e10vq
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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 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
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, N.Y.
(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 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ     No 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 Rule 12b-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 company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
At October 31, 2011, 1,057,633,998 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding.
 


 

 
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As used in this Form 10-Q, “MetLife,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999 (the “Holding Company”), its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operations and financial results.
 
Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining the actual future results of MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors that might cause such differences include the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in MetLife, Inc.’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These factors include: (1) difficult conditions in the global capital markets; (2) concerns over U.S. fiscal policy and the trajectory of the national debt of the U.S., as well as rating agency downgrades of U.S. Treasury securities; (3) increased volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, which may affect our ability to seek financing or access our credit facilities; (4) uncertainty about the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s programs to stabilize the financial system, the imposition of fees relating thereto, or the promulgation of additional regulations; (5) impact of comprehensive financial services regulation reform on us; (6) exposure to financial and capital market risk; (7) changes in general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates, which may affect our ability to raise capital, generate fee income and market-related revenue and finance statutory reserve requirements and may require us to pledge collateral or make payments related to declines in value of specified assets; (8) potential liquidity and other risks resulting from our participation in a securities lending program and other transactions; (9) investment losses and defaults, and changes to investment valuations; (10) impairments of goodwill and realized losses or market value impairments to illiquid assets; (11) defaults on our mortgage loans; (12) the impairment of other financial institutions that could adversely affect our investments or business; (13) our ability to address unforeseen liabilities, asset impairments, loss of key contractual relationships, or rating actions arising from acquisitions or dispositions, including our acquisition of American Life Insurance Company and Delaware American Life Insurance Company (collectively, “ALICO”) and to successfully integrate and manage the growth of acquired businesses with minimal disruption; (14) uncertainty with respect to the outcome of the closing agreement entered into with the United States Internal Revenue Service in connection with the acquisition of ALICO; (15) the dilutive impact on our stockholders resulting from the issuance of equity securities in connection with the acquisition of ALICO or otherwise; (16) economic, political, currency and other risks relating to our international operations, including with respect to fluctuations of exchange rates; (17) our primary reliance, as a holding company, on dividends from our subsidiaries to meet debt payment obligations and the applicable regulatory restrictions on the ability of the subsidiaries to pay such dividends; (18) downgrades in our claims paying ability, financial strength or credit ratings; (19) ineffectiveness of risk management policies and procedures; (20) availability and effectiveness of reinsurance or indemnification arrangements, as well as default or failure of counterparties to perform; (21) discrepancies between actual claims experience and assumptions used in setting prices for our products and establishing the liabilities for our obligations for future policy benefits and claims; (22) catastrophe losses; (23) heightened competition, including with respect to pricing, entry of new competitors, consolidation of distributors, the development of new products by new and existing competitors, distribution of amounts available under U.S. government programs, and for personnel; (24) unanticipated changes in industry trends;


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(25) changes in accounting standards, practices and/or policies; (26) changes in assumptions related to deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, value of business acquired or goodwill; (27) increased expenses relating to pension and postretirement benefit plans, as well as health care and other employee benefits; (28) exposure to losses related to variable annuity guarantee benefits, including from significant and sustained downturns or extreme volatility in equity markets, reduced interest rates, unanticipated policyholder behavior, mortality or longevity, and the adjustment for nonperformance risk; (29) deterioration in the experience of the “closed block” established in connection with the reorganization of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; (30) adverse results or other consequences from litigation, arbitration or regulatory investigations; (31) inability to protect our intellectual property rights or claims of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others; (32) discrepancies between actual experience and assumptions used in establishing liabilities related to other contingencies or obligations; (33) regulatory, legislative or tax changes relating to our insurance, banking, international, or other operations that may affect the cost of, or demand for, our products or services, impair our ability to attract and retain talented and experienced management and other employees, or increase the cost or administrative burdens of providing benefits to employees; (34) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to disasters such as terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, other hostilities, or natural catastrophes, including any related impact on our disaster recovery systems, cyber-or other information security systems and management continuity planning; (35) the effectiveness of our programs and practices in avoiding giving our associates incentives to take excessive risks; and (36) other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in MetLife, Inc.’s filings with the SEC.
 
MetLife, Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if MetLife, Inc. later becomes aware that such statement is not likely to be achieved. Please consult any further disclosures MetLife, Inc. makes on related subjects in reports to the SEC.
 
Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts
 
In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:
 
  •  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., its subsidiaries and affiliates may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and MetLife, Inc.’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC website at www.sec.gov.


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

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2011 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2010

(In millions, except share and per share data)
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
 
Assets
               
Investments:
               
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $334,009 and $317,617, respectively; includes $3,265 and $3,330, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
  $ 353,927     $ 324,797  
Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: $3,227 and $3,621, respectively)
    3,118       3,602  
Trading and other securities, at estimated fair value (includes $415 and $463, respectively, of actively traded securities; and $321 and $387, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
    18,698       18,589  
Mortgage loans:
               
Held-for-investment, principally at amortized cost (net of valuation allowances of $529 and $664, respectively; includes $3,277 and $6,840, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)
    59,209       58,976  
Held-for-sale, principally at estimated fair value
    3,740       3,321  
                 
Mortgage loans, net
    62,949       62,297  
Policy loans
    11,932       11,761  
Real estate and real estate joint ventures (includes $12 and $10, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
    8,197       8,030  
Other limited partnership interests (includes $319 and $298, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
    6,538       6,416  
Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value
    15,913       9,384  
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value (includes $98 and $104, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
    23,138       15,430  
                 
Total investments
    504,410       460,306  
Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value (includes $37 and $69, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
    10,001       12,957  
Accrued investment income (includes $17 and $34, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
    4,793       4,328  
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (includes $2 and $2, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
    23,137       19,799  
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
    27,623       27,092  
Goodwill
    12,006       11,781  
Other assets (includes $5 and $6, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
    8,340       8,174  
Assets of subsidiaries held-for-sale
    3,421       3,331  
Separate account assets
    191,499       183,138  
                 
Total assets
  $ 785,230     $ 730,906  
                 
Liabilities and Equity
               
Liabilities
               
Future policy benefits
  $ 182,736     $ 170,912  
Policyholder account balances
    217,764       210,757  
Other policy-related balances
    15,451       15,750  
Policyholder dividends payable
    871       830  
Policyholder dividend obligation
    2,782       876  
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
    34,933       27,272  
Bank deposits
    10,685       10,316  
Short-term debt
    451       306  
Long-term debt (includes $3,158 and $6,902, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)
    24,753       27,586  
Collateral financing arrangements
    5,297       5,297  
Junior subordinated debt securities
    3,192       3,191  
Current income tax payable
    385       297  
Deferred income tax liability
    7,214       1,856  
Other liabilities (includes $73 and $93, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
    23,121       20,366  
Liabilities of subsidiaries held-for-sale
    3,221       3,043  
Separate account liabilities
    191,499       183,138  
                 
Total liabilities
    724,355       681,793  
                 
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 9)
               
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries
    130       117  
                 
Equity
               
MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized:
               
Preferred stock, 84,000,000 shares issued and outstanding; $2,100 aggregate liquidation preference
    1       1  
Convertible preferred stock, 0 and 6,857,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively
           
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 3,000,000,000 shares authorized; 1,060,754,366 and 989,031,704 shares issued at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively; 1,057,560,479 and 985,837,817 shares outstanding at September 30, 2011 and
December 31, 2010, respectively
    11       10  
Additional paid-in capital
    26,744       26,423  
Retained earnings
    26,951       21,363  
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,193,887 shares at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
    (172 )     (172 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    6,813       1,000  
                 
Total MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity
    60,348       48,625  
Noncontrolling interests
    397       371  
                 
Total equity
    60,745       48,996  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 785,230     $ 730,906  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


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MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share data)
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
Revenues
                               
Premiums
  $ 9,342     $ 6,484     $ 27,190     $ 19,856  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    1,998       1,452       5,856       4,339  
Net investment income
    4,257       4,364       14,669       12,745  
Other revenues
    720       624       1,878       1,681  
Net investment gains (losses):
                               
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
    (95 )     (143 )     (525 )     (538 )
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
    (189 )     24       (5 )     181  
Other net investment gains (losses)
    229       (223 )     221       33  
                                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
    (55 )     (342 )     (309 )     (324 )
Net derivative gains (losses)
    4,196       (244 )     4,233       1,278  
                                 
Total revenues
    20,458       12,338       53,517       39,575  
                                 
Expenses
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims
    9,017       7,309       26,367       21,703  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    738       1,264       4,104       3,454  
Policyholder dividends
    384       391       1,130       1,156  
Other expenses
    5,013       2,989       13,410       9,330  
                                 
Total expenses
    15,152       11,953       45,011       35,643  
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax
    5,306       385       8,506       3,932  
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    1,734       68       2,681       1,251  
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
    3,572       317       5,825       2,681  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax
    4       3       (6 )     20  
                                 
Net income (loss)
    3,576       320       5,819       2,701  
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (6 )     4       (6 )     (7 )
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
    3,582       316       5,825       2,708  
Less: Preferred stock dividends
    30       30       91       91  
Preferred stock redemption premium
                146        
                                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
  $ 3,552     $ 286     $ 5,588     $ 2,617  
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 3.35     $ 0.33     $ 5.29     $ 3.09  
                                 
Diluted
  $ 3.33     $ 0.32     $ 5.24     $ 3.07  
                                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 3.35     $ 0.33     $ 5.28     $ 3.11  
                                 
Diluted
  $ 3.33     $ 0.32     $ 5.23     $ 3.09  
                                 
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
(In millions)
 
                                                                                                         
                                        Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)                    
                                        Net
          Foreign
    Defined
    Total
             
          Convertible
          Additional
          Treasury
    Unrealized
    Other-Than-
    Currency
    Benefit
    MetLife, Inc.’s
             
    Preferred
    Preferred
    Common
    Paid-in
    Retained
    Stock
    Investment
    Temporary
    Translation
    Plans
    Stockholders’
    Noncontrolling
    Total
 
    Stock     Stock     Stock     Capital     Earnings     at Cost     Gains (Losses)     Impairments     Adjustments     Adjustment     Equity     Interests (1)     Equity  
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 1     $     $ 10     $ 26,423     $ 21,363     $ (172 )   $ 3,356     $ (366 )   $ (541 )   $ (1,449 )   $ 48,625     $ 371     $ 48,996  
Redemption of convertible preferred stock
                          (2,805 )                                                     (2,805 )             (2,805 )
Preferred stock redemption premium
                                    (146 )                                             (146 )             (146 )
Common stock issuance — newly issued shares
                    1       2,949                                                       2,950               2,950  
Stock-based compensation
                            177                                                       177               177  
Dividends on preferred stock
                                    (91 )                                             (91 )             (91 )
Change in equity of noncontrolling interests
                                                                                            48       48  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                                                       
Net income (loss)
                                    5,825                                               5,825       1       5,826  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax
                                                    1,005                               1,005               1,005  
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets and income tax
                                                    4,503       (51 )                     4,452       (5 )     4,447  
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax
                                                                    291               291       (18 )     273  
Defined benefit plans adjustment, net of income tax
                                                                            65       65               65  
                                                                                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                                                                                    5,813       (23 )     5,790  
                                                                                                         
Comprehensive income (loss)
                                                                                    11,638       (22 )     11,616  
                                                                                                         
Balance at September 30, 2011
  $ 1     $     $ 11     $ 26,744     $ 26,951     $ (172 )   $ 8,864     $ (417 )   $ (250 )   $ (1,384 )   $ 60,348     $ 397     $ 60,745  
                                                                                                         
 
 
(1) Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests excludes gains (losses) of redeemable noncontrolling interests in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries of ($7) million.
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


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MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity  — (Continued)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
(In millions)
 
                                                                                                 
                                  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)                    
                                  Net
          Foreign
    Defined
    Total
             
                Additional
          Treasury
    Unrealized
    Other-Than-
    Currency
    Benefit
    MetLife, Inc.’s
             
    Preferred
    Common
    Paid-in
    Retained
    Stock
    Investment
    Temporary
    Translation
    Plans
    Stockholders’
    Noncontrolling
    Total
 
    Stock     Stock     Capital     Earnings     at Cost     Gains (Losses)     Impairments     Adjustments     Adjustment     Equity     Interests     Equity  
 
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 1     $ 8     $ 16,859     $ 19,501     $ (190 )   $ (817 )   $ (513 )   $ (183 )   $ (1,545 )   $ 33,121     $ 377     $ 33,498  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax
                            (12 )             31       11                       30               30  
                                                                                                 
Balance at January 1, 2010
    1       8       16,859       19,489       (190 )     (786 )     (502 )     (183 )     (1,545 )     33,151       377       33,528  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax
                            (10 )             10                                              
Common stock issuance — newly issued shares
            1       3,528                                                       3,529               3,529  
Stock-based compensation
                    64               18                                       82               82  
Dividends on preferred stock
                            (91 )                                             (91 )             (91 )
Change in equity of noncontrolling interests
                                                                                    (22 )     (22 )
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                                               
Net income (loss)
                            2,708                                               2,708       (7 )     2,701  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                                               
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax
                                            409                               409               409  
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets and income tax
                                            6,268       357                       6,625       (1 )     6,624  
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax
                                                            (92 )             (92 )     7       (85 )
Defined benefit plans adjustment, net of income tax
                                                                    94       94               94  
                                                                                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                                                                            7,036       6       7,042  
                                                                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
                                                                            9,744       (1 )     9,743  
                                                                                                 
Balance at September 30, 2010
  $ 1     $ 9     $ 20,451     $ 22,096     $ (172 )   $ 5,901     $ (145 )   $ (275 )   $ (1,451 )   $ 46,415     $ 354     $ 46,769  
                                                                                                 
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
 


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MetLife, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)

(In millions)
 
                 
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2011     2010  
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 9,040     $ 5,193  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Sales, maturities and repayments of:
               
Fixed maturity securities
    81,918       55,618  
Equity securities
    1,342       1,002  
Mortgage loans
    8,784       4,474  
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
    856       135  
Other limited partnership interests
    852       311  
Purchases of:
               
Fixed maturity securities
    (95,660 )     (69,997 )
Equity securities
    (869 )     (638 )
Mortgage loans
    (12,248 )     (5,888 )
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
    (608 )     (474 )
Other limited partnership interests
    (849 )     (745 )
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives
    2,841       1,717  
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives
    (3,102 )     (1,949 )
Sale of interest in joint venture
    265        
Net change in policy loans
    (84 )     (169 )
Net change in short-term investments
    (6,508 )     (3,152 )
Net change in other invested assets
    (175 )     501  
Other, net
    (104 )     (115 )
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (23,349 )     (19,369 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Policyholder account balances:
               
Deposits
    69,911       53,709  
Withdrawals
    (67,001 )     (50,126 )
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
    7,661       7,695  
Net change in bank deposits
    296       (959 )
Net change in short-term debt
    145       1,145  
Long-term debt issued
    1,346       4,590  
Long-term debt repaid
    (1,192 )     (689 )
Cash received in connection with collateral financing arrangements
    100        
Debt issuance costs
    (1 )     (14 )
Common stock issued, net of issuance costs
    2,950       3,529  
Stock options exercised
    77       32  
Redemption of convertible preferred stock
    (2,805 )      
Preferred stock redemption premium
    (146 )      
Dividends on preferred stock
    (91 )     (91 )
Other, net
    (68 )     (192 )
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    11,182       18,629  
                 
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents balances
    133       (8 )
                 
Change in cash and cash equivalents
    (2,994 )     4,445  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    13,046       10,112  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 10,052     $ 14,557  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, subsidiaries held-for-sale, beginning of period
  $ 89     $ 88  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, subsidiaries held-for-sale, end of period
  $ 51     $ 78  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, beginning of period
  $ 12,957     $ 10,024  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, end of period
  $ 10,001     $ 14,479  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Net cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 1,184     $ 997  
                 
Income tax
  $ 668     $ 109  
                 
Non-cash transactions during the period:
               
Real estate and real estate joint ventures acquired in satisfaction of debt
  $ 106     $ 92  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
1.   Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Business
 
“MetLife” or the “Company” refers to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999 (the “Holding Company”), its subsidiaries and affiliates. MetLife is a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs throughout the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife offers life insurance, annuities, auto and homeowners insurance, mortgage and deposit products and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions.
 
MetLife is organized into six segments: Insurance Products, Retirement Products, Corporate Benefit Funding and Auto & Home (collectively, “U.S. Business”), and Japan and Other International Regions (collectively, “International”). See Note 14 for further business segment information.
 
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.
 
On November 1, 2010 (the “Acquisition Date”), MetLife, Inc. completed the acquisition of American Life Insurance Company (“American Life”) from AM Holdings LLC (formerly known as ALICO Holdings LLC) (“AM Holdings”), a subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (“AIG”), and Delaware American Life Insurance Company (“DelAm”) from AIG (American Life, together with DelAm, collectively, “ALICO”) (the “Acquisition”). The Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. ALICO’s fiscal year-end is November 30. Accordingly, the Company’s interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the assets and liabilities of ALICO as of August 31, 2011 and the operating results of ALICO for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2011. The accounting policies of ALICO were conformed to those of MetLife upon the Acquisition. See Note 2.
 
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, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Closed block assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are combined on a line-by-line basis with the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses outside the closed block based on the nature of the particular item. See Note 7. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in equity securities in which it has a significant influence or more than a 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests in which it has more than a minor 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 2011 presentation. See Note 14 for a realignment that affected assets, liabilities and results of operations on a segment basis with no impact on the consolidated results and reclassifications related to


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
operating revenues and expenses that affected results of operations on both a segment and a consolidated basis. See also Note 15 for reclassifications related to discontinued operations.
 
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company at September 30, 2011, its consolidated results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, its consolidated statements of equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and its consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2010 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in MetLife, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as amended by MetLife, Inc.’s Form 10-K/A dated March 1, 2011 (as amended, the “2010 Annual Report”), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
Effective January 1, 2011, the Company adopted new guidance that addresses when a business combination should be assumed to have occurred for the purpose of providing pro forma disclosure. Under the new guidance, if an entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The guidance also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include additional narratives. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2011, the Company adopted new guidance regarding goodwill impairment testing. This guidance modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity would be required to perform Step 2 of the test if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2011, the Company adopted new guidance regarding accounting for investment funds determined to be VIEs. Under this guidance, an insurance entity would not be required to consolidate a voting-interest investment fund when it holds the majority of the voting interests of the fund through its separate accounts. In addition, an insurance entity would not consider the interests held through separate accounts for the benefit of policyholders in the insurer’s evaluation of its economic interest in a VIE, unless the separate account contractholder is a related party. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective July 1, 2011, the Company adopted new guidance regarding accounting for troubled debt restructurings. This guidance clarifies whether a creditor has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties for the purpose of determining when a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. Additionally, the guidance prohibits creditors from using the borrower’s effective rate test to evaluate whether a concession has been granted to the borrower. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See also expanded disclosures in Note 3.
 
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance regarding enhanced disclosures for employers’ participation in multiemployer pension plans (Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-09, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80): Disclosures about


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan). The revised disclosures will require additional qualitative and quantitative information about the employer’s involvement in significant multiemployer pension and other postretirement plans. The enhanced disclosures will be required for annual periods in fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In September 2011, the FASB issued new guidance on goodwill impairment testing (ASU 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment), effective for calendar years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The objective of this standard is to simplify how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. The amendments in this standard will allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value as a basis for determining whether it needs to perform the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test. Only if an entity determines, based on qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value will it be required to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit. The Company intends to adopt this new guidance beginning in fiscal year 2012 and is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In July 2011, the FASB issued new guidance on other expenses (ASU 2011-06, Other Expenses (Topic 720): Fees Paid to the Federal Government by Health Insurers), effective for calendar years beginning after December 31, 2013. The objective of this standard is to address how health insurers should recognize and classify in their income statements fees mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act. The amendments in this standard specify that the liability for the fee should be estimated and recorded in full once the entity provides qualifying health insurance in the applicable calendar year in which the fee is payable with a corresponding deferred cost that is amortized to expense using the straight-line method of allocation unless another method better allocates the fee over the calendar year that it is payable. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance regarding comprehensive income (ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income), effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The guidance should be applied retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. The new guidance provides companies with the option to present the total of comprehensive income, components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The objective of the standard is to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The standard eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance regarding fair value measurements (ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs), effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2011. The guidance should be applied prospectively. The amendments in this ASU are intended to establish common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP and IFRS. Some of the amendments clarify the FASB’s intent on the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In April 2011, the FASB issued new guidance regarding effective control in repurchase agreements (ASU 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements), effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
guidance should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. The amendments in this ASU remove from the assessment of effective control the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In October 2010, the FASB issued new guidance regarding accounting for deferred acquisition costs (ASU 2010-26, Financial Services — Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts) (“ASU 2010-26”), effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. ASU 2010-26 specifies that only costs related directly to successful acquisition of new or renewal contracts can be capitalized as deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”); all other acquisition-related costs must be expensed as incurred. Under the new guidance advertising costs may only be included in DAC if the capitalization criteria in the direct-response advertising guidance in Subtopic 340-20, Other Assets and Deferred Costs — Capitalized Advertising Costs, are met. As a result, certain direct marketing, sales manager compensation and administrative costs currently capitalized by the Company will no longer be deferred. The Company plans to apply ASU 2010-26 retrospectively to all prior periods presented in its consolidated financial statements for all insurance contracts. The Company expects that the effect upon adoption of ASU 2010-26 will be a reduction in DAC with a corresponding reduction to equity, on an after tax basis. In addition, the Company expects a reduction in prior period earnings as a result of applying the new guidance retrospectively. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
 
2.   Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
2010 Acquisition of ALICO
 
Description of Transaction
 
On the Acquisition Date, MetLife, Inc. acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of American Life from AM Holdings, a subsidiary of AIG, and DelAm from AIG for a total purchase price of $16.4 billion. The Acquisition significantly broadened the Company’s diversification by product, distribution and geography, meaningfully accelerated MetLife’s global growth strategy, and provides the opportunity to build an international franchise leveraging the key strengths of ALICO.
 
On March 8, 2011, AM Holdings sold, in public offering transactions, all the shares of common stock and common equity units it received as consideration from MetLife in connection with the Acquisition. The Company did not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of either the shares of common stock or the common equity units owned by AM Holdings. On March 8, 2011, MetLife, Inc. issued 68,570,000 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $3.0 billion, which were used to repurchase and cancel 6,857,000 shares of convertible preferred stock received as consideration by AM Holdings from MetLife in connection with the Acquisition. See Note 11 herein and Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
Goodwill
 
Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired and liabilities assumed that could not be individually identified. The goodwill recorded as part of the Acquisition includes the expected synergies and other benefits that management believes will result from combining the operations of ALICO with the operations of MetLife, including further diversification in geographic mix and product offerings and an increase in distribution strength. Of the $7.0 billion in goodwill resulting from the Acquisition, $5.2 billion was allocated to the reporting unit in the Japan segment and $1.8 billion was allocated to reporting units in the Other International Regions segment.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Negative Value of Business Acquired
 
For certain acquired blocks of business, the estimated fair value of acquired liabilities exceeded the initial policy reserves assumed at November 1, 2010, resulting in negative value of business acquired (“negative VOBA”) of $4.4 billion recorded at the Acquisition Date. Negative VOBA is recorded in other policy-related balances. The following summarizes the major blocks of business, all included within the Japan segment, for which negative VOBA was recorded and describes why the fair value of the liabilities associated with these blocks of business exceeded the initial policy reserves assumed:
 
  •  Fixed Annuities - This block of business provides a fixed rate of return to the policyholders. A decrease in market interest rates since the time of issuance was the primary driver that resulted in the fair value of the liabilities associated with this block being significantly greater than the initial policy reserves assumed at the Acquisition Date.
 
  •  Interest Sensitive Whole Life and Retirement Savings Products - These contracts contain guaranteed minimum benefit features. The recorded reserves for these guarantees increase ratably over the life of the policies in relation to future gross revenues. In contrast, the fair value of the guaranteed minimum benefit component of the initial policy reserves assumed represents the amount that would be required to be transferred to a market participant to assume the full liability at the acquisition date, implicitly incorporating market participant views as to all expected future cash flows. This results in a fair value significantly in excess of the initial guaranteed minimum benefit liability assumed at the Acquisition Date.
 
The weighted average amortization period for negative VOBA as of the Acquisition Date was 6.0 years. The estimated future amortization of credit to expenses recorded in other expenses for the first full five years after the Acquisition Date for negative VOBA is $711 million in 2011, $628 million in 2012, $561 million in 2013, $475 million in 2014 and $385 million in 2015. See Note 12.
 
Contingent Consideration
 
American Life has guaranteed that the fair value of a fund of assets backing certain United Kingdom unit-linked contracts will have a value of at least £1 per unit on July 1, 2012. If the shortfall between the aggregate guaranteed amount and the fair value of the fund exceeds £106 million, AIG will pay the difference to American Life and, conversely, if the shortfall at July 1, 2012 is less than £106 million, American Life will pay the difference to AIG. The Company believes that the fair value of the fund will equal or exceed the aggregate guaranteed amount by July 1, 2012. The contingent consideration liability was $121 million at September 30, 2011 and $88 million as of the Acquisition Date. The increase in the contingent consideration liability amount from the Acquisition Date to September 30, 2011 was recorded in net derivative gains (losses) in the interim condensed consolidated statement of operations.
 
Current and Deferred Income Tax
 
The future tax effects of temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities are measured at the balance sheet dates and are recorded as deferred income tax assets and liabilities, with certain exceptions such as certain temporary differences relating to goodwill under purchase accounting.
 
For federal income tax purposes, in July 2011, MetLife, Inc. and AM Holdings made elections under Section 338 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Section 338 Elections”) with respect to American Life and certain of its subsidiaries. In addition, in July 2011, MetLife, Inc. and AIG made a Section 338 Election with respect to DelAm. Under such elections, the U.S. tax basis of the assets deemed acquired and liabilities assumed of ALICO were adjusted as of the Acquisition Date to reflect the consequences of the Section 338 Elections.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company revised its deferred taxes as of the Acquisition Date to recognize $671 million of a U.S. deferred tax asset related to the reversal of temporary differences (between financial reporting and U.S. tax bases of assets and liabilities) of American Life’s foreign branches. However, the Company also recorded a valuation allowance on this U.S. deferred tax asset of $671 million, resulting in no net change to the consolidated balance sheet as of the Acquisition Date. The valuation allowance reflects management’s assessment, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that the U.S. deferred tax asset will not be realized.
 
At September 30, 2011, ALICO’s current and deferred income tax liabilities were provisional and not yet finalized. Therefore, current income taxes may be adjusted pending the resolution of the amount of taxes resulting from the Section 338 Elections and the filing of income tax returns. Deferred income taxes may be adjusted as a result of changes in estimates and assumptions relating to the reversal of U.S. temporary differences prior to the completion of the anticipated restructuring of American Life’s foreign branches, the filing of income tax returns, and as additional information becomes available during the measurement period. The Company expects to finalize these amounts in the fourth quarter of 2011.
 
Costs Related to Acquisition
 
Transaction and Integration-Related Expenses.  The Company incurred transaction costs of $2 million and $4 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $21 million and $63 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Transaction costs represent costs directly related to effecting the Acquisition and primarily include banking and legal expenses. Such costs have been expensed as incurred and are included in other expenses. These expenses have been reported within Banking, Corporate & Other.
 
Integration-related expenses were $84 million and $254 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $54 million and $96 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Integration-related costs represent incremental costs directly related to integrating ALICO, including expenses for consulting, rebranding and the integration of information systems. Such items have been expensed as incurred and are included in other expenses. As the integration of ALICO is an enterprise-wide initiative, these expenses have been reported within Banking, Corporate & Other.
 
Restructuring Costs and Other Charges.  As part of the integration of ALICO’s operations, management has initiated restructuring plans focused on increasing productivity and improving the efficiency of the Company’s operations. These restructuring costs were included in other expenses and have been reported within Banking, Corporate & Other.


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Estimated restructuring costs may change as management continues to execute its restructuring plans. Management anticipates further restructuring charges, including severance, contract termination costs and other associated costs through the year ended December 31, 2013. However, such restructuring plans are not sufficiently developed to enable management to make an estimate of such restructuring charges at September 30, 2011.
 
                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2011  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 9     $ 10  
Restructuring charges
    7       31  
Cash payments
    (7 )     (32 )
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 9     $ 9  
                 
Restructuring charges incurred in current period
  $ 7     $ 31  
                 
Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of plans
  $ 41     $ 41  
                 
 
2011 Dispositions
 
On April 1, 2011, the Company sold its 50% interest in Mitsui Sumitomo MetLife Insurance Co., Ltd. (“MSI MetLife”), a Japan domiciled life insurance company, to its joint venture partner, MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. (“MS&AD”), for $269 million (¥22.5 billion) in cash consideration, less $4 million (¥310 million) to reimburse MS&AD for specific expenses incurred related to the transaction. The accumulated other comprehensive losses in the foreign currency translation adjustment component of equity resulting from the hedges of the Company’s investment in the joint venture of $46 million, net of income tax, were released upon sale but did not impact net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as such losses were considered in the overall impairment evaluation of the investment prior to the sale. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded a loss on the sale of $57 million, net of income tax, in net investment gains (losses) within the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s operating earnings relating to its investment in MSI MetLife were included in the Other International Regions segment.
 
During the first quarter of 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with a third party to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary, MetLife Taiwan Insurance Company Limited (“MetLife Taiwan”) for $180 million in cash consideration. As a result of recording MetLife Taiwan’s net assets at the lower of cost or fair value as assets and liabilities held-for-sale, the Company recognized a net investment loss in discontinued operations of $0 and $74 million, net of income tax, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. Income (loss) from the operations of MetLife Taiwan of ($11) million and $3 million, net of income tax, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $2 million and $9 million, net of income tax, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, were also recorded in discontinued operations. In October 2011, the sale received final regulatory approval in Taiwan and on November 1, 2011 the Company completed the sale of MetLife Taiwan to the third party. See Note 15.
 
3.   Investments
 
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
 
The following tables present the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities and the percentage that each sector represents by the


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
respective total holdings for the periods shown. The unrealized loss amounts presented below include the noncredit loss component of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses:
 
                                                 
    September 30, 2011  
    Cost or
    Gross Unrealized     Estimated
       
    Amortized
          Temporary
    OTTI
    Fair
    % of
 
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Losses     Value     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $ 99,832     $ 8,219     $ 1,476     $     $ 106,575       30.1 %
Foreign corporate securities (1)
    61,013       3,616       1,108       (1 )     63,522       18.0  
Foreign government securities
    50,243       2,936       220             52,959       15.0  
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”)
    40,799       2,383       698       591       41,893       11.8  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    36,159       5,686       11             41,834       11.8  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)
    19,259       635       307       2       19,585       5.5  
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
    14,765       322       583       86       14,418       4.1  
State and political subdivision securities
    11,939       1,371       169             13,141       3.7  
Other fixed maturity securities
                                   
                                                 
Total fixed maturity securities (2), (3)
  $ 334,009     $ 25,168     $ 4,572     $ 678     $ 353,927       100.0 %
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Common stock
  $ 2,173     $ 80     $ 42     $     $ 2,211       70.9 %
Non-redeemable preferred stock (2)
    1,054       39       186             907       29.1  
                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 3,227     $ 119     $ 228     $     $ 3,118       100.0 %
                                                 
 
                                                 
    December 31, 2010  
    Cost or
    Gross Unrealized     Estimated
       
    Amortized
          Temporary
    OTTI
    Fair
    % of
 
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Losses     Value     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $ 88,905     $ 4,469     $ 1,602     $     $ 91,772       28.3 %
Foreign corporate securities
    65,487       3,326       925             67,888       20.9  
Foreign government securities
    40,871       1,733       602             42,002       12.9  
RMBS
    44,468       1,652       917       470       44,733       13.8  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    32,469       1,394       559             33,304       10.2  
CMBS
    20,213       740       266       12       20,675       6.4  
ABS
    14,722       274       590       119       14,287       4.4  
State and political subdivision securities
    10,476       171       518             10,129       3.1  
Other fixed maturity securities
    6       1                   7        
                                                 
Total fixed maturity securities (2), (3)
  $ 317,617     $ 13,760     $ 5,979     $ 601     $ 324,797       100.0 %
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Common stock
  $ 2,059     $ 146     $ 12     $     $ 2,193       60.9 %
Non-redeemable preferred stock (2)
    1,562       76       229             1,409       39.1  
                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 3,621     $ 222     $ 241     $     $ 3,602       100.0 %
                                                 
 
 
(1) OTTI losses as presented above represent the noncredit portion of OTTI losses that is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). OTTI losses include both the initial recognition of noncredit losses, and the effects of subsequent increases and decreases in estimated fair value for those fixed maturity securities that were previously noncredit loss impaired. The noncredit loss component of OTTI losses for foreign corporate securities was in an unrealized gain (loss) position of $1 million at September 30, 2011 due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).”


