriate SFAS 157 fair value hierarchy level for each of its securities. Based on the results of this review and investment class analyses, each instrument is categorized as Level 1, 2 or 3 based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation methodologies. While prices for certain U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed fixed maturity securities, certain foreign government fixed maturity securities, exchange-traded common stock and certain short-term money market securities have been classified into Level 1 because of high volumes of trading activity and narrow bid/ask spreads, most securities valued by independent pricing services have been classified into Level 2 because the significant inputs used in pricing these securities are market observable or can be corroborated using market observable information. Most investment grade privately placed fixed maturity securities have been classified within Level 2, while most below investment grade or distressed privately placed fixed maturity securities have been classified within Level 3. Where estimated fair values are determined by independent pricing services or by independent non-binding broker quotations that utilize inputs that are not market observable or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, these instruments have been classified as Level 3. Use of independent non-binding broker quotations generally indicates there is a lack of liquidity or the general lack of transparency in the process to develop these price estimates causing them to be considered Level 3.


207


Table of Contents

The Company adopted FSPFAS 157-4effective April 1, 2009. This FSP clarified existing guidance regarding (1) estimating the fair value of an asset or liability if there was a significant decrease in the volume and level of trading activity for these assets or liabilities and (2) identifying transactions that are not orderly. The Company’s valuation policies as described above and in “— Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Estimated Fair Valuation of Investments” already incorporated the key concepts from this additional guidance, accordingly, this FSP results in no material changes in our valuation policies. At April 1, 2009 and June 30, 2009, we evaluated the markets that our fixed maturity and equity securities trade in and in our judgment, despite the increased illiquidity discussed above, believed none of these fixed maturity and equity securities trading markets should be characterized as distressed and disorderly. We will continue to re-evaluate and monitor such fixed maturity and equity securities trading markets on an ongoing basis.
 
Fixed Maturity Securities Credit Quality — Ratings.  The Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) evaluates the fixed maturity security investments of insurers for regulatory reporting purposes and assigns securities to one of six investment categories called “NAIC designations.” The NAIC ratings are similar to the rating agency designations of the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO”) for marketable bonds. NAIC ratings 1 and 2 include bonds generally considered investment grade (rated “Baa3” or higher by Moody’s or rated “BBB — ” or higher by S&P and Fitch), by such rating organizations. NAIC ratings 3 through 6 include bonds generally considered below investment grade (rated “Ba1” or lower by Moody’s, or rated “BB+” or lower by S&P and Fitch).
 
The following table presents the Company’s total fixed maturity securities by Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization designation and the equivalent ratings of the NAIC, as well as the percentage, based on estimated fair value, that each designation is comprised of at:
 
                           
    June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
    Cost or
        Cost or
       
NAIC
   Amortized
  Estimated
  % of
  Amortized
  Estimated
  % of
 
Rating
 Rating Agency Designation (1) Cost  Fair Value  Total  Cost  Fair Value  Total 
    (In millions) 
 
1
 Aaa/Aa/A $152,336  $147,337   69.6% $146,796  $137,125   72.9%
2
 Baa  49,247   45,949   21.7   45,253   38,761   20.6 
3
 Ba  11,775   9,598   4.6   10,258   7,796   4.1 
4
 B  7,662   5,717   2.7   5,915   3,779   2.0 
5
 Caa and lower  4,237   2,756   1.3   1,192   715   0.4 
6
 In or near default  237   206   0.1   94   75    
                           
  Total fixed maturity securities $225,494  $211,563   100.0% $209,508  $188,251   100.0%
                           
 
 
(1) Amounts presented are based on rating agency designations. Comparisons between NAIC ratings and rating agency designations are published by the NAIC. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then the MetLife rating is used.


208


Table of Contents

 
The following tables present the Company’s total fixed maturity securities, based on estimated fair value, by sector classification and by NRSRO designation and the equivalent ratings of the NAIC, that each designation is comprised of at:
 
                             
  Fixed Maturity Securities — by Sector & Credit Quality Rating at June 30, 2009 
  1  2  3  4  5  6  Total
 
NAIC Rating:             Caa and
  In or Near
  Estimated
 
Rating Agency Designation (1) :
 Aaa/Aa/A  Baa  Ba  B  Lower  Default  Fair Value 
  (In millions) 
 
U.S. corporate securities
 $29,154  $27,660  $5,554  $2,716  $704  $193  $65,981 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  35,994   1,607   1,376   1,051   1,770      41,798 
Foreign corporate securities
  16,373   13,953   1,542   1,525   201   13   33,607 
US Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  27,673                  27,673 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  13,814   104   59   8   10      13,995 
Asset-backed securities
  11,006   1,009   282   83   34      12,414 
Foreign government securities
  8,661   835   738   326         10,560 
State & political subdivisions securities
  4,644   781   47   8   37      5,517 
Other fixed maturity securities
  18                  18 
                             
Total fixed maturity securities
 $147,337  $45,949  $9,598  $5,717  $2,756  $206  $211,563 
                             
% of total
  69.6%  21.7%  4.6%  2.7%  1.3%  0.1%  100.0%
 
 
(1) Amounts presented are based on rating agency designations. Comparisons between NAIC ratings and rating agency designations are published by the NAIC. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then the MetLife rating is used.
 
                             
  Fixed Maturity Securities — by Sector & Credit Quality Rating at December 31, 2008 
  1  2  3  4  5  6  Total
 
NAIC Rating:             Caa and
  In or Near
  Estimated
 
Rating Agency Designation (1) :
 Aaa/Aa/A  Baa  Ba  B  Lower  Default  Fair Value 
           (In millions)       
 
U.S. corporate securities
 $31,403  $24,438  $4,891  $2,112  $399  $60  $63,303 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  34,512   638   695   103   80      36,028 
Foreign corporate securities
  15,936   11,039   1,357   1,184   148   15   29,679 
US Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  21,310                  21,310 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  12,486   81   59   7   11      12,644 
Asset-backed securities
  9,393   1,037   35   16   42      10,523 
Foreign government securities
  8,030   1,049   713   357   4      10,153 
State & political subdivisions securities
  4,002   479   46      30      4,557 
Other fixed maturity securities
  53            1      54 
                             
Total fixed maturity securities
 $137,125  $38,761  $7,796  $3,779  $715  $75  $188,251 
                             
% of total
  72.9%  20.6%  4.1%  2.0%  0.4%     100.0%
 
 
(1) Amounts presented are based on rating agency designations. Comparisons between NAIC ratings and rating agency designations are published by the NAIC. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then the MetLife rating is used.
 
Below Investment Grade or Non-Rated Fixed Maturity Securities.  The Company held fixed maturity securities at estimated fair values that were below investment grade or not rated by an independent rating


209


Table of Contents

agency that totaled $18.3 billion and $12.4 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. These securities had net unrealized losses of $5.6 billion and $5.1 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
Non-Income Producing Fixed Maturity Securities.  Non-income producing fixed maturity securities at estimated fair value were $206 million and $75 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Net unrealized losses associated with non-income producing fixed maturity securities were $31 million and $19 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
Fixed Maturity Securities Credit Enhanced by Financial Guarantee Insurers.  At June 30, 2009, $4.6 billion of the estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities were credit enhanced by financial guarantee insurers of which $2.1 billion, $1.7 billion and $0.8 billion are included within state and political subdivision securities, U.S. corporate securities and asset-backed securities, respectively, and 18% and 39% were guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers who were rated Aa and A, respectively. At December 31, 2008, $4.9 billion of the estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities were credit enhanced by financial guarantee insurers of which $2.0 billion, $2.0 billion and $0.9 billion are included within state and political subdivision securities, U.S. corporate securities and asset-backed securities, respectively, and 15% and 68% were guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers who were rated Aa and Baa, respectively. Approximately 50% of the asset-backed securities held at June 30, 2009 that are credit enhanced by financial guarantee insurers are asset-backed securities which are backed bysub-primemortgage loans.
 
Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses.  The following tables present the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gain and loss, estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities and the percentage that each sector represents by the respective total holdings for the period shown. The unrealized loss amounts presented below at June 30, 2009 include the noncredit component of OTTI loss.
 
                         
  June 30, 2009 
  Cost or
  Gross Unrealized       
  Amortized
     Temporary
  OTTI
  Estimated
  % of
 
  Cost  Gain  Loss  Loss  Fair Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
U.S. corporate securities
 $70,682  $1,350  $6,016  $35  $65,981   31.2%
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  44,834   1,078   3,913   201   41,798   19.8 
Foreign corporate securities
  35,817   976   3,177   9   33,607   15.9 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities (1)
  27,277   1,053   657      27,673   13.1 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  16,354   75   2,410   24   13,995   6.6 
Asset-backed securities
  14,619   97   2,206   96   12,414   5.8 
Foreign government securities
  9,987   834   261      10,560   5.0 
State and political subdivision securities
  5,905   119   507      5,517   2.6 
Other fixed maturity securities
  19      1      18    
                         
Total fixed maturity securities (2),(3)
 $225,494  $5,582  $19,148  $365  $211,563   100.0%
                         
Common stock
 $1,730  $59  $71  $  $1,718   56.4%
Non-redeemable preferred stock (2)
  1,949   28   650      1,327   43.6 
                         
Total equity securities
 $3,679  $87  $721  $  $3,045   100.0%
                         
 


210


Table of Contents

                     
  December 31, 2008 
  Cost or
             
  Amortized
  Gross Unrealized  Estimated
  % of
 
  Cost  Gain  Loss  Fair Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
U.S. corporate securities
 $72,211  $994  $9,902  $63,303   33.6%
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  39,995   753   4,720   36,028   19.2 
Foreign corporate securities
  34,798   565   5,684   29,679   15.8 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities (1)
  17,229   4,082   1   21,310   11.3 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  16,079   18   3,453   12,644   6.7 
Asset-backed securities
  14,246   16   3,739   10,523   5.6 
Foreign government securities
  9,474   1,056   377   10,153   5.4 
State and political subdivision securities
  5,419   80   942   4,557   2.4 
Other fixed maturity securities
  57      3   54    
                     
Total fixed maturity securities (2),(3)
 $209,508  $7,564  $28,821  $188,251   100.0%
                     
Common stock
 $1,778  $40  $133  $1,685   52.7%
Non-redeemable preferred stock (2)
  2,353   4   845   1,512   47.3 
                     
Total equity securities (4)
 $4,131  $44  $978  $3,197   100.0%
                     
 
 
(1) The Company has classified within the U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities caption above certain corporate fixed maturity securities issued by U.S. financial institutions that are guaranteed by the FDIC pursuant to the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program of $1,023 million and $2 million at estimated fair value with unrealized gains (losses) of $5 million and less than ($1) million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
(2) The Company classifies perpetual securities that have attributes of both debt and equity as fixed maturity securities if the security has a punitive interest ratestep-upfeature as it believes in most instances this feature will compel the issuer to redeem the security at the specified call date. Perpetual securities that do not have a punitive interest rate step-upfeature are classified as non-redeemable preferred stock. Many of such securities have been issued bynon-U.S.financial institutions that are accorded Tier 1 and Upper Tier 2 capital treatment by their respective regulatory bodies and are commonly referred to as “perpetual hybrid securities.” Perpetual hybrid securities classified as non-redeemable preferred stock held by the Company at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 had an estimated fair value of $1,063 million and $1,224 million, respectively. In addition, the Company held $264 million and $288 million at estimated fair value at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, of other perpetual hybrid securities, primarily of U.S. financial institutions, also included in non-redeemable preferred stock. Perpetual hybrid securities held by the Company and included within fixed maturity securities (primarily within foreign corporate securities) at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 had an estimated fair value of $2,378 million and $2,110 million, respectively. In addition, the Company held $52 million and $46 million at estimated fair value at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, of other perpetual hybrid securities, primarily U.S. financial institutions, included in U.S. corporate securities.
 
(3) At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company also held $2,082 million and $2,052 million at estimated fair value, respectively, of redeemable preferred stock which have stated maturity dates. These securities are primarily issued by U.S. financial institutions, have cumulative interest deferral features and are commonly referred to as “capital securities” and are included within U.S. corporate securities which are included within fixed maturity securities.
 
(4) Equity securities primarily consist of investments in common and preferred stocks and mutual fund interests. Such securities include common stock of privately held companies with an estimated fair value of $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

211


Table of Contents

 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Equity Securities).  The Company is not exposed to any significant concentrations of credit risk of any single issuer greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity in its equity securities portfolio.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities).  The Company is not exposed to any concentrations of credit risk of any single issuer greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity, other than securities of the U.S. government, certain U.S. government agencies and certain securities guaranteed by the U.S. government. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s holdings in U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed fixed maturity securities at estimated fair value were $27.7 billion and $21.3 billion, respectively. As shown in the sector table above, at June 30, 2009, the Company’s three largest exposures in its fixed maturity security portfolio were U.S. corporate securities (31.2%), residential mortgage-backed securities (19.8%) and foreign corporate securities (15.9%); and at December 31, 2008 were U.S. corporate securities (33.6%), residential mortgage-backed securities (19.2%) and foreign corporate securities (15.8%). Additionally, at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had exposure to fixed maturity securities backed bysub-primemortgages with estimated fair values of $0.9 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, and unrealized losses of $821 million and $730 million, respectively. These securities are classified within asset-backed securities in the immediately preceding table.
 
See also “— Investments — Fixed Maturity and Equity SecuritiesAvailable-for-Sale —Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities” and “— Structured Securities” for a description of concentrations of credit risk related to these asset subsectors.
 
Fair Value Hierarchy.  Fixed maturity securities and equity securities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value sources and fair value hierarchy are summarized as follows:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009 
     Equity
 
  Fixed Maturity Securities  Securities 
  (In millions) 
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
 $11,333   5.4% $387   12.6%
                 
Independent pricing source
  157,044   74.2   402   13.2 
Internal matrix pricing or discounted cash flow techniques
  27,394   12.9   1,071   35.2 
                 
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
  184,438   87.1   1,473   48.4 
                 
Independent pricing source
  6,263   3.0   843   27.7 
Internal matrix pricing or discounted cash flow techniques
  6,239   2.9   206   6.8 
Independent broker quotations
  3,290   1.6   136   4.5 
                 
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
  15,792   7.5   1,185   39.0 
                 
Total estimated fair value
 $211,563   100.0% $3,045   100.0%
                 
 


212


Table of Contents

                 
  June 30, 2009 
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
  Quoted Prices
  Significant
       
  in Active
  Other
  Significant
    
  Markets for
  Observable
  Unobservable
  Total
 
  Identical Assets
  Inputs
  Inputs
  Estimated
 
  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Fair Value 
  (In millions) 
 
Fixed maturity securities:
                
U.S. corporate securities
 $  $59,318  $6,663  $65,981 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
     40,304   1,494   41,798 
Foreign corporate securities
     28,878   4,729   33,607 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  11,042   16,594   37   27,673 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
     13,744   251   13,995 
Asset-backed securities
     10,254   2,160   12,414 
Foreign government securities
  291   9,923   346   10,560 
State and political subdivision securities
     5,413   104   5,517 
Other fixed maturity securities
     10   8   18 
                 
Total fixed maturity securities
 $11,333  $184,438  $15,792  $211,563 
                 
Equity securities:
                
Common stock
 $387  $1,213  $118  $1,718 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
     260   1,067   1,327 
                 
Total equity securities
 $387  $1,473  $1,185  $3,045 
                 
 
The composition of, fair value pricing source for and significant changes in Level 3 securities is as follows:
 
  • The majority of the Level 3 fixed maturity and equity securities 86%, as shown above, are concentrated in four sectors: U.S. and foreign corporate securities, asset-backed securities and non-redeemable preferred securities.
 
  • Level 3 fixed maturity securities are priced principally through independent broker quotations or market standard valuation methodologies using inputs that are not market observable or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 fixed maturity securities consists of less liquid fixed maturity securities with very limited trading activity or where less price transparency exists around the inputs to the valuation methodologies including below investment grade private placements and less liquid investment grade corporate securities (included in U.S. and foreign corporate securities) and less liquid asset-backed securities including securities supported bysub-primemortgage loans (included in asset-backed securities). Level 3 non-redeemable preferred securities include securities with very limited trading activity or where less price transparency exists around the inputs to the valuation.
 
  • During the three months ended June 30, 2009, Level 3 fixed maturity securities increased by $1.6 billion or 11%, due primarily to favorable fair value changes recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), and purchases in excess of sales and settlements which were partially offset by transfers out of Level 3. The transfers out of Level 3 are described in the discussion after the rollforward table below. The favorable fair value changes in fixed maturity securities were concentrated in U.S. and foreign corporate securities and asset-backed securities (including residential mortgage-backed securities backed bysub-primemortgage loans) due to current market conditions including narrowing of credit spreads, offset slightly by the effect of rising interest rates on such securities. Net purchases in excess of sales and settlements of fixed maturity securities were concentrated in residential mortgage-backed securities.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, Level 3 fixed maturity securities decreased by $1.6 billion or 9%, due primarily to transfers out of Level 3, which were partially offset by favorable fair value changes

213


Table of Contents

recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and to a lesser extent purchases in excess of sales and settlements. The transfers out of Level 3 are described in the discussion after the rollforward table below. The favorable fair value changes in fixed maturity securities were concentrated in U.S. and foreign corporate securities and asset-backed securities (including residential mortgage-backed securities backed bysub-primemortgage loans) due to current market conditions including narrowing of credit spreads, offset slightly by the effect of rising interest rates on such securities. Net purchases in excess of sales and settlements of fixed maturity securities were concentrated in residential mortgage-backed securities.
 