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(2) Upon acquisition, the Company classifies perpetual securities that have attributes of both debt and equity as fixed maturity securities if the security has an interest rate step-up feature which, when combined with other qualitative factors, indicates that the security has more debt-like characteristics; while those with more equity-like characteristics are classified as equity securities within non-redeemable preferred stock. Many of such securities have been issued by non-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.” The following table presents the perpetual hybrid securities held by the Company at:
 
                         
    September 30,
  December 31,
            2011   2010
            Estimated
  Estimated
Classification   Fair
  Fair
Consolidated Balance Sheets   Sector Table   Primary Issuers   Value   Value
            (In millions)
 
Fixed maturity securities
  Foreign corporate securities   Non-U.S. financial institutions   $ 632     $ 2,008  
Fixed maturity securities
  U.S. corporate securities   U.S. financial institutions   $ 181     $ 83  
Equity securities
  Non-redeemable preferred stock   Non-U.S. financial institutions   $ 481     $ 1,043  
Equity securities
  Non-redeemable preferred stock   U.S. financial institutions   $ 381     $ 236  
 
 
(3) The Company’s holdings in redeemable preferred stock with stated maturity dates, commonly referred to as “capital securities,” were primarily issued by U.S. financial institutions and have cumulative interest deferral features. The Company held $2.0 billion and $2.7 billion at estimated fair value of such securities at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, which are included in the U.S. and foreign corporate securities sectors within fixed maturity securities.
 
The below investment grade and non-income producing amounts presented below are based on rating agency designations and equivalent designations of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), with the exception of certain structured securities described below held by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries that file NAIC statutory financial statements. Non-agency RMBS, CMBS and ABS held by such subsidiaries are presented based on ratings from the revised NAIC rating methodologies for structured securities (which may not correspond to rating agency designations). Currently, the NAIC evaluates structured securities held by insurers using the revised NAIC rating methodologies on an annual basis. If such insurance subsidiaries of the Company acquire structured securities that have not been previously evaluated by the NAIC, but are expected to be evaluated by the NAIC in the upcoming annual review, an internally developed rating is used for interim reporting. All NAIC designation (e.g., NAIC 1 — 6) amounts and percentages presented herein are based on the revised NAIC methodologies. All rating agency designation (e.g., Aaa/AAA) amounts and percentages presented herein are based on rating agency designations without adjustment for the revised NAIC methodologies described above. Rating agency designations are based on availability of applicable ratings from rating agencies on the NAIC acceptable rating organization list, including Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”).
 
The following table presents selected information about certain fixed maturity securities held by the Company at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
    (In millions)
 
Below investment grade or non-rated fixed maturity securities:
               
Estimated fair value
  $ 24,494     $ 24,870  
Net unrealized gains (losses)
  $ (1,683 )   $ (696 )
Non-income producing fixed maturity securities:
               
Estimated fair value
  $ 145     $ 130  
Net unrealized gains (losses)
  $ (54 )   $ (23 )


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — Summary.  The following section contains a summary of the concentrations of credit risk related to fixed maturity securities holdings.
 
The Company was not exposed to any concentrations of credit risk of any single issuer greater than 10% of the Company’s equity, other than the government securities summarized in the table below. The par value and amortized cost of the Company’s holdings in sovereign fixed maturity securities of Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain, commonly referred to as “Europe’s perimeter region,” was $1,018 million and $571 million at September 30, 2011, respectively, and $1,912 million and $1,644 million at December 31, 2010, respectively. The estimated fair value of such holdings was $629 million and $1,562 million prior to considering net purchased credit default swap protection at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The estimated fair value of these Europe perimeter region sovereign fixed maturity securities represented 1.0% and 3.2% of the Company’s equity at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and 0.1% and 0.3% of total cash and invested assets at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Government and Agency Securities).  The following section contains a summary of the concentrations of credit risk related to government and agency fixed maturity and fixed-income securities holdings, which were greater than 10% of the Company’s equity at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
    Carrying Value (1)
    (In millions)
 
Government and agency fixed maturity securities:
               
United States
  $ 41,834     $ 33,304  
Japan
  $ 20,644     $ 15,591  
Mexico (2)
  $     $ 5,050  
U.S. Treasury and agency fixed-income securities included in:
               
Short-term investments
  $ 13,565     $ 4,048  
Cash equivalents
  $ 2,847     $ 5,762  
 
 
(1) Represents estimated fair value for fixed maturity securities; amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value or estimated fair value, if available, for short-term investments; and amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value, for cash equivalents.
 
(2) The Company’s investment in Mexico government and agency fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2011 of $5,028 million is less than 10% of the Company’s equity.


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — U.S. and Foreign Corporate Securities.  The Company maintains a diversified portfolio of corporate fixed maturity securities across industries and issuers. This portfolio does not have an exposure to any single issuer in excess of 1% of total investments. The tables below present information for U.S. and foreign corporate securities at:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Estimated
          Estimated
       
    Fair
    % of
    Fair
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
    (In millions)           (In millions)        
 
Corporate fixed maturity securities — by sector:
                               
Foreign corporate fixed maturity securities (1)
  $ 63,522       37.3 %   $ 67,888       42.5 %
U.S. corporate fixed maturity securities — by industry:
                               
Industrial
    27,245       16.0       22,070       13.8  
Consumer
    26,414       15.5       21,482       13.5  
Finance
    21,864       12.9       20,785       13.0  
Utility
    19,152       11.3       16,902       10.6  
Communications
    8,318       4.9       7,335       4.6  
Other
    3,582       2.1       3,198       2.0  
                                 
Total
  $ 170,097       100.0 %   $ 159,660       100.0 %
                                 
 
 
(1) Includes U.S. dollar-denominated debt obligations of foreign obligors and other foreign fixed maturity securities.
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
    Estimated
      Estimated
   
    Fair
  % of Total
  Fair
  % of Total
    Value   Investments   Value   Investments
    (In millions)       (In millions)    
 
Concentrations within corporate fixed maturity securities:
                               
Largest exposure to a single issuer
  $ 1,883       0.4 %   $ 2,291       0.5 %
Holdings in ten issuers with the largest exposures
  $ 11,955       2.4 %   $ 14,247       3.1 %


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — RMBS.  The table below presents information on the Company’s RMBS holdings at:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Estimated
          Estimated
       
    Fair
    % of
    Fair
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
    (In millions)           (In millions)        
 
By security type:
                               
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  $ 22,903       54.7 %   $ 22,303       49.9 %
Pass-through securities
    18,990       45.3       22,430       50.1  
                                 
Total RMBS
  $ 41,893       100.0 %   $ 44,733       100.0 %
                                 
By risk profile:
                               
Agency
  $ 31,386       74.9 %   $ 34,254       76.6 %
Prime
    5,935       14.2       6,258       14.0  
Alternative residential mortgage loans
    4,572       10.9       4,221       9.4  
                                 
Total RMBS
  $ 41,893       100.0 %   $ 44,733       100.0 %
                                 
Rated Aaa/AAA
  $ 32,452       77.5 %   $ 36,085       80.7 %
                                 
Rated NAIC 1
  $ 36,543       87.2 %   $ 38,984       87.1 %
                                 
 
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for a description of the security types and risk profile.
 
The following tables present information on the Company’s investment in alternative residential mortgage loans (“Alt-A”) RMBS at:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Estimated
          Estimated
       
    Fair
    % of
    Fair
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
    (In millions)           (In millions)        
 
Vintage Year:
                               
2005 & Prior
  $ 1,632       35.7 %   $ 1,576       37.3 %
2006
    1,294       28.3       1,013       24.0  
2007
    997       21.8       922       21.8  
2008
                7       0.2  
2009 (1)
    615       13.5       671       15.9  
2010 (1)
    34       0.7       32       0.8  
2011
                       
                                 
Total
  $ 4,572       100.0 %   $ 4,221       100.0 %
                                 
 
 
(1) All of the Company’s Alt-A RMBS holdings in the 2009 and 2010 vintage years are resecuritization of real estate mortgage investment conduit (“Re-REMIC”) Alt-A RMBS that were purchased in 2009 and 2010 and are comprised of original issue vintage year 2005 through 2007 Alt-A RMBS. All of the Company’s Re-REMIC Alt-A RMBS holdings are NAIC 1 rated.
 


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
          % of
          % of
 
    Amount     Total     Amount     Total  
    (In millions)           (In millions)        
 
Net unrealized gains (losses)
  $ (824 )           $ (670 )        
Rated Aa/AA or better
            12.7 %             15.9 %
Rated NAIC 1
            47.1 %             39.5 %
Distribution of holdings — at estimated fair value — by collateral type:
                               
Fixed rate mortgage loans collateral
            92.7 %             90.7 %
Hybrid adjustable rate mortgage loans collateral
            7.3               9.3  
                                 
Total Alt-A RMBS
            100.0 %             100.0 %
                                 
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — CMBS.  The following tables present the Company’s holdings of CMBS by rating agency designation and by vintage year at:
 
                                                                                                 
    September 30, 2011  
                            Below
       
                            Investment
       
    Aaa     Aa     A     Baa     Grade     Total  
          Estimated
          Estimated
          Estimated
          Estimated
          Estimated
          Estimated
 
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
 
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
    (In millions)  
 
2003 & Prior
  $ 5,936       6,040       178       176       105       101       58       55       21       20     $ 6,298     $ 6,392  
2004
    3,698       3,823       447       455       134       126       92       89       33       26       4,404       4,519  
2005
    3,117       3,316       400       401       324       311       168       153       37       26       4,046       4,207  
2006
    1,733       1,813       229       217       91       87       147       135       157       137       2,357       2,389  
2007
    700       714       439       362       163       137       39       38       126       117       1,467       1,368  
2008
                                                    24       29       24       29  
2009
    2       2                                                       2       2  
2010
    2       3                   60       66                               62       69  
2011
    505       513                   94       97                               599       610  
                                                                                                 
Total
  $ 15,693     $ 16,224     $ 1,693     $ 1,611     $ 971     $ 925     $ 504     $ 470     $ 398     $ 355     $ 19,259     $ 19,585  
                                                                                                 
Ratings Distribution
            82.8 %             8.3 %             4.7 %             2.4 %             1.8 %             100.0 %
                                                                                                 
 
                                                                                                 
    December 31, 2010  
                            Below
       
                            Investment
       
    Aaa     Aa     A     Baa     Grade     Total  
          Estimated
          Estimated
          Estimated
          Estimated
          Estimated
          Estimated
 
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
 
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
    (In millions)  
 
2003 & Prior
  $ 7,411     $ 7,640     $ 282     $ 282     $ 228     $ 227     $ 74     $ 71     $ 28     $ 24     $ 8,023     $ 8,244  
2004
    3,489       3,620       277       273       216       209       181       175       91       68       4,254       4,345  
2005
    3,113       3,292       322       324       286       280       263       255       73       66       4,057       4,217  
2006
    1,463       1,545       159       160       168       168       385       398       166       156       2,341       2,427  
2007
    840       791       344       298       96       95       119       108       122       133       1,521       1,425  
2008
    2       2                                                       2       2  
2009
    3       3                                                       3       3  
2010
    8       8                   4       4                               12       12  
                                                                                                 
Total
  $ 16,329     $ 16,901     $ 1,384     $ 1,337     $ 998     $ 983     $ 1,022     $ 1,007     $ 480     $ 447     $ 20,213     $ 20,675  
                                                                                                 
Ratings Distribution
            81.7 %             6.4 %             4.8 %             4.9 %             2.2 %             100.0 %
                                                                                                 

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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The tables above reflect rating agency designations assigned by nationally recognized rating agencies including Moody’s, S&P, Fitch and Realpoint, LLC.
 
The NAIC rating distribution of the Company’s holdings of CMBS was as follows at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
 
NAIC 1
    94.3 %     93.7 %
NAIC 2
    4.1 %     3.2 %
NAIC 3
    0.5 %     1.8 %
NAIC 4
    0.7 %     1.0 %
NAIC 5
    %     0.3 %
NAIC 6
    0.4 %     %
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — ABS.  The Company’s ABS are diversified both by collateral type and by issuer. The following table presents information about ABS held by the Company at:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Estimated
          Estimated
       
    Fair
    % of
    Fair
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
    (In millions)           (In millions)        
 
By collateral type:
                               
Credit card loans
  $ 4,444       30.8 %   $ 6,027       42.2 %
Student loans
    2,645       18.4       2,416       16.9  
Collateralized debt obligations
    2,578       17.9       1,798       12.6  
Automobile loans
    1,039       7.2       605       4.2  
RMBS backed by sub-prime mortgage loans
    997       6.9       1,119       7.8  
Other loans
    2,715       18.8       2,322       16.3  
                                 
Total
  $ 14,418       100.0 %   $ 14,287       100.0 %
                                 
Rated Aaa/AAA
  $ 9,250       64.2 %   $ 10,411       72.9 %
                                 
Rated NAIC 1
  $ 13,324       92.4 %   $ 13,133       91.9 %
                                 
 
The Company had ABS supported by sub-prime mortgage loans with estimated fair values of $997 million and $1,119 million and unrealized losses of $350 million and $317 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Approximately 24% of this portfolio was rated Aa or better, of which 71% was in vintage year 2005 and prior at September 30, 2011. Approximately 54% of this portfolio was rated Aa or better, of which 88% was in vintage year 2005 and prior at December 31, 2010. These older vintages from 2005 and prior benefit from better underwriting, improved credit enhancement levels and higher residential property price appreciation. Approximately 68% and 66% of this portfolio was rated NAIC 2 or better at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Equity Securities).  The Company was not exposed to any concentrations of credit risk in its equity securities holdings of any single issuer greater than 10% of the Company’s equity or 1% of total investments at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities.  The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date (excluding scheduled sinking funds), were as follows at:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
          Estimated
          Estimated
 
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
 
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
    (In millions)  
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 13,713     $ 13,813     $ 8,580     $ 8,702  
Due after one year through five years
    68,498       70,234       65,143       66,796  
Due after five years through ten years
    83,338       88,497       76,508       79,571  
Due after ten years
    93,637       105,487       87,983       90,033  
                                 
Subtotal
    259,186       278,031       238,214       245,102  
RMBS, CMBS and ABS
    74,823       75,896       79,403       79,695  
                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 334,009     $ 353,927     $ 317,617     $ 324,797  
                                 
 
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above table in the year of final contractual maturity. RMBS, CMBS and ABS are shown separately in the table, as they are not due at a single maturity.
 
Evaluating Available-for-Sale Securities for Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
 
As described more fully in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report, the Company performs a regular evaluation, on a security-by-security basis, of its available-for-sale securities holdings, including fixed maturity securities, equity securities and perpetual hybrid securities, in accordance with its impairment policy in order to evaluate whether such investments are other-than-temporarily impaired.


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
 
The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), were as follows:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 20,703     $ 7,817  
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (678 )     (601 )
                 
Total fixed maturity securities
    20,025       7,216  
Equity securities
    (95 )     (3 )
Derivatives
    1,486       (59 )
Other
    63       42  
                 
Subtotal
    21,479       7,196  
                 
Amounts allocated from:
               
Insurance liability loss recognition
    (3,946 )     (672 )
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    41       38  
DAC and VOBA
    (2,070 )     (1,205 )
Policyholder dividend obligation
    (2,782 )     (876 )
                 
Subtotal
    (8,757 )     (2,715 )
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    220       197  
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
    (4,504 )     (1,692 )
                 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
    8,438       2,986  
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    9       4  
                 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
  $ 8,447     $ 2,990  
                 
 
The changes in fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), were as follows:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ (601 )   $ (859 )
Noncredit OTTI losses recognized (1)
    5       (212 )
Transferred to retained earnings (2)
          16  
Securities sold with previous noncredit OTTI loss
    99       137  
Subsequent changes in estimated fair value
    (181 )     317  
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ (678 )   $ (601 )
                 
 
 
(1) Noncredit OTTI losses recognized, net of DAC, were $6 million and ($202) million for the periods ended September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(2) Amounts transferred to retained earnings were in connection with the adoption of guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs as described in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:
 
         
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
 
    September 30, 2011  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 2,990  
Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
    (77 )
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period
    14,360  
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
       
Insurance liability gain (loss) recognition
    (3,274 )
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    3  
DAC and VOBA
    (865 )
Policyholder dividend obligation
    (1,906 )
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    23  
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
    (2,812 )
         
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
    8,442  
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    5  
         
Balance, end of period
  $ 8,447  
         
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)
  $ 5,452  
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    5  
         
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
  $ 5,457  
         


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale by Sector
 
The following tables present the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses 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 include the noncredit component of OTTI loss. Fixed maturity securities on which a noncredit OTTI loss has been recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are categorized by length of time as being “less than 12 months” or “equal to or greater than 12 months” in a continuous unrealized loss position based on the point in time that the estimated fair value initially declined to below the amortized cost basis and not the period of time since the unrealized loss was deemed a noncredit OTTI loss.
 
                                                 
    September 30, 2011  
          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     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
    (In millions, except number of securities)  
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $ 18,303     $ 597     $ 4,981     $ 879     $ 23,284     $ 1,476  
Foreign corporate securities
    16,560       846       1,480       261       18,040       1,107  
Foreign government securities
    8,092       208       158       12       8,250       220  
RMBS
    3,761       324       4,501       965       8,262       1,289  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    8,937       9       39       2       8,976       11  
CMBS
    4,974       200       620       109       5,594       309  
ABS
    4,670       189       2,087       480       6,757       669  
State and political subdivision securities
    416       6       981       163       1,397       169  
Other fixed maturity securities
                                   
                                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 65,713     $ 2,379     $ 14,847     $ 2,871     $ 80,560     $ 5,250  
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Common stock
  $ 416     $ 41     $ 23     $ 1     $ 439     $ 42  
Non-redeemable preferred stock
    227       30       386       156       613       186  
                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 643     $ 71     $ 409     $ 157     $ 1,052     $ 228  
                                                 
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
    4,414               1,340                          
                                                 
 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                 
    December 31, 2010  
          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     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
    (In millions, except number of securities)  
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $ 22,954     $ 447     $ 8,319     $ 1,155     $ 31,273     $ 1,602  
Foreign corporate securities
    22,415       410       3,976       515       26,391       925  
Foreign government securities
    26,659       585       189       17       26,848       602  
RMBS
    7,588       212       6,700       1,175       14,288       1,387  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    13,401       530       118       29       13,519       559  
CMBS
    3,787       29       1,363       249       5,150       278  
ABS
    2,713       42       3,026       667       5,739       709  
State and political subdivision securities
    5,061       246       988       272       6,049       518  
Other fixed maturity securities
    1                         1        
                                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 104,579     $ 2,501     $ 24,679     $ 4,079     $ 129,258     $ 6,580  
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Common stock
  $ 89     $ 12     $ 1     $     $ 90     $ 12  
Non-redeemable preferred stock
    191       9       824       220       1,015       229  
                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 280     $ 21     $ 825     $ 220     $ 1,105     $ 241  
                                                 
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
    5,609               1,704                          
                                                 

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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Aging of Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
 
The following tables present the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, including the portion of OTTI loss on fixed maturity securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), gross unrealized losses as a percentage of cost or amortized cost 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:
 
                                                 
    September 30, 2011  
    Cost or Amortized Cost     Gross Unrealized Losses     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
  $ 50,785     $ 5,026     $ 1,365     $ 1,377       2,871       290  
Six months or greater but less than nine months
    1,747       349       68       106       200       23  
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
    13,543       147       367       41       1,126       9  
Twelve months or greater
    11,858       2,355       1,018       908       971       181  
                                                 
Total
  $ 77,933     $ 7,877     $ 2,818     $ 2,432                  
                                                 
Percentage of amortized cost
                    4 %     31 %                
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Less than six months
  $ 571     $ 304     $ 36     $ 89       168       54  
Six months or greater but less than nine months
    10             1             7       3  
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
    46       1       4       1       14       9  
Twelve months or greater
    125       223       12       85       11       13  
                                                 
Total
  $ 752     $ 528     $ 53     $ 175                  
                                                 
Percentage of cost
                    7 %     33 %                
                                                 
 


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                 
    December 31, 2010  
    Cost or Amortized Cost     Gross Unrealized Losses     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
  $ 105,301     $ 1,403     $ 2,348     $ 368       5,320       121  
Six months or greater but less than nine months
    1,125       376       29       102       104       29  
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
    371       89       28       27       50       9  
Twelve months or greater
    21,627       5,546       1,863       1,815       1,245       311  
                                                 
Total
  $ 128,424     $ 7,414     $ 4,268     $ 2,312                  
                                                 
Percentage of amortized cost
                    3 %     31 %                
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Less than six months
  $ 247     $ 94     $ 10     $ 22       106       33  
Six months or greater but less than nine months
    29       65       5       16       3       2  
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
    6       47             16       3       2  
Twelve months or greater
    518       340       56       116       35       14  
                                                 
Total
  $ 800     $ 546     $ 71     $ 170                  
                                                 
Percentage of cost
                    9 %     31 %                
                                                 
 
Equity securities with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more for twelve months or greater decreased from $116 million at December 31, 2010 to $85 million at September 30, 2011. As shown in the section “— Evaluating Temporarily Impaired Available-for-Sale Securities” below, all of the equity securities with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more for twelve months or greater at September 30, 2011 were financial services industry investment grade non-redeemable preferred stock, of which 72% were rated A or better.

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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Concentration of Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
 
The Company’s gross unrealized losses related to its fixed maturity and equity securities, including the portion of OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were $5.5 billion and $6.8 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The concentration, calculated as a percentage of gross unrealized losses (including OTTI losses), by sector and industry was as follows at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
 
Sector:
               
U.S. corporate securities
    27 %     23 %
RMBS
    24       20  
Foreign corporate securities
    20       14  
ABS
    12       10  
CMBS
    6       4  
Foreign government securities
    4       9  
State and political subdivision securities
    3       8  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
          8  
Other
    4       4  
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %
                 
Industry:
               
Mortgage-backed
    30 %     24 %
Finance
    25       21  
Asset-backed
    12       10  
Utility
    8       5  
Consumer
    7       4  
Foreign government securities
    4       9  
Communications
    4       2  
State and political subdivision securities
    3       8  
Industrial
    3       2  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
          8  
Other
    4       7  
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %
                 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Evaluating Temporarily Impaired Available-for-Sale Securities
 
The following table presents the Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities, each with gross unrealized losses of greater than $10 million, the number of securities, total gross unrealized losses and percentage of total gross unrealized losses at:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
    Fixed Maturity
  Equity
  Fixed Maturity
  Equity
    Securities   Securities   Securities   Securities
    (In millions, except number of securities)
 
Number of securities
    86       5       107       6  
Total gross unrealized losses
  $ 1,612     $ 79     $ 2,014     $ 103  
Percentage of total gross unrealized losses
    31 %     34 %     31 %     43 %
 
Fixed maturity and equity securities, each with gross unrealized losses greater than $10 million, decreased $426 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decline in, or improvement in, gross unrealized losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was primarily attributable to a decrease in interest rates, partially offset by increasing credit spreads. These securities were included in the Company’s OTTI review process. Based upon the Company’s current evaluation of these securities and other available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its impairment policy, and the Company’s current intentions and assessments (as applicable to the type of security) about holding, selling and any requirements to sell these securities, the Company has concluded that these securities are not other-than-temporarily impaired.
 
In the Company’s impairment review process, the duration and severity of an unrealized loss position for equity securities are given greater weight and consideration than for fixed maturity securities. An extended and severe unrealized loss position on a fixed maturity security may not have any impact on the ability of the issuer to service all scheduled interest and principal payments and the Company’s evaluation of recoverability of all contractual cash flows or the ability to recover an amount at least equal to its amortized cost based on the present value of the expected future cash flows to be collected. In contrast, for an equity security, greater weight and consideration are given by the Company to a decline in market value and the likelihood such market value decline will recover.
 
The following table presents certain information about the Company’s equity securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more at September 30, 2011:
 
                                                                 
          Non-Redeemable Preferred Stock  
          All Types of
             
    All Equity
    Non-Redeemable
    Investment Grade  
    Securities     Preferred Stock     All Industries     Financial Services Industry  
    Gross
    Gross
    % of All
    Gross
    % of All
    Gross
          % A
 
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Equity
    Unrealized
    Non-Redeemable
    Unrealized
    % of All
    Rated or
 
    Losses     Losses     Securities     Losses     Preferred Stock     Losses     Industries     Better  
    (In millions)           (In millions)           (In millions)              
 
Less than six months
  $ 89     $ 67       75 %   $ 52       78 %   $ 52       100 %     52 %
Six months or greater but less than twelve months
    1             %           %           %     %
Twelve months or greater
    85       85       100 %     85       100 %     85       100 %     72 %
                                                                 
All equity securities with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more
  $ 175     $ 152       87 %   $ 137       90 %   $ 137       100 %     64 %
                                                                 
 
In connection with the equity securities impairment review process, the Company evaluated its holdings in non-redeemable preferred stock, particularly those in the financial services industry. The Company considered several factors including whether there has been any deterioration in credit of the issuer and the likelihood of recovery in value of non-redeemable preferred stock with a severe or an extended unrealized loss. The Company


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
also considered whether any issuers of non-redeemable preferred stock with an unrealized loss held by the Company, regardless of credit rating, have deferred any dividend payments. No such dividend payments had been deferred.
 
With respect to common stock holdings, the Company considered the duration and severity of the unrealized losses for securities in an unrealized loss position of 20% or more; and the duration of unrealized losses for securities in an unrealized loss position of less than 20% in an extended unrealized loss position (i.e., 12 months or greater).
 
Future OTTIs will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance (including changes in the present value of future cash flows expected to be collected), changes in credit ratings, changes in collateral valuation, changes in interest rates and changes in credit spreads. If economic fundamentals and any of the above factors deteriorate, additional OTTIs may be incurred in upcoming quarters.
 
Trading and Other Securities
 
The table below presents certain information about the Company’s trading securities that are actively purchased and sold (“Actively Traded Securities”) and other securities for which the fair value option (“FVO”) has been elected:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Actively Traded Securities
  $ 415     $ 463  
FVO general account securities
    269       131  
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
    17,874       17,794  
FVO securities held by CSEs
    140       201  
                 
Total trading and other securities — at estimated fair value
  $ 18,698     $ 18,589  
                 
Actively Traded Securities — at estimated fair value
  $ 415     $ 463  
Short sale agreement liabilities — at estimated fair value
    (67 )     (46 )
                 
Net long/short position — at estimated fair value
  $ 348     $ 417  
                 
Investments pledged to secure short sale agreement liabilities
  $ 467     $ 465  
                 
 
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for discussion of FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments and “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”) included in the table above. See “— Net Investment Income” and “— Net Investment Gains (Losses)” for the net investment income recognized on trading and other securities and the related changes in estimated fair value subsequent to purchase included in net investment income and net investment gains (losses), as applicable.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Net Investment Gains (Losses)
 
The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:
                               
Total OTTI losses recognized
  $ (95 )   $ (143 )   $ (525 )   $ (538 )
Less: Noncredit portion of OTTI losses transferred to and recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
    (189 )     24       (5 )     181  
                                 
Net OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings
    (284 )     (119 )     (530 )     (357 )
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals
    101       54       79       99  
                                 
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities
    (183 )     (65 )     (451 )     (258 )
                                 
Other net investment gains (losses):
                               
Equity securities
    (3 )     (1 )     (37 )     100  
Trading and other securities — FVO general account securities — changes in estimated fair value
    (3 )           (3 )      
Mortgage loans
    45       37       160       20  
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
    139       (1 )     144       (50 )
Other limited partnership interests
          (4 )     8       (15 )
Other investment portfolio gains (losses)
          (67 )     (2 )     9  
                                 
Subtotal — investment portfolio gains (losses)
    (5 )     (101 )     (181 )     (194 )
                                 
FVO CSEs — changes in estimated fair value:
                               
Commercial mortgage loans
    (64 )     114       (39 )     767  
Securities
    2       (26 )     1       (47 )
Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans
    56       (109 )     48       (744 )
Long-term debt — related to securities
    (1 )     37       (8 )     48  
Other gains (losses) (1)
    (43 )     (257 )     (130 )     (154 )
                                 
Subtotal FVO CSEs and other gains (losses)
    (50 )     (241 )     (128 )     (130 )
                                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
  $ (55 )   $ (342 )   $ (309 )   $ (324 )
                                 
 
 
(1) Other gains (losses) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 includes a loss of $0 and $87 million, respectively, related to the sale of the Company’s investment in MSI MetLife. See Note 2. Other gains (losses) for both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 includes a loss of $65 million related to goodwill impairment. See Note 6.
 
See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs included in the table above.
 
Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions included within net investment gains (losses) were $94 million and $80 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and ($37) million and $169 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.


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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) were as shown below. Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis.
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
    Fixed Maturity Securities     Equity Securities     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Proceeds
  $ 19,368     $ 10,747     $ 169     $ 96     $ 19,537     $ 10,843  
                                                 
Gross investment gains
  $ 252     $ 190     $ 9     $ 7     $ 261     $ 197  
                                                 
Gross investment losses
    (151 )     (136 )     (7 )     (7 )     (158 )     (143 )
                                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
                                               
Credit-related
    (269 )     (107 )                 (269 )     (107 )
Other (1)
    (15 )     (12 )     (5 )     (1 )     (20 )     (13 )
                                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings
    (284 )     (119 )     (5 )     (1 )     (289 )     (120 )
                                                 
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (183 )   $ (65 )   $ (3 )   $ (1 )   $ (186 )   $ (66 )
                                                 
 
                                                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
    Fixed Maturity Securities     Equity Securities     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Proceeds
  $ 55,216     $ 32,585     $ 974     $ 539     $ 56,190     $ 33,124  
                                                 
Gross investment gains
  $ 680     $ 568     $ 83     $ 114     $ 763     $ 682  
                                                 
Gross investment losses
    (601 )     (469 )     (62 )     (11 )     (663 )     (480 )
                                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
                                               
Credit-related
    (382 )     (339 )                 (382 )     (339 )
Other (1)
    (148 )     (18 )     (58 )     (3 )     (206 )     (21 )
                                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings
    (530 )     (357 )     (58 )     (3 )     (588 )     (360 )
                                                 
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (451 )   $ (258 )   $ (37 )   $ 100     $ (488 )   $ (158 )
                                                 
 
 
(1) Other OTTI losses recognized in earnings include impairments on equity securities, impairments on perpetual hybrid securities classified within fixed maturity securities where the primary reason for the impairment was the severity and/or the duration of an unrealized loss position and fixed maturity securities where there is an intent to sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the decline in estimated fair value.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Fixed maturity security OTTI losses recognized in earnings related to the following sectors and industries within the U.S. and foreign corporate securities sector:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
          (In millions)        
 
Sector:
                               
U.S. and foreign corporate securities — by industry:
                               
Finance
  $ 7     $ 54     $ 48     $ 82  
Consumer
    6       8       35       31  
Communications
    12       9       26       12  
Utility
    6             7       3  
                                 
Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities
    31       71       116       128  
Foreign government securities
    206             295        
RMBS
    34       19       88       76  
ABS
    8       26       23       89  
CMBS
    5       3       8       64  
                                 
Total
  $ 284     $ 119     $ 530     $ 357  
                                 
 
Equity security OTTI losses recognized in earnings related to the following sectors and industries:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Sector:
                               
Non-redeemable preferred stock
  $     $     $ 38     $  
Common stock
    5       1       20       3  
                                 
Total
  $ 5     $ 1     $ 58     $ 3  
                                 
Industry:
                               
Financial services industry — perpetual hybrid securities
  $     $     $ 38     $  
Other industries
    5       1       20       3  
                                 
Total
  $ 5     $ 1     $ 58     $ 3  
                                 


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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 Income (Loss)
 
The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held by the Company for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 401     $ 491     $ 443     $ 581  
Additions:
                               
Initial impairments — credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired
    6       13       32       94  
Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired
    39       34       79       104  
Reductions:
                               
Due to sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) during the period of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI
    (8 )     (97 )     (63 )     (231 )
Due to securities de-recognized in connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs
                      (100 )
Due to securities impaired to net present value of expected future cash flows
    (1 )           (45 )      
Due to increases in cash flows — accretion of previous credit loss OTTI
          (2 )     (9 )     (9 )
                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 437     $ 439     $ 437     $ 439  
                                 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Net Investment Income
 
The components of net investment income were as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Investment income:
                               
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 3,770     $ 3,060     $ 11,244     $ 9,126  
Equity securities
    28       19       106       83  
Trading and other securities — Actively Traded Securities and FVO general account securities (1)
    (38 )     45       6       56  
Mortgage loans
    806       713       2,331       2,081  
Policy loans
    162       155       482       488  
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
    213       131       557       300  
Other limited partnership interests
    180       170       582       596  
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
    41       26       131       64  
International joint ventures (2)
    7       19       (3 )     (61 )
Other
    82       (7 )     151       181  
                                 
Subtotal
    5,251       4,331       15,587       12,914  
Less: Investment expenses
    271       222       774       654  
                                 
Subtotal, net
    4,980       4,109       14,813       12,260  
                                 
Trading and other securities — FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments (1)
    (824 )     149       (437 )     161  
FVO CSEs:
                               
Commercial mortgage loans
    95       102       286       312  
Securities
    6       4       7       12  
                                 
Subtotal
    (723 )     255       (144 )     485  
                                 
Net investment income
  $ 4,257     $ 4,364     $ 14,669     $ 12,745  
                                 
 
 
(1) Changes in estimated fair value subsequent to purchase included in net investment income were:
 
                                 
Trading and other securities — Actively Traded Securities and FVO general account securities
  $ (46 )   $ 29     $ (25 )   $ 16  
Trading and other securities — FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
  $ (873 )   $ 124     $ (641 )   $ 111  
 
(2) Amounts are presented net of changes in estimated fair value of derivatives related to economic hedges of the Company’s investment in these equity method international joint venture investments that do not qualify for hedge accounting of $0 and ($23) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and ($12) million and $65 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
 
See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs included in the table above.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 brokerage firms and commercial banks. The Company obtains collateral, usually cash, in an amount generally equal to 102% of the estimated fair value of the securities loaned, which is obtained at the inception of a loan and maintained at a level greater than or equal to 100% for the duration of the loan. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or repledged by the transferee. The Company is liable to return to its counterparties the cash collateral under its control. These transactions are treated as financing arrangements and the associated liability is recorded at the amount of the cash received.
 
Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Securities on loan:
               
Amortized cost
  $ 22,488     $ 23,715  
Estimated fair value
  $ 26,040     $ 24,230  
Aging of cash collateral liability:
               
Open (1)
  $ 2,440     $ 2,752  
Less than thirty days
    14,993       12,301  
Thirty days or greater but less than sixty days
    5,405       4,399  
Sixty days or greater but less than ninety days
    2,057       2,291  
Ninety days or greater
    908       2,904  
                 
Total cash collateral liability
  $ 25,803     $ 24,647  
                 
Security collateral on deposit from counterparties
  $ 613     $  
                 
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value
  $ 25,520     $ 24,177  
                 
 
 
(1) Open — meaning that the related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day, requiring the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.
 
The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at September 30, 2011 was $2.4 billion, of which $2.2 billion were U.S. Treasury and agency securities which, if put to the Company, can be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirements. The remainder of the securities on loan was primarily U.S. Treasury and agency securities, and very liquid RMBS. The U.S. Treasury securities on loan were primarily holdings of on-the-run U.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 reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including RMBS, U.S. Treasury and agency securities, U.S. corporate securities, ABS, foreign corporate securities and CMBS). 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 demands when securities are put back to the Company.
 
Security collateral on deposit from counterparties in connection with the securities lending transactions may not be sold or repledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral
 
Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, fixed maturity, equity, trading and other securities and at carrying value for mortgage loans.
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Invested assets on deposit:
               
Regulatory agencies
  $ 2,050     $ 2,110  
Invested assets held in trust:
               
Collateral financing arrangements
    5,342       5,340  
Reinsurance arrangements
    4,885       3,090  
Invested assets pledged as collateral:
               
Funding agreements and advances — Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of New York
    21,385       21,975  
Funding agreements — Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
    3,160       3,159  
Funding agreements — FHLB of Des Moines
    904        
Funding agreements — FHLB of Boston
    529       211  
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
    1,686       1,822  
Collateral financing arrangements
    273       112  
Derivative transactions
    1,029       1,726  
Short sale agreements
    467       465  
                 
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral
  $ 41,710     $ 40,010  
                 
 
 
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for a description of the types of invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral and selected other information about the related program or counterparty. In 2011, the Company pledged fixed maturity securities in support of its funding agreements with the FHLB of Des Moines. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for a description of the nature of these funding agreements.
 
See also “— Securities Lending” for the amount of the Company’s cash received from and due back to counterparties pursuant to the Company’s securities lending program. See also “— Variable Interest Entities” for assets of certain CSEs that can only be used to settle liabilities of such entities.


40


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Mortgage Loans
 
Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Carrying
    % of
    Carrying
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
    (In millions)           (In millions)        
 
Mortgage loans held-for-investment:
                               
Commercial
  $ 40,120       63.8 %   $ 37,818       60.7 %
Agricultural
    12,967       20.6       12,751       20.4  
Residential
    3,424       5.4       2,231       3.7  
                                 
Subtotal
    56,511       89.8       52,800       84.8  
Valuation allowances
    (529 )     (0.8 )     (664 )     (1.1 )
                                 
Subtotal mortgage loans held-for-investment, net
    55,982       89.0       52,136       83.7  
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO
    3,227       5.1       6,840       11.0  
                                 
Total mortgage loans held-for-investment, net
    59,209       94.1       58,976       94.7  
                                 
Mortgage loans held-for-sale:
                               
Residential — FVO
    2,590       4.1       2,510       4.0  
Mortgage loans — lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value
    1,150       1.8       811       1.3  
                                 
Total mortgage loans held-for-sale
    3,740       5.9       3,321       5.3  
                                 
Total mortgage loans, net
  $ 62,949       100.0 %   $ 62,297       100.0 %
                                 
 
 
See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs included in the table above and the decrease in commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk.  The Company diversifies its mortgage loan portfolio by both geographic region and property type to reduce the risk of concentration. Of the Company’s commercial and agricultural mortgage loans, 91% are collateralized by properties located in the U.S., with the remaining 9% collateralized by properties located outside the U.S., calculated as a percent of total mortgage loans held-for-investment (excluding commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs) at September 30, 2011. The carrying value of the Company’s commercial and agricultural mortgage loans located in California, New York and Texas were 19%, 10% and 7%, respectively, of total mortgage loans held-for-investment (excluding commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs) at September 30, 2011. Additionally, the Company manages risk when originating commercial and agricultural mortgage loans by generally lending only up to 75% of the estimated fair value of the underlying real estate collateral.
 
Certain of the Company’s real estate joint ventures have mortgage loans with the Company. The carrying values of such mortgage loans were $285 million and $283 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following tables present the recorded investment in mortgage loans held-for-investment, by portfolio segment, by method of evaluation of credit loss, and the related valuation allowances, by type of credit loss, at:
 
                                 
    Commercial     Agricultural     Residential     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
September 30, 2011:
                               
Mortgage loans:
                               
Evaluated individually for credit losses
  $ 211     $ 150     $ 7     $ 368  
Evaluated collectively for credit losses
    39,909       12,817       3,417       56,143  
                                 
Total mortgage loans
    40,120       12,967       3,424       56,511  
                                 
Valuation allowances:
                               
Specific credit losses
    70       46       1       117  
Non-specifically identified credit losses
    358       36       18       412  
                                 
Total valuation allowances
    428       82       19       529  
                                 
Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowance
  $ 39,692     $ 12,885     $ 3,405     $ 55,982  
                                 
                                 
December 31, 2010:
                               
Mortgage loans:
                               
Evaluated individually for credit losses
  $ 120     $ 146     $ 13     $ 279  
Evaluated collectively for credit losses
    37,698       12,605       2,218       52,521  
                                 
Total mortgage loans
    37,818       12,751       2,231       52,800  
                                 
Valuation allowances:
                               
Specific credit losses
    36       52             88  
Non-specifically identified credit losses
    526       36       14       576  
                                 
Total valuation allowances
    562       88       14       664  
                                 
Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowance
  $ 37,256     $ 12,663     $ 2,217     $ 52,136  
                                 


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
The following tables present the changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment:
 
                                 
    Mortgage Loan Valuation Allowances  
    Commercial     Agricultural     Residential     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 469     $ 79     $ 18     $ 566  
Provision (release)
    (41 )     3       2       (36 )
Charge-offs, net of recoveries
                (1 )     (1 )
                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 428     $ 82     $ 19     $ 529  
                                 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 621     $ 96     $ 17     $ 734  
Provision (release)
    (27 )     1       3       (23 )
Charge-offs, net of recoveries
    (21 )     (21 )     (3 )     (45 )
                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 573     $ 76     $ 17     $ 666  
                                 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 562     $ 88     $ 14     $ 664  
Provision (release)
    (134 )     (3 )     7       (130 )
Charge-offs, net of recoveries
          (3 )     (2 )     (5 )
                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 428     $ 82     $ 19     $ 529  
                                 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 589     $ 115     $ 17     $ 721  
Provision (release)
    6             5       11  
Charge-offs, net of recoveries
    (22 )     (39 )     (5 )     (66 )
                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 573     $ 76     $ 17     $ 666  
                                 


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Commercial Mortgage Loans — by Credit Quality Indicators with Estimated Fair Value.  Presented below for the commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment is the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by the indicated loan-to-value ratio categories and debt service coverage ratio categories and estimated fair value of such mortgage loans by the indicated loan-to-value ratio categories at:
 
                                                         
    Commercial  
    Recorded Investment              
    Debt Service Coverage Ratios                 Estimated
       
    > 1.20x     1.00x - 1.20x     < 1.00x     Total     % of Total     Fair Value     % of Total  
    (In millions)           (In millions)        
 
September 30, 2011:
                                                       
Loan-to-value ratios:
                                                       
Less than 65%
  $ 22,293     $ 438     $ 565     $ 23,296       58.1 %   $ 24,587       59.2 %
65% to 75%
    9,243       426       383       10,052       25.0       10,404       25.1  
76% to 80%
    1,848       251       156       2,255       5.6       2,301       5.6  
Greater than 80%
    3,070       922       525       4,517       11.3       4,183       10.1  
                                                         
Total
  $ 36,454     $ 2,037     $ 1,629     $ 40,120       100.0 %   $ 41,475       100.0 %
                                                         
                                                         
December 31, 2010:
                                                       
Loan-to-value ratios:
                                                       
Less than 65%
  $ 16,663     $ 125     $ 483     $ 17,271       45.7 %   $ 18,183       46.9 %
65% to 75%
    9,022       765       513       10,300       27.2       10,685       27.6  
76% to 80%
    3,033       304       135       3,472       9.2       3,535       9.1  
Greater than 80%
    4,155       1,813       807       6,775       17.9       6,374       16.4  
                                                         
Total
  $ 32,873     $ 3,007     $ 1,938     $ 37,818       100.0 %   $ 38,777       100.0 %
                                                         
 
Agricultural Mortgage Loans — by Credit Quality Indicator.  The recorded investment in agricultural mortgage loans held-for-investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator, is as shown below. The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans held-for-investment was $13.4 billion and $12.9 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
                                 
    Agricultural  
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Recorded Investment     % of Total     Recorded Investment     % of Total  
    (In millions)           (In millions)        
 
Loan-to-value ratios:
                               
Less than 65%
  $ 11,818       91.1 %   $ 11,483       90.1 %
65% to 75%
    740       5.7       885       6.9  
76% to 80%
    19       0.2       48       0.4  
Greater than 80%
    390       3.0       335       2.6  
                                 
Total
  $ 12,967       100.0 %   $ 12,751       100.0 %
                                 


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Residential Mortgage Loans — by Credit Quality Indicator.  The recorded investment in residential mortgage loans held-for-investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator, is as shown below. The estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans held-for-investment was $3.5 billion and $2.3 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
                                 
    Residential  
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Recorded Investment     % of Total     Recorded Investment     % of Total  
    (In millions)           (In millions)        
 
Performance indicators:
                               
Performing
  $ 3,399       99.3 %   $ 2,149       96.3 %
Nonperforming
    25       0.7       82       3.7  
                                 
Total
  $ 3,424       100.0 %   $ 2,231       100.0 %
                                 
 
Past Due and Interest Accrual Status of Mortgage Loans.  The Company has a high quality, well performing, mortgage loan portfolio, with approximately 99% of all mortgage loans classified as performing at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The Company defines delinquent mortgage loans consistent with industry practice, when interest and principal payments are past due as follows: commercial mortgage loans — 60 days or more; agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days or more; and residential mortgage loans — 60 days or more. The recorded investment in mortgage loans held-for-investment, prior to valuation allowances, past due according to these aging categories, greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest and in nonaccrual status, by portfolio segment, were as follows at:
 
                                                 
          Greater than 90 Days Past Due
       
    Past Due     Still Accruing Interest     Nonaccrual Status  
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010     September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010     September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Commercial
  $ 155     $ 58     $ 115     $ 1     $ 60     $ 7  
Agricultural
    141       159       7       13       165       177  
Residential
    33       79       8       11       23       25  
                                                 
Total
  $ 329     $ 296     $ 130     $ 25     $ 248     $ 209  
                                                 


45


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Impaired Mortgage Loans.  The unpaid principal balance, recorded investment, valuation allowances and carrying value, net of valuation allowances, for impaired mortgage loans held-for-investment, including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, by portfolio segment, were as follows at:
 
                                                                 
    Impaired Mortgage Loans  
          Loans without
       
    Loans with a Valuation Allowance     a Valuation Allowance     All Impaired Loans  
    Unpaid
                      Unpaid
          Unpaid
       
    Principal
    Recorded
    Valuation
    Carrying
    Principal
    Recorded
    Principal
    Carrying
 
    Balance (1)     Investment     Allowances     Value     Balance (1)     Investment     Balance (1)     Value  
    (In millions)  
 
September 30, 2011:
                                                               
Commercial
  $ 211     $ 211     $ 70     $ 141     $ 240     $ 228     $ 451     $ 369  
Agricultural
    150       150       46       104       84       81       234       185  
Residential
    7       7       1       6       14       14       21       20  
                                                                 
Total
  $ 368     $ 368     $ 117     $ 251     $ 338     $ 323     $ 706     $ 574  
                                                                 
December 31, 2010:
                                                               
Commercial
  $ 120     $ 120     $ 36     $ 84     $ 99     $ 87     $ 219     $ 171  
Agricultural
    146       146       52       94       123       119       269       213  
Residential
    3       3             3       16       16       19       19  
                                                                 
Total
  $ 269     $ 269     $ 88     $ 181     $ 238     $ 222     $ 507     $ 403  
                                                                 
 
 
(1) Unpaid principal balance is generally prior to any charge-offs.


46


Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
The average investment in impaired mortgage loans held-for-investment, including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, and the related interest income, by portfolio segment was:
 
                         
    Impaired Mortgage Loans  
    Average Investment     Interest Income Recognized  
          Cash Basis     Accrual Basis  
    (In millions)  
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                       
Commercial
  $ 330     $     $  
Agricultural
    229       1        
Residential
    17              
                         
Total
  $ 576     $ 1     $  
                         
                         
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                       
Commercial
  $ 148     $     $  
Agricultural
    286             1  
Residential
    18              
                         
Total
  $ 452     $     $ 1  
                         
                         
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                       
Commercial
  $ 308     $ 1     $  
Agricultural
    258       3       1  
Residential
    26              
                         
Total
  $ 592     $ 4     $ 1  
                         
                         
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                       
Commercial
  $ 147     $ 4     $ 1  
Agricultural
    288       3       1  
Residential
    15              
                         
Total
  $ 450     $ 7     $ 2  
                         
 
Mortgage Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring.  The Company has a high quality, well performing, mortgage loan portfolio. For a small portion of the portfolio, classified as troubled debt restructurings, the Company grants concessions related to the borrowers’ financial difficulties. Generally, the types of concessions include: reduction of the contractual interest rate, extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than current market interest rates and/or a reduction of accrued interest. The Company considers the amount, timing and extent of the concession granted in determining any impairment or changes in the specific valuation allowance recorded in connection with the troubled debt restructuring. Through the continuous portfolio monitoring process, the Company may have recorded a specific valuation allowance prior to the quarter when the mortgage loan is modified in a troubled debt restructuring. Accordingly, the carrying value (after specific valuation allowance) before and after modification through a troubled debt restructuring may not change significantly, or may increase if the expected recovery is higher than the pre-modification recovery assessment. At September 30, 2011,


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
the number of mortgage loans and carrying value after specific valuation allowance of mortgage loans modified during the period in a troubled debt restructuring were as follows:
 
                         
    Mortgage Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt
 
    Restructuring  
    September 30,2011  
    Number of
       
    Mortgage
    Carrying Value after Specific
 
    Loans     Valuation Allowance  
          Pre-
    Post-
 
          Modification     Modification  
          (In millions)  
 
Commercial
    5     $ 147     $ 109  
Agricultural
    9       36       37  
Residential
    3       1       1  
                         
Total
    17     $ 184     $ 147  
                         
 
During the previous twelve months, the Company had no mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring with a subsequent payment default at September 30, 2011. Payment default is determined in the same manner as delinquency status — when interest and principal payments are past due as follows: commercial mortgage loans — 60 days or more; agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days or more; and residential mortgage loans — 60 days or more.
 
Cash Equivalents
 
Cash equivalents, which include investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, were $5.4 billion and $9.6 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Purchased Credit Impaired Investments
 
Investments acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and for which it is probable at the acquisition date that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments are classified as purchased credit impaired investments. For each investment, the excess of the cash flows expected to be collected as of the acquisition date over its acquisition date fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized as net investment income on an effective yield basis. If, subsequently, based on current information and events, it is probable that there is a significant increase in cash flows previously expected to be collected or if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash flows previously expected to be collected, the accretable yield is adjusted prospectively. The excess of the contractually required payments (including interest) as of the acquisition date over the cash flows expected to be collected as of the acquisition date is referred to as the nonaccretable difference, and this amount is not expected to be realized as net investment income. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected can result in OTTI or the recognition of mortgage loan valuation allowances.
 
The table below presents the purchased credit impaired investments, by invested asset class, held at:
 
                                 
    Fixed Maturity Securities   Mortgage Loans
    September 30, 2011   December 31, 2010   September 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
    (In millions)
 
Outstanding principal and interest balance (1)
  $ 3,685     $ 1,548     $ 542     $ 504  
Carrying value (2)
  $ 2,536     $ 1,050     $ 225     $ 195  
 
 
(1) Represents the contractually required payments which is the sum of contractual principal, whether or not currently due, and accrued interest.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(2) Estimated fair value plus accrued interest for fixed maturity securities and amortized cost, plus accrued interest, less any valuation allowances, for mortgage loans.
 
The following table presents information about purchased credit impaired investments acquired during the periods, as of their respective acquisition dates:
 
                                 
    Fixed Maturity Securities   Mortgage Loans
    Nine Months
  Nine Months
    Ended
  Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
    2011   2010   2011   2010
    (In millions)
 
Contractually required payments (including interest)
  $ 3,528     $ 1,544     $     $  
Cash flows expected to be collected (1)
  $ 3,275     $ 1,479     $     $  
Fair value of investments acquired
  $ 1,816     $ 889     $     $  
 
 
(1) Represents undiscounted principal and interest cash flow expectations at the date of acquisition.
 
The following table presents activity for the accretable yield on purchased credit impaired investments for:
 
                                                                 
    Fixed Maturity Securities     Mortgage Loans  
    Three Months
    Nine Months
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,     September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Accretable yield, beginning of period
  $ 1,891     $ 369     $ 541     $     $ 258     $     $ 170     $  
Investments purchased
    238       202       1,459       590                          
Accretion recognized in net investment income
    (23 )     (27 )     (72 )     (34 )     (6 )           (38 )      
Disposals
                (69 )                              
Reclassification (to) from nonaccretable difference
    68       (41 )     315       (53 )     17             137        
                                                                 
Accretable yield, end of period
  $ 2,174     $ 503     $ 2,174     $ 503     $ 269     $     $ 269     $  
                                                                 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Variable Interest Entities
 
The Company holds investments in certain entities that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity. The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities relating to VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Creditors or beneficial interest holders of VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, as the Company’s obligation to the VIEs is limited to the amount of its committed investment.
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Total
    Total
    Total
    Total
 
    Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities  
    (In millions)  
 
Consolidated securitization entities (1)
  $ 3,397     $ 3,204     $ 7,114     $ 6,892  
MRSC collateral financing arrangement (2)
    3,317             3,333        
Other limited partnership interests
    343       7       319       85  
Trading and other securities
    181             186        
Other invested assets
    102       1       108       1  
Real estate joint ventures
    13       19       20       17  
                                 
Total
  $ 7,353     $ 3,231     $ 11,080     $ 6,995  
                                 
 
 
(1) The Company consolidates former qualified special purpose entities (“QSPEs”) that are structured as CMBS and former QSPEs that are structured as collateralized debt obligations. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in the former QSPEs of $170 million and $201 million at estimated fair value at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The long-term debt referred to below bears interest at primarily fixed rates ranging from 2.25% to 5.57%, payable primarily on a monthly basis and is expected to be repaid over the next six years. Interest expense related to these obligations, included in other expenses, was $97 million and $281 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $103 million and $312 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The Company sold certain of these CMBS investments in the third quarter of 2011, resulting in the


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
deconsolidation of such entities and their related mortgage loans held-for-investment and long-term debt. The assets and liabilities of these CSEs, at estimated fair value, were as follows at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Assets:
               
Mortgage loans held-for-investment (commercial mortgage loans)
  $ 3,227     $ 6,840  
Trading and other securities
    140       201  
Accrued investment income
    17       34  
Cash and cash equivalents
    13       39  
                 
Total assets
  $ 3,397     $ 7,114  
                 
Liabilities:
               
Long-term debt
  $ 3,157     $ 6,820  
Other liabilities
    47       72  
                 
Total liabilities
  $ 3,204     $ 6,892  
                 
 
 
(2) See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for a description of the MetLife Reinsurance Company of South Carolina (“MRSC”) collateral financing arrangement. These assets consist of the following, at estimated fair value, at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
               
ABS
  $ 1,391     $ 1,333  
U.S. corporate securities
    787       893  
RMBS
    522       547  
CMBS
    399       383  
Foreign corporate securities
    126       139  
State and political subdivision securities
    40       30  
Foreign government securities
          5  
Mortgage loans
    50        
Cash and cash equivalents
    2       3  
                 
Total
  $ 3,317     $ 3,333  
                 


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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:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
          Maximum
          Maximum
 
    Carrying
    Exposure
    Carrying
    Exposure
 
    Amount     to Loss (1)     Amount     to Loss (1)  
    (In millions)  
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
                               
RMBS (2)
  $ 41,893     $ 41,893     $ 44,733     $ 44,733  
CMBS (2)
    19,585       19,585       20,675       20,675  
ABS (2)
    14,418       14,418       14,287       14,287  
U.S. corporate securities
    2,978       2,978       2,435       2,435  
Foreign corporate securities
    2,252       2,252       2,950       2,950  
Other limited partnership interests
    4,419       6,166       4,383       6,479  
Trading and other securities
    737       737       789       789  
Other invested assets
    624       1,206       576       773  
Mortgage loans
    513       513       350       350  
Real estate joint ventures
    65       83       40       108  
                                 
Total
  $ 87,484     $ 89,831     $ 91,218     $ 93,579  
                                 
 
 
(1) The maximum exposure to loss relating to the fixed maturity and trading and other securities is equal to the carrying amounts or carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to the other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments of the Company. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee. The maximum exposure to loss relating to mortgage loans is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments of the Company. For certain of its investments in other invested assets, the Company’s return is in the form of income tax credits which are guaranteed by a creditworthy third party. For such investments, the maximum exposure to loss is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments, reduced by income tax credits guaranteed by third parties of $281 million and $231 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
(2) For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor.
 
As described in Note 9, the Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. Excluding these commitments, the Company did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
4.   Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. The Company uses a variety of derivatives, including swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts, to manage various risks relating to its ongoing business. 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.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value as determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives and interest rate forwards to sell certain to-be-announced securities or through the use of pricing models for OTC derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value, 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 Company does not offset the fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.
 
If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses) except for those (i) in policyholder benefits and claims for economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits; (ii) in net investment income for (a) economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures, (b) all derivatives held in relation to the trading portfolios, and (c) derivatives held within contractholder-directed unit-linked investments; (iii) in other revenues for derivatives held in connection with the Company’s mortgage banking activities; and (iv) in other expenses for economic hedges of foreign currency exposure related to the Company’s international subsidiaries. The fluctuations in estimated fair value of derivatives which have not been designated for hedge accounting can result in significant volatility in net income.
 
To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge as either (i) a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability (“fair value hedge”); (ii) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”); or (iii) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. In this documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method which will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of ineffectiveness are also subject to interpretation and estimation and different interpretations or estimates may have a material effect on the amount reported in net income.
 
The accounting for derivatives is complex and interpretations of the primary accounting guidance continue to evolve in practice. Judgment is applied in determining the availability and application of hedge accounting designations and the appropriate accounting treatment under such accounting guidance. If it was determined that hedge accounting designations were not appropriately applied, reported net income could be materially affected.
 
Under a fair value hedge, changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging derivative, including amounts measured as ineffectiveness, and changes in the estimated fair value of the hedged item related to the designated risk being hedged, are reported within net derivative gains (losses). The estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle until maturity are included in the estimated fair value of derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
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


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the consolidated statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. Changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging instrument measured as ineffectiveness are reported within net derivative gains (losses). The estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle until maturity are included in the estimated fair value of derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
In a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging derivative that are measured as effective are reported within other comprehensive income (loss) consistent with the translation adjustment for the hedged net investment in the foreign operation. Changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging instrument measured as ineffectiveness are reported within net derivative gains (losses).
 
The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.
 
When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the consolidated statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.
 
When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in net derivative gains (losses).
 
In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses).
 
The Company 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 in the consolidated balance sheets at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses) except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”). If the Company is unable to properly identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income. Additionally, the


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Company may elect to carry an entire contract on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation.
 
See Note 5 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.
 
Primary Risks Managed by Derivative Financial Instruments and Non-Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk and equity market risk. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivative instruments. The following table presents the gross notional amount, estimated fair value and primary underlying risk exposure of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, excluding embedded derivatives, held at:
 
                                                     
        September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
              Estimated Fair
          Estimated Fair
 
Primary Underlying
      Notional
    Value (1)     Notional
    Value (1)  
Risk Exposure   Instrument Type   Amount     Assets     Liabilities     Amount     Assets     Liabilities  
        (In millions)  
 
Interest rate
  Interest rate swaps   $ 72,828     $ 7,717     $ 2,092     $ 54,803     $ 2,654     $ 1,516  
    Interest rate floors     23,866       1,231       165       23,866       630       66  
    Interest rate caps     38,727       70             35,412       176       1  
    Interest rate futures     15,429       16       28       9,385       43       17  
    Interest rate options     18,088       1,100       20       8,761       144       23  
    Interest rate forwards     16,812       300       94       10,374       106       135  
    Synthetic GICs     4,420                   4,397              
Foreign currency
  Foreign currency swaps     16,823       1,311       1,042       17,626       1,616       1,282  
    Foreign currency forwards     10,029       361       54       10,443       119       91  
    Currency futures     633       1       1       493       2        
    Currency options     2,502       13             5,426       50        
    Non-derivative hedging instruments (2)                       169             185  
Credit
  Credit default swaps     13,450       383       173       10,957       173       104  
    Credit forwards     20       3             90       2       3  
Equity market
  Equity futures     6,845       163       19       8,794       21       9  
    Equity options     17,413       3,207       204       33,688       1,843       1,197  
    Variance swaps     19,394       377       67       18,022       198       118  
    Total rate of return swaps     1,612       31             1,547              
                                                     
      Total   $ 278,891     $ 16,284     $ 3,959     $ 254,253     $ 7,777     $ 4,747  
                                                     
 
 
(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


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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.
 
Inflation swaps are used as an economic hedge to reduce inflation risk generated from inflation-indexed liabilities. Inflation swaps are included in interest rate swaps in the preceding table. The Company utilizes inflation swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Implied volatility swaps are used by the Company primarily as economic hedges of interest rate risk associated with the Company’s investments in mortgage-backed securities. In an implied volatility swap, the Company exchanges fixed payments for floating payments that are linked to certain market volatility measures. If implied volatility rises, the floating payments that the Company receives will increase, and if implied volatility falls, the floating payments that the Company receives will decrease. Implied volatility swaps are included in interest rate swaps in the preceding table. The Company utilizes implied volatility swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
The Company uses structured interest rate swaps to synthetically create investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and a cash instrument such as a U.S. Treasury, agency, or other fixed maturity security. Structured interest rate swaps are included in interest rate swaps in the preceding table. Structured interest rate swaps are not designated as hedging instruments.
 
The Company purchases interest rate caps and floors primarily to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level, and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches), as well as to protect its minimum rate guarantee liabilities against declines in interest rates below a specified level, respectively. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased caps and floors by entering into offsetting written caps and floors. The Company utilizes interest rate caps and floors in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
In exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of interest rate securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures are used primarily to hedge mismatches between the duration of assets in a portfolio and the duration of liabilities supported by those assets, to hedge against changes in value of securities the Company owns or anticipates acquiring and to hedge against changes in interest rates on anticipated liability issuances by replicating Treasury or swap curve performance. The Company utilizes exchange-traded interest rate futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Swaptions are used by the Company to hedge interest rate risk associated with the Company’s long-term liabilities and invested assets. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased swaptions by entering into offsetting written swaptions. The Company pays a premium for purchased swaptions and receives a premium for written swaptions. Swaptions are included in interest rate options in the preceding table. The Company utilizes swaptions in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
The Company writes covered call options on its portfolio of U.S. Treasuries as an income generation strategy. In a covered call transaction, the Company receives a premium at the inception of the contract in exchange for


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
giving the derivative counterparty the right to purchase the referenced security from the Company at a predetermined price. The call option is “covered” because the Company owns the referenced security over the term of the option. Covered call options are included in interest rate options in the preceding table. The Company utilizes covered call options in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
The Company enters into interest rate forwards to buy and sell securities. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made at a specified future date. The Company also uses interest rate forwards to sell to be announced securities as economic hedges against the risk of changes in the fair value of mortgage loans held-for-sale and interest rate lock commitments. The Company utilizes interest rate forwards in cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Interest rate lock commitments are short-term commitments to fund mortgage loan applications in process (the pipeline) for a fixed term for a fixed rate or spread. During the term of an interest rate lock commitment, the Company is exposed to the risk that interest rates will change from the rate quoted to the potential borrower. Interest rate lock commitments to fund mortgage loans that will be held-for-sale are considered derivative instruments. Interest rate lock commitments are included in interest rate forwards in the preceding table. Interest rate lock commitments are not designated as hedging instruments.
 
A synthetic GIC is a contract that simulates the performance of a traditional guaranteed interest contract through the use of financial instruments. Under a synthetic GIC, the policyholder owns the underlying assets. The Company guarantees a rate return on those assets for a premium. Synthetic GICs are not designated as hedging instruments.
 
Foreign currency derivatives, including foreign currency swaps, foreign currency forwards, currency options, and currency futures contracts, are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. The Company also uses foreign currency forwards and 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.
 
In exchange-traded currency futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by referenced currencies, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded currency futures are used primarily to hedge currency mismatches between assets and liabilities. The Company utilizes exchange-traded currency futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
The Company enters into currency option contracts that give it the right, but not the obligation, to sell the foreign currency amount in exchange for a functional currency amount within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts may also be net settled in cash, based on differentials in the foreign exchange rate and the strike price. The Company uses currency options to hedge against the foreign currency exposure inherent in certain of its variable annuity products. The Company also uses currency options as an economic hedge of foreign currency


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
exposure related to the Company’s international subsidiaries. The Company utilizes currency options in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
The Company uses certain of its foreign currency denominated funding agreements to hedge portions of its net investments in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. Such contracts are included in non-derivative hedging instruments 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 hedge 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.
 
The Company enters into forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of certain securities. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for the contract is made at a specified future date. When the primary purpose of entering into these transactions is to hedge against the risk of changes in purchase price due to changes in credit spreads, the Company designates these as credit forwards. The Company utilizes credit forwards in cash flow hedging relationships.
 
In exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of equity securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to hedge liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded equity futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices, the Company enters into contracts to sell the equity index within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts will be net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. Certain of these contracts may also contain settlement provisions linked to interest rates. In certain instances, the Company may enter into a combination of transactions to hedge adverse changes in equity indices within a pre-determined range through the purchase and sale of options. Equity index options are included in equity options in the preceding table. The Company utilizes equity index options in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
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


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
party to exchange amounts in the future, based on changes in equity volatility over a defined period. Equity variance swaps are included in variance swaps in the preceding table. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Total rate of return swaps (“TRRs”) are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the London Inter-Bank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”), calculated by reference to an agreed notional principal amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by the counterparty at each due date. The Company uses TRRs to hedge its equity market guarantees in certain of its insurance products. TRRs can be used as hedges or to synthetically create investments. The Company utilizes TRRs in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Hedging
 
The following table presents the gross notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments by type of hedge designation at:
 
                                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Notional
    Estimated Fair Value     Notional
    Estimated Fair Value  
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments   Amount     Assets     Liabilities     Amount     Assets     Liabilities  
    (In millions)  
 
Fair value hedges:
                                               
Foreign currency swaps
  $ 3,241     $ 535     $ 97     $ 4,524     $ 907     $ 145  
Interest rate swaps
    5,155       1,830       104       5,108       823       169  
                                                 
Subtotal
    8,396       2,365       201       9,632       1,730       314  
                                                 
Cash flow hedges:
                                               
Foreign currency swaps
    6,428       420       282       5,556       213       347  
Interest rate swaps
    3,380       918             3,562       102       116  
Interest rate forwards
    1,010       204             1,140             107  
Credit forwards
    20       3             90       2       3  
                                                 
Subtotal
    10,838       1,545       282       10,348       317       573  
                                                 
Foreign operations hedges:
                                               
Foreign currency forwards
    1,915       147       1       1,935       9       26  
Non-derivative hedging instruments
                      169             185  
                                                 
Subtotal
    1,915       147       1       2,104       9       211  
                                                 
Total qualifying hedges
  $ 21,149     $ 4,057     $ 484     $ 22,084     $ 2,056     $ 1,098  
                                                 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
The following table presents the gross notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives that were not designated or do not qualify as hedging instruments by derivative type at:
 
                                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
Derivatives Not Designated or Not
  Notional
    Estimated Fair Value     Notional
    Estimated Fair Value  
Qualifying as Hedging Instruments   Amount     Assets     Liabilities     Amount     Assets     Liabilities  
    (In millions)  
 
Interest rate swaps
  $ 64,293     $ 4,969     $ 1,988     $ 46,133     $ 1,729     $ 1,231  
Interest rate floors
    23,866       1,231       165       23,866       630       66  
Interest rate caps
    38,727       70             35,412       176       1  
Interest rate futures
    15,429       16       28       9,385       43       17  
Interest rate options
    18,088       1,100       20       8,761       144       23  
Interest rate forwards
    15,802       96       94       9,234       106       28  
Synthetic GICs
    4,420                   4,397              
Foreign currency swaps
    7,154       356       663       7,546       496       790  
Foreign currency forwards
    8,114       214       53       8,508       110       65  
Currency futures
    633       1       1       493       2        
Currency options
    2,502       13             5,426       50        
Credit default swaps
    13,450       383       173       10,957       173       104  
Equity futures
    6,845       163       19       8,794       21       9  
Equity options
    17,413       3,207       204       33,688       1,843       1,197  
Variance swaps
    19,394       377       67       18,022       198       118  
Total rate of return swaps
    1,612       31             1,547              
                                                 
Total non-designated or non-qualifying derivatives
  $ 257,742     $ 12,227     $ 3,475     $ 232,169     $ 5,721     $ 3,649  
                                                 
 
Net Derivative Gains (Losses)
 
The components of net derivative gains (losses) were as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Derivatives and hedging gains (losses) (1)
  $ 6,504     $ (327 )   $ 5,992     $ 2,872  
Embedded derivatives
    (2,308 )     83       (1,759 )     (1,594 )
                                 
Total net derivative gains (losses)
  $ 4,196     $ (244 )   $ 4,233     $ 1,278  
                                 
 
 
(1) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and non-qualifying hedge relationships, which are not presented elsewhere in this note.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
The following table presents the settlement payments recorded in income for the:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Qualifying hedges:
                               
Net investment income
  $ 28     $ 17     $ 70     $ 58  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    51       64       169       177  
Other expenses
    (1 )     (1 )     (2 )     (5 )
Non-qualifying hedges:
                               
Net investment income
    (2 )     (1 )     (6 )     (3 )
Other revenues
    22       25       55       81  
Net derivative gains (losses)
    352       (30 )     357       143  
Policyholder benefits and claims
    19             19        
                                 
Total
  $ 469     $ 74     $ 662     $ 451  
                                 
 
Fair Value Hedges
 
The Company designates and accounts for the following as fair value hedges when they have met the requirements of fair value hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate investments to floating rate investments; (ii) interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate liabilities to floating rate liabilities; and (iii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated investments and liabilities.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The Company recognizes gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges within net derivative gains (losses). The following table represents the amount of such net derivative gains (losses):
 
                             
        Net Derivative
    Net Derivative
    Ineffectiveness
 
        Gains (Losses)
    Gains (Losses)
    Recognized in
 
Derivatives in Fair Value
  Hedged Items in Fair Value
  Recognized
    Recognized for
    Net Derivative
 
Hedging Relationships   Hedging Relationships   for Derivatives     Hedged Items     Gains (Losses)  
        (In millions)  
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                       
Interest rate swaps:
  Fixed maturity securities   $ (26 )   $ 22     $ (4 )
    Policyholder account balances (1)     957       (944 )     13  
Foreign currency swaps:
  Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities     1       (1 )      
    Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)     (221 )     189       (32 )
                             
Total
  $ 711     $ (734 )   $ (23 )
                         
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                       
Interest rate swaps:
  Fixed maturity securities   $ (13 )   $ 13     $  
    Policyholder account balances (1)     212       (221 )     (9 )
Foreign currency swaps:
  Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities     (5 )     5        
    Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)     415       (395 )     20  
                             
Total
  $ 609     $ (598 )   $ 11  
                         
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                       
Interest rate swaps:
  Fixed maturity securities   $ (31 )   $ 27     $ (4 )
    Policyholder account balances (1)     1,000       (978 )     22  
Foreign currency swaps:
  Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities                  
    Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)     14       (53 )     (39 )
                             
Total
  $ 983     $ (1,004 )   $ (21 )
                         
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                       
Interest rate swaps:
  Fixed maturity securities   $ (38 )   $ 38     $  
    Policyholder account balances (1)     678       (675 )     3  
Foreign currency swaps:
  Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities     11       (12 )     (1 )
    Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)     47       (51 )     (4 )
                             
Total
  $ 698     $ (700 )   $ (2 )
                         
 
 
(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.
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges when they have met the requirements of cash flow hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate investments to fixed rate investments; (ii) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate liabilities to fixed rate liabilities; (iii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency cash flow exposure of foreign currency denominated investments and liabilities; (iv) interest rate forwards and credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of investments; (v) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge the forecasted purchases of fixed-rate investments; and (vi) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge forecasted fixed-rate borrowings.
 
In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions did not occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date. The net amounts reclassified into net derivative gains (losses) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 related to such discontinued cash flow hedges were ($1) million and ($15) million, respectively. The net amounts reclassified into net derivative gains (losses) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 related to such discontinued cash flow hedges were insignificant. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010,


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed ten years and seven years, respectively.
 
The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax, related to cash flow hedges:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at beginning of period
  $ (165 )   $ 593     $ (59 )   $ (76 )
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges
    1,630       (40 )     1,527       577  
Amounts reclassified to net derivative gains (losses)
    17       (1 )     9       50  
Amounts reclassified to net investment income
    1       1       2       3  
Amounts reclassified to other expenses
    3             7       (1 )
                                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at end of period
  $ 1,486     $ 553     $ 1,486     $ 553  
                                 
 
At September 30, 2011, $8 million of deferred net gains (losses) on derivatives in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) was expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and the interim condensed consolidated statements of equity:
 
                                                 
    Amount of Gains
    Amount and Location
       
    (Losses) Deferred
    of Gains (Losses)
    Amount and Location
 
    in Accumulated Other
    Reclassified from
    of Gains (Losses)
 
Derivatives in Cash Flow
  Comprehensive Income
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive
    Recognized in Income (Loss)
 
Hedging Relationships   (Loss) on Derivatives     Income (Loss) into Income (Loss)     on Derivatives  
                (Ineffective Portion and
 
                Amount Excluded from
 
    (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)     Effectiveness Testing)  
          Net Derivative
    Net Investment
    Other
    Net Derivative
    Net Investment
 
          Gains (Losses)     Income     Expenses     Gains (Losses)     Income  
    (In millions)  
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                                               
Interest rate swaps
  $ 927     $ (42 )   $     $ (3 )   $ (1 )   $  
Foreign currency swaps
    399       25       (2 )           5        
Interest rate forwards
    289       (1 )                 27        
Credit forwards
    15       1       1                    
                                                 
Total
  $ 1,630     $ (17 )   $ (1 )   $ (3 )   $ 31     $  
                                                 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                                               
Interest rate swaps
  $ 181     $     $     $     $ 1     $  
Foreign currency swaps
    (247 )     1       (2 )           (3 )      
Interest rate forwards
    15             1                    
Credit forwards
    11                                
                                                 
Total
  $ (40 )   $ 1     $ (1 )   $     $ (2 )   $  
                                                 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                                               
Interest rate swaps
  $ 944     $ (41 )   $ 1     $ (7 )   $ 1     $  
Foreign currency swaps
    259       10       (5 )     1       3        
Interest rate forwards
    307       21       1       (1 )     16        
Credit forwards
    17       1       1                    
                                                 
Total
  $ 1,527     $ (9 )   $ (2 )   $ (7 )   $ 20     $  
                                                 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                                               
Interest rate swaps
  $ 457     $     $     $     $ 3     $  
Foreign currency swaps
    92       (61 )     (5 )     1              
Interest rate forwards
          11       2                    
Credit forwards
    28                                
                                                 
Total
  $ 577     $ (50 )   $ (3 )   $ 1     $ 3     $  
                                                 
 
All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations
 
The Company uses foreign exchange contracts, which may include foreign currency swaps, forwards and options, to hedge portions of its net investments in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The Company measures ineffectiveness on these contracts based upon the change in forward rates. In addition, the Company may also use non-derivative financial instruments to hedge portions of its net investments in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The Company measures ineffectiveness on non-derivative financial instruments based upon the change in spot rates.
 
When net investments in foreign operations are sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations, while a pro rata portion will be reclassified upon partial sale of the net investments in foreign operations.
 
The following table presents the effects of derivatives and non-derivative financial instruments in net investment hedging relationships in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and the interim condensed consolidated statements of equity:
 
                 
          Amount and Location
 
          of Gains (Losses)
 
          Reclassified From Accumulated Other
 
    Amount of Gains (Losses)
    Comprehensive Income
 
    Deferred in Accumulated
    (Loss) into Income (Loss)
 
Derivatives and Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments in Net
  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    (Effective Portion)  
Investment Hedging Relationships (1), (2)   (Effective Portion)     Net Investment Gains (Losses)  
    (In millions)  
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011:
               
Foreign currency forwards
  $ 185     $  
Non-derivative hedging instruments
           
                 
Total
  $ 185     $  
                 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010:
               
Foreign currency forwards
  $ (162 )   $  
Non-derivative hedging instruments
    (10 )      
                 
Total
  $ (172 )   $  
                 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
               
Foreign currency forwards
  $ 72     $  
Non-derivative hedging instruments
    6        
                 
Total
  $ 78     $  
                 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010:
               
Foreign currency forwards
  $ (135 )   $  
Non-derivative hedging instruments
    (10 )      
                 
Total
  $ (145 )   $  
                 
 
 
(1) During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company sold its interest in its Japanese joint venture, which was a hedged item in a net investment hedging relationship. See Note 2. As a result, the Company released losses of $71 million from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) upon the sale. This release did not impact net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as such losses were considered in the overall impairment evaluation of the investment prior to sale. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, there were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings.
 
(2) There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company’s hedges of net investments in foreign operations.
 
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to hedges of net investments in foreign operations was ($74) million and ($223) million, respectively.
 
Non-Qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging
 
The Company enters into the following derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting or for purposes other than hedging: (i) interest rate swaps, implied volatility swaps, caps and floors and interest rate futures to economically hedge its exposure to interest rates; (ii) foreign currency forwards, swaps, option contracts and future contracts to economically hedge its exposure to adverse movements in exchange rates; (iii) credit default swaps to economically hedge exposure to adverse movements in credit; (iv) equity futures, equity index options, interest rate futures, TRRs and equity variance swaps to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products; (v) swap spreadlocks to economically hedge invested assets against the risk of changes in credit spreads; (vi) interest rate forwards to buy and sell securities to economically hedge its exposure to interest rates; (vii) credit default swaps, TRRs, and structured interest rate swaps to synthetically create investments; (viii) basis swaps to better match the cash flows of assets and related liabilities; (ix) credit default swaps held in relation to trading portfolios; (x) swaptions to hedge interest rate risk; (xi) inflation swaps to reduce risk generated from inflation-indexed liabilities; (xii) covered call options for income generation; (xiii) interest rate lock commitments; (xiv) synthetic GICs; and (xv) equity options to economically hedge certain invested assets against adverse changes in equity indices.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following tables present the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments:
 
                                         
    Net
    Net
    Policyholder
             
    Derivative
    Investment
    Benefits and
    Other
    Other
 
    Gains (Losses)     Income (1)     Claims (2)     Revenues (3)     Expenses (4)  
    (In millions)  
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 1,805     $     $     $ 321     $  
Interest rate floors
    521                          
Interest rate caps
    (127 )                        
Interest rate futures
    43                   (5 )      
Equity futures
    338       (12 )     314              
Foreign currency swaps
    272                          
Foreign currency forwards
    406                          
Currency futures
    28                          
Currency options
    (18 )                        
Equity options
    1,432       5                    
Interest rate options
    962                   27        
Interest rate forwards
    (5 )                 (49 )      
Variance swaps
    325                          
Credit default swaps
    163       15                    
Total rate of return swaps
    27             5              
                                         
Total
  $ 6,172     $ 8     $ 319     $ 294     $  
                                         
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 518     $ 2     $     $ 138     $  
Interest rate floors
    227                          
Interest rate caps
    (50 )                        
Interest rate futures
    74       (2 )           (1 )      
Equity futures
    23       (15 )     (195 )            
Foreign currency swaps
    (272 )                        
Foreign currency forwards
    (56 )     2                    
Currency options
    (12 )                        
Equity options
    (553 )     (23 )                  
Interest rate options
    9                   (3 )      
Interest rate forwards
    1                   (8 )      
Variance swaps
    (166 )     (3 )                  
Credit default swaps
    10       (2 )                  
Total rate of return swaps
    29                          
                                         
Total
  $ (218 )   $ (41 )   $ (195 )   $ 126     $  
                                         
 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                         
    Net
    Net
    Policyholder
             
    Derivative
    Investment
    Benefits and
    Other
    Other
 
    Gains (Losses)     Income (1)     Claims (2)     Revenues (3)     Expenses (4)  
    (In millions)  
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 2,179     $ (2 )   $     $ 345     $  
Interest rate floors
    503                          
Interest rate caps
    (209 )                        
Interest rate futures
    (6 )     1             (9 )      
Equity futures
    393       (9 )     206              
Foreign currency swaps
    80                          
Foreign currency forwards
    266       (9 )                  
Currency futures
    37                          
Currency options
    (63 )                        
Equity options
    1,065       (6 )                  
Interest rate options
    948                   24        
Interest rate forwards
    (5 )                 (88 )      
Variance swaps
    234       (3 )                  
Credit default swaps
    149       14                    
Total rate of return swaps
    26             5              
                                         
Total
  $ 5,597     $ (14 )   $ 211     $ 272     $  
                                         
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 1,561     $ 5     $ 39     $ 394     $  
Interest rate floors
    501                          
Interest rate caps
    (261 )                        
Interest rate futures
    141       (8 )           (4 )      
Equity futures
    (146 )     (5 )     (124 )            
Foreign currency swaps
    74                          
Foreign currency forwards
    269       40                    
Currency options
    5       (1 )                 (4 )
Equity options
    431       14                    
Interest rate options
    59                   (4 )      
Interest rate forwards
    9                   (94 )      
Variance swaps
    164       5                    
Credit default swaps
    25       1                    
Total rate of return swaps
    10                          
                                         
Total
  $ 2,842     $ 51     $ (85 )   $ 292     $ (4 )
                                         
 
 
(1) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures; changes in estimated fair value related to derivatives held in relation to trading portfolios; and changes in estimated fair value related to derivatives held within contractholder-directed unit-linked investments.
 
(2) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits.
 
(3) Changes in estimated fair value related to derivatives held in connection with the Company’s mortgage banking activities.

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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(4) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of foreign currency exposure associated with the Company’s international subsidiaries.
 
Credit Derivatives
 
In connection with synthetically created investment transactions and credit default swaps held in relation to the trading portfolio, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. Such credit derivatives are included within the non-qualifying derivatives and derivatives for purposes other than hedging table. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, 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 $7,780 million and $5,089 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 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 September 30, 2011, the Company would have paid $119 million to terminate all of these contracts, and at December 31, 2010, the Company would have received $62 million to terminate all of these contracts.


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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:
 
                                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
          Maximum
                Maximum
       
    Estimated
    Amount
          Estimated
    Amount
       
    Fair Value
    of Future
    Weighted
    Fair Value
    of Future
    Weighted
 
    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)           (In millions)        
 
Aaa/Aa/A
                                               
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
  $ 3     $ 820       3.7     $ 5     $ 470       3.8  
Credit default swaps referencing indices
    (32 )     2,813       3.2       45       2,928       3.7  
                                                 
Subtotal
    (29 )     3,633       3.4       50       3,398       3.7  
                                                 
Baa
                                               
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
    (34 )     1,320       4.3       5       735       4.3  
Credit default swaps referencing indices
    (54 )     2,772       5.1       7       931       5.0  
                                                 
Subtotal
    (88 )     4,092       4.8       12       1,666       4.7  
                                                 
Ba
                                               
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
    (1 )     30       3.9             25       4.4  
Credit default swaps referencing indices
                                   
                                                 
Subtotal
    (1 )     30       3.9             25       4.4  
                                                 
B
                                               
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
                                   
Credit default swaps referencing indices
    (1 )     25       5.0                    
                                                 
Subtotal
    (1 )     25       5.0                    
                                                 
Total
  $ (119 )   $ 7,780       4.1     $ 62     $ 5,089       4.1  
                                                 
 
 
(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 an internally developed rating is used.
 
(2) Assumes the value of the referenced credit obligations is zero.
 
(3) The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average notional amounts.
 
The Company has also entered into credit default swaps to purchase credit protection on certain of the referenced credit obligations in the table above. As a result, the maximum amounts of potential future recoveries available to offset the $7,780 million and $5,089 million from the table above were $130 million and $120 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.


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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 to OTC derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination. Because exchange-traded futures and options are effected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivative instruments. See Note 5 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivative instruments.
 
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company was obligated to return cash collateral under its control of $9,130 million and $2,625 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 September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had also accepted collateral consisting of various securities with a fair market value of $2,141 million and $984 million, respectively, which were held in separate custodial accounts. The Company is permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral, but at September 30, 2011, none of the collateral had been sold or repledged.
 
The Company’s collateral arrangements for its OTC derivatives generally require the counterparty in a net liability position, after considering the effect of netting agreements, to pledge collateral when the fair value of that counterparty’s derivatives reaches a pre-determined threshold. Certain of these arrangements also include credit-contingent provisions that provide for a reduction of these thresholds (on a sliding scale that converges toward zero) in the event of downgrades in the credit ratings of the Company and/or the counterparty. In addition, certain of the Company’s netting agreements for derivative instruments contain provisions that require the Company to maintain a specific investment grade credit rating from at least one of the major credit rating agencies. If the Company’s credit ratings were to fall below that specific investment grade credit rating, it would be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments that are in a net liability position after considering the effect of netting agreements.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s OTC derivatives that are in a net liability position after considering the effect of netting agreements, together with the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the collateral pledged. The table also presents the incremental collateral that the Company would be required to provide if there was a one notch downgrade in the Company’s credit rating at the reporting date or if the Company’s credit rating sustained a downgrade to a level that triggered full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position at the reporting date. Derivatives that are not subject to collateral agreements are not included in the scope of this table.
 
                                         
          Estimated Fair Value of
    Fair Value of Incremental
 
          Collateral Provided:     Collateral Provided Upon:  
                            Downgrade in the
 
                      One Notch
    Company’s Credit Rating
 
                      Downgrade
    to a Level that Triggers
 
    Estimated
                in the
    Full Overnight
 
    Fair Value (1) of
                Company’s
    Collateralization or
 
    Derivatives in Net
    Fixed Maturity
          Credit
    Termination of
 
    Liability Position     Securities (2)     Cash (3)     Rating     the Derivative Position  
    (In millions)  
 
September 30, 2011:
                                       
Derivatives subject to credit-
                                       
contingent provisions
  $ 377     $ 288     $     $ 54     $ 140  
Derivatives not subject to credit- contingent provisions
    13       11                    
                                         
Total
  $ 390     $ 299     $     $ 54     $ 140  
                                         
December 31, 2010:
                                       
Derivatives subject to credit-
                                       
contingent provisions
  $ 1,167     $ 1,024     $     $ 99     $ 231  
Derivatives not subject to credit- contingent provisions
    22             43              
                                         
Total
  $ 1,189     $ 1,024     $ 43     $ 99     $ 231  
                                         
 
 
(1) After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.
 
(2) Included in fixed maturity securities in the consolidated balance sheets. The counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral.
 
(3) Included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Without considering the effect of netting agreements, the estimated fair value of the Company’s OTC derivatives with credit-contingent provisions that were in a gross liability position at September 30, 2011 was $763 million. At September 30, 2011, the Company provided securities collateral of $288 million in connection with these derivatives. In the unlikely event that both: (i) the Company’s credit rating was downgraded to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of all derivative positions; and (ii) the Company’s netting agreements were deemed to be legally unenforceable, then the additional collateral that the Company would be required to provide to its counterparties in connection with its derivatives in a gross liability position at September 30, 2011 would be $475 million. This amount does not consider gross derivative assets of $386 million for which the Company has the contractual right of offset.
 
The Company also has exchange-traded futures and options, which require the pledging of collateral. At both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company pledged securities collateral for exchange-traded futures and options of $40 million, which is included in fixed maturity securities. The counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company provided cash collateral for exchange-traded futures and options of $690 million and $662 million, respectively, which is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 benefits, including guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”) and certain GMIBs; ceded reinsurance contracts of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMABs and certain GMIBs; assumed reinsurance contracts of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs and GMABs; funding agreements with equity or bond indexed crediting rates; and options embedded in debt or equity securities.
 
The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s embedded derivatives at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts:
               
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits
  $ 353     $ 185  
Options embedded in debt or equity securities
    (62 )     (57 )
Other
    3        
                 
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts
  $ 294     $ 128  
                 
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts:
               
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits
  $ 2,683     $ 370  
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits (1)
    2,119       2,186  
Other
    79       78  
                 
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts
  $ 4,881     $ 2,634  
                 
 
 
(1) Assumed reinsurance contracts of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs and GMABs of the Japanese joint venture interest, which was sold during the second quarter of 2011, have been separately presented in the current period. See Note 2. Comparative prior year balances, which were previously presented in direct guaranteed minimum benefits, have been conformed to the current period presentation.
 
The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives:
 
                                 
    Three Months
  Nine Months
    Ended
  Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
    2011   2010   2011   2010
    (In millions)
 
Net derivative gains (losses) (1)
  $ (2,308 )   $ 83     $ (1,759 )   $ (1,594 )
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $ 113     $     $ 105     $ 46  
 
 
(1) The valuation of guaranteed minimum benefits includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses), in connection with this adjustment, were $1,952 million and $1,986 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and ($291) million and $399 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
 
5.   Fair Value
 
Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
 
The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, were determined as described below. These estimated fair values and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy are summarized as follows:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011  
    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using        
    Quoted Prices in
                   
    Active Markets for
    Significant Other
    Significant
    Total
 
    Identical Assets
    Observable
    Unobservable
    Estimated
 
    and Liabilities
    Inputs
    Inputs
    Fair
 
    (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)     Value  
    (In millions)  
 
Assets:
                               
Fixed maturity securities:
                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $     $ 99,204     $ 7,371     $ 106,575  
Foreign corporate securities
          58,793       4,729       63,522  
Foreign government securities
    68       49,002       3,889       52,959  
RMBS
    25       41,256       612       41,893  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    21,724       20,079       31       41,834  
CMBS
          18,753       832       19,585  
ABS
          11,649       2,769       14,418  
State and political subdivision securities
          13,088       53       13,141  
Other fixed maturity securities
                       
                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
    21,817       311,824       20,286       353,927  
                                 
Equity securities:
                               
Common stock
    875       1,097       239       2,211  
Non-redeemable preferred stock
          398       509       907  
                                 
Total equity securities
    875       1,495       748       3,118  
                                 
Trading and other securities:
                               
Actively Traded Securities
          413       2       415  
FVO general account securities
          242       27       269  
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
    7,332       9,279       1,263       17,874  
FVO securities held by CSEs
          140             140  
                                 
Total trading and other securities
    7,332       10,074       1,292       18,698  
Short-term investments (1)
    4,507       10,159       626       15,292  
Mortgage loans:
                               
Mortgage loans held by CSEs
          3,227             3,227  
Mortgage loans held-for-sale (2)
          2,560       30       2,590  
                                 
Total mortgage loans
          5,787       30       5,817  
Other invested assets:
                               
MSRs
                686       686  
Other investments
    361       119             480  
Derivative assets: (3)
                               
Interest rate contracts
    31       10,082       321       10,434  
Foreign currency contracts
    1       1,618       67       1,686  
Credit contracts
          370       16       386  
Equity market contracts
    164       2,697       917       3,778  
                                 
Total derivative assets
    196       14,767       1,321       16,284  
                                 
Total other invested assets
    557       14,886       2,007       17,450  
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4)
          2       354       356  
Separate account assets (5)
    27,622       162,169       1,708       191,499  
                                 
Total assets
  $ 62,710     $ 516,396     $ 27,051     $ 606,157  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative liabilities: (3)
                               
Interest rate contracts
  $ 109     $ 2,267     $ 23     $ 2,399  
Foreign currency contracts
    1       1,096             1,097  
Credit contracts
          127       46       173  
Equity market contracts
    19       204       67       290  
                                 
Total derivative liabilities
    129       3,694       136       3,959  
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4)
          19       4,862       4,881  
Long-term debt of CSEs
          3,045       112       3,157  
Trading liabilities (6)
    64       3             67  
                                 
Total liabilities
  $ 193     $ 6,761     $ 5,110     $ 12,064  
                                 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                 
    December 31, 2010  
    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using        
    Quoted Prices in
                   
    Active Markets for
    Significant Other
    Significant
    Total
 
    Identical Assets
    Observable
    Unobservable
    Estimated
 
    and Liabilities
    Inputs
    Inputs
    Fair
 
    (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)     Value  
    (In millions)  
 
Assets:
                               
Fixed maturity securities:
                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $     $ 84,623     $ 7,149     $ 91,772  
Foreign corporate securities
          62,162       5,726       67,888  
Foreign government securities
    149       38,719       3,134       42,002  
RMBS
    274       43,037       1,422       44,733  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    14,602       18,623       79       33,304  
CMBS
          19,664       1,011       20,675  
ABS
          10,142       4,145       14,287  
State and political subdivision securities
          10,083       46       10,129  
Other fixed maturity securities
          3       4       7  
                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
    15,025       287,056       22,716       324,797  
                                 
Equity securities:
                               
Common stock
    831       1,094       268       2,193  
Non-redeemable preferred stock
          504       905       1,409  
                                 
Total equity securities
    831       1,598       1,173       3,602  
                                 
Trading and other securities:
                               
Actively Traded Securities
          453       10       463  
FVO general account securities
          54       77       131  
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
    6,270       10,789       735       17,794  
FVO securities held by CSEs
          201             201  
                                 
Total trading and other securities
    6,270       11,497       822       18,589  
Short-term investments (1)
    3,026       4,681       858       8,565  
Mortgage loans:
                               
Mortgage loans held by CSEs
          6,840             6,840  
Mortgage loans held-for-sale (2)
          2,486       24       2,510  
                                 
Total mortgage loans
          9,326       24       9,350  
Other invested assets:
                               
MSRs
                950       950  
Other investments
    373       121             494  
Derivative assets: (3)
                               
Interest rate contracts
    131       3,583       39       3,753  
Foreign currency contracts
    2       1,711       74       1,787  
Credit contracts
          125       50       175  
Equity market contracts
    23       1,757       282       2,062  
                                 
Total derivative assets
    156       7,176       445       7,777  
                                 
Total other invested assets
    529       7,297       1,395       9,221  
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4)
                185       185  
Separate account assets (5)
    25,566       155,589       1,983       183,138  
                                 
Total assets
  $ 51,247     $ 477,044     $ 29,156     $ 557,447  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative liabilities: (3)
                               
Interest rate contracts
  $ 35     $ 1,598     $ 125     $ 1,758  
Foreign currency contracts
          1,372       1       1,373  
Credit contracts
          101       6       107  
Equity market contracts
    10       1,174       140       1,324  
                                 
Total derivative liabilities
    45       4,245       272       4,562  
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4)
          11       2,623       2,634  
Long-term debt of CSEs
          6,636       184       6,820  
Trading liabilities (6)
    46                   46  
                                 
Total liabilities
  $ 91     $ 10,892     $ 3,079     $ 14,062  
                                 
 
 
(1) Short-term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets because certain short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value (e.g., time deposits, etc.), and therefore are excluded from the tables presented above.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(2) Mortgage loans held-for-sale as presented in the tables above differ from the amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets as these tables only include residential mortgage loans held-for-sale measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis.
 
(3) Derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation in the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables which follow. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, certain non-derivative hedging instruments of $0 and $185 million, respectively, which are carried at amortized cost, are included with the liabilities total in Note 4 but excluded from derivative liabilities in the tables above as they are not derivative instruments.
 
(4) Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented primarily within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets. Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented primarily within policyholder account balances in the consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2011, fixed maturity securities and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of $3 million and ($65) million, respectively. At December 31, 2010, fixed maturity securities and equity securities included embedded derivatives of $5 million and ($62) million, respectively.
 
(5) Separate account assets are measured at estimated fair value. Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets.
 
(6) Trading liabilities are presented within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
See Note 3 for discussion of CSEs included in the tables above.
 
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments are summarized as follows:
 
Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities, Trading and Other Securities and Short-term Investments
 
When available, the estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities, trading and other securities and short-term investments are based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. Generally, these are the most liquid of the Company’s securities holdings and valuation of these securities does not involve management’s judgment.
 
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 inputs in applying these market standard valuation methodologies include, but are not limited to: interest rates, credit standing of the issuer or counterparty, industry sector of the issuer, coupon rate, call provisions, sinking fund requirements, maturity and management’s assumptions regarding estimated duration, liquidity and estimated future cash flows. Accordingly, the estimated fair values are based on available market information and management’s judgments about financial instruments.
 
The significant inputs to the market standard valuation methodologies for certain types of securities with reasonable levels of price transparency are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Such observable inputs include benchmarking prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market.
 
When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation methodologies for determining the estimated fair value of certain types of securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little or no price transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management’s judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, these inputs are assumed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities and are considered appropriate given the circumstances.
 
The estimated fair value of FVO securities held by CSEs is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described herein for fixed maturity securities and equity securities. The Company consolidates certain securitization entities that hold securities that have been accounted for under the FVO and classified within trading and other securities.
 
The use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s securities holdings.
 
Mortgage Loans
 
Mortgage loans presented in the tables above consist of commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs and residential mortgage loans held-for-sale for which the Company has elected the FVO and which are carried at estimated fair value. The Company consolidates certain securitization entities that hold commercial mortgage loans. See “— Valuation Techniques and Inputs by Level Within the Three-Level Fair Value Hierarchy by Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities” below for a discussion of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.
 
Mortgage Servicing Rights (“MSRs”)
 
Although MSRs are not financial instruments, the Company has included them in the preceding table as a result of its election to carry MSRs at estimated fair value. See “— Valuation Techniques and Inputs by Level Within the Three-Level Fair Value Hierarchy by Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities” below for a discussion of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.
 
Other Investments
 
Other investments is primarily comprised of investment funds. The estimated fair value of these investment funds is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described herein for trading and other securities.
 
Derivatives
 
The estimated fair value of derivatives is determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives and interest rate forwards to sell certain to be announced securities, or through the use of pricing models for OTC derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that 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 most OTC derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Significant inputs that are observable generally include: interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rate curves, credit curves and volatility. However, certain OTC derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Significant inputs that are unobservable generally include: 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


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and are assumed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.
 
The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its derivative positions using the standard swap curve which includes a spread to the risk free rate. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with the standard swap curve. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties consistently execute trades at such pricing levels, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. The evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.
 
Most inputs for OTC derivatives are mid market inputs but, in certain cases, bid level inputs are used when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income.
 
Net Embedded Derivatives Within Asset and Liability Host Contracts
 
Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity guarantees and equity or bond indexed crediting rates within certain funding agreements. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income.
 
The Company issues and assumes certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs are embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
The fair value of these guarantees 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 guarantees are projected under multiple capital market scenarios using observable risk free rates, currency exchange rates and observable and estimated implied volatilities.
 
The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes adjustments for nonperformance risk and for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. Both of these adjustments are captured as components of the spread which, when combined with the risk free rate, is used to discount the cash flows of the liability for purposes of determining its fair value.
 
The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for the Holding Company’s debt, including related credit default swaps. These observable spreads are then adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the priority of these liabilities and the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries compared to the Holding Company.
 
Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees. These guarantees may be more costly than expected in volatile or


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
declining equity markets. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates; changes in nonperformance risk; and variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, mortality and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the guarantees that could materially affect net income.
 
The Company ceded the risk associated with certain of the GMIBs and GMABs previously described. These reinsurance contracts contain embedded derivatives which are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses) or policyholder benefits and claims depending on the statement of operations classification of the direct risk. The value of the embedded derivatives on the ceded risk is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company.
 
The estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance is determined based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying assets held by the Company in a reference portfolio backing the funds withheld liability. The estimated fair value of the underlying assets is determined as previously described in “— Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities, Trading and Other Securities and Short-term Investments.” The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with their funds withheld hosts, in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in the credit spreads on the underlying assets, interest rates and market volatility may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income.
 
The estimated fair value of the embedded equity and bond indexed derivatives contained in certain funding agreements is determined using market standard swap valuation models and observable market inputs, including an adjustment for nonperformance risk. The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives are included, along with their funding agreements host, within policyholder account balances with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in equity and bond indices, interest rates and the Company’s credit standing may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income.
 
Separate Account Assets
 
Separate account assets are carried at estimated fair value and reported as a summarized total on the consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of separate account assets is based on the estimated fair value of the underlying assets 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. See “— Valuation Techniques and Inputs by Level Within the Three-Level Fair Value Hierarchy by Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities” below for a discussion of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.
 
Long-term Debt of CSEs
 
The Company has elected the FVO for the long-term debt of CSEs, which are carried at estimated fair value. See “— Valuation Techniques and Inputs by Level Within the Three-Level Fair Value Hierarchy by Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities” below for a discussion of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.
 
Trading Liabilities
 
Trading liabilities are recorded at estimated fair value with subsequent changes in estimated fair value recognized in net investment income. The estimated fair value of trading liabilities is determined on a basis


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
consistent with the methodologies described in “— Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities, Trading and Other Securities and Short-term Investments.”
 
Valuation Techniques and Inputs by Level Within the Three-Level Fair Value Hierarchy by Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities
 
A description of the significant valuation techniques and inputs to the determination of estimated fair value for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:
 
The Company determines the estimated fair value of its investments using primarily the market approach and the income approach. The use of quoted prices for identical assets and matrix pricing or other similar techniques are examples of market approaches, while the use of discounted cash flow methodologies is an example of the income approach. The Company attempts to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in selecting whether the market or income approach is used.
 