A rollforward of the fair value measurements for fixed maturity securities and equity securities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009  June 30, 2009 
  Fixed Maturity
  Equity
  Fixed Maturity
  Equity
 
  Securities  Securities  Securities  Securities 
     (In millions)    
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $14,166  $1,006  $17,408  $1,379 
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                
Earnings
  (43)  (55)  (492)  (259)
Other comprehensive loss
  1,569   300   654   138 
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements
  1,040   (66)  194   (73)
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3
  (940)     (1,972)   
                 
Balance, end of period
 $15,792  $1,185  $15,792  $1,185 
                 
 
An analysis of transfers inand/or out of Level 3 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
  • Total gains and losses (in earnings and other comprehensive loss) are calculated assuming transfers in or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred in and out for the same period are excluded from the rollforward.
 
  • Total gains and losses for fixed maturity securities included in earnings of $4 million and ($90) million, respectively, and other comprehensive income (loss) of $12 million and ($414) million, respectively, were incurred for transfers subsequent to their transfer to Level 3, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.
 
  • Net transfers inand/or out of Level 3 for fixed maturity securities were ($940) million and ($1,972) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and were comprised of transfers in of $383 million and $3,268 million, respectively, and transfers out of ($1,323) million and ($5,240) million, respectively. There were no net transfers in or out of Level 3 for equity securities for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Overall, transfers inand/or out of Level 3 are attributable to a change in the observability of inputs. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, fixed maturity securities transfers into Level 3 of $383 million and $3,268 million, respectively, resulted primarily from current market conditions characterized by a lack of trading activity, decreased liquidity, fixed maturity securities going into default and credit ratings downgrades (e.g., from investment grade to below investment grade). These current market conditions have resulted in decreased transparency of valuations and an increased use of broker quotations and unobservable inputs to determine fair value principally for U.S. and foreign corporate securities. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, fixed maturity securities transfers out of Level 3 of ($1,323) million and ($5,240) million, respectively, resulted primarily from existing issuances of fixed maturity securities, principally U.S. and foreign corporate securities that, over time, the Company was able to corroborate pricing received from independent pricing services with observable inputs and increased transparency of both new issuances and subsequent to issuance and establishment of trading activity became priced by pricing services.


214


Table of Contents

See “— Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Investments” for further information on the estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported above.
 
Evaluating Investments for anOther-Than-TemporaryImpairment
 
As described more fully in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report, the Company performs a regular evaluation, on asecurity-by-securitybasis, of its investment holdings in accordance with its impairment policy in order to evaluate whether such investments areother-than-temporarilyimpaired.
 
With respect to fixed maturity securities, the Company considers, amongst other criteria, whether it has the intent to sell a particular impaired fixed maturity security. The assessment of the Company’s intent to sell a particular fixed maturity security considers broad portfolio management objectives such as asset/liability duration management, issuer and industry segment exposures, interest rate views and the overall total return focus. In following these portfolio management objectives, changes in facts and circumstances that were present in past reporting periods may trigger a decision to sell securities that were held in prior reporting periods. Decisions to sell are based on current conditions or the Company’s need to shift the portfolio to maintain its portfolio management objectives including liquidity needs or duration targets on asset/liability managed portfolios. The Company attempts to anticipate these types of changes and if a sale decision has been made on an impaired security, the security will be deemedother-than-temporarilyimpaired in the period that the sale decision was made and an OTTI loss will be recorded in earnings. In certain circumstances, the Company may determine that it does not intend to sell a particular security but that it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the decline in fair value below amortized cost. In such instances, the fixed maturity security will be deemedother-than-temporarilyimpaired in the period during which it was determined more likely than not that the security will be required to be sold and an OTTI loss will be recorded in earnings. If the Company does not have the intent to sell (i.e. has not made the decision to sell) and it does not believe that it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the Company estimates the present value of the expected future cash flows to be received from that security. If the present value of the expected future cash flows to be received is less than the amortized cost, the security will be deemedother-than-temporarilyimpaired in the period that such present value of the expected cash flows falls below amortized cost and this difference, referred to as the credit loss, will be recognized in earnings. Any remaining difference between the present value of the expected future cash flows to be received and the estimated fair value of the security will be recognized as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) and is referred to as the noncredit loss. Prior to April 1, 2009 the Company’s assessment of OTTI for fixed maturity securities was performed in the same manner described below for equity securities.
 
With respect to equity securities, the Company considers in its OTTI analysis its intent and ability to hold a particular equity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of its value to an amount equal to or greater than cost or amortized cost. Decisions to sell equity securities are based on current conditions in relation to the same broad portfolio management considerations in a manner consistent with that described above for fixed maturity securities. If a sale decision is made with respect to a particular equity security and that equity security is not expected to recover to an amount at least equal to cost or amortized cost prior to the expected time of the sale, the security will be deemedother-than-temporarilyimpaired in the period that the sale decision was made and an OTTI loss will be recorded in earnings.
 
See “— Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates.”


215


Table of Contents

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).  The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, are as follows:
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Fixed maturity securities that are temporarily impaired
 $(13,566) $(21,246)
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses in other comprehensive loss
  (365)   
         
Total fixed maturity securities
  (13,931)  (21,246)
         
Equity securities
  (634)  (934)
Derivatives
  (138)  (2)
Other
  50   53 
         
Subtotal
  (14,653)  (22,129)
         
Amounts allocated from:
        
Insurance liability loss recognition
  (116)  42 
DAC and VOBA on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
  28    
DAC and VOBA
  2,206   3,025 
         
Subtotal
  2,118   3,067 
Deferred income tax benefit on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
  116    
Deferred income tax benefit
  4,204   6,508 
         
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
  (8,215)  (12,554)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interest
  (3)  (10)
         
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
 $(8,218) $(12,564)
         
 
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses in other comprehensive loss, as presented above, of $365 million includes $126 million related to the transition adjustment, $234 million ($216 million, net of DAC) of noncredit losses recognized in the three months ended June 30, 2009 and $5 million of additional unrealized losses incurred during the three months ended June 30, 2009 on such securities for which a noncredit loss was previously recognized in other comprehensive loss.


216


Table of Contents

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) are as follows:
 
     
  Six Months
 
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, end of prior period
 $(12,564)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax
  (76)
Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
  (239)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period
  7,813 
Unrealized investment loss of subsidiary at the date of disposal
  28 
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
    
Insurance liability gain (loss) recognition
  (158)
DAC and VOBA on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
  18 
DAC and VOBA
  (809)
DAC and VOBA of subsidiary at date of disposal
  (10)
Deferred income tax on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
  76 
Deferred income tax
  (2,298)
Deferred income tax of subsidiary at date of disposal
  (6)
     
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)
  (8,225)
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interest
  7 
     
Balance, end of period
 $(8,218)
     
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)
 $4,339 
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interest
  7 
     
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
 $4,346 
     
 
The following tables present the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized loss, including the portion of OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at June 30, 2009, and number of securities for fixed maturity and equity securities where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by less than 20%, or 20% or more at:
 
                         
  June 30, 2009 
  Cost or Amortized Cost  Gross Unrealized Loss  Number of Securities 
  Less than
  20% or
  Less than
  20% or
  Less than
  20% or
 
  20%  more  20%  more  20%  more 
     (In millions, except number of securities)    
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                        
Less than six months
 $27,591  $6,804  $940  $1,973   739   315 
Six months or greater but less than nine months
  4,838   13,860   279   4,608   391   681 
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
  9,909   8,978   599   3,724   589   464 
Twelve months or greater
  53,707   5,907   4,402   2,988   2,644   366 
                         
Total
 $96,045  $35,549  $6,220  $13,293         
                         
Equity Securities:
                        
Less than six months
 $61  $400  $5  $143   89   54 
Six months or greater but less than nine months
  42   357   5   128   46   20 
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
  46   525   6   221   29   19 
Twelve months or greater
  121   520   10   203   24   20 
                         
Total
 $270  $1,802  $26  $695         
                         
 


217


Table of Contents

                         
  December 31, 2008 
  Cost or Amortized Cost  Gross Unrealized Loss  Number of Securities 
  Less than
  20% or
  Less than
  20% or
  Less than
  20% or
 
  20%  more  20%  more  20%  more 
     (In millions, except number of securities)    
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                        
Less than six months
 $32,658  $48,114  $2,358  $17,191   4,566   2,827 
Six months or greater but less than nine months
  14,975   2,180   1,313   1,109   1,314   157 
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
  16,372   3,700   1,830   2,072   934   260 
Twelve months or greater
  23,191   650   2,533   415   1,809   102 
                         
Total
 $87,196  $54,644  $8,034  $20,787         
                         
Equity Securities:
                        
Less than six months
 $386  $1,190  $58  $519   351   551 
Six months or greater but less than nine months
  33   413   6   190   8   32 
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
  3   487      194   5   15 
Twelve months or greater
  171      11      20    
                         
Total
 $593  $2,090  $75  $903         
                         
 
Concentration of Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity SecuritiesAvailable-for-Sale
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s gross unrealized losses related to its fixed maturity securities including the portion of OTTI loss on fixed maturity securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at June 30, 2009, of $20.2 billion and $29.8 billion, respectively, were concentrated, calculated as a percentage of gross unrealized loss and OTTI loss, by sector and industry is as follows:
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
 
Sector:
        
U.S. corporate securities
  30%  33%
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  20   16 
Foreign corporate securities
  16   19 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  12   11 
Asset-backed securities
  11   13 
State and political subdivision securities
  3   3 
Foreign government securities
  1   1 
Other
  7   4 
         
Total
  100%  100%
         
Industry:
        
Mortgage-backed
  32%  27%
Finance
  27   24 
Asset-backed
  11   13 
Consumer
  7   11 
Utility
  5   8 
Communications
  3   5 
Industrial
  2   4 
Foreign government
  5   1 
Other
  8   7 
         
Total
  100%  100%
         

218


Table of Contents

Evaluating Temporarily Impaired Investments
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $6.2 billion and $8.0 billion, respectively, of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss position of less than 20% of amortized cost, which represented 6% and 9%, respectively, of the amortized cost of such securities. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $26 million and $75 million, respectively, of unrealized losses related to equity securities with an unrealized loss position of less than 20% of cost or amortized cost, which represented 10% and 13%, respectively, of the cost or amortized cost of such securities.
 
At June 30, 2009, $13.3 billion and $695 million of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities and equity securities, respectively, with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of cost or amortized cost, which represented 37% and 39% of the cost or amortized cost of such fixed maturity and equity securities, respectively. Of such unrealized losses of $13.3 billion and $695 million, $2.0 billion and $143 million related to fixed maturity and equity securities, respectively, that were in an unrealized loss position for a period of less than six months. At December 31, 2008, $20.8 billion and $903 million of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity and equity securities, respectively, with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of cost or amortized cost, which represented 38% and 43% of the cost or amortized cost of such fixed maturity and equity securities, respectively. Of such unrealized losses of $20.8 billion and $903 million, $17.2 billion and $519 million related to fixed maturity and equity securities, respectively, that were in an unrealized loss position for a period of less than six months.
 
The Company held 469 fixed maturity securities and 23 equity securities, each with a gross unrealized loss at June 30, 2009 of greater than $10 million. These 469 fixed maturity securities represented 50%, or $9.7 billion in the aggregate, of the gross unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities. These 23 equity securities represented 70%, or $506 million in the aggregate, of the gross unrealized loss on equity securities. The Company held 699 fixed maturity securities and 33 equity securities, each with a gross unrealized loss at December 31, 2008 of greater than $10 million. These 699 fixed maturity securities represented 50%, or $14.5 billion in the aggregate, of the gross unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities. These 33 equity securities represented 71%, or $699 million in the aggregate, of the gross unrealized loss on equity securities. The fixed maturity and equity securities, each with a gross unrealized loss greater than $10 million, decreased $6.3 billion and $5.0 billion during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. These securities were included in the regular evaluation of whether such investments areother-than-temporarilyimpaired. Based upon the Company’s current evaluation of these securities in accordance with its impairment policy, the cause of the decline being primarily attributable to a rise in market yields caused principally by an extensive widening of credit spreads which resulted from a lack of market liquidity and a short-term market dislocation versus a long-term deterioration in credit quality, and its 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 notother-than-temporarilyimpaired.
 
In the Company’s impairment review process, the duration of, and severity of, an unrealized loss position, such as unrealized losses of 20% or more for equity securities, which was $695 million and $903 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, is 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.
 
Equity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more for less than six months was $143 million at June 30, 2009, of which $82 million of the unrealized losses, or 57%, were for non-redeemable preferred securities, of which $68 million, of the unrealized losses, or 83%, were for investment grade non-redeemable preferred securities. Of the $68 million of unrealized losses for investment grade non-redeemable preferred securities, $61 million of the unrealized losses, or 90%, was comprised of unrealized losses on investment grade financial services industry non-redeemable preferred securities, of which 97% were rated A or higher.


219


Table of Contents

Equity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more for six months or greater but less than twelve months was $349 million at June 30, 2009, all of which were for non-redeemable preferred securities, of which, $248 million of the unrealized losses, or 71%, are for investment grade securities, and $243 million, or 98%, of which are within the financial services industry non-redeemable preferred securities, of which 56% were rated A or higher.
 
Equity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more for twelve months or greater was $203 million at June 30, 2009, of which $197 million of the unrealized losses, or 97%, were for investment grade non-redeemable preferred securities, within the financial services industry, of which 57% were rated A or higher.
 
In connection with the equity securities impairment review process at June 30, 2009, the Company evaluated its holdings in non-redeemable preferred securities, particularly those of financial services companies. 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 securities with a severe or an extended unrealized loss. 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 the unrealized losses for securities in an unrealized loss position of 20% or less in an extended unrealized loss position (i.e. 12 months or greater).
 
At June 30, 2009, there were $695 million of equity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more, of which $634 million of the unrealized losses, or 91%, were for non-redeemable preferred securities. At June 30, 2009, $513 million of the unrealized losses of 20% or more, or 81%, of the non-redeemable preferred securities were investment grade securities, of which, $501 million of the unrealized losses of 20% or more, or 98%, are investment grade financial services industry non-redeemable preferred securities, of which 61% were rated A or higher. Also all non-redeemable preferred securities with unrealized losses of 20% or more, regardless of credit rating, have not deferred any dividend payments.
 
Futureother-than-temporaryimpairments 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 rating, changes in collateral valuation, changes in interest rates, and changes in credit spreads. If economic fundamentals and any of the above factors continue to deteriorate, additionalother-than-temporaryimpairments may be incurred in upcoming quarters. See also “— Investments — Fixed Maturity and Equity SecuritiesAvailable-for-Sale.”
 
Impairments — OTTI Losses Recognized in Earnings.
 
Effective April 1, 2009 the Company adoptedFSP 115-2.With the adoption ofFSP 115-2,for those fixed maturity securities that are intended to be sold or for which it is more likely than not that the security will be required to be sold before recovery of the decline in fair value below amortized cost, the full OTTI loss from the fair value being less than the amortized cost is recognized in earnings. For those fixed maturity securities which the Company has no intent to sell (i.e. has not made the decision to sell) and the Company believes it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell prior to recovery of the decline in fair value, and an assessment has been made that the amortized cost will not be fully recovered, only the OTTI credit loss component is recognized in earnings, while the remaining decline in fair value is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), not in earnings, as a noncredit OTTI loss. Prior to the adoption of this new guidance, the Company recognized an OTTI loss in earnings for a fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position unless it could assert that it had both the intent and ability to hold the fixed maturity security for a period of time to allow for a recovery of fair value to the security’s amortized cost basis. There was no change for equity securities which, when an OTTI loss has occurred, continue to be impaired for the entire difference between the equity security’s cost or amortized cost and its fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings. The discussion below describes the Company’s methodology and significant inputs used to determine the amount of the credit loss effective April 1, 2009.
 
In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a fixed maturity security, the Company calculates the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the present value of future cash flows expected to be received. The discount rate is generally the effective interest rate of the fixed maturity security prior to impairment.


220


Table of Contents

When determining the collectability and the period over which the fixed maturity security is expected to recover, the Company applies the same considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process which incorporates information regarding the specific security, fundamentals of the industry and geographic area in which the security issuer operates, and overall macroeconomic conditions. Projected future cash flows are estimated using assumptions derived from management’s best estimates of likely scenario-based outcomes after giving consideration to a variety of variables that include, but are not limited to: general payment terms of the security; the likelihood that the issuer can service the scheduled interest and principal payments; the quality and amount of any credit enhancements; the security’s position within the capital structure of the issuer; possible corporate restructurings or asset sales by the issuer; and changes to the rating of the security or the issuer by rating agencies. Additional considerations are made when assessing the unique features that apply to certain structured securities such as residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. These additional factors for structured securities include, but are not limited to: the quality of underlying collateral; expected prepayment speeds; current and forecasted loss severity; consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security; and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security.
 
Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses) are as follows:
 
                                 
  Fixed Maturity Securities  Equity Securities 
  Three Months
  Six Months
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Proceeds
 $7,573  $14,018  $19,351  $26,809  $195  $358  $253  $630 
                                 
Gross investment gains
  189   131   545   290   13   70   20   147 
                                 
Gross investment losses
  (235)  (298)  (647)  (586)  (49)  (14)  (67)  (40)
                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
                                
Credit-related
  (287)  (136)  (743)  (210)            
Other(1)
  (45)  (3)  (142)  (3)  (72)  (56)  (330)  (117)
                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings
  (332)  (139)  (885)  (213)  (72)  (56)  (330)  (117)
                                 
Net investment gains (losses)
 $(378) $(306) $(987) $(509) $(108) $  $(377) $(10)
                                 
 
 
(1) Other OTTI losses recognized in earnings include impairments on equity securities, impairments on non-redeemable preferred 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 fair value.
 
Overview of Fixed Maturity and Equity Security OTTI Losses Recognized in Earnings.  Impairments of fixed maturity and equity securities were $404 million and $1,215 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $195 million and $330 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Impairments of fixed maturity securities were $332 million and $885 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $139 million and $213 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Impairments of equity securities were $72 million and $330 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $56 million and $117 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
 
The Company’s credit-related impairments of fixed maturity securities were $287 million and $743 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $136 million and $210 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.


221


Table of Contents

The Company’s three largest impairments totaled $91 million and $320 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 and $69 million and $96 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
 
The Company records OTTI losses charged to earnings as investment losses and adjusts the cost basis of the fixed maturity and equity securities accordingly. The Company does not change the revised cost basis for subsequent recoveries in value.
 
The Company sold or disposed of fixed maturity and equity securities at a loss that had an estimated fair value of $1.9 billion and $5.3 billion during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 and $7.5 billion and $13.0 billion for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Gross losses excluding impairments for fixed maturity and equity securities were $284 million and $714 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 and $312 million and $626 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
 
Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 — Financial Services Industry including Perpetual Hybrid Securities Impairments.  Of the fixed maturity and equity securities impairments of $404 million and $1,215 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, $127 million and $478 million were concentrated in the Company’s financial services industry holdings including $68 million and $361 million of perpetual hybrid securities, some classified as fixed maturity securities and some classified as non-redeemable preferred stock. The financial services industry impairments of $127 million and $478 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, were comprised of $67 million and $188 million, respectively, in impairments on fixed maturity securities and $60 million and $290 million, respectively, in impairments on equity securities, of which $8 million and $102 million and $60 million and $260 million were perpetual hybrid securities included within fixed maturity securities and non-redeemable preferred stock, respectively. The circumstances that gave rise to these financial services industry impairments during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 were financial restructurings, bankruptcy filings, ratings downgrades or difficult underlying operating environments for the issuers. In addition, impairments on perpetual hybrid securities during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 were a result of deterioration in the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position.


222


Table of Contents

Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 — Summary of Fixed Maturity Security Impairments.  Overall OTTI losses recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities were $332 million and $885 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. This substantial increase over the prior year periods were driven by impairments across several industries and sectors as shown in the table below. The circumstances that gave rise to these impairments were financial restructurings, bankruptcy filings, ratings downgrades or difficult underlying operating environments for the issuers. Overall, $287 million and $743 million of the impairments were considered to be credit-related impairments on fixed maturity securities.
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
     (In millions)    
 
U.S. and foreign corporate securities
                
Communications
 $61  $  $203  $17 
Finance
  67   83   188   114 
Consumer
  74   45   164   48 
Utility
  43   1   76   1 
Industrial
  3      20    
Other
  2   3   26   5 
                 
Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities
  250   135   677   185 
Asset-backed securities
  28   4   94   28 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  20      78    
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  34      36    
                 
Total
 $332  $139  $885  $213 
                 
 
Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 — Summary of Equity Security Impairments.  Equity security impairments recorded in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 totaled $72 million and $330 million, respectively. Included within the $72 million and $330 million of impairments on equity securities in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively are $60 million and $290 million of impairments on financial services industry perpetual hybrid securities where there had been a deterioration in the credit rating of the issuer to below investment grade and due to a severe and extended unrealized loss position and $12 million and $40 million of impairments across several industries including communications and consumer. With respect to common stock holdings, the Company considered the duration and severity of the securities in an unrealized loss position of 20% or more; and the duration of the securities in an unrealized loss position of 20% or less with an extended unrealized loss position (i.e.12 months or greater) in determining theother-than-temporaryimpairment charge for such securities.
 
The $72 million and $56 million of equity security impairments in the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $330 million and $117 million in the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to the following sectors:
 
                 
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Common stock
 $12  $55  $50  $79 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
  60   1   280   38 
                 
Total
 $72  $56  $330  $117 
                 
 
Future Impairments.  Futureother-than-temporaryimpairments will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance, changes in credit ratings, changes in collateral valuation, changes in interest rates and changes in credit spreads. If economic fundamentals and other of the above factors continue to deteriorate,


223


Table of Contents

additionalother-than-temporaryimpairments may be incurred in upcoming periods. See also “— Investments — Fixed Maturity and Equity SecuritiesAvailable-for-Sale —Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).”
 
Credit loss Rollforward — 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 Loss
 
The table 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 loss and are still held on June 30, 2009.
 
     
  Three Months
 
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $ 
Credit loss component of OTTI loss not reclassified to other comprehensive loss in the cumulative effect transition adjustment
  230 
Additions:
    
Initial impairments — credit loss OTTI recognized in the current period on securities not previously impaired
  152 
Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired
  5 
Reductions:
    
Due to sales (or maturities, pay downs or prepayments) during the period of securities previously credit loss OTTI impaired
  (7)
     
Balance, end of period
 $380 
     
 
Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities.  The table below shows the major industry types that comprise the corporate securities holdings at:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Estimated
  % of
  Estimated
  % of
 
  Fair Value  Total  Fair Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Foreign (1)
 $33,607   33.7% $29,679   32.0%
Industrial
  15,312   15.4   13,324   14.3 
Consumer
  14,948   15.0   13,122   14.1 
Utility
  13,697   13.8   12,434   13.4 
Finance
  13,482   13.5   14,996   16.1 
Communications
  5,898   5.9   5,714   6.1 
Other
  2,644   2.7   3,713   4.0 
                 
Total
 $99,588   100.0% $92,982   100.0%
                 
 
 
(1) Includes U.S. Dollar-denominated debt obligations of foreign obligors and other fixed maturity securities foreign investments.
 
The Company maintains a diversified corporate fixed maturity portfolio across industries and issuers. The portfolio does not have exposure to any single issuer in excess of 1% of the total investments. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s combined holdings in the ten issuers to which it had the greatest exposure totaled $7.7 billion and $8.4 billion, respectively, the total of these ten issuers being less than 3% of the Company’s total investments at such dates. The largest exposure to a single issuer of corporate fixed maturity securities held at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was $1.1 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.


224


Table of Contents

Structured Securities.  The following table shows the types of structured securities the Company held at:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Estimated
  % of
  Estimated
  % of
 
  Fair Value  Total  Fair Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                
Collateralized mortgage obligations
 $24,555   36.0% $26,025   44.0%
Pass-through securities
  17,243   25.3   10,003   16.8 
                 
Total residential mortgage-backed securities
  41,798   61.3   36,028   60.8 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  13,995   20.5   12,644   21.4 
Asset-backed securities
  12,414   18.2   10,523   17.8 
                 
Total
 $68,207   100.0% $59,195   100.0%
                 
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations are a type of mortgage-backed security that creates separate pools or tranches of pass-through cash flows for different classes of bondholders with varying maturities. Pass-through mortgage-backed securities are a type of asset-backed security that is secured by a mortgage or collection of mortgages. The monthly mortgage payments from homeowners pass from the originating bank through an intermediary, such as a government agency or investment bank, which collects the payments, and for fee, remits or passes these payments through to the holders of the pass-through securities.
 
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities.  The Company’s residential mortgage-backed securities portfolio consists of agency, prime and alternative residential mortgage loans (“Alt-A”) securities of 75%, 18% and 7% of the total holdings, respectively, at June 30, 2009 and 68%, 23% and 9% of the total holdings, respectively, at December 31, 2008. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $34.5 billion and $33.3 billion, respectively, or 83% and 92%, respectively, of the residential mortgage-backed securities were rated Aaa/AAA by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. The majority of the agency residential mortgage-backed securities are guaranteed or otherwise supported by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) or the Government National Mortgage Association. In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced that FNMA and FHLMC had been placed into conservatorship. Prime residential mortgage lending includes the origination of residential mortgage loans to the most credit-worthy customers with high quality credit profiles. Alt-A residential mortgage loans are a classification of mortgage loans where the risk profile of the borrower falls between prime andsub-prime.At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities holdings at estimated fair value was $3.1 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively, with an unrealized loss of $1.8 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $0.5 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, or 16% and 63%, respectively, of the Company’s Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities were rated Aa/AA or better by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. At June 30, 2009, the Company’s Alt-A holdings are distributed by vintage year as follows at estimated fair value: 2% in the 2009 vintage year, 25% in the 2007 vintage year and 73% in the 2006 and prior vintage years. At December 31, 2008, the Company’s Alt-A holdings are distributed by vintage year as follows at estimated fair value: 23% in the 2007 vintage year, 25% in the 2006 vintage year and 52% in the 2005 and prior vintage years. Vintage year refers to the year of origination and not to the year of purchase. In January 2009 Moody’s revised its loss projections for Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities and downgraded virtually all 2006 and 2007 vintage year Alt-A securities to below investment grade, contributing to the substantial decrease cited above in our Alt-A securities holdings rated Aa/AA or better. Our analysis suggests that Moody’s is applying essentially the same default methodology to all Alt-A bonds regardless of the underlying collateral. The Company’s Alt-A portfolio has superior structure to the overall Alt-A market. At June 30, 2009, the Company’s Alt-A portfolio is 87% fixed rate collateral, has zero exposure to option ARM mortgages and has only 13% hybrid ARMs. At December 31, 2008, the Company’s Alt-A portfolio is 88% fixed rate collateral, has zero exposure to option ARM mortgages and has only 12% hybrid ARMs. Fixed rate mortgages have performed better than both option ARMs and hybrid ARMs. Additionally, 84% and 83% at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, of the Company’s Alt-A portfolio has super senior credit enhancement, which typically provides double the credit enhancement of a standard AAA rated bond. Based upon the analysis of the Company’s exposure to Alt-A mortgage loans through its


225


Table of Contents

investment in residential mortgage-backed securities, the Company continues to expect to receive payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the securities.
 
Asset-Backed Securities.  The Company’s asset-backed securities are diversified both by sector and by issuer. At June 30, 2009, the largest exposures in the Company’s asset-backed securities portfolio were credit card receivables, student loan receivables, residential mortgage-backed securities backed bysub-primemortgage, and automobile receivables loans of 57%, 13%, 8% and 8% of the total holdings, respectively. At December 31, 2008, the largest exposures in the Company’s asset-backed securities portfolio were credit card receivables, student loan receivables, automobile receivables and residential mortgage-backed securities backed bysub-primemortgage loans of 49%, 10%, 10% and 10% of the total holdings, respectively. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s holdings in asset-backed securities were $12.4 billion and $10.5 billion, respectively, at estimated fair value. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $9.5 billion and $7.9 billion, respectively, or 77% and 75%, respectively, of total asset-backed securities were rated Aaa/AAA by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch.
 
The Company’s asset-backed securities included in the structured securities table above include exposure to residential mortgage-backed securities backed bysub-primemortgage loans.Sub-primemortgage lending is the origination of residential mortgage loans to customers with weak credit profiles. The Company’s exposure exists through investment in asset-backed securities which are supported bysub-primemortgage loans. The slowing U.S. housing market, greater use of affordable mortgage products and relaxed underwriting standards for some originators of below-prime loans have recently led to higher delinquency and loss rates, especially within the 2006 and 2007 vintage year. Vintage year refers to the year of origination and not to the year of purchase. These factors have caused a pull-back in market liquidity and repricing of risk, which has led to an increase in unrealized losses from December 31, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Based upon the analysis of the Company’ssub-primemortgage loans through its investment in asset-backed securities, the Company expects to receive payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the securities.
 
The following table shows the Company’s exposure to asset-backed securities supported bysub-primemortgage loans by credit quality and by vintage year:
 
                                                 
  June 30, 2009 
  Aaa  Aa  A  Baa  Below Investment Grade  Total 
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
 
  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value 
  (In millions) 
 
2003 & Prior
 $83  $58  $73  $52  $22  $10  $18  $10  $77  $42  $273  $172 
2004
  104   48   373   204   17   7   36   17   2   1   532   277 
2005
  74   39   225   101   39   25   31   22   241   135   610   322 
2006
  59   49   62   32         22   6   93   44   236   131 
2007
        78   30               39   15   117   45 
2008
                                    
2009
                                    
                                                 
Total
 $320  $194  $811  $419  $78  $42  $107  $55  $452  $237  $1,768  $947 
                                                 
 
                                                 
  December 31, 2008 
  Aaa  Aa  A  Baa  Below Investment Grade  Total 
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
 
  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value 
  (In millions) 
 
2003 & Prior
 $96  $77  $92  $72  $26  $16  $83  $53  $8  $4  $305  $222 
2004
  129   70   372   204   5   3   37   28   2   1   545   306 
2005
  357   227   186   114   20   11   79   46   4   4   646   402 
2006
  146   106   69   30   15   10   26   7   2   2   258   155 
2007
        78   33   35   21   2   2   3   1   118   57 
2008
                                    
                                                 
Total
 $728  $480  $797  $453  $101  $61  $227  $136  $19  $12  $1,872  $1,142 
                                                 
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had asset-backed securities supported bysub-primemortgage loans with estimated fair values of $0.9 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, and unrealized losses of


226


Table of Contents

$821 million and $730 million, respectively, as outlined in the tables above. At June 30, 2009, approximately 65% of the portfolio is rated Aa or better of which 82% was in vintage year 2005 and prior. At December 31, 2008, approximately 82% of the portfolio was rated Aa or better of which 82% was in vintage year 2005 and prior. These older vintages benefit from better underwriting, improved enhancement levels and higher residential property price appreciation. At June 30, 2009, 39% of the asset-backed securities backed bysub-primemortgage loans have been guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers, of which 20% and 5% were guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers who were Aa and A rated, respectively. At December 31, 2008, 37% of the asset-backed securities backed bysub-primemortgage loans have been guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers, of which 19% and 37% were guaranteed by financial guarantee insurers who were Aa and Baa rated, respectively. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, all of the $0.9 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, of asset-backed securities supported bysub-primemortgage loans were classified as Level 3 fixed maturity securities.
 
Asset-backed securities also include collateralized debt obligations backed bysub-primemortgage loans at an aggregate cost of $19 million with an estimated fair value of $4 million at June 30, 2009 and an aggregate cost of $20 million with an estimated fair value of $10 million at December 31, 2008, which are not included in the tables above.
 
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities.  There have been disruptions in the commercial mortgage-backed securities market due to market perceptions that default rates will increase in part due to weakness in commercial real estate market fundamentals and due in part to relaxed underwriting standards by some originators of commercial mortgage loans within the more recent vintage years (i.e. 2006 and later). These factors have caused a pull-back in market liquidity, increased spreads and repricing of risk, which has led to an increase in unrealized losses since third quarter 2008. Based upon the analysis of the Company’s exposure to commercial mortgage-backed securities, the Company expects to receive payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the securities.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s holdings in commercial mortgage-backed securities were $14.0 billion and $12.6 billion, respectively, at estimated fair value. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $13.0 billion and $11.8 billion, respectively, of the estimated fair value, or 93% for both years, of commercial mortgage-backed securities was rated Aaa/AAA by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. At both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the rating distribution of the Company’s commercial mortgage-backed securities holdings was as follows: 93% Aaa, 4% Aa, 1% A, 1% Baa and 1% Ba or below. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 85% and 84%, respectively, of the holdings were in the 2005 and prior vintage years. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had no exposure to CMBX securities and its holdings of commercial real estate debt obligations securities were $111 million and $121 million, respectively, at estimated fair value. The weighted average credit enhancement of the Company’s commercial mortgage-backed securities holdings at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was 28% and 26%, respectively. 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.
 