While certain investments have been classified as Level 1 from the use of unadjusted quoted prices for identical investments supported by high volumes of trading activity and narrow bid/ask spreads, most investments have been classified as Level 2 because the significant inputs used to measure the fair value on a recurring basis of the same or similar investment are market observable or can be corroborated using market observable information for the full term of the investment. Level 3 investments include those where estimated fair values are based on significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and may reflect management’s own assumptions about what factors market participants would use in pricing these investments.
 
Level 1 Measurements:
 
Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities, Trading and Other Securities and Short-term Investments
 
These securities are comprised of U.S. Treasury and agency securities, foreign government securities, RMBS principally to-be-announced securities, exchange traded common stock, exchange traded registered mutual fund interests included in trading and other securities and short-term money market securities, including U.S. Treasury bills. Valuation of these securities is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly available. Contractholder-directed unit-linked investments reported within trading and other securities include certain registered mutual fund interests priced using daily net asset value (“NAV”) provided by the fund managers.
 
Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities
 
These assets and liabilities are comprised of exchange-traded derivatives, as well as interest rate forwards to sell certain to-be-announced securities. Valuation of these assets and liabilities is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly available.
 
Separate Account Assets
 
These assets are comprised of (i) securities that are similar in nature to the fixed maturity securities, equity securities and short-term investments referred to above; and (ii) certain exchange-traded derivatives, including financial futures and owned options. Valuation of these assets is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly available.
 
Level 2 Measurements:
 
Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities, Trading and Other Securities and Short-term Investments
 
This level includes fixed maturity securities and equity securities priced principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs. Trading and other securities and short-term investments within this level are of a


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
similar nature and class to the Level 2 securities described below. Contractholder-directed unit-linked investments reported within trading and other securities include certain mutual fund interests without readily determinable fair values given prices are not published publicly. Valuation of these mutual funds is based upon quoted prices or reported NAV provided by the fund managers, which were based on observable inputs.
 
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market and income approaches. Valuation is based primarily on quoted prices in markets that are not active, or using matrix pricing or other similar techniques that use standard market observable inputs such as benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, new issuances, issuer rating, duration, and trades of identical or comparable securities. Investment grade privately placed securities are valued using discounted cash flow methodologies using standard market observable inputs, and inputs derived from, or corroborated by, market observable data including market yield curve, duration, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer. This level also includes certain below investment grade privately placed fixed maturity securities priced by independent pricing services that use observable inputs.
 
Structured securities comprised of RMBS, CMBS and ABS.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard market inputs including spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, rating, weighted average coupon, weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates, geographic region, debt-service coverage ratios and issuance-specific information including, but not limited to: collateral type, payment terms of the underlying assets, payment priority within the tranche, structure of the security, deal performance and vintage of loans.
 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on quoted prices in markets that are not active, or using matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard market observable inputs such as benchmark U.S. Treasury yield curve, the spread off the U.S. Treasury curve for the identical security and comparable securities that are actively traded.
 
Foreign government and state and political subdivision securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard market observable inputs including benchmark U.S. Treasury or other yields, issuer ratings, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads and reported trades of similar securities, including those within the same sub-sector or with a similar maturity or credit rating.
 
Common and non-redeemable preferred stock.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach where market quotes are available but are not considered actively traded. Valuation is based principally on observable inputs including quoted prices in markets that are not considered active.
 
Mortgage Loans Held by CSEs
 
These commercial mortgage loans are principally valued using the market approach. The principal market for these commercial loan portfolios is the securitization market. The Company uses the quoted securitization market price of the obligations of the CSEs to determine the estimated fair value of these commercial loan portfolios. These market prices are determined principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs.
 
Mortgage Loans Held-For-Sale
 
Residential mortgage loans held-for-sale are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on readily available observable pricing for similar loans or securities backed by similar loans. The unobservable adjustments to such prices are insignificant.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities
 
This level includes all types of derivative instruments utilized by the Company with the exception of exchange-traded derivatives and interest rate forwards to sell certain to-be-announced securities included within Level 1 and those derivative instruments with unobservable inputs as described in Level 3. These derivatives are principally valued using an income approach.
 
Interest rate contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves and repurchase rates.
 
Option-based — Valuations are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves and interest rate volatility.
 
Foreign currency contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, currency spot rates and cross currency basis curves.
 
Option-based — Valuations are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, currency spot rates, cross currency basis curves and currency volatility.
 
Credit contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, credit curves and recovery rates.
 
Equity market contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels and dividend yield curves.
 
Option-based — Valuations are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, dividend yield curves and equity volatility.
 
Embedded Derivatives Contained in Certain Funding Agreements
 
These derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve and the spot equity and bond index level.
 
Separate Account Assets
 
These assets are comprised of investments that are similar in nature to the fixed maturity securities, equity securities, short-term investments and derivative assets referred to above. Also included are certain mutual funds and hedge funds without readily determinable fair values given prices are not published publicly. Valuation of the mutual funds and hedge funds is based upon quoted prices or reported NAV provided by the fund managers.
 
Long-term Debt of CSEs
 
The estimated fair value of the long-term debt of the Company’s CSEs is based on quoted prices when traded as assets in active markets or, if not available, based on market standard valuation methodologies, consistent with the Company’s methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of comparable fixed maturity securities.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Level 3 Measurements:
 
In general, investments classified within Level 3 use many of the same valuation techniques and inputs as described in Level 2 Measurements. However, if key inputs are unobservable, or if the investments are less liquid and there is very limited trading activity, the investments are generally classified as Level 3. The use of independent non-binding broker quotations to value investments generally indicates there is a lack of liquidity or a lack of transparency in the process to develop the valuation estimates generally causing these investments to be classified in Level 3.
 
Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities, Trading and Other Securities and Short-term Investments
 
This level includes fixed maturity securities and equity securities priced principally by 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. Trading and other securities and short-term investments within this level are of a similar nature and class to the Level 3 securities described below; accordingly, the valuation techniques and significant market standard observable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described below.
 
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities.  These securities, including financial services industry hybrid securities classified within fixed maturity securities, are principally valued using the market and income approaches. Valuations are based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques that utilize unobservable inputs or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data, including illiquidity premiums and spread adjustments to reflect industry trends or specific credit-related issues. Valuations may be based on independent non-binding broker quotations. Generally, below investment grade privately placed or distressed securities included in this level are valued using discounted cash flow methodologies which rely upon significant, unobservable inputs and inputs that cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
 
Structured securities comprised of RMBS, CMBS and ABS.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques that utilize inputs that are unobservable or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data, or are based on independent non-binding broker quotations. Below investment grade securities and ABS supported by sub-prime mortgage loans included in this level are valued based on inputs including quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2, and certain of these securities are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.
 
Foreign government and state and political subdivision securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques, however these securities are less liquid and certain of the inputs are based on very limited trading activity.
 
Common and non-redeemable preferred stock.  These securities, including privately held securities and financial services industry hybrid securities classified within equity securities, are principally valued using the market and income approaches. Valuations are based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques using inputs such as comparable credit rating and issuance structure. Equity securities valuations determined with discounted cash flow methodologies use inputs such as earnings multiples based on comparable public companies, and industry-specific non-earnings based multiples. Certain of these securities are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Mortgage Loans
 
Mortgage loans 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 independent broker quotations or valuation models.
 
MSRs
 
MSRs, which are valued using an income approach, are carried at estimated fair value and have multiple significant unobservable inputs including assumptions regarding estimates of discount rates, loan prepayments and servicing costs. Sales of MSRs tend to occur in private transactions where the precise terms and conditions of the sales are typically not readily available and observable market valuations are limited. As such, the Company relies primarily on a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of the MSRs. The model requires inputs such as type of loan (fixed vs. variable and agency vs. other), age of loan, loan interest rates and current market interest rates that are generally observable. The model also requires the use of unobservable inputs including assumptions regarding estimates of discount rates, loan prepayments and servicing costs.
 
Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities
 
These derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models. These valuation methodologies generally use the same inputs as described in the corresponding sections above for Level 2 measurements of derivatives. However, these derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
 
Interest rate contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include pull through rates on interest rate lock commitments and the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve and LIBOR basis curves.
 
Option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves and interest rate volatility.
 
Foreign currency contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves and cross currency basis curves. Certain of these derivatives are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.
 
Option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include currency correlation and the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, cross currency basis curves and currency volatility.
 
Credit contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include credit correlation, repurchase rates, and the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve and credit curves. Certain of these derivatives are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.
 
Equity market contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of dividend yield curves.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of dividend yield curves and equity volatility. Certain of these derivatives are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.
 
Direct and Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefits
 
These embedded derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. Valuations are based on option pricing techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include swap yield curve, currency exchange rates and implied volatilities. These embedded derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Significant unobservable inputs generally include: the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve and implied volatilities, actuarial assumptions for policyholder behavior and mortality and the potential variability in policyholder behavior and mortality, nonperformance risk and cost of capital for purposes of calculating the risk margin.
 
Reinsurance Ceded on Certain Guaranteed Minimum Benefits
 
These embedded derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. The valuation techniques and significant market standard unobservable inputs used in their valuation are similar to those previously described for Direct and Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefits and also include counterparty credit spreads.
 
Embedded Derivatives Within Funds Withheld Related to Certain Ceded Reinsurance
 
These embedded derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve and the fair value of assets within the reference portfolio. These embedded derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Significant unobservable inputs generally include: the fair value of certain assets within the reference portfolio which are not observable in the market and cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
 
Separate Account Assets
 
These assets are comprised of investments that are similar in nature to the fixed maturity securities, equity securities and derivative assets referred to above. Separate account assets within this level also include mortgage loans and other limited partnership interests. 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.
 
Long-term Debt of CSEs
 
The estimated fair value of the long-term debt of the Company’s CSEs are priced principally through independent broker quotations or market standard valuation methodologies using inputs that are not market observable or cannot be derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
 
Transfers between Levels 1 and 2:
 
During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, transfers between Levels 1 and 2 were not significant.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Transfers into or out of Level 3:
 
Overall, transfers into and/or out of Level 3 are attributable to a change in the observability of inputs. Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable. Transfers into and/or out of any level are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period. Significant transfers into and/or out of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 are summarized below.
 
Transfers into Level 3 resulted primarily from current market conditions characterized by a lack of trading activity, decreased liquidity and credit ratings downgrades (e.g., from investment grade to below investment grade) which have resulted in decreased transparency of valuations and an increased use of broker quotations and unobservable inputs to determine estimated fair value.
 
During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, transfers into Level 3 for fixed maturity securities of $862 million and $604 million, respectively, and transfers into Level 3 for separate account assets of $11 million and $18 million, respectively, were principally comprised of certain RMBS, foreign government securities and ABS. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, transfers into Level 3 for fixed maturity securities of $367 million and $1,475 million, respectively, and transfers into Level 3 for separate account assets of $9 million and $31 million, respectively, were principally comprised of certain RMBS and U.S. and foreign corporate securities.
 
Transfers out of Level 3 resulted primarily from increased transparency of both new issuances that subsequent to issuance and establishment of trading activity, became priced by independent pricing services and existing issuances that, over time, the Company was able to obtain pricing from, or corroborate pricing received from, independent pricing services with observable inputs or increases in market activity and upgraded credit ratings. With respect to derivatives, transfers out of Level 3 resulted primarily from increased transparency related to the observable portion of the swap yield curve or the observable portion of the equity volatility surface.
 
During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, transfers out of Level 3 for fixed maturity securities of $1,432 million and $4,718 million, respectively, and transfers out of Level 3 for separate account assets of $176 million and $258 million, respectively, were principally comprised of certain ABS, RMBS and U.S. and foreign corporate securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, transfers out of Level 3 for derivatives of $101 million were principally comprised of interest rate swaps, foreign currency forwards, and equity options. There were no transfers out of Level 3 for derivatives for the three months ended September 30, 2011. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, transfers out of Level 3 for fixed maturity securities of $1,240 million and $1,413 million, respectively, and transfers out of Level 3 for separate account assets of $75 million and $224 million, respectively, were principally comprised of certain U.S. and foreign corporate securities, ABS and RMBS.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), including realized and unrealized gains (losses) of all assets and (liabilities) and realized and unrealized gains (losses) of all assets and (liabilities) still held at the end of the respective time periods:
 
                                                                         
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Fixed Maturity Securities:  
                            U.S.
                State and
    Other
 
    U.S.
    Foreign
    Foreign
          Treasury
                Political
    Fixed
 
    Corporate
    Corporate
    Government
          and Agency
                Subdivision
    Maturity
 
    Securities     Securities     Securities     RMBS     Securities     CMBS     ABS     Securities     Securities  
    (In millions)  
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                                                                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 6,871     $ 5,844     $ 3,161     $ 434     $ 26     $ 781     $ 2,451     $ 89     $ 2  
Total realized/unrealized gains
                                                                       
(losses) included in:
                                                                       
Earnings: (1),(2)
                                                                       
Net investment income
    4       9       9                   5       8              
Net investment gains (losses)
    26       2       (206 )                 (1 )     (5 )            
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                                     
Other revenues
                                                     
Policyholder benefits and claims
                                                     
Other expenses
                                                     
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    227       (120 )     302       17       2       (1 )     (58 )     (1 )      
Purchases (3)
    455       199       427       170             115       469       11        
Sales (3)
    (185 )     (447 )     (30 )     (10 )     (3 )     (57 )     (133 )     (1 )     (2 )
Issuances (3)
                                                     
Settlements (3)
                                                     
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
          172       498       1       6       1       184              
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
    (27 )     (930 )     (272 )                 (11 )     (147 )     (45 )      
                                                                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 7,371     $ 4,729     $ 3,889     $ 612     $ 31     $ 832     $ 2,769     $ 53     $  
                                                                         
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2011 included in earnings:
                                                                       
Net investment income
  $ 4     $ 8     $ 9     $     $     $ 6     $ 8     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (3 )   $ (5 )   $ (205 )   $     $     $ (2 )   $ (7 )   $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Equity Securities:     Trading and Other Securities:                    
                            FVO
                   
          Non-
          FVO
    Contractholder-
                   
          redeemable
    Actively
    General
    directed
          Mortgage
       
    Common
    Preferred
    Traded
    Account
    Unit-linked
    Short-term
    Loans Held-
    MSRs
 
    Stock     Stock     Securities     Securities     Investments     Investments     for-sale     (5), (6)  
    (In millions)  
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 305     $ 654     $ 2     $ 54     $ 623     $ 732     $ 32     $ 964  
Total realized/unrealized gains
                                                               
(losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
                      (12 )     (5 )     (1 )            
Net investment gains (losses)
    3       7                         (1 )            
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                               
Other revenues
                                        (1 )     (292 )
Policyholder benefits and claims
                                               
Other expenses
                                               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (25 )     (69 )                       (1 )            
Purchases (3)
    14                         1,026       266       2        
Sales (3)
    (14 )     (84 )                 (297 )     (368 )            
Issuances (3)
                                              46  
Settlements (3)
                                        (2 )     (32 )
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
          1                               4        
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
    (44 )                 (15 )     (84 )     (1 )     (5 )      
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 239     $ 509     $ 2     $ 27     $ 1,263     $ 626     $ 30     $ 686  
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2011 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $ (11 )   $ (4 )   $ (1 )   $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $ (1 )   $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $ (1 )   $ (280 )
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
 

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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Net Derivatives: (7)                          
    Interest
    Foreign
          Equity
    Net
    Separate
    Long-term
       
    Rate
    Currency
    Credit
    Market
    Embedded
    Account
    Debt of
    Trading
 
    Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Derivatives (8)     Assets (9)     CSEs     Liabilities  
    (In millions)  
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ (67 )   $ 49     $ 42     $ 55     $ (2,074 )   $ 1,836     $ (134 )   $  
Total realized/unrealized gains
                                                               
(losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
                                               
Net investment gains (losses)
                                  3       (1 )      
Net derivative gains (losses)
    21       2       (76 )     677       (2,314 )                  
Other revenues
    68                                            
Policyholder benefits and claims
                            115                    
Other expenses
                                               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    317             15       1       (114 )                  
Purchases (3)
    (1 )     16             119             187              
Sales (3)
                                  (152 )            
Issuances (3)
                      (4 )                        
Settlements (3)
    (41 )           (11 )     2       (121 )     (1 )     23        
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
    1                               11              
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
                                  (176 )            
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 298     $ 67     $ (30 )   $ 850     $ (4,508 )   $ 1,708     $ (112 )   $  
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)
                                                               
relating to assets and liabilities still held
                                                               
at September 30, 2011 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $ (1 )   $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $ 17     $ 2     $ (76 )   $ 677     $ (2,319 )   $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $ 79     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $ 115     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
 

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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                         
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Fixed Maturity Securities:  
                            U.S.
                State and
    Other
 
    U.S.
    Foreign
    Foreign
          Treasury
                Political
    Fixed
 
    Corporate
    Corporate
    Government
          and Agency
                Subdivision
    Maturity
 
    Securities     Securities     Securities     RMBS     Securities     CMBS     ABS     Securities     Securities  
    (In millions)  
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                                                                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 7,173     $ 4,552     $ 257     $ 1,852     $ 37     $ 270     $ 3,489     $ 101     $ 5  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                                       
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                                       
Net investment income
    6       7       2       (5 )           1       8              
Net investment gains (losses)
    (20 )     (25 )     1       (6 )           (2 )     (17 )            
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                                     
Other revenues
                                                     
Policyholder benefits and claims
                                                     
Other expenses
                                                     
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    196       301       25       68       1       13       104       (3 )      
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (3)
    67       132       6       379             (7 )     160       9        
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
    119       52             161       21       9       5              
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
    (686 )     (240 )           (155 )           (3 )     (101 )     (55 )      
                                                                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 6,855     $ 4,779     $ 291     $ 2,294     $ 59     $ 281     $ 3,648     $ 52     $ 5  
                                                                         
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2010 included in earnings:
                                                                       
Net investment income
  $ 4     $ 5     $ 2     $ (5 )   $     $ 1     $ 8     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (30 )   $ (29 )   $     $     $     $ (3 )   $ (9 )   $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Equity Securities:     Trading and Other Securities:                    
                            FVO
                   
          Non-
          FVO
    Contractholder-
                   
          redeemable
    Actively
    General
    directed
          Mortgage
       
    Common
    Preferred
    Traded
    Account
    Unit-linked
    Short-term
    Loans Held-
    MSRs
 
    Stock     Stock     Securities     Securities     Investments     Investments     for-sale     (5), (6)  
    (In millions)  
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 161     $ 845     $ 7     $ 29     $     $ 52     $ 26     $ 660  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
                      9             2              
Net investment gains (losses)
    (1 )     1                                      
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                               
Other revenues
                                        (1 )     (91 )
Policyholder benefits and claims
                                               
Other expenses
                                               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    14       56                                      
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (3)
    (6 )     7       13                   156             138  
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
    2                   35                   4        
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
                                        (2 )      
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 170     $ 909     $ 20     $ 73     $     $ 210     $ 27     $ 707  
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2010 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $ 9     $     $ 2     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (1 )   $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $ (1 )   $ (74 )
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
 


91


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Net Derivatives: (7)                          
    Interest
    Foreign
          Equity
    Net
    Separate
    Long-term
       
    Rate
    Currency
    Credit
    Market
    Embedded
    Account
    Debt of
    Trading
 
    Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Derivatives (8)     Assets (9)     CSEs (10)     Liabilities  
    (In millions)  
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 61     $ 28     $ 31     $ 633     $ (3,296 )   $ 1,604     $ (221 )   $  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
                      (2 )                        
Net investment gains (losses)
                                  47       37        
Net derivative gains (losses)
    2       46       12       (169 )     134                    
Other revenues
    14                                            
Policyholder benefits and claims
                                               
Other expenses
          (1 )                                    
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    16             10       4       (98 )                  
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (3)
    12       (5 )     (7 )     8       (74 )     62             (2 )
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
                                  9              
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
          (8 )                       (75 )            
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 105     $ 60     $ 46     $ 474     $ (3,334 )   $ 1,647     $ (184 )   $ (2 )
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2010 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $ (2 )   $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $ 37     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $ 1     $ 37     $ 12     $ (169 )   $ 126     $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $ 63     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

92


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                         
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Fixed Maturity Securities:  
                            U.S.
                State and
    Other
 
    U.S.
    Foreign
    Foreign
          Treasury
                Political
    Fixed
 
    Corporate
    Corporate
    Government
          and Agency
                Subdivision
    Maturity
 
    Securities     Securities     Securities     RMBS     Securities     CMBS     ABS     Securities     Securities  
    (In millions)  
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                                                                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 7,149     $ 5,726     $ 3,134     $ 1,422     $ 79     $ 1,011     $ 4,145     $ 46     $ 4  
Total realized/unrealized gains
                                                                       
(losses) included in:
                                                                       
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                                       
Net investment income
    8       22       38       (1 )           21       27              
Net investment gains (losses)
    14       (20 )     (220 )     (1 )           67       (34 )            
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                                     
Other revenues
                                                     
Policyholder benefits and claims
                                                     
Other expenses
                                                     
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    372       44       332       33       2       50       46       (8 )      
Purchases (3)
    1,016       1,571       1,164       206             287       799       11        
Sales (3)
    (674 )     (1,770 )     (411 )     (127 )     (1 )     (584 )     (591 )     (4 )      
Issuances (3)
                                                     
Settlements (3)
                                                     
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
    43       165       91       81       6       85       123       10        
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
    (557 )     (1,009 )     (239 )     (1,001 )     (55 )     (105 )     (1,746 )     (2 )     (4 )
                                                                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 7,371     $ 4,729     $ 3,889     $ 612     $ 31     $ 832     $ 2,769     $ 53     $  
                                                                         
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2011 included in earnings:
                                                                       
Net investment income
  $ 7     $ 22     $ 36     $ (1 )   $     $ 19     $ 27     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (30 )   $ (20 )   $ (209 )   $ (1 )   $     $ (2 )   $ (22 )   $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Equity Securities:     Trading and Other Securities:                    
                            FVO
                   
          Non-
          FVO
    Contractholder-
                   
          redeemable
    Actively
    General
    directed
          Mortgage
       
    Common
    Preferred
    Traded
    Account
    Unit-linked
    Short-term
    Loans Held-
    MSRs
 
    Stock     Stock     Securities     Securities     Investments     Investments     for-sale     (5), (6)  
    (In millions)  
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 268     $ 905     $ 10     $ 77     $ 735     $ 858     $ 24     $ 950  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
                      (3 )     61       3              
Net investment gains (losses)
    7       (63 )                       (2 )            
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                               
Other revenues
                                        (2 )     (310 )
Policyholder benefits and claims
                                               
Other expenses
                                               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (12 )     31                         7              
Purchases (3)
    53       4             1       1,032       562       3        
Sales (3)
    (21 )     (379 )     (8 )     (33 )     (447 )     (798 )            
Issuances (3)
                                        1       138  
Settlements (3)
                                        (3 )     (92 )
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
    1       11                   123             9        
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
    (57 )                 (15 )     (241 )     (4 )     (2 )      
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 239     $ 509     $ 2     $ 27     $ 1,263     $ 626     $ 30     $ 686  
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2011 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $ (5 )   $ 55     $ (2 )   $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (4 )   $ (19 )   $     $     $     $ (1 )   $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $ (2 )   $ (298 )
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  


94


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Net Derivatives: (7)                          
    Interest
    Foreign
          Equity
    Net
    Separate
    Long-term
       
    Rate
    Currency
    Credit
    Market
    Embedded
    Account
    Debt of
    Trading
 
    Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Derivatives (8)     Assets (9)     CSEs     Liabilities  
    (In millions)  
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ (86 )   $ 73     $ 44     $ 142     $ (2,438 )   $ 1,983     $ (184 )   $  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
                      (3 )                        
Net investment gains (losses)
                                  48       (8 )      
Net derivative gains (losses)
    25       (1 )     (70 )     568       (1,722 )                  
Other revenues
    75                                            
Policyholder benefits and claims
                            107                    
Other expenses
                                               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    325             13             (116 )                  
Purchases (3)
    (1 )     21             225             422              
Sales (3)
                                  (502 )            
Issuances (3)
                (3 )     (4 )                        
Settlements (3)
    (40 )           (13 )     (3 )     (339 )     (3 )     80        
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
                (1 )                 18              
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
          (26 )           (75 )           (258 )            
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 298     $ 67     $ (30 )   $ 850     $ (4,508 )   $ 1,708     $ (112 )   $  
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2011 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $ (8 )   $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $ 14     $ (1 )   $ (70 )   $ 569     $ (1,738 )   $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $ 80     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $ 107     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                         
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Fixed Maturity Securities:  
                            U.S.
                State and
    Other
 
    U.S.
    Foreign
    Foreign
          Treasury
                Political
    Fixed
 
    Corporate
    Corporate
    Government
          and Agency
                Subdivision
    Maturity
 
    Securities     Securities     Securities     RMBS     Securities     CMBS     ABS     Securities     Securities  
    (In millions)  
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                                                                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 6,694     $ 5,244     $ 378     $ 1,840     $ 37     $ 139     $ 2,703     $ 69     $ 6  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                                       
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                                       
Net investment income
    21       10       2       21             1       27              
Net investment gains (losses)
    (15 )     (42 )     (5 )     (6 )           (3 )     (67 )            
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                                     
Other revenues
                                                     
Policyholder benefits and claims
                                                     
Other expenses
                                                     
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    461       374       53       121       3       72       301       4       1  
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (3)
    (648 )     (619 )     19       195       (3 )     (24 )     831       9       (2 )
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
    616       363             253       22       128       93              
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
    (274 )     (551 )     (156 )     (130 )           (32 )     (240 )     (30 )      
                                                                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 6,855     $ 4,779     $ 291     $ 2,294     $ 59     $ 281     $ 3,648     $ 52     $ 5  
                                                                         
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2010 included in earnings:
                                                                       
Net investment income
  $ 11     $ 9     $ 6     $ 21     $     $ 1     $ 26     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (44 )   $ (45 )   $     $     $     $ (3 )   $ (54 )   $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Equity Securities:     Trading and Other Securities:                    
                            FVO
                   
          Non-
          FVO
    Contractholder-
                   
          redeemable
    Actively
    General
    directed
          Mortgage
       
    Common
    Preferred
    Traded
    Account
    Unit-linked
    Short-term
    Loans Held-
    MSRs
 
    Stock     Stock     Securities     Securities     Investments     Investments     for-sale     (5), (6)  
    (In millions)  
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 136     $ 1,102     $ 32     $ 51     $     $ 18     $ 25     $ 878  
Total realized/unrealized gains
                                                               
(losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
                      3             2              
Net investment gains (losses)
    1       48                                      
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                               
Other revenues
                                        (1 )     (329 )
Policyholder benefits and claims
                                               
Other expenses
                                               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    4       24                                      
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (3)
    35       (259 )     (12 )                 190             158  
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
    2                   37                   10        
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
    (8 )     (6 )           (18 )                 (7 )      
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 170     $ 909     $ 20     $ 73     $     $ 210     $ 27     $ 707  
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2010 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $ 3     $     $ 2     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (2 )   $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $ (1 )   $ (294 )
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Net Derivatives: (7)                          
    Interest
    Foreign
          Equity
    Net
    Separate
    Long-term
       
    Rate
    Currency
    Credit
    Market
    Embedded
    Account
    Debt of
    Trading
 
    Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Derivatives (8)     Assets (9)     CSEs (10)     Liabilities  
    (In millions)  
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 7     $ 108     $ 42     $ 199     $ (1,455 )   $ 1,797     $     $  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
                      6                          
Net investment gains (losses)
                                  91       48        
Net derivative gains (losses)
    36       32       (10 )     243       (1,542 )                  
Other revenues
    61                                            
Policyholder benefits and claims
                            46                    
Other expenses
          (4 )                                    
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    13             27       9       (163 )                  
Purchases, sales, issuances and
                                                               
settlements (3)
    (12 )     (54 )     (13 )     17       (220 )     (48 )     (232 )     (2 )
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
                                  31              
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
          (22 )                       (224 )            
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 105     $ 60     $ 46     $ 474     $ (3,334 )   $ 1,647     $ (184 )   $ (2 )
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2010 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $ 5     $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $ 48     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $ 36     $ 31     $ (9 )   $ 250     $ (1,556 )   $     $     $  
Other revenues
  $ 66     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Policyholder benefits and claims
  $     $     $     $     $ 46     $     $     $  
Other expenses
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
 
 
(1) Amortization of premium/discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to earnings on securities and certain mortgage loans are included within net investment gains (losses) while changes in estimated fair value of certain mortgage loans and MSRs are recorded in other revenues. Lapses associated with embedded derivatives are included within net derivative gains (losses).
 
(2) Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.
 
(3) The amount reported within purchases, sales, issuances and settlements is the purchase or issuance price and the sales or settlement proceeds based upon the actual date purchased or issued and sold or settled, respectively. Items purchased/issued and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, fees attributed to net embedded derivatives are included within settlements. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, fees attributed to net embedded derivatives are included within purchases, sales, issuances and settlements.
 
(4) Total gains and losses (in earnings and other comprehensive income (loss)) are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and/or out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.
 
(5) The additions for purchases, originations and issuances and the reductions for loan payments, sales and settlements, affecting MSRs were $46 million and ($32) million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and $138 million and ($92) million, respectively, for the nine months ended


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
September 30, 2011. The additions for purchases, originations and issuances and the reductions for loan payments, sales and settlements, affecting MSRs were $169 million and ($31) million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and $275 million and ($117) million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
 
(6) The changes in estimated fair value due to changes in valuation model inputs or assumptions were ($292) million and ($310) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The changes in estimated fair value due to changes in valuation model inputs or assumptions were ($91) million and ($329) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. For all periods, there was no other change in estimated fair value affecting MSRs.
 
(7) Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
 
(8) Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
 
(9) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income. For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).
 
(10) The long-term debt of the CSEs at January 1, 2010 is reported within the purchases, sales, issuances and settlements caption of the rollforward.
 
FVO — Mortgage Loans Held-For-Sale
 
The following table presents residential mortgage loans held-for-sale carried under the FVO at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Unpaid principal balance
  $ 2,469     $ 2,473  
Excess of estimated fair value over unpaid principal balance
    121       37  
                 
Carrying value at estimated fair value
  $ 2,590     $ 2,510  
                 
Loans in non-accrual status
  $ 3     $ 2  
Loans more than 90 days past due
  $ 3     $ 3  
Loans in non-accrual status or more than 90 days past due, or both — difference between aggregate estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance
  $ (1 )   $ (1 )
 
Residential mortgage loans held-for-sale accounted for under the FVO are initially measured at estimated fair value. Interest income on residential mortgage loans held-for-sale is recorded based on the stated rate of the loan and is recorded in net investment income. Gains and losses from initial measurement, subsequent changes in estimated fair value and gains or losses on sales are recognized in other revenues. Such changes in estimated fair value for these loans were due to the following:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Instrument-specific credit risk based on changes in credit spreads for non-agency loans and adjustments in individual loan quality
  $     $ (1 )   $ (3 )   $ (1 )
Other changes in estimated fair value
    174       139       353       400  
                                 
Total gains (losses) recognized in other revenues
  $  174     $  138     $  350     $  399  
                                 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
FVO — CSEs
 
The Company has elected the FVO for the following assets and liabilities held by CSEs: commercial mortgage loans, securities and long-term debt. Information on the estimated fair value of the securities classified as trading and other securities is presented in Note 3. The following table presents these commercial mortgage loans carried under the FVO at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Unpaid principal balance
  $ 3,063     $ 6,636  
Excess of estimated fair value over unpaid principal balance
    164       204  
                 
Carrying value at estimated fair value
  $ 3,227     $ 6,840  
                 
 
The following table presents the long-term debt carried under the FVO related to both the commercial mortgage loans and securities classified as trading and other securities at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Contractual principal balance
  $ 2,993     $ 6,619  
Excess of estimated fair value over contractual principal balance
    164       201  
                 
Carrying value at estimated fair value
  $ 3,157     $ 6,820  
                 
 
Interest income on both commercial mortgage loans and securities classified as trading and other securities held by CSEs is recorded in net investment income. Interest expense on long-term debt of CSEs is recorded in other expenses. Gains and losses from initial measurement, subsequent changes in estimated fair value and gains or losses on sales of both the commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt are recognized in net investment gains (losses), which is summarized in Note 3.
 
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
 
Certain assets are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis and are not included in the tables presented above. The amounts below relate to certain investments measured at estimated fair value during the period and still held at the reporting dates.
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2011     2010  
          Estimated
    Net
          Estimated
    Net
 
    Carrying
    Fair
    Investment
    Carrying
    Fair
    Investment
 
    Value Prior to
    Value After
    Gains
    Value Prior to
    Value After
    Gains
 
    Measurement     Measurement     (Losses)     Measurement     Measurement     (Losses)  
    (In millions)  
 
Mortgage loans: (1)
                                               
Held-for-investment
  $ 289     $ 245     $ (44 )   $ 93     $ 93     $      —  
Held-for-sale
    71       68       (3 )     27       28       1  
                                                 
Mortgage loans, net
  $ 360     $ 313     $ (47 )   $ 120     $ 121     $ 1  
                                                 
Other limited partnership interests (2)
  $ 5     $ 3     $ (2 )   $ 3     $ 1     $ (2 )
Real estate joint ventures (3)
  $     $     $     $     $     $  
Goodwill (4)
  $ 65     $     $ (65 )   $     $     $  
 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2011     2010  
          Estimated
    Net
          Estimated
    Net
 
    Carrying
    Fair
    Investment
    Carrying
    Fair
    Investment
 
    Value Prior to
    Value After
    Gains
    Value Prior to
    Value After
    Gains
 
    Measurement     Measurement     (Losses)     Measurement     Measurement     (Losses)  
    (In millions)  
 
Mortgage loans: (1)
                                               
Held-for-investment
  $ 273     $ 245     $ (28 )   $ 90     $ 93     $      3  
Held-for-sale
    72       68       (4 )     28       28        
                                                 
Mortgage loans, net
  $ 345     $ 313     $ (32 )   $ 118     $ 121     $ 3  
                                                 
Other limited partnership interests (2)
  $ 18     $ 13     $ (5 )   $ 28     $ 18     $ (10 )
Real estate joint ventures (3)
  $     $     $     $ 33     $ 8     $ (25 )
Goodwill (4)
  $ 65     $     $ (65 )   $     $     $  
 
 
(1) Mortgage loans — The impaired mortgage loans presented above were written down to their estimated fair values at the date the impairments were recognized and are reported as losses above. Subsequent improvements in estimated fair value on previously impaired loans recorded through a reduction in the previously established valuation allowance are reported as gains above. Estimated fair values for impaired mortgage loans are based on observable market prices or, if the loans are in foreclosure or are otherwise determined to be collateral dependent, on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, or the present value of the expected future cash flows. Impairments to estimated fair value and decreases in previous impairments from subsequent improvements in estimated fair value represent non-recurring 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.
 