The following table shows the Company’s exposure to commercial mortgage-backed securities by credit quality and by vintage year:
 
                                                 
  June 30, 2009 
  Aaa  Aa  A  Baa  Below Investment Grade  Total 
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
 
  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value 
  (In millions) 
 
2003 & Prior
 $5,950  $5,883  $422  $344  $192  $139  $54  $31  $36  $14  $6,654  $6,411 
2004
  2,568   2,372   211   117   139   59   47   13   84   43   3,049   2,604 
2005
  3,293   2,776   172   62   19   5   35   13   26   11   3,545   2,867 
2006
  1,783   1,395   54   33   79   29   94   45         2,010   1,502 
2007
  999   542   34   29   47   29   3   2   10   9   1,093   611 
2008
                                    
2009
                                    
                                                 
Total
 $14,593  $12,968  $893  $585  $476  $261  $233  $104  $156  $77  $16,351  $13,995 
                                                 
 


227


Table of Contents

                                                 
  December 31, 2008 
  Aaa  Aa  A  Baa  Below Investment Grade  Total 
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
  Cost or
  Fair
 
  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value  Amortized Cost  Value 
  (In millions) 
 
2003 & Prior
 $5,428  $4,975  $424  $272  $213  $124  $51  $24  $42  $17  $6,158  $5,412 
2004
  2,630   2,255   205   100   114   41   47   11   102   50   3,098   2,457 
2005
  3,403   2,664   187   49   40   13   5   1   18   10   3,653   2,737 
2006
  1,825   1,348   110   39   25   14   94   36         2,054   1,437 
2007
  999   535   43   28   63   28   10   9         1,115   600 
2008
  1   1                           1   1 
                                                 
Total
 $14,286  $11,778  $969  $488  $455  $220  $207  $81  $162  $77  $16,079  $12,644 
                                                 
 
Securities Lending
 
The Company participates in securities lending programs whereby blocks of securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms and commercial banks. The Company generally obtains collateral in an amount equal to 102% of the estimated fair value of the loaned securities to be obtained at the inception of a loan and maintained at a level greater than or equal to 100% for the duration of the loan. During the extraordinary market events occurring beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company, in limited instances, accepted collateral less than 102% at the inception of certain loans, but never less than 100%, of the estimated fair value of such loaned securities. These loans involved U.S. Government Treasury Bills which are considered to have limited variation in their estimated fair value during the term of the loan. Securities with a cost or amortized cost of $20.7 billion and $20.8 billion and an estimated fair value of $20.9 billion and $22.9 billion were on loan under the program at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or repledged by the transferee. The Company was liable for cash collateral under its control of $21.5 billion and $23.3 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Of this $21.5 billion of cash collateral at June 30, 2009, $2.4 billion was on open terms, meaning that the related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day requiring return of cash collateral and $11.0 billion, $4.0 billion, $2.4 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, were due within 30 days, 60 days, 90 days and over 90 days. The estimated fair value of the securities related to the cash collateral on open terms at June 30, 2009 has been reduced to $2.3 billion from $5.0 billion at December 31, 2008. Substantially all (99%) of the $2.3 billion of estimated fair value of the securities related to the cash collateral on open terms at June 30, 2009 were U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities which, if put to the Company, can be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirements. The remainder of the securities on loan are primarily U.S. Treasury, agency, and government guaranteed securities and very liquid residential mortgage-backed securities. Within the U.S. Treasury securities on loan, they are primarily holdings ofon-the-runU.S. Treasury securities, the most liquid U.S. Treasury securities available. If these high quality securities that are on loan are put back to the Company, the proceeds from immediately selling these securities can be used to satisfy the related cash requirements. The estimated fair value of the reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral was $19.6 billion at June 30, 2009, and consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including residential mortgage-backed, asset-backed, U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities). If the on loan securities or the reinvestment portfolio become less liquid, the Company has the liquidity resources of most of its general account available to meet any potential cash demand when securities are put back to the Company.

228


Table of Contents

The following table represents, at June 30, 2009, when the Company may be obligated to return cash collateral received in connection with its securities lending program. Cash collateral is required to be returned when the related loaned security is returned to the Company.
 
         
  June 30, 2009 
  Cash Collateral  % of Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Open
 $2,419   11.3%
Less than thirty days
  10,973   51.1 
Greater than thirty days to sixty days
  3,969   18.5 
Greater than sixty days to ninety days
  2,372   11.0 
Greater than ninety days
  1,752   8.1 
         
Total
 $21,485   100.0%
         
 
Security collateral of $29 million and $279 million on deposit from counterparties in connection with the securities lending transactions at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, may not be sold or repledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
 
Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral
 
The assets on deposit, assets held in trust and assets pledged as collateral are summarized in the table below. The amounts presented in the table below are at estimated fair value for cash, fixed maturity and equity securities and at carrying value for mortgage loans.
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Assets on deposit:
        
Regulatory agencies (1)
 $1,279  $1,282 
Assets held in trust:
        
Collateral financing arrangements (2)
  5,750   4,754 
Reinsurance arrangements (3)
  1,244   1,714 
Assets pledged as collateral:
        
Debt and funding agreements — FHLB of NY (4)
  22,065   20,880 
Debt and funding agreements — FHLB of Boston (4)
  434   1,284 
Funding agreements — Farmer MAC (5)
  2,870   2,875 
Federal Reserve Bank of New York (6)
  2,961   1,577 
Collateral financing arrangements — Holding Company (7)
  123   316 
Derivative transactions (8)
  1,257   1,744 
Short sale agreements (9)
  545   346 
Other
  190   180 
         
Total assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral
 $38,718  $36,952 
         
 
 
(1) The Company had investment assets on deposit with regulatory agencies consisting primarily of fixed maturity and equity securities.
 
(2) The Company held in trust cash and securities, primarily fixed maturity and equity securities to satisfy collateral requirements. The Company has also pledged certain fixed maturity securities in support of the collateral financing arrangements described in Note 10 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(3) The Company has pledged certain investments, primarily fixed maturity securities, in connection with certain reinsurance transactions.


229


Table of Contents

 
(4) The Company has pledged fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans in support of its debt and funding agreements with the FHLB of NY and has pledged fixed maturity securities to the FHLB of Boston. The nature of these Federal Home Loan Bank arrangements are described in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report.
 
(5) The Company has pledged certain agricultural real estate mortgage loans in connection with funding agreements with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer MAC”). The nature of the Farmer MAC arrangement is described in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report.
 
(6) The Company has pledged qualifying mortgage loans and securities in connection with collateralized borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Term Auction Facility. The nature of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York arrangement is described in Note 9 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(7) The Holding Company has pledged certain collateral in support of the collateral financing arrangements described in Note 10 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(8) Certain of the Company’s invested assets are pledged as collateral for various derivative transactions as described in Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(9) Certain of the Company’s trading securities are pledged to secure liabilities associated with short sale agreements in the trading securities portfolio as described in the following section.
 
See also “— Investments — Securities Lending” for the amount of the Company’s cash and invested assets received from and due back to counterparties pursuant to the securities lending program.
 
Trading Securities
 
The Company has trading securities portfolios to support investment strategies that involve the active and frequent purchase and sale of securities, the execution of short sale agreements and asset and liability matching strategies for certain insurance products. Trading securities and short sale agreement liabilities are recorded at estimated fair value with subsequent changes in estimated fair value recognized in net investment income.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, trading securities at estimated fair value were $1,471 million and $946 million, respectively, and liabilities associated with the short sale agreements in the trading securities portfolio, which were included in other liabilities, were $201 million and $57 million, respectively. The Company had pledged $545 million and $346 million of its assets, at estimated fair value, consisting of trading securities and cash and cash equivalents, as collateral to secure the liabilities associated with the short sale agreements in the trading securities portfolio at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
Interest and dividends earned on trading securities, in addition to the net realized gains (losses) and subsequent changes in estimated fair value recognized on the trading securities and the related short sale agreement liabilities included within net investment income, totaled $130 million and $147 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $9 million and ($42) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Changes in estimated fair value in net investment income of such trading securities and short sale agreement liabilities were $141 million and $143 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and ($4) million and ($47) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.


230


Table of Contents

The trading securities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009 
  Trading
  Trading
 
  Securities  Liabilities 
  (In millions) 
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1)
 $1,134   77% $142   71%
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
  265   18       
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
  72   5   59   29%
                 
Total estimated fair value
 $1,471   100% $201   100%
                 
 
A rollforward of the fair value measurements for trading securities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
         
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $105  $175 
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
        
Earnings
  6   7 
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements
  (39)  (104)
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3
     (6)
         
Balance, end of period
 $72  $72 
         
 
See “— Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” for further information on the estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported above.
 
Mortgage and Consumer Loans
 
The Company’s mortgage and consumer loans are principally collateralized by commercial, agricultural and residential properties, as well as automobiles. Mortgage and consumer loans comprised 16.1% and 15.9% of the Company’s total cash and invested assets at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The carrying value of mortgage and consumer loans is stated at original cost net of repayments, amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts and valuation allowances, except for residential mortgage loansheld-for-saleaccounted for under the fair value option which are carried at estimated fair value, as determined on a recurring basis and certain commercial and residential mortgage loans carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, as determined on a nonrecurring basis. The following table shows the carrying value of the Company’s mortgage and consumer loans by type at:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Carrying
  % of
  Carrying
  % of
 
  Value  Total  Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Commercial mortgage loans
 $35,017   66.7% $35,965   70.1%
Agricultural mortgage loans
  11,913   22.7   12,234   23.8 
Consumer loans
  1,299   2.5   1,153   2.2 
                 
Loansheld-for-investment
  48,229   91.9   49,352   96.1 
Mortgage loansheld-for-sale
  4,271   8.1   2,012   3.9 
                 
Total
 $52,500   100.0% $51,364   100.0%
                 
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, mortgage loansheld-for-saleinclude $4,258 million and $1,975 million, respectively, of residential mortgage loansheld-for-salecarried under the fair value option,


231


Table of Contents

which included $4,122 million and $1,798 million of Level 2 mortgage loansheld-for-saleand $136 million and $177 million of Level 3 mortgage loansheld-for-saleat June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, mortgage loansheld-for-salealso include $13 million and $37 million, respectively, of commercial and residential mortgage loansheld-for-salewhich are carried at the lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value.
 
At June 30, 2009, the Company held $124 million in impaired mortgage loans of which $111 million was related to mortgage loansheld-for-investmentand $13 million was related to certain mortgage loansheld-for-sale.At December 31, 2008, the Company held $220 million in impaired mortgage loans, of which $188 million was related to mortgage loansheld-for-investmentand $32 million to certain mortgage loansheld-for-sale.These impaired mortgage loans are carried at their estimated fair values at the time such impairments were recognized. Estimated fair values for impaired mortgage loans are based on independent broker quotations or, if the loans are in foreclosure or are otherwise determined to be collateral dependent, on the value of the underlying collateral. Impairments to estimated fair value of less than $1 million and $13 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $26 million and $42 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were recognized within net investment gains (losses). These impairments to estimated fair value represent nonrecurring fair value measurements that have been categorized as Level 3 due to the lack of price transparency inherent in the limited markets for such mortgage loans.
 
Commercial Mortgage Loans By Geographic Region and Property Type.  The Company diversifies its commercial mortgage loans by both geographic region and property type. The following table presents the distribution across geographic regions and property types for commercial mortgage loansheld-for-investmentat:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Carrying
  % of
  Carrying
  % of
 
  Value  Total  Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Region
                
Pacific
 $8,679   24.8% $8,837   24.6%
South Atlantic
  7,627   21.8   8,101   22.5 
Middle Atlantic
  5,879   16.8   5,931   16.5 
International
  3,461   9.9   3,414   9.5 
West South Central
  2,908   8.3   3,070   8.5 
East North Central
  2,561   7.3   2,591   7.2 
New England
  1,465   4.2   1,529   4.3 
Mountain
  1,044   3.0   1,052   2.9 
West North Central
  677   1.9   716   2.0 
East South Central
  462   1.3   468   1.3 
Other
  254   0.7   256   0.7 
                 
Total
 $35,017   100.0% $35,965   100.0%
                 
Property Type
                
Office
 $14,832   42.3% $15,307   42.6%
Retail
  7,941   22.7   8,038   22.3 
Apartments
  3,838   11.0   4,113   11.4 
Hotel
  3,076   8.8   3,078   8.6 
Industrial
  2,802   8.0   2,901   8.1 
Other
  2,528   7.2   2,528   7.0 
                 
Total
 $35,017   100.0% $35,965   100.0%
                 
 
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, delinquent or under foreclosure. These loan classifications are consistent with those used in industry practice.


232


Table of Contents

The Company defines restructured mortgage loans as loans in which the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. The Company defines potentially delinquent loans as loans that, in management’s opinion, have a high probability of becoming delinquent. The Company defines delinquent mortgage loans, consistent with industry practice, as loans in which two or more interest or principal payments are past due. The Company defines mortgage loans under foreclosure as loans in which foreclosure proceedings have formally commenced.
 
The Company reviews all 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 and tenant creditworthiness.
 
The Company records valuation allowances for certain of the loans that it deems impaired. The Company’s valuation allowances are established both on a loan specific basis for those loans where a property or market specific risk has been identified that could likely result in a future default, as well as for pools of loans with similar high risk characteristics where a property specific or market risk has not been identified. Loan specific valuation allowances are established for the excess carrying value of the mortgage loan over the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, the value of the loan’s collateral or the loan’s estimated fair value if the loan is being sold. Valuation allowances for pools of loans are established based on property types and loan to value risk factors. The Company records valuation allowances as investment losses. The Company records subsequent adjustments to allowances as investment gains (losses).
 
Recent economic events causing deteriorating market conditions, low levels of liquidity and credit spread widening have all adversely impacted the mortgage and consumer loan markets. As a result, commercial real estate, agricultural and residential loan market fundamentals have weakened. The Company expects continued pressure on these fundamentals, including but not limited to declining rent growth, increased vacancies, rising delinquencies and declining property values. These deteriorating factors have been considered in the Company’s ongoing, systematic and comprehensive review of the mortgage and consumer loan portfolios, resulting in higher writedown amounts and valuation allowances for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the prior periods.
 
The following table presents the amortized cost and valuation allowance for commercial mortgage loansheld-for-investmentdistributed by loan classification at:
 
                                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
           % of
           % of
 
  Amortized
  % of
  Valuation
  Amortized
  Amortized
  % of
  Valuation
  Amortized
 
  Cost (1)  Total  Allowance  Cost  Cost (1)  Total  Allowance  Cost 
  (In millions) 
 
Performing
 $35,416   100.0% $408   1.2% $36,192   100.0% $232   0.6%
Restructured
           %           %
Potentially delinquent
  25      24   96.0%  2         %
Delinquent or under foreclosure
  8         %  3         %
                                 
Total
 $35,449   100.0% $432   1.2% $36,197   100.0% $232   0.6%
                                 
 
 
(1) Amortized cost is equal to carrying value before valuation allowances.


233


Table of Contents

 
The following table presents the changes in valuation allowances for commercial mortgage loansheld-for-investmentfor the:
 
     
  Six Months
 
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $232 
Additions
  218 
Deductions
  (18)
     
Balance, end of period
 $432 
     
 
Agricultural Mortgage Loans.  The Company diversifies its agricultural mortgage loansheld-for-investmentby both geographic region and product type.
 
Of the $12.0 billion of agricultural mortgage loans outstanding at June 30, 2009, 56% were subject to rate resets prior to maturity. A substantial portion of these loans has been successfully renegotiated and remain outstanding to maturity. The process and policies for monitoring the agricultural mortgage loans and classifying them by performance status are generally the same as those for the commercial loans.
 
The following table presents the amortized cost and valuation allowances for agricultural mortgage loansheld-for-investmentdistributed by loan classification at:
 
                                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
           % of
           % of
 
  Amortized
  % of
  Valuation
  Amortized
  Amortized
  % of
  Valuation
  Amortized
 
  Cost (1)  Total  Allowance  Cost  Cost (1)  Total  Allowance  Cost 
  (In millions) 
 
Performing
 $11,778   98.1% $37   0.3% $12,054   98.0% $16   0.1%
Restructured
           %  1         %
Potentially delinquent
  100   0.8   24   24.0%  133   1.1   18   13.5%
Delinquent or under foreclosure
  131   1.1   35   26.7%  107   0.9   27   25.2%
                                 
Total
 $12,009   100.0% $96   0.8% $12,295   100.0% $61   0.5%
                                 
 
 
(1) Amortized cost is equal to carrying value before valuation allowances.
 
The following table presents the changes in valuation allowances for agricultural mortgage loansheld-for-investmentfor the:
 
     
  Six Months
 
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $61 
Additions
  50 
Deductions
  (15)
     
Balance, end of period
 $96 
     
 
Consumer Loans.  Consumer loans consist of residential mortgage loans and auto loansheld-for-investment.


234


Table of Contents

The following table presents the amortized cost and valuation allowances for consumer loansheld-for-investmentdistributed by loan classification at:
 
                                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
           % of
           % of
 
  Amortized
  % of
  Valuation
  Amortized
  Amortized
  % of
  Valuation
  Amortized
 
  Cost (1)  Total  Allowance  Cost  Cost (1)  Total  Allowance  Cost 
  (In millions) 
 
Performing
 $1,244   94.7% $15   1.2% $1,116   95.8% $11   1.0%
Restructured
  1   0.1                   
Potentially delinquent
  24   1.8         17   1.5       
Delinquent or under foreclosure
  45   3.4         31   2.7       
                                 
Total
 $1,314   100.0% $15   1.1% $1,164   100.0% $11   0.9%
                                 
 
 
(1) Amortized cost is equal to carrying value before valuation allowances.
 
The following table presents the changes in valuation allowances for consumer loansheld-for-investmentfor the:
 
     
  Six Months
 
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $11 
Additions
  7 
Deductions
  (3)
     
Balance, end of period
 $15 
     
 
Real Estate Holdings
 
The Company’s real estate holdings consist of commercial properties located primarily in the United States. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the carrying value of the Company’s real estate, real estate joint ventures and real estateheld-for-salewas $7.3 billion and $7.6 billion, respectively, or 2.2% and 2.4%, respectively, of total cash and invested assets. The carrying value of real estate is stated at depreciated cost net of impairments and valuation allowances. The carrying value of equity method real estate joint ventures is stated at the Company’s equity, while cost method real estate joint ventures are stated at cost net of impairments and valuation allowances.
 
The following table presents the carrying value of the Company’s real estate holdings at:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Carrying
  % of
  Carrying
  % of
 
Type Value  Total  Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Real estate
 $4,068   55.8% $4,061   53.5%
Real estate joint ventures
  3,141   43.0   3,522   46.5 
Foreclosed real estate
  86   1.2   2    
                 
   7,295   100.0   7,585   100.0 
Real estateheld-for-sale
  1      1    
                 
Total real estate holdings
 $7,296   100.0% $7,586   100.0%
                 
 
The Company’s carrying value of real estateheld-for-saleof $1 million at both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, has been reduced by impairments of $1 million at both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.


235


Table of Contents

The Company records real estate acquired upon foreclosure of commercial and agricultural mortgage loans at the lower of estimated fair value or the carrying value of the mortgage loan at the date of foreclosure.
 
Net investment income from real estate joint ventures and funds within the real estate and real estate joint venture caption represents distributions for investments accounted for under the cost method and equity in earnings for investments accounted for under the equity method. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, net investment income (loss) from real estate and real estate joint ventures was ($71) million and ($156) million, respectively. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, net investment income (loss) from real estate and real estate joint ventures was $206 million and $380 million, respectively. The negative returns from real estate and real estate joint ventures in both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 and the year over year decrease of net investment income (loss) of $277 million and $536 million for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2009 compared to the prior year periods was primarily from declining property valuations on real estate held by certain real estate investment funds that carry their real estate at fair value and operating losses incurred on real estate properties that were developed for sale by real estate development joint ventures, in excess of earnings from wholly-owned real estate. The commercial real estate properties underlying real estate investment funds have experienced declines in value driven by capital market factors and deteriorating market conditions, which has led to declining property valuations, while the real estate development joint ventures have experienced fewer property sales due to declining real estate market fundamentals and decreased availability of real estate lending to finance transactions. For equity method real estate joint ventures and funds, the Company reports the equity in earnings based on the availability of financial statements and other periodic financial information that are substantially the same as financial statements. Accordingly, those financial statements are received and reviewed on a lag basis after the close of the joint ventures’ or funds’ financial reporting periods, and the Company records the equity in earnings, generally on a one reporting period lag. In addition, due to the lag in reporting of the joint ventures’ and funds’ results to the Company, the volatility in the real estate markets experienced in first and second quarter of 2009, may unfavorably impact net investment income in subsequent quarters in 2009, as those results are reported to the Company.
 
At June 30, 2009, the Company held $69 million in cost basis real estate joint ventures which were impaired based on the underlying real estate joint venture financial statements. These real estate joint ventures were recorded at estimated fair value and represent a nonrecurring fair value measurement. The estimated fair value was categorized as Level 3. Included within net investment gains (losses) for such real estate joint ventures are impairments of $68 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.
 
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 $5.2 billion and $6.0 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Included within other limited partnership interests at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, of hedge funds. The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in limited partnership interests in which it has more than a minor interest, has influence over the partnership’s operating and financial policies, but does not have a controlling interest and is not the primary beneficiary. The Company uses the cost method for minor interest investments and when it has virtually no influence over the partnership’s operating and financial policies. For equity method limited partnership interests, the Company reports the equity in earnings based on the availability of financial statements and other periodic financial information that are substantially the same as financial statements. Accordingly, those financial statements are received and reviewed on a lag basis after the close of the partnerships’ financial reporting periods, and the Company records the equity in earnings, generally on a one reporting period lag. The Company’s investments in other limited partnership interests represented 1.6% and 1.9% of total cash and invested assets at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, net investment income (loss) from other limited partnership interests was $72 million and ($181) million, respectively. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, net investment income (loss) from other limited partnership interests was $71 million and $203 million, respectively. The negative returns from other limited partnership interests, including hedge funds, in the six months ended June 30, 2009 and the decrease of net investment income (loss) of


236


Table of Contents

($384) million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008, was primarily due to volatility in the equity and credit markets. Management anticipates that the significant volatility in the equity and credit markets may continue in subsequent quarters in 2009 which could continue to impact net investment income and the related yields on other limited partnership interests. In addition, due to the lag in reporting of the other limited partnership interests results to the Company, the volatility and lack of liquidity in the equity and credit markets incurred in first and second quarter of 2009, may unfavorably impact net investment income in subsequent quarters in 2009, as those results are reported to the Company.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company held $410 million and $137 million, respectively, of impaired other limited partnership interests which are accounted for using the cost basis. Impairments on cost basis limited partnership interests are recognized at estimated fair value determined from information provided in the financial statements of the underlying other limited partnership interests in the period in which the impairment is recognized. Consistent with equity securities, greater weight and consideration is given in the other limited partnership interests impairment review process, to the severity and duration of unrealized losses on such other limited partnership interests holdings. Impairments to estimated fair value for such other limited partnership interests of $245 million and $12 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $341 million and $16 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were recognized within net investment gains (losses). These impairments to estimated fair value represent nonrecurring fair value measurements that have been classified as Level 3 due to the limited activity and price transparency inherent in the market for such investments.
 
Other Invested Assets
 
Other invested assets represents 4.1% and 5.3% of total cash and invested assets at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The following table presents the carrying value of the Company’s other invested assets at:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Carrying
  % of
  Carrying
  % of
 
Type Value  Total  Value  Total 
  (In millions) 
 
Freestanding derivatives with positive fair values
 $6,912   52.9% $12,306   71.3%
Leveraged leases, net of non-recourse debt
  2,179   16.7   2,146   12.4 
Joint venture investments
  874   6.7   751   4.4 
Tax credit partnerships
  672   5.1   503   2.9 
Funding agreements
  403   3.1   394   2.3 
Mortgage servicing rights
  670   5.1   191   1.1 
Funds withheld
  483   3.7   62   0.4 
Other
  878   6.7   895   5.2 
                 
Total
 $13,071   100.0% $17,248   100.0%
                 
 
See “— Derivative Financial Instruments” regarding the freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values. Joint venture investments accounted for on the equity method and represent our investment in insurance underwriting joint ventures in Japan, Chile and China. Tax credit partnerships are established for the purpose of investing in low-income housing and other social causes, where the primary return on investment is in the form of tax credits, and which are accounted for under the equity method. Funding agreements represent arrangements where the Company has long-term interest bearing amounts on deposit with third parties and are generally stated at amortized cost. Funds withheld represent amounts contractually withheld by ceding companies in accordance with reinsurance agreements.


237


Table of Contents

Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
The following table presents the changes in capitalized mortgage servicing rights which are included in other invested assets for the six months ended June 30, 2009:
 
     
  Carrying Value 
  (In millions) 
 
Fair value, beginning of period
 $191 
Acquisition of mortgage servicing rights
  117 
Origination of mortgage servicing rights
  289 
Reduction due to loan payments
  (61)
Changes in fair value due to:
    
Changes in valuation model inputs or assumptions
  133 
Other changes in fair value
  1 
     
Fair value, end of period
 $670 
     
 
The Company recognizes the rights to service residential mortgage loans as mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”). MSRs are either acquired or are generated from the sale of originated residential mortgage loans where the servicing rights are retained by the Company. MSRs are carried at estimated fair value and changes in estimated fair value, primarily due to changes in valuation inputs and assumptions and to the collection of expected cash flows, are reported in other revenues in the period in which the change occurs. The estimated fair value of MSRs is categorized as Level 3. See also Notes 1 and 24 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report for further information about how the estimated fair value of mortgage servicing rights is determined and other related information.
 
Short-term Investments
 
The carrying value of short-term investments, which include investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of acquisition and are stated at amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value, was $8.1 billion and $13.9 billion at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 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.


238


Table of Contents

The following table presents the notional amount, estimated fair value, and primary underlying risk exposure of Company’s derivative financial instruments, excluding embedded derivatives, held at:
 
                           
    June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
       Current Market
     Current Market
 
Primary Underlying
   Notional
  or Fair Value (1)  Notional
  or Fair Value (1) 
Risk Exposure Instrument Type Amount  Assets  Liabilities  Amount  Assets  Liabilities 
          (In millions)       
 
Interest rate
 Interest rate swaps $35,613  $1,887  $1,336  $34,060  $4,617  $1,468 
  Interest rate floors  26,191   544   51   48,517   1,748    
  Interest rate caps  22,635   183      24,643   11    
  Interest rate futures  8,711   14   11   13,851   44   117 
  Interest rate options  300   6      2,365   939   35 
  Interest rate forwards  19,577   191   39   16,616   49   70 
  Synthetic GICs  4,313         4,260       
Foreign currency
 Foreign currency swaps  17,527   1,438   1,222   19,438   1,953   1,866 
  Foreign currency forwards  6,292   61   142   5,167   153   129 
  Currency options  890   36      932   73    
  Non-derivative hedging
instruments (2)
  351      344   351      323 
Credit
 Swap spreadlocks           2,338      99 
  Credit default swaps  6,867   166   108   5,219   152   69 
  Other  10                
Equity market
 Equity futures  6,345   20   10   6,057   1   88 
  Equity options  23,438   2,083   659   5,153   2,150    
  Variance swaps  11,969   283   13   9,222   416    
  Other  250      98   250      101 
                           
    Total $191,279  $6,912  $4,033  $198,439  $12,306  $4,365 
                           
 
 
(1) The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position are reported within other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position are reported within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
(2) The estimated fair value of non-derivative hedging instruments represents the amortized cost of the instruments, as adjusted for foreign currency transaction gains or losses. Non-derivative hedging instruments are reported within policyholder account balances in the consolidated balance sheets.


239


Table of Contents

 
Hedging.  The following table presents the notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives and non-derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133 by type of hedge designation at:
 
                         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Notional
  Fair Value  Notional
  Fair Value 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
 Amount  Assets  Liabilities  Amount  Assets  Liabilities 
  (In millions) 
 
Fair Value Hedges:
                        
Foreign currency swaps
 $5,665  $744  $159  $6,093  $467  $550 
Interest rate swaps
  4,507   599   89   4,141   1,338   153 
                         
Subtotal
  10,172   1,343   248   10,234   1,805   703 
                         
Cash Flow Hedges:
                        
Foreign currency swaps
  3,558   164   251   3,782   463   381 
Interest rate swaps
           286      6 
Interest rate forwards
  4,691   73             
Other
  10                
                         
Subtotal
  8,259   237   251   4,068   463   387 
                         
Foreign Operations Hedges:
                        
Foreign currency forwards
  1,787   8   60   1,670   32   50 
Foreign currency swaps
  102      5   164   1    
Non-derivative hedging instruments
  351      344   351      323 
                         
Subtotal
  2,240   8   409   2,185   33   373 
                         
Total Qualifying Hedges
 $20,671  $1,588  $908  $16,487  $2,301  $1,463 
                         
 
Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging.  The following table presents the notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives that are not designated or do not qualify as hedging instruments under SFAS 133 by derivative type at:
 
                         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Notional
  Fair Value  Notional
  Fair Value 
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
 Amount  Assets  Liabilities  Amount  Assets  Liabilities 
        (In millions)       
 
Interest rate swaps
 $31,106  $1,288  $1,247  $29,633  $3,279  $1,309 
Interest rate floors
  26,191   544   51   48,517   1,748    
Interest rate caps
  22,635   183      24,643   11    
Interest rate futures
  8,711   14   11   13,851   44   117 
Interest rate options
  300   6      2,365   939   35 
Interest rate forwards
  14,886   118   39   16,616   49   70 
Synthetic GICs
  4,313         4,260       
Foreign currency swaps
  8,202   530   807   9,399   1,022   935 
Foreign currency forwards
  4,505   53   82   3,497   121   79 
Currency options
  890   36      932   73    
Swaps spreadlocks
           2,338      99 
Credit default swaps
  6,867   166   108   5,219   152   69 
Equity futures
  6,345   20   10   6,057   1   88 
Equity options
  23,438   2,083   659   5,153   2,150    
Variance swaps
  11,969   283   13   9,222   416    
Other
  250      98   250      101 
                         
Total non-designated or non-qualifying derivatives
 $170,608  $5,324  $3,125  $181,952  $10,005  $2,902 
                         


240


Table of Contents

The following table presents the effects on the consolidated statement of income of derivatives in cash flow, fair value, or non-qualifying hedge relationships:
 
                     
        Policyholder
       
  Net Investment
  Net Investment
  Benefits
  Other
  Other
 
  Gains (Losses)  Income (1)  and Claims (2)  Revenues (3)  Expenses 
  (In millions) 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                    
Non-qualifying Hedges
                    
Interest rate swaps
 $(880) $(1) $  $(155) $ 
Interest rate floors
  (302)            
Interest rate caps
  98             
Interest rate futures
  (366)  6          
Equity futures
  (782)  (38)  (210)      
Foreign currency swaps
  (240)            
Foreign currency forwards
  (85)  (7)         
Currency options
  (11)            
Equity options
  (784)  (44)         
Interest rate options
           2    
Interest rate forwards
  (7)        58    
Variance swaps
  (106)  (7)         
Swap spreadlocks
  9             
Credit default swaps
  (208)  (4)         
Other
  28             
                     
Subtotal
  (3,636)  (95)  (210)  (95)   
                     
Fair Value Hedges(4) 
                    
Interest rate swaps
  (5)            
Foreign currency swaps
  5             
                     
Subtotal
               
                     
Cash Flow Hedges
                    
Interest rate swaps
     (2)         
Foreign currency swaps
  6   (2)        1 
                     
Subtotal
  6   (4)        1 
                     
Total
 $(3,630) $(99) $(210) $(95) $1 
                     
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:
                    
Non-qualifying Hedges
 $(351) $(37) $2  $  $ 
Fair Value Hedges
  (10)            
Cash Flow Hedges
  (51)  (4)        1 
                     
Total
 $(412) $(41) $2  $  $1 
                     


241


Table of Contents

                     
        Policyholder
       
  Net Investment
  Net Investment
  Benefits
  Other
  Other
 
  Gains (Losses)  Income (1)  and Claims (2)  Revenues (3)  Expenses 
  (In millions) 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                    
Non-qualifying Hedges
                    
Interest rate swaps
 $(1,472) $(3) $  $(146) $ 
Interest rate floors
  (853)            
Interest rate caps
  73             
Interest rate futures
  (484)            
Equity futures
  (349)  (11)  (97)      
Foreign currency swaps
  (162)            
Foreign currency forwards
  (84)  (31)         
Currency options
  (32)            
Equity options
  (732)  (62)         
Interest rate options
  (353)        2    
Interest rate forwards
  (6)        42    
Variance swaps
  (129)  (9)         
Swap spreadlocks
  (38)            
Credit default swaps
  (119)  (7)         
Other
  8             
                     
Subtotal
  (4,732)  (123)  (97)  (102)   
                     
Fair Value Hedges(4)
                    
Interest rate swaps
  (5)            
Foreign currency swaps
  10             
                     
Subtotal
  5             
                     
Cash Flow Hedges
                    
Interest rate swaps
     (2)         
Foreign currency swaps
  (33)  (2)        1 
                     
Subtotal
  (33)  (4)        1 
                     
Total
 $(4,760) $(127) $(97) $(102) $1 
                     
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:
                    
Non-qualifying Hedges
 $(283) $39  $59  $  $ 
Fair Value Hedges
  (5)            
Cash Flow Hedges
  7   (6)        1 
                     
Total
 $(281) $33  $59  $  $1 
                     
 
 
(1) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures that do not qualify for hedge accounting and changes in estimated fair value related to derivatives held in relation to trading portfolios.
 
(2) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company.
 
(3) Changes in estimated fair value related to derivatives held in connection with the Company’s mortgage banking activities.
 
(4) Net of the gains or losses recognized on the hedged item.

242


Table of Contents

 
Fair Value Hierarchy.  Derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009 
  Derivative
  Derivative
 
  Assets  Liabilities 
  (In millions) 
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1)
 $126   2%  49   1%
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
  4,265   62   2,885   78 
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
  2,521   36   755   21 
                 
Total estimated fair value
 $6,912   100% $3,689   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 based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments, 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 June 30, 2009 include: swap spreadlocks with maturities which extend beyond observable periods; interest rate forwards including interest rate lock commitments with certain unobservable inputs, including pull-through rates; equity variance swaps with unobservable volatility inputs or that are priced via independent broker quotations; foreign currency swaps which are cancelable and priced through independent broker quotations; interest rate swaps with maturities which extend beyond the observable portion of the yield curve; credit default swaps based upon baskets of credits having unobservable credit correlations as well as credit default swaps with maturities which extend beyond the observable portion of the credit curves and credit default swaps priced through independent broker quotes; foreign currency forwards priced via independent broker quotations or with liquidity adjustments; implied volatility swaps with unobservable volatility inputs; equity options with unobservable volatility inputs; and interest rate caps and floors referencing unobservable yield curvesand/or which include liquidity and volatility adjustments.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 3.1% and 2.7% 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 and six months ended June 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
         
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, December 31, 2008
 $2,585  $2,547 
Impact of SFAS 157 and SFAS 159 adoption
      
Balance, beginning of period
  2,585   2,547 
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
        
Earnings
  (987)  (965)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  20   (62)
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements
  123   221 
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3
  25   25 
         
Balance, end of period
 $1,766  $1,766 
         
 
Credit Risk.  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


243


Table of Contents

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 over-the-counter 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 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.
 