(2) Other limited partnership interests — The impaired investments presented above were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments on these cost method investments were recognized at estimated fair value determined from information provided in the financial statements of the underlying entities in the period in which the impairment was incurred. These impairments to estimated fair value represent non-recurring 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. This category includes several private equity and debt funds that typically invest primarily in a diversified pool of investments using certain investment strategies including domestic and international leveraged buyout funds; power, energy, timber and infrastructure development funds; venture capital funds; and below investment grade debt and mezzanine debt funds. The estimated fair values of these investments have been determined using the NAV of the Company’s ownership interest in the partners’ capital. Distributions from these investments will be generated from investment gains, from operating income from the underlying investments of the funds and from liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds. It is estimated that the underlying assets of the funds will be liquidated over the next 2 to 10 years. Unfunded commitments for these investments were $1 million and $25 million at September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
(3) Real estate joint ventures — The impaired investments presented above were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments on these cost method investments were recognized at estimated fair value determined from information provided in the financial statements of the underlying entities in the period in which the impairment was incurred. These impairments to estimated fair value represent non-recurring 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. This category includes several real estate funds that typically invest primarily in commercial real estate. The estimated fair values of these investments have been determined using the NAV of the Company’s ownership interest in the partners’ capital. Distributions from these investments will be generated from investment gains, from operating income from the underlying

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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
investments of the funds and from liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds. It is estimated that the underlying assets of the funds will be liquidated over the next 2 to 10 years. There were no unfunded commitments for these investments at September 30, 2011. Unfunded commitments for these investments were $7 million at September 30, 2010.
 
(4) Goodwill — As discussed in Note 6, the Company recorded an impairment of goodwill associated with MetLife Bank, National Association (“MetLife Bank”). This impairment has been categorized as Level 3 due to the significant unobservable inputs used in the determination of the estimated fair value.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Amounts related to the Company’s financial instruments that were not measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
 
                                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
                Estimated
                Estimated
 
    Notional
    Carrying
    Fair
    Notional
    Carrying
    Fair
 
    Amount     Value     Value     Amount     Value     Value  
                (In millions)              
 
Assets:
                                               
Mortgage loans: (1)
                                               
Held-for-investment
          $ 55,982     $ 58,397             $ 52,136     $ 53,927  
Held-for-sale
            1,150       1,150               811       811  
                                                 
Mortgage loans, net
          $ 57,132     $ 59,547             $ 52,947     $ 54,738  
Policy loans
          $ 11,932     $ 13,889             $ 11,761     $ 13,253  
Real estate joint ventures (2)
          $ 532     $ 603             $ 451     $ 482  
Other limited partnership interests (2)
          $ 1,340     $ 1,658             $ 1,539     $ 1,619  
Short-term investments (3)
          $ 621     $ 621             $ 819     $ 819  
Other invested assets (2)
          $ 1,453     $ 1,453             $ 1,490     $ 1,490  
Cash and cash equivalents
          $ 10,001     $ 10,001             $ 12,957     $ 12,957  
Accrued investment income
          $ 4,793     $ 4,793             $ 4,328     $ 4,328  
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (2)
          $ 4,849     $ 5,376             $ 3,752     $ 4,048  
Other assets (2)
          $ 433     $ 482             $ 466     $ 453  
Assets of subsidiaries held-for-sale (2)
          $ 3,291     $ 3,291             $ 3,068     $ 3,068  
Liabilities:
                                               
Policyholder account balances (2)
          $ 146,652     $ 153,778             $ 146,822     $ 152,745  
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
          $ 34,933     $ 34,933             $ 27,272     $ 27,272  
Bank deposits
          $ 10,685     $ 10,754             $ 10,316     $ 10,371  
Short-term debt
          $ 451     $ 451             $ 306     $ 306  
Long-term debt (2),(4)
          $ 21,560     $ 22,991             $ 20,734     $ 21,892  
Collateral financing arrangements
          $ 5,297     $ 4,647             $ 5,297     $ 4,757  
Junior subordinated debt securities
          $ 3,192     $ 3,219             $ 3,191     $ 3,461  
Other liabilities (2)
          $ 4,790     $ 4,793             $ 2,777     $ 2,777  
Separate account liabilities (2)
          $ 48,650     $ 48,650             $ 42,160     $ 42,160  
Liabilities of subsidiaries held-for-sale (2)
          $ 130     $ 130             $ 105     $ 105  
Commitments: (5)
                                               
Mortgage loan commitments
  $ 3,743     $     $ 4     $ 3,754     $     $ (17 )
Commitments to fund bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments
  $ 1,855     $     $ 33     $ 2,437     $     $  


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(1) Mortgage loans held-for-investment as presented in the table above differ from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets because this table does not include commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs, which are accounted for under the FVO.
 
Mortgage loans held-for-sale as presented in the table above differ from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets because this table does not include residential mortgage loans held-for-sale that are accounted for under the FVO.
 
(2) Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are not considered financial instruments. Financial statement captions excluded from the table above are not considered financial instruments.
 
(3) Short-term investments as presented in the table above differ from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets because this table does not include short-term investments that meet the definition of a security, which are measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis.
 
(4) Long-term debt as presented in the table above does not include long-term debt of CSEs, which is accounted for under the FVO.
 
(5) 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:
 
The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis include: fixed maturity securities, equity securities, trading and other securities, certain short-term investments, mortgage loans held by CSEs, mortgage loans held-for-sale accounted for under the FVO, MSRs, derivative assets and liabilities, net embedded derivatives within asset and liability host contracts, separate account assets, long-term debt of CSEs and trading liabilities. These assets and liabilities are described in the section “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements” and, therefore, are excluded from the table above. The estimated fair value for these financial instruments approximates carrying value.
 
Mortgage Loans
 
These mortgage loans are principally comprised of commercial and agricultural mortgage loans, which are originated for investment purposes and are primarily carried at amortized cost. Residential mortgage and consumer loans are generally purchased from third parties for investment purposes and are principally carried at amortized cost, while those originated for sale and not carried under the FVO are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. The estimated fair values of these mortgage loans are determined as follows:
 
Mortgage loans held-for-investment. — For commercial and agricultural mortgage loans held-for-investment and carried at amortized cost, estimated fair value was primarily determined by estimating expected future cash flows and discounting them using current interest rates for similar mortgage loans with similar credit risk. For residential mortgage loans held-for-investment and carried at amortized cost, estimated fair value is primarily determined from observable pricing for similar loans.
 
Mortgage loans held-for-sale. — Certain mortgage loans previously classified as held-for-investment have been designated as held-for-sale. For these mortgage loans, estimated fair value is determined using independent broker quotations or, when the mortgage loan is in foreclosure or otherwise determined to be collateral dependent, the fair value of the underlying collateral is estimated using internal models.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 policy loans and an estimated average maturity determined through experience studies of the past performance of policyholder repayment behavior for similar loans. These cash flows are discounted using current risk-free interest rates with no adjustment for borrower credit risk as these loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policy. 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 sheets represents investments in real estate carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, 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 real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests accounted for under the cost method are generally based on the Company’s share of the NAV as provided in the financial statements of the investees. In certain circumstances, management may adjust the NAV by a premium or discount when it has sufficient evidence to support applying such adjustments.
 
Short-term Investments
 
Certain short-term investments do not qualify as securities and are recognized at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets. 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.
 
Other Invested Assets
 
Other invested assets within the preceding table are principally comprised of funds withheld, various interest-bearing assets held in foreign subsidiaries and certain amounts due under contractual indemnifications.
 
For funds withheld and 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.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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, Reinsurance and Other Receivables
 
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables in the preceding table are principally comprised of certain amounts recoverable under reinsurance contracts, amounts on deposit with financial institutions to facilitate daily settlements related to certain derivative positions and amounts receivable for securities sold but not yet settled.
 
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. The estimated fair value is determined as the present value of expected future cash flows under the related contracts, which were 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 and amounts due for securities sold are generally received over short periods 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.
 
Other Assets
 
Other assets in the preceding table are primarily composed of a receivable for cash paid to an unaffiliated financial institution under the MetLife Reinsurance Company of Charleston (“MRC”) collateral financing arrangement as described in Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report. The estimated fair value of the receivable for the cash paid to the unaffiliated financial institution under the MRC collateral financing arrangement is determined by discounting the expected future cash flows using a discount rate that reflects the credit rating of the unaffiliated financial institution. The amounts excluded from the preceding table are not considered financial instruments subject to disclosure.
 
Policyholder Account Balances
 
Policyholder account balances in the table above include investment contracts. Embedded derivatives on investment contracts and certain variable annuity guarantees 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 in “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements.” The remaining difference between the amounts reflected as policyholder account balances in the preceding table and those recognized in the consolidated balance sheets represents those amounts due under contracts that satisfy the definition of insurance contracts and are not considered financial instruments.
 
The investment contracts primarily include certain funding agreements, 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 to reflect the nonperformance risk in the liability.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 the 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 nonperformance risk are necessary.
 
Bank Deposits
 
Due to the frequency of interest rate resets on customer bank deposits held in money market accounts, the Company believes that there is minimal risk of a material change in interest rates such that the estimated fair value approximates carrying value. For time deposits, estimated fair values are estimated by discounting the expected cash flows to maturity using discount rates based on the LIBOR/swap curve at the date of the valuation.
 
Short-term and Long-term Debt, Collateral Financing Arrangements and Junior Subordinated Debt Securities
 
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 sheets as it does not include capital leases which are not required to be disclosed at estimated fair value.
 
Other Liabilities
 
Other liabilities included in the table above reflect those other liabilities that satisfy the definition of financial instruments subject to disclosure. These items consist primarily of interest and dividends payable, amounts due for securities purchased but not yet settled, funds withheld amounts payable which are contractually withheld by the Company in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance agreements and amounts payable under certain assumed reinsurance treaties accounted for as deposit type treaties. The Company evaluates the specific terms, facts and circumstances of each instrument to determine the appropriate estimated fair values, which are not materially different from the carrying values, with the exception of certain deposit type reinsurance payables. For these reinsurance payables, the estimated fair value is determined as the present value of expected future cash flows under the related contracts, which are discounted using an interest rate determined to reflect the appropriate credit standing of the assuming counterparty.
 
Separate Account Liabilities
 
Separate account liabilities included in the preceding table represent those balances due to policyholders under contracts that are classified as investment contracts. The remaining amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets represent those contracts classified as insurance contracts, which do not satisfy the definition of financial instruments.


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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 agreements related to group life contracts, and certain contracts that provide for benefit funding.
 
Separate account liabilities are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at an equivalent value of the related separate account assets. Separate account assets, which equal net deposits, net investment income and realized and unrealized investment 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 in the section “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements,” the Company believes the value of those assets approximates the estimated fair value of the related separate account liabilities.
 
Mortgage Loan Commitments and Commitments to Fund Bank Credit Facilities, Bridge Loans and Private Corporate Bond Investments
 
The estimated fair values for mortgage loan commitments that will be held for investment and commitments to fund bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bonds that will be held for investment reflected in the above table represents the difference between the discounted expected future cash flows using interest rates that incorporate current credit risk for similar instruments on the reporting date and the principal amounts of the commitments.
 
Assets and Liabilities of Subsidiaries Held-For-Sale
 
The carrying values of the assets and liabilities of subsidiaries held-for-sale reflect those assets and liabilities which were previously determined to be financial instruments and which were reflected in other financial statement captions in the comparable table above in previous periods but have been reclassified to these captions to reflect the discontinued nature of the operations. The estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities of subsidiaries held-for-sale have been determined on a basis consistent with the assets and liabilities as described herein.
 
6.   Goodwill
 
MetLife, Inc. has announced that it is exploring the sale of MetLife Bank’s depository and forward mortgage origination businesses. As a result of these announcements, in September 2011, the Company performed a goodwill impairment test on MetLife Bank, which is a separate reporting unit within Banking, Corporate & Other. A comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit, using a market multiple approach, to its carrying value indicated a potential for goodwill impairment. A further comparison of the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying amount indicated that the entire amount of goodwill associated with MetLife Bank was impaired. Consequently, the Company recorded a $65 million impairment of goodwill that is reflected as a net investment loss in the third quarter of 2011. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill was determined by valuing the reporting unit’s balance sheet principally using the valuation methodologies described in Note 5 under “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements” and “— Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.
 
In addition, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment tests of its other reporting units during the third quarter of 2011 based upon data at June 30, 2011. Such tests indicated that this goodwill was not impaired. Management continues to evaluate current market conditions that may affect the estimated fair value of these reporting units to assess whether any goodwill impairment exists. Deteriorating 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.
 
At September 30, 2011, the Company’s accumulated goodwill impairment loss was $65 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the effect of foreign currency translation and other was a $290 million increase to the gross amount of goodwill.


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Table of Contents

MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
7.   Closed Block
 
On April 7, 2000 (the “Demutualization Date”), Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”) converted from a mutual life insurance company to a stock life insurance company and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. The conversion was pursuant to an order by the New York Superintendent of Insurance approving MLIC’s plan of reorganization, as amended (the “Plan”). On the Demutualization Date, MLIC established a closed block for the benefit of holders of certain individual life insurance policies of MLIC.
 
Experience within the closed block, in particular mortality and investment yields, as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses, directly impact the policyholder dividend obligation. Amortization of the closed block DAC, which resides outside of the closed block, is based upon cumulative actual and expected earnings within the closed block. Accordingly, the Company’s net income continues to be sensitive to the actual performance of the closed block.
 
Information regarding the closed block liabilities and assets designated to the closed block was as follows:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Closed Block Liabilities
               
Future policy benefits
  $ 43,184     $ 43,456  
Other policy-related balances
    336       316  
Policyholder dividends payable
    618       579  
Policyholder dividend obligation
    2,782       876  
Current income tax payable
          178  
Other liabilities
    692       627  
                 
Total closed block liabilities
    47,612       46,032  
                 
Assets Designated to the Closed Block
               
Investments:
               
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $26,966 and $27,067, respectively)
    30,540       28,768  
Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: $42 and $110, respectively)
    34       102  
Mortgage loans
    6,165       6,253  
Policy loans
    4,645       4,629  
Real estate and real estate joint ventures held-for-investment
    335       328  
Short-term investments
          1  
Other invested assets
    744       729  
                 
Total investments
    42,463       40,810  
Cash and cash equivalents
    297       236  
Accrued investment income
    534       518  
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
    89       95  
Current income tax recoverable
    36        
Deferred income tax assets
    396       474  
                 
Total assets designated to the closed block
    43,815       42,133  
                 
Excess of closed block liabilities over assets designated to the closed block
    3,797       3,899  
                 
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax of $1,249 and $594, respectively
    2,321       1,101  
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax of $7 and $5, respectively
    13       10  
Allocated to policyholder dividend obligation, net of income tax of ($974) and ($307), respectively
    (1,808 )     (569 )
                 
Total amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    526       542  
                 
Maximum future earnings to be recognized from closed block assets and liabilities
  $ 4,323     $ 4,441  
                 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Information regarding the closed block policyholder dividend obligation was as follows:
 
                 
    Nine Months
    Year
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 876     $  
Change in unrealized investment and derivative gains (losses)
    1,906       876  
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 2,782     $ 876  
                 
 
Information regarding the closed block revenues and expenses was as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Revenues
                               
Premiums
  $ 554     $ 593     $ 1,657     $ 1,776  
Net investment income
    553       571       1,698       1,714  
Net investment gains (losses):
                               
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
    (1 )     (5 )     (8 )     (23 )
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
                       
Other net investment gains (losses)
    23       3       40       42  
                                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
    22       (2 )     32       19  
Net derivative gains (losses)
    17       (36 )     3       (22 )
                                 
Total revenues
    1,146       1,126       3,390       3,487  
                                 
Expenses
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims
    731       758       2,166       2,262  
Policyholder dividends
    304       329       897       974  
Other expenses
    48       50       146       151  
                                 
Total expenses
    1,083       1,137       3,209       3,387  
                                 
Revenues, net of expenses before provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    63       (11 )     181       100  
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    25       (5 )     63       32  
                                 
Revenues, net of expenses and provision for income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 38     $ (6 )   $ 118     $ 68  
                                 


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
The change in the maximum future earnings of the closed block was as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, end of period
  $ 4,323     $ 4,519     $ 4,323     $ 4,519  
Balance, beginning of period
    4,361       4,513       4,441       4,587  
                                 
Change during period
  $ (38 )   $ 6     $ (118 )   $ (68 )
                                 
 
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.
 
8.   Long-term and Short-term Debt
 
The following represents significant changes in debt from the amounts reported in Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report. See Note 3 for discussion of long-term debt of CSEs.
 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
 
MetLife Bank is a member of the FHLB of New York (“FHLB of NY”) and held $226 million and $187 million of common stock of the FHLB of NY at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, which is included in equity securities. MetLife Bank has also entered into advances agreements with the FHLB of NY whereby MetLife Bank has received cash advances and under which the FHLB of NY has been granted a blanket lien on certain of MetLife Bank’s residential mortgage loans, mortgage loans held-for-sale, commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities to collateralize MetLife Bank’s repayment obligations. 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 advances agreements. The amount of MetLife Bank’s liability for advances from the FHLB of NY was $4.6 billion and $3.8 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, which is included in long-term debt and short-term debt depending upon the original tenor of the advance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, MetLife Bank received advances related to long-term borrowings totaling $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, from the FHLB of NY. MetLife Bank made repayments to the FHLB of NY of $690 million and $219 million related to long-term borrowings for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The advances related to both long-term and short-term debt were collateralized by residential mortgage loans, mortgage loans held-for-sale, commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities with estimated fair values of $7.7 billion and $7.8 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Credit and Committed Facilities
 
The Company maintains unsecured credit facilities and committed facilities, which aggregated $4.0 billion and $12.4 billion, respectively, at September 30, 2011. When drawn upon, these facilities bear interest at varying rates in accordance with the respective agreements.
 
The unsecured credit facilities are used for general corporate purposes, to support the borrowers’ commercial paper programs and for the issuance of letters of credit. At September 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding $2.1 billion in letters of credit and no drawdowns against these facilities. Remaining unused commitments were $1.9 billion at September 30, 2011.
 
On August 12, 2011, the 364-day, $1.0 billion senior unsecured credit agreement entered into in October 2010 by the Holding Company and MetLife Funding, Inc., a subsidiary, was amended and restated to provide a five-year,


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$3.0 billion senior unsecured credit facility. Concurrently, the Holding Company and MetLife Funding, Inc. elected to reduce the outstanding commitments under the three-year, $3.0 billion senior unsecured credit facility entered into in October 2010 to $1.0 billion with no change to the original maturity of October 2013. Proceeds under both credit agreements are available to be used for general corporate purposes (including, in the case of loans made under the facilities, to back up commercial paper and, in the case of letters of credit issued under the facilities, to support variable annuity policy and reinsurance reserve requirements). The Company incurred costs of $9 million related to the amended and restated credit facilities, which have been capitalized and included in other assets. These costs will be amortized over the amended terms of the facilities. Due to the reduction in total capacity of the three-year facility, the Company subsequently expensed $4 million of the remaining deferred financing costs associated with the October 2010 credit agreement, which are included in other expenses.
 
The committed facilities are used for collateral for certain of the Company’s affiliated reinsurance liabilities. At September 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding $6.0 billion in letters of credit and $2.8 billion in aggregate drawdowns against these facilities. Remaining unused commitments were $3.6 billion at September 30, 2011. In February 2011, the Holding Company entered into a one-year $350 million committed facility with a third-party bank to provide letters of credit for the benefit of Missouri Reinsurance (Barbados) Inc., a captive reinsurance subsidiary. This facility was canceled on July 1, 2011.
 
9.   Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees
 
Contingencies
 
Litigation
 
The Company is a defendant in a large number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.
 
Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.
 
The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Liabilities have been established for a number of the matters noted below. It is possible that some of the matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at September 30, 2011. 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.
 
Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made
 
For some of the matters disclosed below, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. As


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of September 30, 2011, the Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for these matters to be approximately $0 to $355 million.
 
Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made
 
For other matters disclosed below, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.
 
Asbestos-Related Claims
 
MLIC is and has been a defendant in a large number of asbestos-related suits filed primarily in state courts. These suits principally allege that the plaintiff or plaintiffs suffered personal injury resulting from exposure to asbestos and seek both actual and punitive damages. MLIC has never engaged in the business of manufacturing, producing, distributing or selling asbestos or asbestos-containing products nor has MLIC issued liability or workers’ compensation insurance to companies in the business of manufacturing, producing, distributing or selling asbestos or asbestos-containing products. The lawsuits principally have focused on allegations with respect to certain research, publication and other activities of one or more of MLIC’s employees during the period from the 1920’s through approximately the 1950’s and allege that MLIC learned or should have learned of certain health risks posed by asbestos and, among other things, improperly publicized or failed to disclose those health risks. MLIC believes that it should not have legal liability in these cases. The outcome of most asbestos litigation matters, however, is uncertain and can be impacted by numerous variables, including differences in legal rulings in various jurisdictions, the nature of the alleged injury and factors unrelated to the ultimate legal merit of the claims asserted against MLIC. MLIC employs a number of resolution strategies to manage its asbestos loss exposure, including seeking resolution of pending litigation by judicial rulings and settling individual or groups of claims or lawsuits under appropriate circumstances.
 
Claims asserted against MLIC have included negligence, intentional tort and conspiracy concerning the health risks associated with asbestos. MLIC’s defenses (beyond denial of certain factual allegations) include that: (i) MLIC owed no duty to the plaintiffs— it had no special relationship with the plaintiffs and did not manufacture, produce, distribute or sell the asbestos products that allegedly injured plaintiffs; (ii) plaintiffs did not rely on any actions of MLIC; (iii) MLIC’s conduct was not the cause of the plaintiffs’ injuries; (iv) plaintiffs’ exposure occurred after the dangers of asbestos were known; and (v) the applicable time with respect to filing suit has expired. During the course of the litigation, certain trial courts have granted motions dismissing claims against MLIC, while other trial courts have denied MLIC’s motions to dismiss. There can be no assurance that MLIC will receive favorable decisions on motions in the future. While most cases brought to date have settled, MLIC intends to continue to defend aggressively against claims based on asbestos exposure, including defending claims at trials.
 
As reported in the 2010 Annual Report, MLIC received approximately 5,670 asbestos-related claims in 2010. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, MLIC received approximately 3,750 and 4,800 new asbestos-related claims, respectively. See Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 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.


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The ability of MLIC to estimate its ultimate asbestos exposure is subject to considerable uncertainty, and the conditions impacting its liability can be dynamic and subject to change. The availability of reliable data is limited and it is difficult to predict the numerous variables that can affect liability estimates, including the number of future claims, the cost to resolve claims, the disease mix and severity of disease in pending and future claims, the impact of the number of new claims filed in a particular jurisdiction and variations in the law in the jurisdictions in which claims are filed, the possible impact of tort reform efforts, the willingness of courts to allow plaintiffs to pursue claims against MLIC when exposure to asbestos took place after the dangers of asbestos exposure were well known, and the impact of any possible future adverse verdicts and their amounts.
 
The ability to make estimates regarding ultimate asbestos exposure declines significantly as the estimates relate to years further in the future. In the Company’s judgment, there is a future point after which losses cease to be probable and reasonably estimable. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s total exposure to asbestos claims may be materially greater than the asbestos liability currently accrued and that future charges to income may be necessary. To the extent the Company can estimate reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued, it has been included in the aggregate estimate of reasonably possible loss provided above. While the potential future charges could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded, based on information currently known by management, management does not believe any such charges are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.
 
The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for asbestos-related claims. MLIC’s recorded asbestos liability is based on its estimation of the following elements, as informed by the facts presently known to it, its understanding of current law and its past experiences: (i) the probable and reasonably estimable liability for asbestos claims already asserted against MLIC, including claims settled but not yet paid; (ii) the probable and reasonably estimable liability for asbestos claims not yet asserted against MLIC, but which MLIC believes are reasonably probable of assertion; and (iii) the legal defense costs associated with the foregoing claims. Significant assumptions underlying MLIC’s analysis of the adequacy of its recorded liability with respect to asbestos litigation include: (i) the number of future claims; (ii) the cost to resolve claims; and (iii) the cost to defend claims.
 
MLIC reevaluates on a quarterly and annual basis its exposure from asbestos litigation, including studying its claims experience, reviewing external literature regarding asbestos claims experience in the U.S., assessing relevant trends impacting asbestos liability and considering numerous variables that can affect its asbestos liability exposure on an overall or per claim basis. These variables include bankruptcies of other companies involved in asbestos litigation, legislative and judicial developments, the number of pending claims involving serious disease, the number of new claims filed against it and other defendants and the jurisdictions in which claims are pending. Based upon its regular reevaluation of its exposure from asbestos litigation, MLIC has updated its liability analysis for asbestos-related claims through September 30, 2011.
 
Regulatory Matters
 
The Company receives and responds to subpoenas or other inquiries from state regulators, including state insurance commissioners; state attorneys general or other state governmental authorities; federal regulators, including the SEC; federal governmental authorities, including congressional committees; and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) seeking a broad range of information. The issues involved in information requests and regulatory matters vary widely. The Company cooperates in these inquiries.
 
MetLife Bank Mortgage Servicing Regulatory and Law Enforcement Authorities’ Inquiries.  Since 2008, MetLife, through its affiliate, MetLife Bank, has significantly increased its mortgage servicing activities by acquiring servicing portfolios. Currently, MetLife Bank services approximately 1% of the aggregate principal amount of the mortgage loans serviced in the U.S. State and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities have initiated various inquiries, investigations or examinations of alleged irregularities in the foreclosure practices of the residential mortgage servicing industry. Mortgage servicing practices have also been the subject of


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Congressional attention. Authorities have publicly stated that the scope of the investigations extends beyond foreclosure documentation practices to include mortgage loan modification and loss mitigation practices.
 
MetLife Bank’s mortgage servicing has been the subject of recent inquiries and requests by such authorities. MetLife Bank is cooperating with the authorities’ review of this business. On April 13, 2011, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) entered into consent decrees with several banks, including MetLife Bank. The consent decrees require an independent review of foreclosure practices and set forth new residential mortgage servicing standards, including a requirement for a designated point of contact for a borrower during the loss mitigation process. In addition, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) entered into consent decrees with the affiliated bank holding companies of these banks, including MetLife, Inc., to enhance the supervision of the mortgage servicing activities of their banking subsidiaries. Neither of the consent decrees includes monetary penalties. In a press release, the Federal Reserve stated that it plans to announce monetary penalties with respect to the consent orders. The OCC stated in its press release that the actions do not preclude assessment of civil money penalties, which the OCC is holding in abeyance. MetLife Bank has also had an initial meeting with the Department of Justice regarding mortgage servicing and foreclosure practices.
 
These consent decrees, as well as the inquiries or investigations referred to above, could adversely affect MetLife’s reputation or result in material fines, penalties, equitable remedies or other enforcement actions, and result in significant legal costs in responding to governmental investigations or other litigation. In addition, the changes to the mortgage servicing business required by the consent decrees and the resolution of any other inquiries or investigations may affect the profitability of such business. The Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss arising from the MetLife Bank regulatory matters. Management believes that the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a whole will not be materially affected by the MetLife Bank regulatory matters.
 
United States of America v. EME Homer City Generation, L.P., et al. (W.D. Pa., filed January 4, 2011).  On January 4, 2011, the U.S. commenced a civil action in United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against EME Homer City Generation L.P. (“EME Homer City”), Homer City OL6 LLC, and other defendants regarding the operations of the Homer City Generating Station, an electricity generating facility. Homer City OL6 LLC, an entity owned by MLIC, is a passive investor with a noncontrolling interest in the electricity generating facility, which is solely operated by the lessee, EME Homer City. The complaint sought injunctive relief and assessment of civil penalties for alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act and Pennsylvania’s State Implementation Plan. The alleged violations were the subject of Notices of Violations (“NOVs”) that the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued to EME Homer City, Homer City OL6 LLC, and others in June 2008 and May 2010. On January 7, 2011, the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania granted the motion by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the State of New York to intervene in the lawsuit as additional plaintiffs. On February 16, 2011, the State of New Jersey filed an Intervenor’s Complaint in the lawsuit. On January 7, 2011, two plaintiffs filed a putative class action titled Scott Jackson and Maria Jackson v. EME Homer City Generation L.P., et al. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on behalf of a putative class of persons who have allegedly incurred damage to their persons and/or property because of the violations alleged in the action brought by the U.S. Homer City OL6 LLC is a defendant in this action. On October 12, 2011, the court issued an order dismissing the Government’s lawsuit with prejudice. On October 13, 2011, the court issued an order dismissing the federal claims in the putative class actions with prejudice and dismissing the state law claims in the putative class actions without prejudice to re-file in state court. EME Homer City has acknowledged its obligation to indemnify Homer City OL6 LLC for any claims relating to the NOVs. Due to the acknowledged indemnification obligation, this matter is not included in the aggregate estimate of range of reasonably possible loss.
 
In the Matter of Chemform, Inc. Site, Pompano Beach, Broward County, Florida.  In July 2010, the EPA advised MLIC that it believed payments were due under two settlement agreements, known as “Administrative Orders on Consent,” that New England Mutual Life Insurance Company (“New England Mutual”) signed in 1989


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and 1992 with respect to the cleanup of a Superfund site in Florida (the “Chemform Site”). The EPA originally contacted MLIC (as successor to New England Mutual) and a third party in 2001, and advised that they owed additional clean-up costs for the Chemform Site. The matter was not resolved at that time. The EPA is requesting payment of an amount under $1 million from MLIC and such third party for past costs and an additional amount for future environmental testing costs at the Chemform Site. The Company estimates that the aggregate cost to resolve this matter will not exceed $1 million.
 
Unclaimed Property Inquiries.  More than 30 U.S. jurisdictions are auditing MetLife, Inc. and certain of its affiliates for compliance with unclaimed property laws. Additionally, MLIC and certain of its affiliates have received subpoenas and other regulatory inquiries from certain regulators and other officials relating to claims-payment practices and compliance with unclaimed property laws. An examination of these practices by the Illinois Department of Insurance has been converted into a multistate targeted market conduct exam. On July 5, 2011, the New York Insurance Department issued a letter requiring life insurers doing business in New York to use data available on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or a similar database to identify instances where death benefits under life insurance policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts are payable, to locate and pay beneficiaries under such contracts, and to report the results of the use of the data. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries, may join the multistate market conduct exam, or issue directives similar to the New York Insurance Department’s letter. In the third quarter of 2011, the Company incurred a $117 million after tax charge to increase reserves in connection with the Company’s use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File and similar databases to identify potential life insurance claims that have not yet been presented to the Company. It is possible that the audits, market conduct exam, and related activity may result in additional payments to beneficiaries, additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws, administrative penalties, interest, and changes to the Company’s procedures for the identification and escheatment of abandoned property. The Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible amount of any such additional payments or the reasonably possible cost of any such changes in procedures, but it is possible that such costs may be substantial.
 
Sales Practices Regulatory Matters.  Regulatory authorities in a small number of states and FINRA, and occasionally the SEC, have had investigations or inquiries relating to sales of individual life insurance policies or annuities or other products by MLIC, MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, New England Life Insurance Company and General American Life Insurance Company, and four Company broker-dealers, which are MetLife Securities, Inc., New England Securities Corporation, Walnut Street Securities, Inc. and Tower Square Securities, Inc. These investigations often focus on the conduct of particular financial services representatives and the sale of unregistered or unsuitable products or the misuse of client assets. Over the past several years, these and a number of investigations by other regulatory authorities were resolved for monetary payments and certain other relief, including restitution payments. The Company may continue to resolve investigations in a similar manner. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for these sales practices-related investigations or inquiries.
 
Total Control Accounts Litigation
 
MLIC is a defendant in lawsuits related to its use of retained asset accounts, known as Total Control Accounts (“TCA”), as a settlement option for death benefits. The lawsuits include claims of breach of contract, breach of a common law fiduciary duty or a quasi-fiduciary duty such as a confidential or special relationship, or breach of a fiduciary duty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).
 