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements, which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company was obligated to return cash collateral under its control of $3,123 million and $7,758 million, respectively. This unrestricted 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. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had also accepted collateral consisting of various securities with an estimated fair value of $406 million and $1,249 million, respectively, which are held in separate custodial accounts. The Company is permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral, but at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, none of the collateral had been sold or repledged.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company provided securities collateral for various arrangements in connection with derivative instruments of $567 million and $776 million, respectively, which is included in fixed maturity securities. The counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral. In addition, the Company has exchange-traded futures, which require the pledging of collateral. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company pledged securities collateral for exchange-traded futures of $100 million and $282 million, respectively, which is included in fixed maturity securities. The counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company provided cash collateral for exchange-traded futures of $590 million and $686 million, respectively, which is included in premiums and other receivables.
 
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. If a credit event, as defined by the contract, occurs generally the contract will require the Company to pay 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 $2,406 million and $1,875 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. However, the Company believes that any actual future losses will be significantly lower than this amount. Additionally, the Company can terminate these contracts at any time through cash settlement with the counterparty at an amount equal to the then current estimated fair value of the credit default swaps. At June 30, 2009, the Company would have received $13 million to terminate all of these contracts, and at December 31, 2008, the Company would have paid $37 million to terminate all of these contracts.
 
Embedded Derivatives.  The embedded derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009 
  Net Embedded Derivatives Within 
  Asset Host
  Liability Host
 
  Contracts  Contracts 
  (In millions) 
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1)
 $   % $   %
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
        (79)  (7)
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
  122   100   1,230   107 
                 
Total estimated fair value
 $122   100% $1,151   100%
                 


244


Table of Contents

A rollforward of the fair value measurements for embedded derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
         
  Three Months
  Six Months
 
  Ended
  Ended
 
  June 30, 2009  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 $(1,812) $(2,929)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
        
Earnings
  743   1,844 
Other comprehensive loss
  (16)  25 
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements
  (23)  (48)
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3
      
         
Balance, end of period
 $1,108  $1,108 
         
 
The valuation of the Company’s guaranteed minimum benefit riders includes an adjustment for the Company’s own credit. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company recognized net investment losses of $1,538 million and $710 million, respectively, in connection with this adjustment.
 
Variable Interest Entities
 
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 in the Company’s financial statements at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. Generally, creditors or beneficial interest holders of VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary have no recourse to the general credit of the Company.
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  Total Assets  Total Liabilities  Total Assets  Total Liabilities 
  (In millions) 
 
MRSC collateral financing arrangement (1)
 $3,073  $  $2,361  $ 
Real estate joint ventures (2)
  23   13   26   15 
Other limited partnership interests (3)
  135   33   20   3 
Other invested assets (4)
  31   2   10   3 
                 
Total
 $3,262  $48  $2,417  $21 
                 
 
 
(1) See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Holding Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Collateral Financing Arrangements” for a description of the MRSC collateral financing arrangement. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, these assets are reflected at estimated fair value and consist of the following:
 


245


Table of Contents

         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
        
U.S. corporate securities
 $977  $948 
Asset-backed securities
  848   409 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
  601   561 
U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities
  262    
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  168   98 
Foreign corporate securities
  93   95 
State and political subdivision securities
  21   21 
Foreign government securities
  5   5 
Cash and cash equivalents (including cash held-in-trust less than $1 million and $60 million, respectively)
  98   224 
         
Total
 $3,073  $2,361 
         
 
(2) Real estate joint ventures include partnerships and other ventures which engage in the acquisition, development, management and disposal of real estate investments. Upon consolidation, the assets and liabilities are reflected at the VIE’s carrying amounts. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the assets consist of $18 million and $20 million, respectively, of real estate and real estate joint ventures held-for-investment, $4 million and $5 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and $1 million and $1 million, respectively, of other assets. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, liabilities consist of $13 million and $15 million of other liabilities, respectively.
 
(3) Other limited partnership interests include partnerships established for the purpose of investing in public and private debt and equity securities. Upon consolidation, the assets and liabilities are reflected at the VIE’s carrying amounts. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the assets of $135 million and $20 million, respectively, are included within other limited partnership interests while the liabilities of $33 million and $3 million, respectively, are included within other liabilities.
 
(4) Other invested assets includes tax-credit partnerships and other investments established for the purpose of investing in low-income housing and other social causes, where the primary return on investment is in the form of tax credits. Upon consolidation, the assets and liabilities are reflected at the VIE’s carrying amounts. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the assets of $31 million and $10 million, respectively, are included within other invested assets. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the liabilities consist of $1 million and $2 million, respectively, of long-term debt and less than $1 million and $1 million, respectively, of other liabilities.
 
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 June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
 
                 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
     Maximum
     Maximum
 
  Carrying
  Exposure
  Carrying
  Exposure
 
  Amount (1)  to Loss (2)  Amount (1)  to Loss (2) 
     (In millions)    
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
                
Foreign corporate securities
 $892  $892  $1,080  $1,080 
U.S. corporate securities
  711   711   992   992 
Real estate joint ventures
  31   31   32   32 
Other limited partnership interests
  2,243   2,578   3,496   4,004 
Other invested assets
  383   257   318   108 
                 
Total
 $4,260  $4,469  $5,918  $6,216 
                 

246


Table of Contents

 
(1) See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report for further discussion of the Company’s accounting policies with respect to the basis for determining carrying value of these investments.
 
(2) The maximum exposure to loss relating to the fixed maturity securities available-for-sale is equal to the carrying amounts or carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to the real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee. For certain of its investments in other invested assets, the Company’s return is in the form of 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 tax credits guaranteed by third parties of $254 million and $278 million at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
As described in Note 11 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. Excluding these commitments, MetLife did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs during the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Separate Accounts
 
The Company had $127.0 billion and $120.8 billion held in its separate accounts, for which the Company does not bear investment risk, at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The Company manages each separate account’s assets in accordance with the prescribed investment policy that applies to that specific separate account. The Company establishes separate accounts on a single client and multi-client commingled basis in compliance with insurance laws. Effective with the adoption ofSOP 03-1on January 1, 2004, the Company reported separately, as assets and liabilities, investments held in separate accounts and liabilities of the separate accounts if:
 
  • such separate accounts are legally recognized;
 
  • assets supporting the contract liabilities are legally insulated from the Company’s general account liabilities;
 
  • investments are directed by the contractholder; and
 
  • all investment performance, net of contract fees and assessments, is passed through to the contractholder.
 
The Company reports separate account assets meeting such criteria at their estimated fair value. Investment performance (including net investment income, net investment gains (losses) and changes in unrealized gains (losses)) and the corresponding amounts credited to contractholders of such separate accounts are offset within the same line in the consolidated statements of income.
 
The Company’s revenues reflect fees charged to the separate accounts, including mortality charges, risk charges, policy administration fees, investment management fees and surrender charges. Separate accounts not meeting the above criteria are combined on aline-by-linebasis with the Company’s general account assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.
 
The separate accounts measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows:
 
         
  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
 $96,050   75.7%
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
  29,364   23.1 
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
  1,554   1.2 
         
Total estimated fair value
 $126,968   100.0%
         


247


Table of Contents

Policyholder Liabilities
 
The Company establishes, and carries as liabilities, actuarially determined amounts that are calculated to meet policy obligations when a policy matures or is surrendered, an insured dies or becomes disabled or upon the occurrence of other covered events, or to provide for future annuity payments. Amounts for actuarial liabilities are computed and reported in the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. For a description of the nature of the Company’s future policy benefits, policyholder account balances, other policyholder funds, policyholder dividends payable and policyholder dividend obligations, see the 2008 Annual Report under the caption “— Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Policyholder Liabilities,” as well as Notes 1 and 7 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements also included therein. An analysis of certain policyholder liabilities at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are as follows:
 
                         
  Future Policy Benefits  Policyholder Account Balances  Other Policyholder Funds 
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Institutional:
                        
Group life
 $3,370  $3,346  $14,517  $14,044  $2,713  $2,532 
Retirement & savings
  40,288   40,320   53,320   60,787   29   58 
Non-medical health & other
  12,078   11,619   501   501   603   609 
Individual:
                        
Traditional life
  53,435   52,968   1   1   1,545   1,423 
Variable & universal life
  1,288   1,129   15,403   15,062   1,432   1,452 
Annuities
  3,855   3,655   47,373   44,282   99   88 
Other
  6   2   2,783   2,524   1   1 
International
  10,200   9,241   6,123   5,654   1,462   1,227 
Auto & Home
  3,011   3,083         46   43 
Corporate & Other
  5,292   5,192   7,862   6,950   389   329 
                         
Total
 $132,823  $130,555  $147,883  $149,805  $8,319  $7,762 
                         
 
Due to the nature of the underlying risks and the high degree of uncertainty associated with the determination of actuarial liabilities, the Company cannot precisely determine the amounts that will ultimately be paid with respect to these actuarial liabilities, and the ultimate amounts may vary from the estimated amounts, particularly when payments may not occur until well into the future.
 
However, we believe our actuarial liabilities for future benefits are adequate to cover the ultimate benefits required to be paid to policyholders. We periodically review our estimates of actuarial liabilities for future benefits and compare them with our actual experience. We revise estimates, to the extent permitted or required under GAAP, if we determine that future expected experience differs from assumptions used in the development of actuarial liabilities.
 
Variable Annuity Guarantees
 
The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefit that provide the policyholder a minimum return based on their initial deposit (i.e., the benefit base) less withdrawals. In some cases the benefit base may be increased by additional deposits, bonus amounts, accruals or market value resets. These guarantees are accounted for underSOP 03-1or as embedded derivatives under SFAS 133 depending on how and when the benefit is paid. Specifically, a guarantee is accounted for under SFAS 133 if a guarantee is paid without requiring (i) the occurrence of specific insurable event or (ii) the policyholder to annuitize. Alternatively, a guarantee is accounted for underSOP 03-1if a guarantee is paid only upon either (i) the occurrence of a specific insurable event or (ii) upon annuitization. In certain cases, a guarantee may have elements of both SFAS 133 andSOP 03-1and in such cases the guarantee is accounted for under a split of the two models.


248


Table of Contents

The net amount at risk (“NAR”) for guarantees can change significantly during periods of sizable and sustained shifts in equity market performance, increased equity volatility, or changes in interest rates. The NAR disclosed in Note 7 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements represents management’s estimate of the current value of the benefits under these guarantees if they were all exercised simultaneously at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. However, there are features, such as deferral periods and benefits requiring annuitization or death, that limit the amount of benefits that will be payable in the near future. None of the guaranteed minimum income benefit (“GMIB”) guarantees are eligible for a guaranteed annuitization prior to 2011.
 
Guarantees, including portions thereof, accounted for as embedded derivatives under SFAS 133, are recorded at estimated fair value and included in policyholder account balances. Guarantees accounted for as embedded derivatives include guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit, the non life-contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (“GMWB”) and the portion of certain GMIB that do not require annuitization. For more detail on the determination of estimated fair value, see Note 24 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2008 Annual Report.
 
The table below contains the carrying value for guarantees included in policyholder account balances:
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Individual:
        
Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit
 $107  $169 
Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit
  206   750 
Guaranteed minimum income benefit
  320   1,043 
International:
        
Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit
  168   271 
Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit
  418   901 
         
Total
 $1,219  $3,134 
         
 
Included in net investment gains (losses) for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were gains of $855 million and gains of $358 million, respectively, in embedded derivatives related to the change in estimated fair value of the above guarantees. Included in net investment gains (losses) for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were gains of $1,940 million and losses of $103 million, respectively, in embedded derivatives related to the change in estimated fair value of the above guarantees. The carrying amount of guarantees accounted for at estimated fair value includes an adjustment for the Company’s own credit. In connection with this adjustment, gains/(losses) of ($1,538) million and ($710) million are included in the gains/(losses) of $855 million and $1,940 million in net investment gains (losses) for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and gains/(losses) of ($79) million and $275 million are included in the gains/(losses) of $358 million and $103 million in net investment gains (losses) for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
 
The estimated fair value of guarantees accounted for as embedded derivatives can change significantly during periods of sizable and sustained shifts in equity market performance, equity volatility, interest rates or foreign exchange rates. Additionally, because the estimated fair value for guarantees accounted for at estimated fair value includes an adjustment for the Company’s own credit, a decrease in the Company’s credit spreads could cause the value of these liabilities to increase. Conversely, a widening of the Company’s credit spreads could cause the value of these liabilities to decrease. The Company uses derivative instruments to mitigate the liability exposure, risk of loss and the volatility of net income associated with these liabilities. The derivative instruments used are primarily equity and treasury futures, equity options and variance swaps, and interest rate swaps. The change in valuation arising from the Company’s own credit is not hedged.


249


Table of Contents

The table below contains the carrying value of the derivatives hedging guarantees accounted for as embedded derivatives:
 
                           
    June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
Primary Underlying
   Notional
  Fair Value  Notional
  Fair Value 
Risk Exposure Derivative Type Amount  Assets  Liabilities  Amount  Assets  Liabilities 
    (In millions) 
 
Interest rate
 
Interest rate swaps
 $8,067  $244  $223  $5,572  $632  $7 
  
Interest rate futures
  5,407   14   6   9,264   36   56 
Foreign currency
 
Foreign currency forwards
  1,831   14   27   1,017   49   4 
  
Currency options
  580   35      582   68    
Equity market
 
Equity futures
  5,005   14   10   4,660   1   65 
  
Equity options
  23,059   1,968   659   4,842   1,997    
  
Variance Swaps
  11,582   271   12   8,835   396    
                           
  
  Total
 $55,531  $2,560  $937  $34,772  $3,179  $132 
                           
 
Included in net investment gains (losses) for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were gains/(losses) of ($2,318) million and ($497) million, respectively, related to the change in estimated fair value of the above derivatives. Included in net investment gains (losses) for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were gains/(losses) of ($2,222) million and $184 million, respectively, related to the change in estimated fair value of the above derivatives.
 
Guarantees, including portions thereof, accounted for underSOP 03-1have liabilities established that are included in future policy benefits. Guarantees accounted for in this manner include guaranteed minimum death benefits, the life-contingent portion of certain GMWB, and the portion of GMIB that require annuitization. These liabilities are accrued over the life of the contract in proportion to actual and future expected policy assessments based on the level of guaranteed minimum benefits generated using multiple scenarios of separate account returns. The scenarios use best estimate assumptions consistent with those used to amortize deferred acquisition costs. When current estimates of future benefits exceed those previously projected or when current estimates of future assessments are lower than those previously projected, theSOP 03-1reserves will increase, resulting in a current period charge to net income. The opposite result occurs when the current estimates of future benefits are lower than that previously projected or when current estimates of future assessments exceed those previously projected. At each reporting period, the Company updates the actual amount of business remaining in-force, which impacts expected future assessments and the projection of estimated future benefits resulting in a current period charge or increase to earnings.
 
The table below contains the carrying value for guarantees included in future policy benefits:
 
         
  June 30, 2009  December 31, 2008 
  (In millions) 
 
Individual:
        
Guaranteed minimum death benefit
 $178  $204 
Guaranteed minimum income benefit
  445   403 
International:
        
Guaranteed minimum death benefit
  27   39 
         
Total
 $650  $646 
         
 
Included in policyholder benefits and claims for the three months ended June 30, 2009 is a credit of $184 million related to the change in liabilities for the above guarantees. Included in policyholder benefits and claims for the six months ended June 30, 2009 is a charge of $4 million related to the change in liabilities for the above guarantees.


250


Table of Contents

The carrying amount of guarantees accounted for asSOP 03-1liabilities can change significantly during periods of sizable and sustained shifts in equity market performance, increased equity volatility, or changes in interest rates. The Company uses reinsurance in combination with derivative instruments to mitigate the liability exposure, risk of loss and the volatility of net income associated with these liabilities. Derivative instruments used are primarily equity and treasury futures.
 
Included in policyholder benefits and claims associated with the hedging of the guarantees in future policy benefits for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 were losses of $84 million and $68 million, respectively, related to reinsurance treaties containing embedded derivatives carried at estimated fair value and losses of $210 million and $97 million, respectively, related to freestanding derivatives. Included in policyholder benefits and claims associated with the hedging of the guarantees in future policy benefits for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008 were gains of $2 million and $59 million, respectively, related to freestanding derivatives.
 
While the Company believes that the hedging strategies employed for guarantees included in both policyholder account balances and in future policy benefits, as well as other management actions, have mitigated the risks related to these benefits, the Company remains liable for the guaranteed benefits in the event that reinsurers or derivative counterparties are unable or unwilling to pay. Certain of the Company’s reinsurance agreements and derivative positions are collateralized and derivatives positions are subject to master netting agreements, both of which, significantly reduces the exposure to counterparty risk. In addition, the Company is subject to the risk that hedging and other management procedures prove ineffective or that unanticipated policyholder behavior or mortality, combined with adverse market events, produces economic losses beyond the scope of the risk management techniques employed. Lastly, because the valuation of the guarantees accounted for as embedded derivatives includes an adjustment for the Company’s own credit that is not hedged, changes in the Company’s own credit may result in significant volatility in net income.
 
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 Investment 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 value 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 asset/liability management strategies and establish appropriate corporate business standards.
 