Clark, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (D. Nev., filed March 28, 2008).  This putative class action lawsuit alleges breach of contract and breach of a common law fiduciary and/or quasi-fiduciary duty arising from use of the TCA to pay life insurance policy death benefits. As damages, plaintiffs seek disgorgement of the difference between the interest paid to the account holders and the investment earnings on the assets backing the accounts. In March 2009, the court granted in part and denied in part MLIC’s motion to dismiss, dismissing the


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fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment claims but allowing a breach of contract claim and a special or confidential relationship claim to go forward. On September 9, 2010, the court granted MLIC’s motion for summary judgment. Plaintiffs appealed this order to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which will hear oral argument on the appeal on November 17, 2011.
 
Faber, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (S.D.N.Y., filed December 4, 2008).  This putative class action lawsuit alleges that MLIC’s use of the TCA as the settlement option under group life insurance policies violates MLIC’s fiduciary duties under ERISA. As damages, plaintiffs seek disgorgement of the difference between the interest paid to the account holders and the investment earnings on the assets backing the accounts. On October 23, 2009, the court granted MLIC’s motion to dismiss with prejudice. On August 5, 2011, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the dismissal of the complaint. Plaintiffs have filed a petition for a rehearing or rehearing en banc with the Second Circuit.
 
Keife, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (D. Nev., filed in state court on July 30, 2010 and removed to federal court on September 7, 2010).  This putative class action lawsuit raises a breach of contract claim arising from MLIC’s use of the TCA to pay life insurance benefits under the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance program. As damages, plaintiffs seek disgorgement of the difference between the interest paid to the account holders and the investment earnings on the assets backing the accounts. In September 2010, plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification of the breach of contract claim, which the court has stayed. On April 28, 2011, the court denied MLIC’s motion to dismiss.
 
The Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss arising from the TCA matters.
 
Other U.S. Litigation
 
Roberts, et al. v. Tishman Speyer Properties, et al. (Sup. Ct., N.Y. County, filed January 22, 2007).  This lawsuit was filed by a putative class of market rate tenants at Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village against parties including Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company (“MTL”) and Metropolitan Insurance and Annuity Company. Metropolitan Insurance and Annuity Company has merged into MTL and no longer exists as a separate entity. These tenants claim that MTL, as former owner, and the current owner improperly deregulated apartments while receiving J-51 tax abatements. The lawsuit seeks declaratory relief and damages for rent overcharges. Although the tenants allege over $200 million in damages in the complaint, MTL strongly disputes the tenants’ damages amounts. In October 2009, the New York State Court of Appeals issued an opinion denying MTL’s motion to dismiss the complaint. The lawsuit has returned to the trial court where MTL continues to vigorously defend against the claims. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for this lawsuit. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s total exposure may be greater than the liability currently accrued and that future charges to income may be necessary. Management believes that the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a whole will not be materially affected by any such future charges.
 
Merrill Haviland, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (E.D. Mich., removed to federal court on July 22, 2011).  This lawsuit was filed by 45 retired General Motors (“GM”) employees against MLIC and includes claims for conversion, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraudulent insurance acts, and unfair trade practices, based upon GM’s 2009 reduction of the employees’ life insurance coverage under GM’s ERISA-governed plan. The complaint includes a count seeking class action status. MLIC is the insurer of GM’s group life insurance plan and administers claims under the plan. According to the complaint, MLIC had previously provided plaintiffs with a “written guarantee” that their life insurance benefits under the GM plan would not be reduced for the rest of their lives. MLIC has removed the case to federal court based upon complete ERISA preemption of the state law claims and on September 19, 2011, filed a motion to dismiss.


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Sales Practices Claims.  Over the past several years, the Company has faced numerous claims, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, mutual funds or other products. Some of the current cases seek substantial damages, including punitive and treble damages and attorneys’ fees. The Company continues to vigorously defend against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters.
 
International Litigation
 
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co. (Super. Ct., Ontario, October 2006).  In 2006, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (“Sun Life”), as successor to the purchaser of MLIC’s Canadian operations, filed this lawsuit in Toronto, seeking a declaration that MLIC remains liable for “market conduct claims” related to certain individual life insurance policies sold by MLIC and that have been transferred to Sun Life. Sun Life had asked that the court require MLIC to indemnify Sun Life for these claims pursuant to indemnity provisions in the sale agreement for the sale of MLIC’s Canadian operations entered into in June of 1998. In January 2010, the court found that Sun Life had given timely notice of its claim for indemnification but, because it found that Sun Life had not yet incurred an indemnifiable loss, granted MLIC’s motion for summary judgment. Both parties appealed. In September 2010, Sun Life notified MLIC that a purported class action lawsuit was filed against Sun Life in Toronto, Kang v. Sun Life Assurance Co. (Super. Ct., Ontario, September 2010), alleging sales practices claims regarding the same individual policies sold by MLIC and transferred to Sun Life. An amended class action complaint in that case was served on Sun Life, again without naming MLIC as a party. In August, 2011, Sun Life notified MLIC that a purported class action lawsuit was filed against Sun Life in Vancouver, Alamwala v. Sun Life Assurance Co. (Sup. Ct., British Columbia, August 2011), alleging sales practices claims regarding certain of the same policies sold by MLIC and transferred to Sun Life. Sun Life contends that MLIC is obligated to indemnify Sun Life for some or all of the claims in these lawsuits. The Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss arising from this litigation.
 
Italy Fund Redemption Suspension Complaints and Litigation.  As a result of suspension of withdrawals and diminution in value in certain funds offered within certain unit-linked policies sold by the Italian branch of Alico Life International, Ltd. (“ALIL”), a number of policyholders invested in those funds have either commenced or threatened litigation against ALIL, alleging misrepresentation, inadequate disclosures and other related claims. These policyholders contacted ALIL beginning in July 2009 alleging that the funds operated at variance to the published prospectus and that prospectus risk disclosures were allegedly wrong, unclear, and misleading. The limited number of lawsuits that have been filed to date have either been resolved or are proceeding through litigation. In March 2011, ALIL began implementing a plan to resolve policyholder claims. Under the plan, ALIL will provide liquidity to the suspended funds so that policyholders may withdraw investments in these funds, and ALIL will offer policyholders amounts in addition to the liquidation value of the suspended funds based on the performance of other relevant financial products. The settlement program achieved a 96% acceptance rate. Those policyholders who did not accept the settlement may still pursue other remedies or commence individual litigation. The formal investigation opened by the Milan public prosecutor, into the actions of ALIL employees, as well as of employees of ALIL’s major distributor, has been dismissed by the court. Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement dated as of March 7, 2010, as amended, by and among MetLife, Inc., AIG and AM Holdings, AIG has agreed to indemnify MetLife, Inc. and its affiliates for third party claims and regulatory fines associated with ALIL’s suspended funds. Due to the acknowledged indemnification obligation, this matter is not included in the aggregate estimate of range of reasonably possible loss.
 
Summary
 
Putative or certified class action litigation and other litigation and claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not


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limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, mortgage lending bank, employer, investor, investment advisor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.
 
It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material 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 large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
 
Commitments
 
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments
 
The Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $3.8 billion at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. 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 $6.3 billion and $2.5 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The Company intends to sell the majority of these originated residential mortgage loans. Interest rate lock commitments to fund mortgage loans that will be held-for-sale are considered derivatives and their estimated fair value and notional amounts are included within interest rate forwards. See Note 4.
 
The Company also commits to lend funds under certain other mortgage loan commitments that will be held-for-investment. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $3.7 billion and $3.8 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Commitments to Fund Bank Credit Facilities, Bridge Loans and Private Corporate Bond Investments
 
The Company commits to lend funds under bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.9 billion and $2.4 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Guarantees
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company did not record any additional liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments. The Company’s recorded liabilities were $5 million at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 for indemnities, guarantees and commitments.
 
10.   Employee Benefit Plans
 
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Certain subsidiaries of the Holding Company (the “Subsidiaries”) sponsor and/or administer various U.S. 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


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provide certain postemployment benefits and certain postretirement medical and life insurance benefits for retired employees. The Subsidiaries have issued group annuity and life insurance contracts supporting approximately 99% of all U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets, which are invested primarily in separate accounts sponsored by the Subsidiaries.
 
In connection with the Acquisition, the Company acquired certain pension plans sponsored by American Life. The net periodic benefit costs and related amortizations from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into the costs associated with these plans are included in the disclosure below.
 
Measurement dates used for all of the Subsidiaries’ defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans correspond with the fiscal year ends of sponsoring Subsidiaries, which are December 31 for most Subsidiaries and November 30 for American Life.
 
The components of net periodic benefit costs were as follows:
 
                                                                 
    Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
    Three Months
    Nine Months
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,     September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Service costs
  $ 64     $ 45     $ 190     $ 133     $ 4     $ 4     $ 13     $ 13  
Interest costs
    104       99       314       298       27       28       81       84  
Expected return on plan assets
    (112 )     (113 )     (339 )     (337 )     (19 )     (19 )     (58 )     (59 )
Settlement and curtailment costs
          1             8                          
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses
    49       49       146       147       11       9       32       28  
Amortization of prior service costs (credit)
    1       2       3       5       (27 )     (21 )     (81 )     (62 )
                                                                 
Net periodic benefit costs
  $ 106     $ 83     $ 314     $ 254     $ (4 )   $ 1     $ (13 )   $ 4  
                                                                 
 
The components of net periodic benefit costs amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
 
                                                                 
    Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
    Three Months
    Nine Months
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,     September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses
  $ 49     $ 49     $ 146     $ 147     $ 11     $ 9     $ 32     $ 28  
Amortization of prior service costs (credit)
    1       2       3       5       (27 )     (21 )     (81 )     (62 )
                                                                 
Subtotal
    50       51       149       152       (16 )     (12 )     (49 )     (34 )
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
    (18 )     (17 )     (52 )     (53 )     6       3       17       29  
                                                                 
Components of net periodic benefit costs amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax
  $ 32     $ 34     $ 97     $ 99     $ (10 )   $ (9 )   $ (32 )   $ (5 )
                                                                 
 
As disclosed in Note 17 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report, no contributions are required to be made to the Subsidiaries’ U.S. qualified pension plans during 2011; however, during the third quarter of 2011, $200 million of discretionary contributions were made by the Subsidiaries to those plans. The Subsidiaries do not expect to make any further discretionary contributions to


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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
the U.S. pension plans during 2011. The Subsidiaries fund benefit payments for their U.S. non-qualified pension and other postretirement plans as due through their general assets. At September 30, 2011, $43 million have been contributed to its non-U.S. pension plans.
 
11.   Equity
 
Convertible Preferred Stock
 
In connection with the financing of the Acquisition, in November 2010, MetLife, Inc. issued to AM Holdings 6,857,000 shares of convertible preferred stock with a $0.01 par value per share, a liquidation preference of $0.01 per share, and a fair value of $2,805 million. On March 8, 2011, MetLife, Inc. repurchased and canceled all of the convertible preferred stock for $2,951 million in cash, which resulted in a preferred stock redemption premium of $146 million. See Note 2.
 
Common Stock
 
On March 8, 2011, MetLife, Inc. issued 68,570,000 new shares of its common stock at a price of $43.25 per share for gross proceeds of $3.0 billion. In connection with the offering of common stock, MetLife, Inc. incurred $16 million of issuance costs which have been recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. The proceeds were used to repurchase the convertible preferred stock issued to AM Holdings in November 2010. See Note 2.
 
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
 
Payout of 2008 — 2010 Performance Shares
 
Performance Shares are units that, if they vest, are multiplied by a performance factor to produce a number of final Performance Shares which are payable in shares of MetLife, Inc. common stock. Performance Shares are accounted for as equity awards, but are not credited with dividend-equivalents for actual dividends paid on MetLife, Inc. common stock during the performance period. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of Performance Shares is based upon the closing price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends to be paid on that stock during the performance period.
 
Performance Share awards normally vest in their entirety at the end of the three-year performance period. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who are retirement eligible and in certain other limited circumstances. Vested Performance Shares are multiplied by a performance factor of 0.0 to 2.0 based largely on MetLife, Inc.’s performance in change in annual net operating earnings and total shareholder return over the applicable three-year performance period compared to the performance of its competitors.
 
The performance factor was 0.90 for the January 1, 2008 — December 31, 2010 performance period. This factor has been applied to the 824,825 Performance Shares associated with that performance period that vested on December 31, 2010 and, as a result, 742,343 shares of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock (less withholding for taxes and other items, as applicable) were issued (aside from shares that payees earlier chose to defer) during the second quarter of 2011.


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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
12.   Other Expenses
 
Information on other expenses was as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
          (In millions)        
 
Compensation
  $ 1,326     $ 831     $ 3,982     $ 2,553  
Pension, postretirement & postemployment benefit costs
    99       98       289       285  
Commissions
    1,771       870       4,774       2,509  
Volume-related costs
    109       93       283       286  
Interest credited to bank deposits
    26       33       72       108  
Capitalization of DAC
    (1,852 )     (766 )     (5,119 )     (2,255 )
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    1,858       573       4,295       2,184  
Amortization of negative VOBA
    (170 )           (536 )      
Interest expense on debt and debt issue costs
    425       397       1,260       1,136  
Premium taxes, licenses & fees
    206       132       483       382  
Professional services
    336       255       1,019       684  
Rent, net of sublease income
    99       75       319       221  
Other
    780       398       2,289       1,237  
                                 
Total other expenses
  $ 5,013     $ 2,989     $ 13,410     $ 9,330  
                                 
 
Costs Related to the Acquisition
 
See Note 2 for transaction and integration-related expenses related to the Acquisition which were included in other expenses.


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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
13.   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
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions, except share and per share data)  
 
Weighted Average Shares:
                               
Weighted average common stock outstanding for basic earnings
                               
per common share
    1,060,199,513       875,782,191       1,059,253,798       840,375,518  
Incremental common shares from assumed:
                               
Stock purchase contracts underlying common equity units (1)
                2,188,593        
Exercise or issuance of stock-based awards
    6,001,186       7,317,973       7,221,794       6,950,540  
                                 
Weighted average common stock outstanding for diluted
                               
earnings per common share
    1,066,200,699       883,100,164       1,068,664,185       847,326,058  
                                 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations:
                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  $ 3,572     $ 317     $ 5,825     $ 2,681  
Less: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (6 )     4       (6 )     (7 )
Less: Preferred stock dividends
    30       30       91       91  
Preferred stock redemption premium
                146        
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax,
                               
available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
  $ 3,548     $ 283     $ 5,594     $ 2,597  
                                 
Basic
  $ 3.35     $ 0.33     $ 5.29     $ 3.09  
                                 
Diluted
  $ 3.33     $ 0.32     $ 5.24     $ 3.07  
                                 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations:
                               
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax
  $ 4     $ 3     $ (6 )   $ 20  
Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
                       
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
  $ 4     $ 3     $ (6 )   $ 20  
                                 
Basic
  $     $     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.02  
                                 
Diluted
  $     $     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.02  
                                 
Net Income (Loss):
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 3,576     $ 320     $ 5,819     $ 2,701  
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (6 )     4       (6 )     (7 )
Less: Preferred stock dividends
    30       30       91       91  
Preferred stock redemption premium
                146        
                                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common
                               
shareholders
  $ 3,552     $ 286     $ 5,588     $ 2,617  
                                 
Basic
  $ 3.35     $ 0.33     $ 5.28     $ 3.11  
                                 
Diluted
  $ 3.33     $ 0.32     $ 5.23     $ 3.09  
                                 
 
 
(1) See Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for a description of the Company’s common equity units.


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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
14.   Business Segment Information
 
MetLife is organized into six segments: Insurance Products, Retirement Products, Corporate Benefit Funding and Auto & Home (collectively, “U.S. Business”), and Japan and Other International Regions (collectively, “International”). In the first quarter of 2011, the Company began reporting the results from its international operations in two separate segments to reflect a change in the manner in which the financial results are reviewed and evaluated by executive management. The assets, liabilities and the operating results relating to the Acquisition are included in the Japan and Other International Regions segments. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Banking, Corporate & Other, which includes MetLife Bank and other business activities. Prior period results have been adjusted to conform to this revised presentation of segments.
 
Insurance Products offers a broad range of protection products and services to individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, and is organized into three distinct businesses: Group Life, Individual Life and Non-Medical Health. Group Life insurance products and services include variable life, universal life and term life products. Individual Life insurance products and services include variable life, universal life, term life and whole life products. Non-Medical Health products and services include dental insurance, short- and long-term disability, long-term care and other insurance products. Retirement Products offers asset accumulation and income products, including a wide variety of annuities. Corporate Benefit Funding offers pension risk solutions, structured settlements, stable value and investment products and other benefit funding products. Auto & Home provides personal lines property and casualty insurance, including private passenger automobile, homeowners and personal excess liability insurance. In the fourth quarter of 2010, management realigned certain income annuity products within the Company’s segments to better conform to the way it manages and assesses its business and began reporting such product results in the Retirement Products segment. Such products were previously reported in the Corporate Benefit Funding segment. Accordingly, prior period results for these segments have been adjusted by $7 million of operating earnings, net of $4 million of income tax, and $18 million of operating earnings, net of $10 million of income tax, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, to reflect such product reclassifications.
 
Japan life insurance products include whole life, term life, variable life and universal life products. Japan also provides accident and health insurance, fixed and variable annuities and endowment products. These products are offered to both individuals and groups. Other International Regions provides life insurance, accident and health insurance, non-medical health insurance, credit insurance, annuities, endowment and retirement & savings products to both individuals and groups.
 
Banking, Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments, the results of operations of MetLife Bank, the internal resource costs for associates committed to the Acquisition, various start-up entities 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. Banking, Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts, which generally relate to intersegment loans, which bear interest rates commensurate with related borrowings.
 
Operating earnings is the measure of segment profit or loss the Company uses to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources and, consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, it is the Company’s measure of segment performance and is reported below. Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax. The Company believes the presentation of operating earnings as the Company measures it for management purposes enhances the understanding of its performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business.
 
Operating earnings is defined as operating revenues less operating expenses, both net of income tax.


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Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Operating revenues exclude net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses). The following additional adjustments are made to GAAP revenues, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating revenues:
 
  •  Universal life and investment-type product policy fees exclude the amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity GMIB fees (“GMIB Fees”);
 
  •  Net investment income: (i) includes amounts for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, (ii) includes income from discontinued real estate operations, (iii) excludes post-tax operating earnings adjustments relating to insurance joint ventures accounted for under the equity method, (iv) excludes certain amounts related to contractholder-directed unit- linked investments, and (v) excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and
 
  •  Other revenues are adjusted for settlements of foreign currency earnings hedges.
 
The following adjustments are made to GAAP expenses, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating expenses:
 
  •  Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends exclude: (i) changes in the policyholder dividend obligation related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) inflation-indexed benefit adjustments associated with contracts backed by inflation-indexed investments and amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets, (iii) benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”), and (iv) market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”);
 
  •  Interest credited to policyholder account balances includes adjustments for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of policyholder account balances but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and excludes amounts related to net investment income earned on contractholder-directed unit-linked investments;
 
  •  Amortization of DAC and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) excludes amounts related to: (i) net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs, and (iii) Market Value Adjustments;
 
  •  Amortization of negative VOBA excludes amounts related to Market Value Adjustments;
 
  •  Interest expense on debt excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and
 
  •  Other expenses exclude costs related to: (i) noncontrolling interests, (ii) implementation of new insurance regulatory requirements, and (iii) business combinations.
 
In the first quarter of 2011, management modified its definition of operating earnings to exclude impacts related to certain variable annuity guarantees and Market Value Adjustments to better conform to the way it manages and assesses its business. Accordingly, such results are no longer reported in operating earnings. Consequently, prior period results for Retirement Products and total consolidated operating earnings have been increased by $82 million, net of $44 million of income tax, and $11 million, net of $6 million of income tax, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
 
Set forth in the tables below is certain financial information with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Banking, Corporate & Other for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. 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.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Economic capital is an internally developed risk capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model accounts for the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s business.
 
Effective January 1, 2011, the Company updated its economic capital model to align segment allocated equity with emerging standards and consistent risk principles. Such changes to the Company’s economic capital model are applied prospectively. Segment net investment income is also credited or charged based on the level of allocated equity; however, changes in allocated equity do not impact the Company’s consolidated net investment income, operating earnings or income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax.


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                                                 
    Operating Earnings              
    U.S. Business     International                          
                Corporate
    Auto
                Other
          Banking,
                   
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    &
                International
          Corporate
                Total
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011   Products     Products     Funding     Home     Total     Japan     Regions     Total     & Other     Total     Adjustments     Consolidated  
                                  (In millions)                                
 
Revenues
                                                                                               
Premiums
  $ 4,159     $ 393     $ 724     $ 760     $ 6,036     $ 1,601     $ 1,702     $ 3,303     $ 3     $ 9,342     $     $ 9,342  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    566       620       69             1,255       220       433       653             1,908       90       1,998  
Net investment income
    1,526       800       1,289       50       3,665       540       550       1,090       297       5,052       (795 )     4,257  
Other revenues
    216       77       61       8       362       5       40       45       308       715       5       720  
Net investment gains (losses)
                                                                (55 )     (55 )
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                                                4,196       4,196  
                                                                                                 
Total revenues
    6,467       1,890       2,143       818       11,318       2,366       2,725       5,091       608       17,017       3,441       20,458  
                                                                                                 
Expenses
                                                                                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    4,816       585       1,287       613       7,301       999       1,315       2,314       4       9,619       (218 )     9,401  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    255       408       327             990       401       146       547             1,537       (799 )     738  
Interest credited to bank deposits
                                                    26       26             26  
Capitalization of DAC
    (213 )     (478 )     (6 )     (121 )     (818 )     (619 )     (415 )     (1,034 )           (1,852 )           (1,852 )
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    186       347       4       114       651       318       268       586             1,237       621       1,858  
Amortization of negative VOBA
                                  (135 )     (16 )     (151 )           (151 )     (19 )     (170 )
Interest expense on debt
                2             2                         326       328       97       425  
Other expenses
    1,016       867       126       200       2,209       909       1,074       1,983       438       4,630       96       4,726  
                                                                                                 
Total expenses
    6,060       1,729       1,740       806       10,335       1,873       2,372       4,245       794       15,374       (222 )     15,152  
                                                                                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    142       57       139       (10 )     328       178       90       268       (162 )     434       1,300       1,734  
                                                                                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 265     $ 104     $ 264     $ 22     $ 655     $ 315     $ 263     $ 578     $ (24 )     1,209                  
                                                                                                 
Adjustments to:
                                                                                               
Total revenues
    3,441                  
Total expenses
    222                  
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    (1,300 )                
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  $ 3,572             $ 3,572  
                         


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                                                 
    Operating Earnings              
    U.S. Business     International                          
                Corporate
    Auto
                Other
          Banking,
                   
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    &
                International
          Corporate
                Total
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010   Products     Products     Funding     Home     Total     Japan     Regions     Total     & Other     Total     Adjustments     Consolidated  
                                        (In millions)                          
 
Revenues
                                                                                               
Premiums
  $ 4,234     $ 227     $ 402     $ 740     $ 5,603     $     $ 878     $ 878     $ 3     $ 6,484     $     $ 6,484  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    539       500       58             1,097             301       301             1,398       54       1,452  
Net investment income
    1,515       856       1,216       51       3,638             451       451       225       4,314       50       4,364  
Other revenues
    185       56       59       8       308             7       7       309       624             624  
Net investment gains (losses)
                                                                (342 )     (342 )
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                                                (244 )     (244 )
                                                                                                 
Total revenues
    6,473       1,639       1,735       799       10,646             1,637       1,637       537       12,820       (482 )     12,338  
                                                                                                 
Expenses
                                                                                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    4,685       378       963       506       6,532             763       763       (4 )     7,291       409       7,700  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    243       394       380             1,017             242       242             1,259       5       1,264  
Interest credited to bank deposits
                                                    33       33             33  
Capitalization of DAC
    (204 )     (270 )     (6 )     (118 )     (598 )           (168 )     (168 )           (766 )           (766 )
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    221       153       4       110       488             104       104       (1 )     591       (18 )     573  
Amortization of negative VOBA
                                                                       
Interest expense on debt
          2       1             3             (1 )     (1 )     292       294       103       397  
Other expenses
    998       615       113       200       1,926             506       506       278       2,710       42       2,752  
                                                                                                 
Total expenses
    5,943       1,272       1,455       698       9,368             1,446       1,446       598       11,412       541       11,953  
                                                                                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    185       129       98       20       432             2       2       (14 )     420       (352 )     68  
                                                                                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 345     $ 238     $ 182     $ 81     $ 846     $     $ 189     $ 189     $ (47 )     988                  
                                                                                                 
Adjustments to:
                                                                                               
Total revenues
    (482 )                
Total expenses
    (541 )                
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    352                  
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  $ 317             $ 317  
                         


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                                                 
    Operating Earnings              
    U.S. Business     International                          
                Corporate
    Auto
                Other
          Banking,
                   
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    &
                International
          Corporate
                Total
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011   Products     Products     Funding     Home     Total     Japan     Regions     Total     & Other     Total     Adjustments     Consolidated  
                                  (In millions)                                
 
Revenues
                                                                                               
Premiums
  $ 12,619     $ 839     $ 1,796     $ 2,243     $ 17,497     $ 4,720     $ 4,966     $ 9,686     $ 7     $ 27,190     $     $ 27,190  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    1,695       1,828       181             3,704       609       1,339       1,948             5,652       204       5,856  
Net investment income
    4,627       2,378       3,925       154       11,084       1,496       1,510       3,006       924       15,014       (345 )     14,669  
Other revenues
    620       227       182       23       1,052       18       108       126       692       1,870       8       1,878  
Net investment gains (losses)
                                                                (309 )     (309 )
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                                                4,233       4,233  
                                                                                                 
Total revenues
    19,561       5,272       6,084       2,420       33,337       6,843       7,923       14,766       1,623       49,726       3,791       53,517  
                                                                                                 
Expenses
                                                                                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    14,115       1,362       3,400       1,864       20,741       2,967       3,635       6,602       7       27,350       147       27,497  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    742       1,196       992             2,930       1,158       441       1,599             4,529       (425 )     4,104  
Interest credited to bank deposits
                                                    72       72             72  
Capitalization of DAC
    (643 )     (1,195 )     (24 )     (343 )     (2,205 )     (1,660 )     (1,254 )     (2,914 )           (5,119 )           (5,119 )
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    631       783       14       336       1,764       981       868       1,849             3,613       682       4,295  
Amortization of negative VOBA
                                  (422 )     (57 )     (479 )           (479 )     (57 )     (536 )
Interest expense on debt
          1       6             7             2       2       970       979       281       1,260  
Other expenses
    3,079       2,329       363       591       6,362       2,502       3,185       5,687       1,086       13,135       303       13,438  
                                                                                                 
Total expenses
    17,924       4,476       4,751       2,448       29,599       5,526       6,820       12,346       2,135       44,080       931       45,011  
                                                                                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    573       279       466       (51 )     1,267       467       301       768       (406 )     1,629       1,052       2,681  
                                                                                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 1,064     $ 517     $ 867     $ 23     $ 2,471     $ 850     $ 802     $ 1,652     $ (106 )     4,017                  
                                                                                                 
Adjustments to:
                                                                                               
Total revenues
    3,791                  
Total expenses
    (931 )                
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    (1,052 )                
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  $ 5,825             $ 5,825  
                         


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                                                 
    Operating Earnings              
    U.S. Business     International                          
                Corporate
    Auto
                Other
          Banking,
                   
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    &
                International
          Corporate
                Total
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010   Products     Products     Funding     Home     Total     Japan     Regions     Total     & Other     Total     Adjustments     Consolidated  
                                  (In millions)                                
 
Revenues
                                                                                               
Premiums
  $ 12,874     $ 730     $ 1,547     $ 2,177     $ 17,328     $     $ 2,522     $ 2,522     $ 6     $ 19,856     $     $ 19,856  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    1,634       1,474       169             3,277             902       902             4,179       160       4,339  
Net investment income
    4,514       2,550       3,641       156       10,861             1,153       1,153       691       12,705       40       12,745  
Other revenues
    562       159       181       14       916             12       12       753       1,681             1,681  
Net investment gains (losses)
                                                                (324 )     (324 )
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                                                1,278       1,278  
                                                                                                 
Total revenues
    19,584       4,913       5,538       2,347       32,382             4,589       4,589       1,450       38,421       1,154       39,575  
                                                                                                 
Expenses
                                                                                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    14,253       1,207       3,115       1,506       20,081             2,279       2,279       (11 )     22,349       510       22,859  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    714       1,205       1,099             3,018             433       433             3,451       3       3,454  
Interest credited to bank deposits
                                                    108       108             108  
Capitalization of DAC
    (627 )     (766 )     (17 )     (339 )     (1,749 )           (506 )     (506 )           (2,255 )           (2,255 )
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    666       594       12       328       1,600             313       313       (1 )     1,912       272       2,184  
Amortization of negative VOBA
                                                                       
Interest expense on debt
          4       3             7             2       2       815       824       312       1,136  
Other expenses
    3,021       1,784       346       572       5,723             1,489       1,489       825       8,037       120       8,157  
                                                                                                 
Total expenses
    18,027       4,028       4,558       2,067       28,680             4,010       4,010       1,736       34,426       1,217       35,643  
                                                                                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    545       310       343       54       1,252             101       101       (185 )     1,168       83       1,251  
                                                                                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 1,012     $ 575     $ 637     $ 226     $ 2,450     $     $ 478     $ 478     $ (101 )     2,827                  
                                                                                                 
Adjustments to:
                                                                                               
Total revenues
    1,154                  
Total expenses
    (1,217 )                
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    (83 )                
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  $ 2,681             $ 2,681  
                         


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Banking, Corporate & Other, at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
U.S. Business:
               
Insurance Products
  $ 148,629     $ 141,366  
Retirement Products
    185,010       177,045  
Corporate Benefit Funding
    186,741       172,929  
Auto & Home
    5,965       5,541  
                 
Total
    526,345       496,881  
                 
International:
               
Japan
    104,493       87,416  
Other International Regions
    68,351       77,579  
                 
Total
    172,844       164,995  
Banking, Corporate & Other
    86,041       69,030  
                 
Total
  $ 785,230     $ 730,906  
                 
 
Net investment income is based upon the actual results of each segment’s specifically identifiable asset portfolio adjusted for allocated equity. Other costs are allocated to each of the segments based upon: (i) a review of the nature of such costs; (ii) time studies analyzing the amount of employee compensation costs incurred by each segment; and (iii) cost estimates included in the Company’s product pricing.
 
Operating revenues from U.S. operations were $11.7 billion and $34.2 billion for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, each of which represented 69% of consolidated operating revenues. Operating revenues from U.S. operations were $11.1 billion and $33.3 billion for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, each of which represented 87% of consolidated operating revenues.
 
15.   Discontinued Operations
 
Real Estate
 
The Company actively manages its real estate portfolio with the objective of maximizing earnings through selective acquisitions and dispositions. Income related to real estate classified as held-for-sale or sold is presented in discontinued operations. These assets are carried at the lower of depreciated cost or estimated fair value less expected disposition costs. Income (loss) from discontinued real estate operations, net of income tax, was $15 million and $65 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and ($5) million and $5 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
 
The carrying value of real estate related to discontinued operations was $7 million and $141 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Operations
 
During the first quarter of 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary, MetLife Taiwan, to a third party. See Note 2. The following tables present the amounts related to the operations and financial position of MetLife Taiwan, as well as the impairment loss on the Company’s investment in MetLife Taiwan, that have been reflected as discontinued operations in the interim condensed consolidated


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MetLife, Inc.
 
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
statements of operations and as assets and liabilities held-for-sale in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
          (In millions)        
 
Total revenues
  $ 101     $ 102     $ 337     $ 296  
Total expenses
    115       98       329       282  
                                 
Income (loss) before provision for income tax
    (14 )     4       8       14  
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    (3 )     2       5       5  
                                 
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued operations, net of income tax
    (11 )     2       3       9  
Net investment gain (loss), net of income tax
                (74 )      
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax
  $ (11 )   $ 2     $ (71 )   $ 9  
                                 
 
                 
    September 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
    (In millions)
 
Total assets held-for-sale
  $ 3,421     $ 3,331  
Total liabilities held-for-sale
  $ 3,221     $ 3,043  
Major classes of assets and liabilities included above:
               
Total investments
  $ 3,089     $ 2,726  
Total future policy benefits
  $ 2,661     $ 2,461  
 
16.   Subsequent Event
 
On October 25, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an annual dividend for 2011 of $0.74 per common share payable on December 14, 2011 to stockholders of record as of November 9, 2011. The Company estimates the aggregate dividend payment to be $787 million.


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Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
For purposes of this discussion, “MetLife,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999 (the “Holding Company”), its subsidiaries and affiliates. Following this summary is a discussion addressing the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of the Company for the periods indicated. This discussion should be read in conjunction with MetLife, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as amended by MetLife, Inc.’s Form 10-K/A dated March 1, 2011 (as amended, the “2010 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. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. See “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
 
The following discussion includes references to our performance measures, operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders, that are not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Operating earnings is the measure of segment profit or loss we use to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources and, consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, it is our measure of segment performance. Operating earnings is also a measure by which our senior management’s and many other employees’ performance is evaluated for the purposes of determining their compensation under applicable compensation plans.
 
Operating earnings is defined as operating revenues less operating expenses, both net of income tax. Operating earnings available to common shareholders is defined as operating earnings less preferred stock dividends.
 
Operating revenues exclude net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses). The following additional adjustments are made to GAAP revenues, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating revenues:
 
  •  Universal life and investment-type product policy fees exclude the amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) fees (“GMIB Fees”);
 
  •  Net investment income: (i) includes amounts for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, (ii) includes income from discontinued real estate operations, (iii) excludes post-tax operating earnings adjustments relating to insurance joint ventures accounted for under the equity method, (iv) excludes certain amounts related to contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, and (v) excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) consolidated under GAAP; and
 
  •  Other revenues are adjusted for settlements of foreign currency earnings hedges.
 