MetLife also has a separate Enterprise Risk Management Department, which is responsible for risk throughout MetLife and reports to MetLife’s Chief Risk Officer. The Enterprise Risk Management Department’s primary responsibilities consist of:
 
  • implementing a Board of Directors approved 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;


251


Table of Contents

 
  • deploying capital on an economic capital basis; and
 
  • reporting on a periodic basis to the Finance and Risk Policy Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, and with respect to credit risk to the Investment Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors and various financial and non-financial senior management committees.
 
MetLife does not expect to make any material changes to its risk management practices in 2009.
 
Asset/Liability Management (ALM).  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 asset/liability management 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 operating business segments and is governed by the ALM Committee. The ALM Committee’s duties include reviewing and approving target portfolios, establishing investment guidelines and limits and providing oversight of the asset/liability management process on a periodic basis. The directives of the ALM Committee are carried out and monitored through ALM Working Groups which are set up to manage by product type.
 
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. MetLife does not expect to make any material changes to its asset/liability management practices in 2009.
 
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, equity prices and foreign currency exchange rates.
 
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, policyholder account balances related to certain investment type contracts, and net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts 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 asset/liability management 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. Asset/liability management strategies include the use of derivatives and duration mismatch limits. See “Risk Factors — Changes in Market Interest Rates May Significantly Affect Our Profitability” in the 2008 Annual Report.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates.  The Company’s exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. Dollar results from its holdings innon-U.S. Dollardenominated fixed maturity and equity securities, mortgage and consumer 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 are the Euro, the Canadian dollar and the British pound. The principal currencies that create foreign currency exchange risk in the Company’s liabilities are the British pound, the Euro, the Canadian dollar and the Swiss franc. 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 was primarily exposed to the Mexican peso, the Japanese yen, the South Korean won, the Canadian dollar, the British pound, the Chilean peso, the Australian dollar, the Argentine peso and the Hong Kong dollar. In addition to hedging with foreign currency swaps, forwards and options, in some countries, local surplus 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


252


Table of Contents

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.
 
Equity Prices.  The Company has exposure to equity prices through certain liabilities that involve long-term guarantees on equity performance such as variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefit riders, certain policyholder account balances along with investments in equity securities. We manage this risk on an integrated basis with other risks through our asset/liability management strategies including the dynamic hedging of certain variable annuity riders. The Company also manages equity price risk incurred 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 generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Management of Market Risk Exposures
 
The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and equity price 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 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 New York State Insurance Department 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 asset/liability management and the allocation of investment income to product lines. For each segment, invested assets greater than or equal to the GAAP liabilities less the DAC asset and any non-invested assets allocated to the segment are maintained, with any excess swept to the surplus segment. The operating 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 Investment Department.
 
  • The Investment 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.


253


Table of Contents

 
  • 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 hedge its foreign currency denominated fixed income investments, its equity exposure in subsidiaries and its foreign currency exposures caused by the sale of insurance products.
 
Equity Price Risk Management.  Equity price risk incurred through the issuance of variable annuities is managed by the Company’s Asset/Liability Management Unit in partnership with the Investment Department. Equity price risk is also incurred through its investment in equity securities and is managed by its Investment Department. MetLife uses derivatives to hedge its equity exposure both in certain liability guarantees such as variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefit riders and equity securities. These derivatives include exchange-traded equity futures, equity index options contracts and equity variance swaps. The Company’s derivative hedges performed effectively through the extreme movements in the equity markets during the latter part of 2008. The Company also employs reinsurance to manage these exposures.
 
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 Benefit Riders — The Company uses a wide range of derivative contracts to hedge the risk associated with variable annuity living benefit riders. 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 long-term care. 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 or equity exposures to US 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 June 30, 2009. The sensitivity analysis separately calculates each of the Company’s market risk exposures (interest rate, equity price and foreign currency exchange


254


Table of Contents

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.
 
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;
 
  • 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 June 30, 2009:
 
     
  June 30, 2009 
  (In millions) 
 
Non-trading:
    
Interest rate risk
 $3,860 
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
 $790 
Equity price risk
 $435 
Trading:
    
Interest rate risk
 $2 
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
 $51 


255


Table of Contents

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 June 30, 2009 by type of asset or liability:
 
             
  June 30, 2009 
        Assuming a
 
        10% Increase
 
  Notional
  Estimated
  in the Yield
 
  Amount  Fair Value (3)  Curve 
  (In millions) 
 
Assets
            
Fixed maturity securities
     $211,563  $(4,290)
Equity securities
      3,045    
Trading securities
      1,471   (8)
Mortgage and consumer loans:
            
Held-for-investment
      46,027   (211)
Held-for-sale
      4,271   (39)
             
Mortgage and consumer loans, net
      50,298   (250)
Policy loans
      11,297   (188)
Real estate joint ventures (1)
      132    
Other limited partnership interests (1)
      1,671    
Short-term investments
      8,117   (2)
Other invested assets:
            
Derivative assets
 $123,533   6,912   (774)
Mortgage servicing rights
      670   77 
Other
      1,262   (8)
Cash and cash equivalents
      13,213    
Accrued investment income
      3,019    
Premiums and other receivables
      2,965   (199)
Other assets
      777   (13)
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)
      122   (21)
Mortgage loan commitments
 $2,532   (82)  (7)
Commitments to fund bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments
 $847   (104)   
             
Total Assets
         $(5,683)
             
Liabilities
            
Policyholder account balances
     $96,884  $1,196 
Short-term debt
      4,757    
Long-term debt
      12,604   283 
Collateral financing arrangements
      2,321   (20)
Junior subordinated debt securities
      2,115   86 
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
      24,607    
Other liabilities:
            
Derivative liabilities
 $67,395   3,689   (233)
Trading liabilities
      201   6 
Other
      1,648    
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)
      1,151   503 
             
Total Liabilities
         $1,821 
             
Net Change
         $(3,862)
             
 


256


Table of Contents

                         
  June 30, 2009 
                 Assuming a
 
  Assets  Liabilities  Total
  10% Increase
 
  Notional
  Estimated
  Notional
  Estimated
  Estimated
  in the Yield
 
  Amount  Fair Value  Amount  Fair Value  Fair Value  Curve-Net 
  (In millions) 
 
Derivative Instruments
                        
Interest rate swaps
 $13,085  $1,887  $22,528  $(1,336) $551  $(676)
Interest rate floors
  23,373   544   2,818   (51)  493   (53)
Interest rate caps
  22,630   183   5      183   53 
Interest rate futures
  3,399   14   5,312   (11)  3   (92)
Interest rate options
  300   6         6   (2)
Interest rate forwards
  14,651   191   4,926   (39)  152   (104)
Synthetic GICs
  4,313                
Foreign currency swaps
  8,548   1,438   8,979   (1,222)  216   (48)
Foreign currency forwards
  2,411   61   3,881   (142)  (81)  1 
Currency options
  890   36         36    
Credit default swaps
  4,205   166   2,662   (108)  58   (1)
Equity futures
  4,638   20   1,707   (10)  10    
Equity options
  11,105   2,083   12,333   (659)  1,424   (51)
Variance swaps
  9,985   283   1,984   (13)  270   (11)
Other Credit
        10          
Other Equity
        250   (98)  (98)  (23)
                         
Total Derivative Instruments
 $123,533  $6,912  $67,395  $(3,689) $3,223  $(1,007)
                         
 
 
(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.
 
This quantitative measure of risk has decreased by $837 million, or approximately 18%, to $3,862 million at June 30, 2009 from $4,699 million at December 31, 2008. The decrease in interest rate risk associated with the use of derivatives decreased by $1,526 million. Additionally, a change in the volume of liabilities with guarantees, a decrease in the net embedded derivatives, a change in long-term debt due to an improvement in spreads, and an increase in the duration of the investment portfolio, decreased risk by $318 million, $287 million, $197 million and $133 million, respectively. This was partially offset by an increase in interest rates across the long end of the swaps and U.S. Treasury curves resulting in an increase in the interest rate risk of $1,367 million. The increase in the asset base of $227 million also increased interest rate risk which contributed to the offset. The remainder of the fluctuation is attributable to numerous immaterial items.

257


Table of Contents

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 June 30, 2009 by type of asset or liability:
 
             
  June 30, 2009 
        Assuming a
 
        10% Increase
 
  Notional
  Estimated
  in the Foreign
 
  Amount  Fair Value (1)  Exchange Rate 
  (In millions) 
 
Assets
            
Fixed maturity securities
     $211,563  $(1,826)
Trading securities
      1,471   (51)
Equity securities
      3,045   (4)
Mortgage and consumer loans:
            
Held-for-investment
      46,027   (332)
Held-for-sale
      4,271    
             
Mortgage and consumer loans, net
      50,298   (332)
Policy loans
      11,297   (36)
Short-term investments
      8,117   (80)
Other invested assets:
            
Derivative assets
 $123,533   6,912   (377)
Mortgage servicing rights
      670    
Other
      1,262   (42)
Accrued investment income
      3,019   (8)
Cash and cash equivalents
      13,213   (65)
             
Total Assets
         $(2,821)
             
Liabilities
            
Policyholder account balances
     $96,884  $1,196 
Long-term debt
      12,604   75 
Derivative liabilities
 $67,395   3,689   652 
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)
      1,151   57 
             
Total Liabilities
         $1,980 
             
Net Change
         $(841)
             
 


258


Table of Contents

                         
  June 30, 2009 
  Assets  Liabilities     Assuming a
 
     Estimated
     Estimated
  Total
  10% Increase
 
  Notional
  Fair
  Notional
  Fair
  Estimated
  in the Foreign
 
  Amount  Value  Amount  Value  Fair Value  Exchange Rate 
  (In millions) 
 
Derivative Instruments:
                        
Interest rate swaps
 $13,085  $1,887  $22,528  $(1,336) $551  $(1)
Interest rate floors
  23,373   544   2,818   (51)  493    
Interest rate caps
  22,630   183   5      183    
Interest rate futures
  3,399   14   5,312   (11)  3   (6)
Interest rate options
  300   6         6     
Interest rate forwards
  14,651   191   4,926   (39)  152    
Synthetic GICs
  4,313                
Foreign currency swaps
  8,548   1,438   8,979   (1,222)  216   108 
Foreign currency forwards
  2,411   61   3,881   (142)  (81)  248 
Currency options
  890   36         36   (10)
Credit default swaps
  4,205   166   2,662   (108)  58    
Equity futures
  4,638   20   1,707   (10)  10   (1)
Equity options
  11,105   2,083   12,333   (659)  1,424   (60)
Variance swaps
  9,985   283   1,984   (13)  270   (2)
Other Credit
        10          
Other Equity
        250   (98)  (98)   
                         
Total Derivative Instruments
 $123,533  $6,912  $67,395  $(3,689) $3,223  $276 
                         
 
 
(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 $315 million, or 60%, to $841 million at June 30, 2009 from $526 million at December 31, 2008. This increase was due to an increase in fixed maturities of $240 million due to higher net exposures primarily to the Canadian dollar, the British pound and the Euro. In addition, a decrease of the foreign exchange exposure of $230 million associated with liabilities also contributed to this increase. Partially offsetting these changes was a decrease in the foreign exposure related to the use of derivatives employed by the Company of $167 million and a decrease in the risk associated with the net embedded derivatives of $57 million. The remainder is attributable numerous immaterial items.

259


Table of Contents

Sensitivity Analysis: Equity 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 June 30, 2009 by type of asset or liability:
 
             
  June 30, 2009 
        Assuming a
 
        10% Increase
 
  Notional
  Estimated
  in Equity
 
  Amount  Fair Value (1)  Prices 
  (In millions) 
 
Assets
            
Equity securities
     $3,045  $237 
Other invested assets:
            
Derivative assets
 $123,533   6,912   (640)
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)
      122   (14)
             
Total Assets
         $(417)
             
Liabilities
            
Policyholder account balances
     $96,884  $ 
Other liabilities:
            
Derivative liabilities
 $67,395   3,689   (320)
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)
      1,151   302 
             
Total Liabilities
         $(18)
             
Net Change
         $(435)
             
 
                         
  June 30, 2009 
                 Assuming a
 
  Assets  Liabilities  Total
  10% Increase
 
  Notional
  Estimated
  Notional
  Estimated
  Estimated
  in Equity
 
  Amount  Fair Value  Amount  Fair Value  Fair Value  Prices 
  (In millions) 
 
Derivative Instruments
                        
Interest rate swaps
 $13,085  $1,887  $22,528  $(1,336) $551  $ 
Interest rate floors
  23,373   544   2,818   (51)  493    
Interest rate caps
  22,630   183   5      183    
Interest rate futures
  3,399   14   5,312   (11)  3    
Interest rate options
  300   6         6    
Interest rate forwards
  14,651   191   4,926   (39)  152    
Synthetic GICs
  4,313                
Foreign currency swaps
  8,548   1,438   8,979   (1,222)  216    
Foreign currency forwards
  2,411   61   3,881   (142)  (81)   
Currency options
  890   36         36    
Credit default swaps
  4,205   166   2,662   (108)  58    
Equity futures
  4,638   20   1,707   (10)  10   (410)
Equity options
  11,105   2,083   12,333   (659)  1,424   (580)
Variance swaps
  9,985   283   1,984   (13)  270   9 
Other Credit
        10          
Other Equity
        250   (98)  (98)  20 
                         
Total Derivative Instruments
 $123,533  $6,912  $67,395  $(3,689) $3,223  $(961)
                         


260


Table of Contents

 
(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 $259 million to $435 million at June 30, 2009 from $176 million at December 31, 2008. An increase of risk of $221 million is attributed to the use of derivatives employed by the Company to hedge its equity exposures, and the remainder is attributable to numerous immaterial items.
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange ActRule 13a-15(e)at the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and 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 ActRule 13a-15(f)during the three months ended June 30, 2009 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 the 2008 Annual Report; (ii) Part II, Item 1 of MetLife’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Qfor the quarter ended March 31, 2009; and (iii) Note 11 to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I of this report.
 
Demutualization Actions
 
Several lawsuits were brought in 2000 challenging the fairness of the Plan and the adequacy and accuracy of MLIC’s disclosure to policyholders regarding the Plan. The actions discussed below name as defendants some or all of MLIC, the Holding Company, and individual directors. MLIC, the Holding Company, and the individual directors believe they have meritorious defenses to the plaintiffs’ claims and are contesting vigorously all of the plaintiffs’ claims in these actions.
 
In re MetLife Demutualization Litig. (E.D.N.Y., filed April 18, 2000).  In this class action against MLIC and the Holding Company, plaintiffs served a second consolidated amended complaint in 2004. Plaintiffs assert violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with the Plan, claiming that the Policyholder Information Booklets failed to disclose certain material facts and contained certain material misstatements. They seek rescission and compensatory damages. By orders dated July 19, 2005 and August 29, 2006, the federal trial court certified a litigation class of present and former policyholders. Pursuant to the court’s order, plaintiffs have given notice to the class of the pendency of this action. On March 30, 2009 the court denied MLIC’s and the Holding Company’s motion for summary judgment, and plaintiffs’ motion for partial summary judgment. On July 17, 2009, the court entered an order setting the trial to begin on September 8, 2009.
 
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.
 
As reported in the 2008 Annual Report, MLIC received approximately 5,063 asbestos-related claims in 2008. During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, MLIC received approximately 1,726 and 2,863 new asbestos-related claims, respectively. See Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Annual Report for historical information concerning asbestos claims and MLIC’s increase in its recorded liability at


261


Table of Contents

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 United States, 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 June 30, 2009.
 
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. Certain regulators have requested information and documents regarding contingent commission payments to brokers, the Company’s awareness of any “sham” bids for business, bids and quotes that the Company submitted to potential customers, incentive agreements entered into with brokers, or compensation paid to intermediaries. Regulators also have requested information relating to market timing and late trading of mutual funds and variable insurance products and, generally, the marketing of products. The Company has received a subpoena from and has had discussions with the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California regarding the insurance broker Universal Life Resources. The Company has been cooperating fully.
 
Other Litigation
 
Travelers Ins. Co., et al. v. Banc of America Securities LLC (S.D.N.Y., filed December 13, 2001).  On January 6, 2009, after a jury trial, the district court entered a judgment in favor of The Travelers Insurance Company, now known as MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, in the amount of approximately $42 million in connection with securities and common law claims against the defendant. On May 14, 2009, the district court issued an opinion and order denying the defendant’s post judgment motion seeking a judgment in its favor or, in the alternative, a new trial. On June 3, 2009, the defendant filed a notice of appeal from the January 6, 2009 judgment and the May 14, 2009 opinion and order. As it is possible that the judgment could be affected during appellate practice, and the Company has not collected any portion of the judgment, the Company has not recognized any award amount in its consolidated financial statements.
 
Shipley v. St. Paul Fire and Marine Ins. Co. and Metropolitan Property and Casualty Ins. Co. (Ill. Cir. Ct., Madison County, filed February 26 and July 2, 2003).  Two putative nationwide class actions have been filed against Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company in Illinois. One suit claims breach of contract and fraud due to the alleged underpayment of medical claims arising from the use of a purportedly biased provider fee pricing system. The second suit currently alleges breach of contract arising from the alleged use of preferred provider organizations to reduce medical provider fees covered by the medical claims portion of the insurance policy. Motions for class certification have been filed and briefed in both cases. A third putative nationwide class action relating to the payment of medical providers, Innovative Physical Therapy, Inc. v. MetLife Auto & Home, et ano (D. N.J., filed November 12, 2007), was filed against Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company in federal court in New Jersey. The court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued an order on July 22, 2009 affirming the dismissal. Simon v. Metropolitan Property and Casualty Ins. Co. (W.D. Okla., filed September 23, 2008), a fourth putative nationwide class action lawsuit relating to payment of medical providers, is pending in federal court in Oklahoma. The Company is vigorously defending against the claims in these matters.


262


Table of Contents

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. At June 30, 2009, there were approximately 130 sales practices litigation matters pending against the Company. 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.
 
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, 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 or provide reasonable ranges of potential losses, except as noted previously in connection with specific matters. In some of the matters referred to previously, very largeand/orindeterminate 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 outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the largeand/orindeterminate 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.
 
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 2008 Annual Report, and the “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A of the Company’sForm 10-Qfor the quarter ended March 31, 2009.
 
Actions of the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Other Governmental and Regulatory Bodies 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 MetLife’s Competitive Position
 
In response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets and going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions, on October 3, 2008, President Bush signed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) into law. Pursuant to EESA, the U.S. Treasury has the authority to, among other things, purchase up to $700 billion of mortgage-backed and other securities (including newly issued preferred shares and subordinated debt) from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets. The Federal Government, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and other governmental and regulatory bodies have taken or are considering taking other actions to address the financial crisis. For example, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has been making funds available to commercial and financial companies under a number of programs, including the Commercial Paper Funding Facility The U.S. Treasury has established programs based in part on EESA and in part on the separate authority of the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC, to foster purchases from and by banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions of certain kinds of assets for which valuations have been low and markets weak.
 
There can be no assurance as to what impact such actions will have on the financial markets, whether on the level of volatility, the level of lending by financial institutions, the prices buyers are willing to pay for financial assets or otherwise. Continued low levels of credit availability and low prices for financial assets materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and the trading price of our common stock. Furthermore, Congress has considered, and likely will continue to consider, legislative proposals that could


263


Table of Contents

impact the value of mortgage loans, such as legislation that would permit bankruptcy courts to reduce the principal balance of mortgage loans owed by bankrupt borrowers. If such legislation is enacted, it could cause loss of principal on certain of our nonagency prime residential mortgage backed security holdings and could cause a ratings downgrade in such holdings which, in turn, would cause an increase in unrealized losses on such securities. See “Risk Factors— We Are Exposed to Significant Financial and Capital Markets Risk Which May Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations, Financial Condition and Liquidity, and Our Net Investment Income Can Vary from Period to Period” in the 2008 Annual Report. In addition, the Federal Government (including the FDIC) and private lenders have begun programs to reduce the monthly payment obligations of mortgagorsand/orreduce the principal payable on residential mortgages. As a result, we may need to maintain or increase our engagement in similar activities in order to comply with program requirements and to remain competitive. The choices made by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC in their distribution of amounts available under EESA and under the proposed new asset purchase programs could have the effect of supporting some aspects of the finance industry more than others. See “Risk Factors— Competitive Factors May Adversely Affect Our Market Share and Profitability” in the 2008 Annual Report. We cannot predict whether the $700 billion of funds made and to be made available pursuant to EESA will be enough to further stabilize and revive the financial markets or, if additional amounts are necessary, whether Congress will be willing to make the necessary appropriations, what the public’s sentiment would be towards any such appropriations, or what additional requirements or conditions might be imposed on the use of any such additional funds.
 
MetLife, Inc. and some or all of its affiliates may be eligible to sell assets under one or more of the programs established in whole or in part under EESA or under other programs made available by the Federal Government and its agencies, and some of their assets may be among those that are eligible for sale under the programs. MetLife, Inc. and some of its affiliates may also be eligible to invest in vehicles established to purchase troubled assets from other financial institutions under these programs, and to borrow funds under other programs to purchase specified types of asset-backed securities. Furthermore, as a bank holding company, MetLife, Inc. is formally eligible to participate in a capital infusion program established by the U.S. Treasury under EESA, pursuant to which the U.S. Treasury purchases preferred shares of banking institutions or their holding companies and acquires warrants for their common shares. Participation in one or more of various government programs would subject us to restrictions on the compensation that we can offer or pay to certain executive employees, including incentives or performance-based compensation. These restrictions could hinder or prevent us from attracting and retaining management and other employees with the talent and experience to manage and conduct our business effectively and deducting certain compensation paid to executive employees in excess of specified amounts. We may also be subject to requirements and restrictions on our business if we participate in other programs established in whole or in part under EESA. In April 2009, MetLife announced that it has elected not to participate in the Capital Purchase Program, a voluntary capital infusion program established by the U.S. Treasury under EESA. In May 2009, MetLife also announced that it had been informed by the Federal Reserve Board that it had completed the U.S. Treasury’s Supervisory Capital Assessment Program and that, based on the assessment’s economic scenarios and methodology, MetLife has adequate capital to sustain a further deterioration in the economy. Some of our competitors have received or have been selected to receive funding under the federal government’s capital infusion programs, which could adversely affect our competitive position.
 
As part of its efforts to stabilize and revitalize the financial system and the economy, the Obama Administration has also proposed making changes in capital and liquidity requirements for bank holding companies and banks. The Administration also proposes establishing special regulatory and insolvency regimes, including even higher capital and liquidity standards, for financial institutions that are deemed to be systemically significant. It has also proposed imposing new conditions on the writing and trading of certain standardized and non-standardized derivatives and has submitted a bill to Congress that would establish a new governmental agency that would supervise and regulate institutions that provide certain financial products and services to consumers. Although the consumer financial services to which this legislation would apply would exclude “the business of insurance” (other than mortgage insurance, title insurance and credit insurance), the creation of an additional supervisor with authority over MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries, the likelihood of additional regulations, and the other changes listed in this paragraph could require changes to MetLife’s operations. Whether such changes would affect our competitiveness in comparison to other institutions is uncertain, since it is possible that all of our competitors will be similarly affected. Competitive effects are possible, however, if MetLife,


264


Table of Contents

Inc. were determined to be systemically significant and is subject to higher capital and liquidity requirements as a result. It is unclear at present whether systemically significant institutions will be helped or hurt competitively if such additional requirements are imposed.
 
Proposals by the Administration, Congress and the SEC to ensure the integrity of the financial markets and to protect investors by imposing a consistent “fiduciary” standard on both broker-dealers and investment advisers, and to more closely regulate compensation arrangements for sales of financial products, could, if enacted and implemented, have a material adverse effect on our ability to distribute our variable insurance products, as well as other securities products.
 
The Determination of the Amount of Allowances and Impairments Taken on Our Investments is Highly Subjective and Could Materially Impact Our Results of Operations or Financial Position
 
The determination of the amount of allowances and impairments varies by investment type and is based upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. Management updates its evaluations regularly and reflects changes in allowances and impairments in operations as such evaluations are revised. There can be no assurance that our management has accurately assessed the level of impairments taken and allowances reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, additional impairments may need to be taken or allowances provided for in the future. Historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments or allowances.
 
For example, the cost of our fixed maturity and equity securities is adjusted for impairments in value deemed to beother-than-temporarythat are charged to earnings and in the period in which the determination is made. The assessment of whether impairments have occurred is based on management’scase-by-caseevaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in estimated fair value. The review of our fixed maturity and equity securities for impairments includes an analysis of the total gross unrealized losses by three categories of securities: (i) securities where the estimated fair value has declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by less than 20%; (ii) securities where the estimated fair value has declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by 20% or more for less than six months; and (iii) securities where the estimated fair value has declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by 20% or more for six months or greater.
 
Additionally, our management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses their best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been below cost or amortized cost; (ii) the potential for impairments of securities when the issuer is experiencing significant financial difficulties; (iii) the potential for impairments in an entire industry sector orsub-sector;(iv) the potential for impairments in certain economically depressed geographic locations; (v) the potential for impairments of securities where the issuer, series of issuers or industry has suffered a catastrophic type of loss or has exhausted natural resources; (vi) with respect to fixed maturity securities, whether we have the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before recovery of the decline in fair value below amortized cost, and with respect to equity securities, whether we have the ability and intent to hold a particular security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of its value to an amount at least equal to its cost or amortized cost; (vii) unfavorable changes in forecasted cash flows on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and (viii) other subjective factors, including concentrations and information obtained from regulators and rating agencies.
 
Defaults, Downgrades or Other Events Impairing the Value of Our Fixed Maturity Securities Portfolio May Reduce Our Earnings
 
We are subject to the risk that the issuers, or guarantors, of fixed maturity securities we own may default on principal and interest payments they owe us. We are also subject to the risk that the underlying collateral within loan-backed securities, including mortgage-backed securities, may default on principal and interest payments causing an adverse change in cash flows paid to our investment. At December 31, 2008, the fixed maturity securities of $188.3 billion in our investment portfolio represented 58.4% of our total cash and invested assets. The occurrence


265


Table of Contents

of a major economic downturn (such as the current downturn in the economy), acts of corporate malfeasance, widening risk spreads, or other events that adversely affect the issuers, guarantors or underlying collateral of these securities could cause the value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio and our earnings to decline and the default rate of the fixed maturity securities in our investment portfolio to increase. A ratings downgrade affecting issuers or guarantors of particular securities, or similar trends that could worsen the credit quality of issuers, such as the corporate issuers of securities in our investment portfolio, could also have a similar effect. With economic uncertainty, credit quality of issuers or guarantors could be adversely affected. Similarly, a ratings downgrade affecting a loan-backed security we hold could indicate the credit quality of that security has deteriorated. Any event reducing the value of these securities other than on a temporary basis could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Levels of write down or impairment are impacted by our assessment of intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, fixed maturity securities and the intent and ability to hold equity securities which have declined in value until recovery. If we determine to reposition or realign portions of the portfolio so as not to hold certain equity securities, or intend to sell or determine that it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, certain fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position prior to recovery, then we will incur an other than temporary impairment charge in the period that the decision was made not to hold the equity security to recovery, or to sell, or the determination was made it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the fixed maturity security.
 
Our Insurance Businesses Are Heavily Regulated, and Changes in Regulation May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth
 
Our insurance operations are subject to a wide variety of insurance and other laws and regulations. See “Business — Regulation — Insurance Regulation” in the 2008 Annual Report. State insurance laws regulate most aspects of our U.S. insurance businesses, and our insurance subsidiaries are regulated by the insurance departments of the states in which they are domiciled and the states in which they are licensed. Ournon-U.S. insuranceoperations are principally regulated by insurance regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions in which they are domiciled and operate.
 
State laws in the United States grant insurance regulatory 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;
 
  • regulating unfair trade and claims practices, including through the imposition of restrictions on marketing and sales practices, distribution arrangements and payment of inducements;
 
  • 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


266


Table of Contents

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 — Regulation — Insurance Regulation — Guaranty Associations and Similar Arrangements” in the 2008 Annual Report.
 
State insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“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, are often made for the benefit of the consumer at the expense of the insurer and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
The NAIC and several states’ legislatures have considered the need for regulationsand/or laws to address agent or broker practices that have been the focus of investigations of broker compensation in the State of New York and in other jurisdictions. The NAIC adopted a Compensation Disclosure Amendment to its Producers Licensing Model Act which, if adopted by the states, would require disclosure by agents or brokers to customers that insurers will compensate such agents or brokers for the placement of insurance and documented acknowledgement of this arrangement in cases where the customer also compensates the agent or broker. Several states have enacted laws similar to the NAIC amendment. We cannot predict how many states may promulgate the NAIC amendment or alternative regulations or the extent to which these regulations may have a material adverse impact on our business.
 
Currently, the U.S. federal government does not directly regulate the business of insurance. However, federal legislation and administrative policies in several areas can significantly and adversely affect insurance companies. These areas include financial services regulation, securities regulation, pension regulation, privacy, tort reform legislation and taxation. In addition, various forms of direct federal regulation of insurance have been proposed, including proposals for the establishment of an optional federal charter for insurance companies and creation of an Office of National Insurance, expansion of the Federal Reserve Board’s authority to regulate financial holding companies and bank holding companies, and establishment of the Federal Reserve Board as a systemic risk regulator that would no longer be required to defer to functional regulators. In view of recent events involving certain financial institutions and the financial markets, it is possible that the U.S. federal government will heighten its oversight of insurersand/orinsurance holding companies such as us, including possibly through a federal system of insurance regulation, new powers for the regulation of systemic risk to the financial system and the regulation and resolution of systemically significant financial companies (which could vary from the resolution regimes currently applicable to some subsidiaries of such companies), federal consumer protection respecting certain financial services and productsand/or that the oversight responsibilities and mandates of existing or newly created regulatory bodies could change. We cannot predict whether these or other proposals will be adopted, or what impact, if any, such proposals or, if enacted, such laws, could have on our business, financial condition or results of operations or on our dealings with other financial institutions.
 
Our international operations are subject to regulation in the jurisdictions in which they operate, which in many ways is similar to that of the state regulation outlined above. Many of our customers and independent sales intermediaries also operate in regulated environments. 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 could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See “Risk Factors — Our International Operations Face Political, Legal, Operational and Other Risks that Could Negatively Affect Those Operations or Our Profitability” in the 2008 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.
 
From time to time, regulators raise issues during examinations or audits of MetLife, Inc.’s 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, including banking regulations, and may in the future become subject to additional regulations. See “Business — Regulation” in the 2008 Annual Report.


267


Table of Contents

Changes in Tax Laws, Tax Regulations, or Interpretations of Such Laws or Regulations Could Increase Our Corporate Taxes; Changes in Tax Laws Could Make Some of Our Products Less Attractive to Consumers
 
Changes in tax laws, Treasury and other regulations promulgated thereunder, or interpretations of such laws or regulations could increase our corporate taxes. The Obama Administration has proposed corporate tax changes. Changes in corporate tax rates could affect the value of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. Furthermore, the value of deferred tax assets could be impacted by future earnings levels.
 
Changes in tax laws could make some of our products less attractive to consumers. A shift away from life insurance and annuity contracts and other tax-deferred products would reduce our income from sales of these products, as well as the assets upon which we earn investment income. The Obama Administration has proposed certain changes to individual income tax rates and rules applicable to certain policies.
 
We cannot predict whether any tax legislation impacting corporate taxes or insurance products will be enacted, what the specific terms of any such legislation will be or whether, if at all, any legislation would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
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 the Company or its affiliates during the quarter ended June 30, 2009 are set forth below:
 
                 
        (c) Total Number
  (d) Maximum Number
 
        of Shares
  (or Approximate
 
        Purchased as Part
  Dollar Value) of
 
  (a) Total Number
     of Publicly
  Shares that May Yet
 
  of Shares
  (b) Average Price
  Announced Plans
  Be Purchased Under the
 
Period Purchased (1)  Paid per Share  or Programs  Plans or Programs (2) 
 
April 1 — April 30, 2009
  5,912  $22.80     $1,260,735,127 
May 1 — May 31, 2009
  33  $29.41     $1,260,735,127 
June 1 — June 30, 2009
  1,095  $29.85     $1,260,735,127 
                 
Total
  7,040  $23.92     $1,260,735,127 
                 
 
 
(1) During the periods April 1 — April 30, 2009, May 1 — May 31, 2009 and June 1 — June 30, 2009, separate account affiliates of the Company purchased 5,912 shares, 33 shares and 1,095 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 the Company.
 
(2) At June 30, 2009, the Company had $1,261 million remaining under its common stock repurchase program authorizations. In April 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion common stock repurchase program, which will begin after the completion of the January 2008 $1 billion common stock repurchase program, of which $261 million remained outstanding at June 30, 2009. Under these authorizations, the Company 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 Exchange Act) and in privately negotiated transactions. The Company does not intend to make any purchases under the common stock repurchase programs in 2009.
 
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
The information called for by Part II, Item 4 is incorporated herein by reference to Part II, Item 4, “Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders,” in MetLife’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Qfor the quarter ended March 31, 2009.


268


Table of Contents

Item 6.  Exhibits
 
(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts:In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report onForm 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 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. and its subsidiaries may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report onForm 10-Qand MetLife, Inc.’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.)
 
     
Exhibit
  
No. Description
 
 4.1 Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated May 29, 2009, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor in interest to J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (as successor to Bank One Trust Company, N.A.)), as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to MetLife, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 29, 2009).
 4.2 Form of security certificate representing MetLife, Inc.’s 6.75% Senior Notes due 2016 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to MetLife, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 29, 2009).
 10.1 Separation Agreement, Waiver and General Release dated as of February 27, 2009 between Ruth A. Fattori and MetLife Group, Inc.
 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 31.2 Certification of 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 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.


269


Table of Contents

 
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: August 3, 2009


270


Table of Contents

 
Exhibit Index
 
(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts:In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report onForm 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 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 at 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 at the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report onForm 10-Qand MetLife, Inc.’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.)
 
     
Exhibit
  
No.
 Description
 
 4.1 Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated May 29, 2009, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor in interest to J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (as successor to Bank One Trust Company, N.A.)), as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to MetLife, Inc.’s Current Report onForm 8-Kdated May 29, 2009).
 4.2 Form of security certificate representing MetLife, Inc.’s 6.75% Senior Notes due 2016 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to MetLife, Inc.’s Current Report onForm 8-Kdated May 29, 2009).
 10.1 Separation Agreement, Waiver and General Release dated as of February 27, 2009 between Ruth A. Fattori and MetLife Group, Inc.
 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 31.2 Certification of 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 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