The following adjustments are made to GAAP expenses, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating expenses:
 
  •  Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends exclude: (i) changes in the policyholder dividend obligation related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) inflation-indexed benefit adjustments associated with contracts backed by inflation-indexed investments and amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced


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  pool of assets, (iii) benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”), and (iv) market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”);
 
  •  Interest credited to policyholder account balances includes adjustments for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of policyholder account balances but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and excludes amounts related to net investment income earned on contractholder-directed unit-linked investments;
 
  •  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) excludes amounts related to: (i) net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs, and (iii) Market Value Adjustments;
 
  •  Amortization of negative VOBA excludes amounts related to Market Value Adjustments;
 
  •  Interest expense on debt excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and
 
  •  Other expenses exclude costs related to: (i) noncontrolling interests, (ii) implementation of new insurance regulatory requirements, and (iii) business combinations.
 
We believe the presentation of operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders as we measure it for management purposes enhances the understanding of our performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of our business. Operating revenues, operating expenses, operating earnings, and operating earnings available to common shareholders should not be viewed as substitutes for GAAP revenues, GAAP expenses, GAAP income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, and GAAP net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders, respectively. Reconciliations of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in “— Results of Operations.”
 
In the first quarter of 2011, management modified its definition of operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders to exclude impacts related to certain variable annuity guarantees and Market Value Adjustments to better conform to the way it manages and assesses its business. Accordingly, such results are no longer reported in operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders. Consequently, prior period results for Retirement Products and total consolidated operating earnings have been increased by $82 million, net of $44 million of income tax, and $11 million, net of $6 million of income tax, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
 
In this discussion, we sometimes refer to sales activity for various products. These sales statistics do not correspond to revenues under GAAP, but are used as relevant measures of business activity.
 
Executive Summary
 
MetLife is a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs throughout the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife offers life insurance, annuities, auto and homeowners insurance, mortgage and deposit products and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions. MetLife is organized into six segments: Insurance Products, Retirement Products, Corporate Benefit Funding and Auto & Home (collectively, “U.S. Business”), and Japan and Other International Regions (collectively, “International”). In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Banking, Corporate & Other, which includes MetLife Bank, National Association (“MetLife Bank”) and other business activities. On October 12, 2011, MetLife, Inc. announced that, in addition to its previously announced decision in July 2011 to explore a sale of MetLife Bank’s depository business, the Company will also explore a sale of MetLife Bank’s forward mortgage origination business. MetLife Bank began originating forward and reverse mortgages in 2008 through its home loans division. MetLife’s home loans division will continue to originate forward mortgages while the business is being marketed for sale. The Company also plans to continue its residential mortgage servicing operations.
 
On November 1, 2010 (the “Acquisition Date”), MetLife, Inc. completed the acquisition of American Life Insurance Company (“American Life”) from AM Holdings LLC (formerly known as ALICO Holdings LLC), a


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subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (“AIG”), and Delaware American Life Insurance Company (“DelAm”) from AIG (American Life, together with DelAm, collectively, “ALICO”) (the “Acquisition”). ALICO’s fiscal year-end is November 30. Accordingly, the Company’s interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the assets and liabilities of ALICO as of August 31, 2011 and the operating results of ALICO for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2011.
 
In the first quarter of 2011, the Company began reporting the results from its international operations in two separate segments to reflect a change in the manner in which the financial results are reviewed and evaluated by executive management. The assets, liabilities and the operating results relating to the Acquisition are included in the Japan and Other International Regions segments. Prior period results have been adjusted to conform to this revised presentation of segments.
 
In the fourth quarter of 2010, management realigned certain income annuity products within the Company’s segments to better conform to the way it manages and assesses its business and began reporting such product results in the Retirement Products segment. Such products were previously reported in the Corporate Benefit Funding segment. Accordingly, prior period results for these segments have been adjusted by $7 million of operating earnings, net of $4 million of income tax, and $18 million of operating earnings, net of $10 million of income tax, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, to reflect such product reclassifications.
 
Despite equity market declines in the current quarter, positive equity market performance in previous periods, combined with increased sales of our variable annuity products, drove higher average separate account balances compared to the prior period, which resulted in an increase in policy fee income. The equity market decline triggered an acceleration of DAC amortization which essentially offset the increase in policy fee income. We continue to experience an increase in market share and sales in some of our businesses, in part, from a flight to quality in the industry. In addition, during the third quarter of 2011, we experienced favorable changes in net derivative gains (losses) and net investment gains (losses). These positive factors were partially offset by a charge to increase reserves in connection with the Company’s use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File and similar databases to identify potential life insurance claims that have not yet been presented to the Company (“Death Master File”), expenses incurred related to a liquidation plan filed by the New York State Department of Financial Services (the “Department of Financial Services”) for Executive Life Insurance Company of New York (“ELNY”) and severe storm activity in the U.S., including the impact of Hurricane Irene, all affecting the third quarter of 2011 (collectively, the “Third Quarter 2011 Events”). In addition, the demand for certain of our products was further affected by the unstable economic environment, including high levels of unemployment.
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
          (In millions)        
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  $ 3,572     $ 317     $ 5,825     $ 2,681  
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
    (55 )     (342 )     (309 )     (324 )
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
    4,196       (244 )     4,233       1,278  
Less: Other adjustments to continuing operations (1)
    (478 )     (437 )     (1,064 )     (1,017 )
Less: Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    (1,300 )     352       (1,052 )     (83 )
                                 
Operating earnings
    1,209       988       4,017       2,827  
Less: Preferred stock dividends
    30       30       91       91  
                                 
Operating earnings available to common shareholders
  $ 1,179     $ 958     $ 3,926     $ 2,736  
                                 
 
 
(1) See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses for the components of such adjustments.
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.


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During the three months ended September 30, 2011, income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, increased $3.3 billion to $3.6 billion from $317 million in the comparable 2010 period. The change was predominantly due to a $4.4 billion favorable change in net derivative gains (losses), before income tax, a $287 million favorable change in net investment gains (losses), before income tax, and a $221 million favorable change in operating earnings available to common shareholders, which includes the impact of the Acquisition.
 
The favorable change in net derivative gains (losses) of $2.9 billion was primarily driven by favorable changes in freestanding derivatives, partially offset by unfavorable changes in embedded derivatives. The favorable change in freestanding derivatives was primarily attributable to the impact of equity market movements and volatility, falling long-term and mid-term interest rates, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen against other currencies, and widening credit spreads in the financial services sector. The favorable change in net investment gains (losses) reflects net gains on the sales of certain real estate investments.
 
The Acquisition drove most of the $221 million increase in operating earnings available to common shareholders. Despite equity market declines in the current quarter, positive equity market performance in previous periods, combined with increased sales of our variable annuity products, drove higher average separate account balances compared to the prior period which resulted in an increase in policy fee income, offset by the Third Quarter 2011 Events.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, increased $3.1 billion to $5.8 billion from $2.7 billion in the comparable 2010 period. The change was predominantly due to a $3.0 billion favorable change in net derivative gains (losses), before income tax, and a $1.2 billion favorable change in operating earnings available to common shareholders, which includes the impact of the Acquisition.
 
The favorable change in net derivative gains (losses) of $1.9 billion was primarily driven by favorable changes in freestanding derivatives, partially offset by unfavorable changes in embedded derivatives. The favorable change in freestanding derivatives was primarily attributable to the impact of equity market movements and volatility, falling long-term interest rates, and widening credit spreads in the financial services sector.
 
The Acquisition drove most of the $1.2 billion increase in operating earnings available to common shareholders. We also benefited from increased policy fee income as growth in the variable annuity business and the improvement in the financial markets drove a higher level of average separate account balances. The current period was negatively impacted by the Third Quarter 2011 Events, as well as the impact of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
 
Consolidated Company Outlook
 
In 2011, we continue to expect a significant improvement in the operating earnings of the Company over 2010, driven primarily by the following:
 
  •  Premiums, fees and other revenues growth in 2011 of 33%, which is mainly attributable to the Acquisition. The remaining increase is expected to be driven by:
 
  •  Increases in our International businesses from continuing organic growth throughout our various geographic regions;
 
  •  Higher fees earned on separate accounts primarily due to favorable net flows of variable annuities, which are expected to remain strong in the remainder of 2011, thereby increasing the value of those separate accounts; and
 
  •  Growth within our pension closeouts business.
 
  •  Focus on disciplined underwriting. We see no significant changes to the underlying trends that drive underwriting results and continue to anticipate solid results in 2011.


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  •  Focus on expense management. We continue to focus on expense control throughout the Company, specifically managing the costs associated with the integration of ALICO.
 
  •  Performance of the investment portfolio. Although the market environment remains challenging, we expect the performance on our investment portfolio in 2011 with respect to both income and realized gains and losses will generally be higher than the results achieved in 2010.
 
More difficult to predict is the impact of potential changes in fair value of freestanding and embedded derivatives as even relatively small movements in market variables, including interest rates, equity levels and volatility, can have a large impact on the fair value of derivatives and net derivative gains (losses). Additionally, changes in fair value of embedded derivatives within certain insurance liabilities may have a material impact on net derivative gains (losses) related to the inclusion of an adjustment for nonperformance risk.
 
Industry Trends
 
We continue to be impacted by the unstable global financial and economic environment that has been affecting the industry.
 
Financial and Economic Environment.  Our business and results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy, generally, both in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world. Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in global capital markets, particular markets, or financial asset classes can have an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio and our insurance liabilities are sensitive to changing market factors. The global economy and markets are still affected by a period of significant stress that began in the second half of 2007. This disruption has adversely affected the financial services industry, in particular.
 
Volatile conditions have continued to characterize financial markets at times, and not all global financial markets are functioning normally. The global recession and disruption of the financial markets has led to concerns over capital markets access and the solvency of certain European Union member states, including Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain, and of financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to debt issued by these countries. Certain of the major rating agencies have downgraded the sovereign debt of Greece, Portugal and Ireland to below investment grade. The sovereign debt of Italy and Spain were also recently downgraded. These ratings downgrades and implementation of European Union and private sector support programs have increased concerns that other European Union member states could experience similar financial troubles. Although the recent downgrade by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) of U.S. Treasury securities initially had an adverse effect on financial markets, the extent of the longer-term impact cannot be predicted. See “— Investments — Current Environment” for further information about European region support programs announced in July 2011 and October 2011 and ratings actions.
 
In September 2011, the Federal Open Market Committee announced a program, known as “Operation Twist.” See “Risk Factors — 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” and “— Investments — Current Environment.”
 
All of these factors have had and could continue to have an adverse effect on the financial results of companies in the financial services industry, including MetLife. Such global economic conditions, as well as the global financial markets, continue to impact our net investment income, our net investment and net derivative gains (losses), and the demand for and the cost and profitability of certain of our products, including variable annuities and guarantee benefits. See ‘‘— Results of Operations” and “— Liquidity and Capital Resources.”


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As a financial holding company with significant operations in the U.S., we are affected by the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board. In August 2011, the Federal Reserve pledged to keep interest rates at record low at least through mid-2013 in order to revive the slow recovery from stressed economic conditions.
 
Competitive Pressures.  The life insurance industry remains highly competitive. The product development and product life-cycles have shortened in many product segments, leading to more intense competition with respect to product features. Larger companies have the ability to invest in brand equity, product development, technology and risk management, which are among the fundamentals for sustained profitable growth in the life insurance industry. In addition, several of the industry’s products can be quite homogeneous and subject to intense price competition. Sufficient scale, financial strength and financial flexibility are becoming prerequisites for sustainable growth in the life insurance industry. Larger market participants tend to have the capacity to invest in additional distribution capability and the information technology needed to offer the superior customer service demanded by an increasingly sophisticated industry client base. We believe that the turbulence in financial markets that began in the second half of 2007, its impact on the capital position of many competitors, and subsequent actions by regulators and rating agencies have highlighted financial strength as a significant differentiator from the perspective of customers and certain distributors. In addition, the financial market turbulence and the economic recession have led many companies in our industry to re-examine the pricing and features of the products they offer and may lead to consolidation in the life insurance industry.
 
Regulatory Changes.  The U.S. life insurance industry is regulated at the state level, with some products and services also subject to Federal regulation. As life insurers introduce new and often more complex products, regulators refine capital requirements and introduce new reserving standards for the life insurance industry. Regulations recently adopted or currently under review can potentially impact the statutory reserve and capital requirements of the industry. In addition, regulators have undertaken market and sales practices reviews of several markets or products, including equity-indexed annuities, variable annuities and group products. The regulation of the financial services industry in the U.S. and internationally has received renewed scrutiny as a result of the disruptions in the financial markets. Significant regulatory reforms have been recently adopted and additional reforms proposed, and these or other reforms could be implemented. See “Risk Factors — Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth.” Also see “Risk Factors — Changes in U.S. Federal and State Securities Laws and Regulations, and State Insurance Regulations Regarding Suitability of Annuity Product Sales, May Affect Our Operations and Our Profitability” in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”), which was signed by President Obama in July 2010, will significantly change financial regulation in the U.S. See “Risk Factors — Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth.” In addition, the oversight body of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision announced in December 2010 increased capital and liquidity requirements (commonly referred to as “Basel III”) for bank holding companies, such as MetLife, Inc. Assuming these requirements are endorsed and adopted by the U.S., they are to be phased in beginning January 1, 2013. It is possible that even more stringent capital and liquidity requirements could be imposed under Dodd-Frank and Basel III.
 
Until the various final regulations are promulgated pursuant to Dodd-Frank, and perhaps for some time thereafter, the full impact of Dodd-Frank on the investments, investment activities, banking activities and insurance and annuity products of the Company will remain unclear. See “Risk Factors — Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth.” Under Dodd-Frank, as a large, interconnected bank holding company with assets of $50 billion or more, or possibly as an otherwise systemically important financial institution, MetLife, Inc. will be subject to enhanced prudential standards imposed on systemically important financial institutions. Enhanced standards will be applied to Tier 1 and total risk-based capital, liquidity, leverage (unless another, similar standard is appropriate for the Company), resolution plan and credit exposure reporting, concentration limits, and risk management. The so-called “Volcker Rule” provisions of Dodd-Frank restrict the ability of affiliates of insured depository institutions (such as MetLife Bank) to engage in proprietary trading or sponsor or invest in hedge funds or private equity funds. See “Risk Factors — Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth.” MetLife, Inc. announced its intention to sell MetLife Bank’s depository


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and forward mortgage origination businesses, relinquish its bank charter (subject to regulatory approval) and, as a result, no longer be regulated as a bank holding company. Once MetLife, Inc. is no longer a bank holding company with assets of $50 billion or more, restrictions applicable to bank holding companies, including the “Volcker Rule,” would be inapplicable to the Company; however, MetLife, Inc. could still be subject to enhanced prudential standards if it is designated as a systemically important financial institution. It is unclear whether the Volcker Rule will apply to systemically important non-bank financial companies. The Financial Stability Oversight Council issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on October 11, 2011, outlining the process it will follow and the criteria it will use to assess whether a non-bank financial company should be subject to enhanced supervision as a systemically important financial institution. It is not clear when these assessments will be complete or whether the Company will be so designated.
 
Mortgage and Foreclosure-Related Exposures.  In 2008, MetLife Bank acquired certain assets to enter the forward and reverse residential mortgage origination and servicing business, including rights to service residential mortgage loans. At various times since then, including most recently in the third quarter of 2010, MetLife Bank has acquired additional residential mortgage loan servicing rights. As an originator and servicer of mortgage loans, which are usually sold to an investor shortly after origination, MetLife Bank has obligations to repurchase loans or compensate for losses upon demand by the investor due to defects in servicing of the loan or a determination that material representations made in connection with the sale of the loans (relating, for example, to the underwriting and origination of the loans) are incorrect. MetLife Bank is indemnified by the sellers of the acquired assets, for various periods depending on the transaction and the nature of the claim, for origination and servicing deficiencies that occurred prior to MetLife Bank’s acquisition, including indemnification for any repurchase claims made from investors who purchased mortgage loans from the sellers. Substantially all mortgage servicing rights that were acquired by MetLife Bank relate to loans sold to Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”). Since the 2008 acquisitions, MetLife Bank has originated and sold mortgages primarily to FNMA, FHLMC and Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) (collectively, the “Agency Investors”) and, to a limited extent, a small number of private investors. Currently 99% of MetLife Bank’s $88 billion servicing portfolio consists of Agency Investors’ product. Other than repurchase obligations which are subject to indemnification by sellers of acquired assets as described above, MetLife Bank’s exposure to repurchase obligations and losses related to origination deficiencies is limited to the approximately $62 billion of loans originated by MetLife Bank (all of which have been originated since August 2008). Reserves for representation and warranty repurchases and indemnifications were $65 million and $56 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. MetLife Bank is also exposed to losses due to servicing deficiencies on loans originated and sold, as well as servicing acquired, to the extent such servicing deficiencies occurred after the date of acquisition. Management is satisfied that adequate provision has been made in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable repurchase obligations and losses.
 
Since 2008, MetLife, through its affiliate, MetLife Bank, has significantly increased its mortgage servicing activities by acquiring servicing portfolios. Currently, MetLife Bank services approximately 1% of the aggregate principal amount of the mortgage loans serviced in the U.S. State and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities have initiated various inquiries, investigations or examinations of alleged irregularities in the foreclosure practices of the residential mortgage servicing industry. Mortgage servicing practices have also been the subject of Congressional attention. Authorities have publicly stated that the scope of the investigations extends beyond foreclosure documentation practices to include mortgage loan modification and loss mitigation practices.
 
MetLife Bank’s mortgage servicing has been the subject of recent inquiries and requests by state and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities. MetLife Bank is cooperating with the authorities’ review of this business. On April 13, 2011, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) entered into consent decrees with several banks, including MetLife Bank. The consent decrees require an independent review of foreclosure practices and set forth new residential mortgage servicing standards, including a requirement for a designated point of contact for a borrower during the loss mitigation process. In addition, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) entered into consent decrees with the affiliated bank holding companies of these banks, including MetLife, Inc., to enhance the supervision of the mortgage servicing activities of their


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banking subsidiaries. Neither of the consent decrees includes monetary penalties. In a press release, the Federal Reserve stated that it plans to announce monetary penalties with respect to the consent orders. The OCC stated in its press release that the actions do not preclude assessment of civil monetary penalties, which the OCC is holding in abeyance. It is also possible that additional state or federal authorities may pursue similar investigations or make related inquiries. MetLife Bank has had an initial meeting with the Department of Justice regarding mortgage servicing and foreclosure practices.
 
These consent decrees, as well as the inquiries or investigations referred to above, could adversely affect MetLife’s reputation or result in material fines, penalties, equitable remedies or other enforcement actions, and result in significant legal costs in responding to governmental investigations or other litigation. In addition, the changes to the mortgage servicing business required by the consent decrees and the resolution of any other inquiries or investigations may affect the profitability of such business.
 
On October 12, 2011, MetLife, Inc. announced that it was exploring the sale of MetLife Bank’s forward mortgage origination business. MetLife, Inc. had previously announced in July 2011 that it was exploring the sale of MetLife Bank’s depository business. Such sales may not relieve MetLife from complying with the consent decrees, or protect it from the inquiries and investigations relating to residential mortgage servicing and foreclosure activities, or any fines, penalties, equitable remedies or enforcement actions that may result, the costs of responding to any such governmental investigations, or other litigation.
 
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. The most critical estimates include those used in determining:
 
  (i)  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 and the application of the consolidation rules to certain investments;
 
  (iv)  the estimated fair value of and accounting for freestanding derivatives and the existence and estimated fair value of embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation;
 
  (v)  the capitalization and amortization of DAC and the establishment and amortization of VOBA;
 
  (vi)  the measurement of goodwill and related impairment, if any;
 
  (vii)  the liability for future policyholder benefits and the accounting for reinsurance contracts;
 
  (viii)  accounting for income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets;
 
  (ix)  accounting for employee benefit plans; and
 
  (x)  the liability for litigation and regulatory matters.
 
The application of acquisition accounting requires the use of estimation techniques in determining the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed — the most significant of which relate to aforementioned critical accounting estimates. In applying the Company’s accounting policies, we make subjective and complex judgments that frequently require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
The above critical accounting estimates are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” and Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2010 Annual Report.


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Economic Capital
 
Economic capital is an internally developed risk capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model accounts for the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s business.
 
Effective January 1, 2011, the Company updated its economic capital model to align segment allocated equity with emerging standards and consistent risk principles. Such changes to the Company’s economic capital model are applied prospectively. Segment net investment income is also credited or charged based on the level of allocated equity; however, changes in allocated equity do not impact the Company’s consolidated net investment income, operating earnings or income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax.
 
Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
See Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Results of Operations
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
Consolidated Results
 
We have experienced growth and an increase in market share in several of our businesses. Sales of our domestic annuity products were up 79% driven by an increase in variable annuity sales compared with the prior period. Even with the impact of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, our sales results in Japan are stronger than anticipated and continue to show steady growth and improvement across essentially all distribution channels. Market penetration continues in our pension closeout business in the U.K.; however, although improving, our domestic pension closeout business has been adversely impacted by a combination of poor equity market returns and lower interest rates. Sustained high levels of unemployment and a challenging pricing environment continue to depress growth across our group insurance businesses. While we experienced growth in our traditional life and universal life businesses, sales of group life and non-medical health products declined. Policy sales in auto and homeowner products decreased as the housing and automobile markets remained sluggish. We experienced steady growth and improvement in sales of the majority of our products abroad. The residential mortgage refinance market


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declined in comparison to the third quarter of 2010. Our forward mortgage origination business grew as a result of growth initiatives and the current low interest rate environment.
 
                                 
    Three Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)  
 
Revenues
                               
Premiums
  $ 9,342     $ 6,484     $ 2,858       44.1 %
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    1,998       1,452       546       37.6 %
Net investment income
    4,257       4,364       (107 )     (2.5 )%
Other revenues
    720       624       96       15.4 %
Net investment gains (losses)
    (55 )     (342 )     287       83.9 %
Net derivative gains (losses)
    4,196       (244 )     4,440       1,819.7 %
                                 
Total revenues
    20,458       12,338       8,120       65.8 %
                                 
Expenses
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    9,401       7,700       1,701       22.1 %
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    738       1,264       (526 )     (41.6 )%
Interest credited to bank deposits
    26       33       (7 )     (21.2 )%
Capitalization of DAC
    (1,852 )     (766 )     (1,086 )     (141.8 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    1,858       573       1,285       224.3 %
Amortization of negative VOBA
    (170 )           (170 )        
Interest expense on debt
    425       397       28       7.1 %
Other expenses
    4,726       2,752       1,974       71.7 %
                                 
Total expenses
    15,152       11,953       3,199       26.8 %
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax
    5,306       385       4,921       1,278.2 %
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    1,734       68       1,666       2,450.0 %
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
    3,572       317       3,255       1,026.8 %
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax
    4       3       1       33.3 %
                                 
Net income (loss)
    3,576       320       3,256       1,017.5 %
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (6 )     4       (10 )     (250.0 )%
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
    3,582       316       3,266       1,033.5 %
Less: Preferred stock dividends
    30       30             %
Preferred stock redemption premium
                         
                                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
  $ 3,552     $ 286     $ 3,266       1,142.0 %
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2011, income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, increased $3.3 billion to $3.6 billion primarily driven by a favorable change in net derivative gains (losses) and decreased investment losses, both net of related adjustments, principally associated with DAC and VOBA amortization. In addition, operating earnings increased, reflecting the impact of the Acquisition.
 
We manage our investment portfolio using disciplined Asset/Liability Management (“ALM”) principles, focusing on cash flow and duration to support our current and future liabilities. Our intent is to match the timing and amount of liability cash outflows with invested assets that have cash inflows of comparable timing and amount,


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while optimizing, net of income tax, risk-adjusted net investment income and risk-adjusted total return. Our investment portfolio is heavily weighted toward fixed income investments, with over 80% of our portfolio invested in fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans. These securities and loans have varying maturities and other characteristics which cause them to be generally well suited for matching the cash flow and duration of insurance liabilities. Other invested asset classes including, but not limited to, equity securities, other limited partnership interests and real estate and real estate joint ventures, provide additional diversification and opportunity for long-term yield enhancement in addition to supporting the cash flow and duration objectives of our investment portfolio. We also use derivatives as an integral part of our management of the investment portfolio to hedge certain risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currencies, credit spreads and equity market levels. Additional considerations for our investment portfolio include current and expected market conditions and expectations for changes within our specific mix of products and business segments. In addition, the general account investment portfolio includes, within trading and other securities, contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities, which do not qualify as separate account assets. The returns on these contractholder-directed investments, which can vary significantly period to period, include changes in estimated fair value subsequent to purchase, inure to contractholders and are offset in earnings by a corresponding change in policyholder account balances through interest credited to policyholder account balances.
 
The composition of the investment portfolio of each business segment is tailored to the specific characteristics of its insurance liabilities, causing certain portfolios to be shorter in duration and others to be longer in duration. Accordingly, certain portfolios are more heavily weighted in longer duration, higher yielding fixed maturity securities, or certain sub-sectors of fixed maturity securities, than other portfolios.
 
Investments are purchased to support our insurance liabilities and not to generate net investment gains and losses. However, net investment gains and losses are generated and can change significantly from period to period due to changes in external influences, including changes in market factors such as interest rates, foreign currencies, credit spreads and equity markets, counterparty specific factors such as financial performance, credit rating and collateral valuation, and internal factors such as portfolio rebalancing. Changes in these factors from period to period can significantly impact the levels of both impairments and realized gains and losses on investments sold.
 
We use freestanding currency, interest rate, credit and equity derivatives to provide economic hedges of certain invested assets and insurance liabilities, including embedded derivatives, within certain of our variable annuity minimum benefit guarantees. For those hedges not designated as accounting hedges, changes in market factors can lead to the recognition of fair value changes in net derivative gains (losses) without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged even though these are effective economic hedges. Additionally, we issue liabilities and purchase assets that contain embedded derivatives whose changes in estimated fair value are sensitive to changes in market factors and are also recognized in net derivative gains (losses).
 
The favorable change in net derivative gains (losses) of $2.9 billion, from losses of $159 million in the third quarter of 2010 to gains of $2.7 billion in the comparable 2011 period, was driven by a favorable change in freestanding derivatives of $4.4 billion which was partially offset by an unfavorable change in embedded derivatives of $1.5 billion primarily associated with variable annuity minimum benefit guarantees.
 
The $4.4 billion favorable change in freestanding derivatives was primarily attributable to the impact of equity market movements and volatility, falling long-term and mid-term interest rates, a strengthening of the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen against other currencies, and widening credit spreads in the financial services sector. The impact of equity market movements and volatility in the current period compared to the prior period had a positive impact of $2.1 billion on our equity derivatives, which was primarily attributable to hedges of variable annuity minimum benefit guarantee liabilities that are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Long-term and mid-term interest rates fell more in the current period than in the prior period which had a positive impact of $1.6 billion on our interest rate derivatives, $581 million of which was attributable to hedges of variable annuity minimum benefit guarantee liabilities that are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Foreign currency derivatives had a positive impact of $600 million related to hedges of foreign-currency exposures, $123 million of which was attributable to hedges of variable annuity minimum benefit guarantee liabilities that are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Finally, widening credit spreads in the financial securities sector had a positive impact of $223 million on our purchased protection credit derivatives.


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Certain variable annuity products with minimum benefit guarantees contain embedded derivatives that are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). The fair value of these embedded derivatives also includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk, which is unhedged. The $1.5 billion unfavorable change in embedded derivatives was primarily attributable to hedged risks relating to changes in market factors of $2.7 billion and an unfavorable change in other unhedged non-market risks of $352 million, partially offset by a favorable change in unhedged risks for changes in the adjustment for nonperformance risk of $1.5 billion. The aforementioned $2.7 billion change in embedded derivatives, attributable to changes in market factors, was largely offset by gains on freestanding derivatives that hedge these risks, which are described in the preceding paragraphs.
 
In July 2011 and October 2011, the Company announced that it was exploring the sale of MetLife Bank’s depository and forward mortgage origination businesses, respectively. As a result of these announcements, we incurred losses of $119 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, relating to the impairment of the goodwill associated with MetLife Bank of $42 million included within net investment gains (losses) and the de-designation of certain cash flow hedges at MetLife Bank of $77 million included within net derivative gains (losses), all net of income tax.
 
The favorable change in net investment losses reflects net gains on the sales of certain real estate investments, partially offset by impairments on sovereign fixed maturity securities and goodwill.
 
Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $1,734 million, or 33% of income (loss) from continuing operations, before provision for income tax, compared with $68 million, or 18% of income (loss) from continuing operations, before provision for income tax, for the comparable 2010 period. The Company’s 2011 and 2010 effective tax rates differ from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of certain permanent tax differences, including non-taxable investment income and tax credits for investments in low income housing, in relation to income (loss) from continuing operations, before provision for income tax, as well as certain foreign permanent tax differences.
 
As more fully described in the discussion of performance measures above, we use operating earnings, which does not equate to income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, as determined in accordance with GAAP, to analyze our performance, evaluate segment performance, and allocate resources. We believe that the presentation of operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders, as we measure it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of our performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, and GAAP net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders, respectively. Operating earnings available to common shareholders increased $221 million to $1,179 million in the third quarter of 2011 from $958 million in the comparable 2010 period.


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Reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax to operating earnings available to common shareholders
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
                                                                 
                Corporate
                Other
    Banking,
       
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Auto &
          International
    Corporate
       
    Products     Products     Funding     Home     Japan     Regions     & Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  $ 1,250     $ 668     $ 584     $ 15     $ 341     $ 730     $ (16 )   $ 3,572  
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
    15       21       86       (4 )     (21 )     (240 )     88       (55 )
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
    1,597       956       407       (7 )     101       1,172       (30 )     4,196  
Less: Other adjustments to continuing operations (1)
    (97 )     (110 )                 (42 )     (157 )     (72 )     (478 )
Less: Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    (530 )     (303 )     (173 )     4       (12 )     (308 )     22       (1,300 )
                                                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 265     $ 104     $ 264     $ 22     $ 315     $ 263       (24 )     1,209  
                                                                 
Less: Preferred stock dividends
                                                    30       30  
                                                                 
Operating earnings available to common shareholders
                                                  $ (54 )   $ 1,179  
                                                                 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
                                                                 
                Corporate
                Other
    Banking,
       
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Auto &
          International
    Corporate
       
    Products     Products     Funding     Home     Japan     Regions     & Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  $ 401     $ 184     $ 99     $ 76     $     $ (135 )   $ (308 )   $ 317  
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
    69       5       54       (3 )           (239 )     (228 )     (342 )
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
    86       116       (193 )     (4 )           (109 )     (140 )     (244 )
Less: Other adjustments to continuing operations (1)
    (70 )     (203 )     10                   (145 )     (29 )     (437 )
Less: Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    (29 )     28       46       2             169       136       352  
                                                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 345     $ 238     $ 182     $ 81     $     $ 189       (47 )     988  
                                                                 
Less: Preferred stock dividends
                                                    30       30  
                                                                 
Operating earnings available to common shareholders
                                                  $ (77 )   $ 958  
                                                                 
 
 
(1) See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses for the components of such adjustments.


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Reconciliation of GAAP revenues to operating revenues and GAAP expenses to operating expenses
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
                                                                 
                Corporate
                Other
    Banking,
       
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Auto &
          International
    Corporate
       
    Products     Products     Funding     Home     Japan     Regions     & Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Total revenues
  $ 8,036     $ 2,894     $ 2,674     $ 807     $ 2,097     $ 3,180     $ 770     $ 20,458  
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
    15       21       86       (4 )     (21 )     (240 )     88       (55 )
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
    1,597       956       407       (7 )     101       1,172       (30 )     4,196  
Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)
    16                                           16  
Less: Other adjustments to revenues (1)
    (59 )     27       38             (349 )     (477 )     104       (716 )
                                                                 
Total operating revenues
  $ 6,467     $ 1,890     $ 2,143     $ 818     $ 2,366     $ 2,725     $ 608     $ 17,017  
                                                                 
Total expenses
  $ 6,114     $ 1,866     $ 1,778     $ 806     $ 1,566     $ 2,052     $ 970     $ 15,152  
Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)
    56       395                   20                   471  
Less: Other adjustments to expenses (1)
    (2 )     (258 )     38             (327 )     (320 )     176       (693 )
                                                                 
Total operating expenses
  $ 6,060     $ 1,729     $ 1,740     $ 806     $ 1,873     $ 2,372     $ 794     $ 15,374  
                                                                 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
                                                                 
                Corporate
                Other
    Banking,
       
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Auto &
          International
    Corporate
       
    Products     Products     Funding     Home     Japan     Regions     & Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Total revenues
  $ 6,591     $ 1,746     $ 1,642     $ 792     $     $ 1,278     $ 289     $ 12,338  
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
    69       5       54       (3 )           (239 )     (228 )     (342 )
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
    86       116       (193 )     (4 )           (109 )     (140 )     (244 )
Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)
                                               
Less: Other adjustments to revenues (1)
    (37 )     (14 )     46                   (11 )     120       104  
                                                                 
Total operating revenues
  $ 6,473     $ 1,639     $ 1,735     $ 799     $     $ 1,637     $ 537     $ 12,820  
                                                                 
                                                                 
Total expenses
  $ 5,976     $ 1,461     $ 1,491     $ 698     $     $ 1,580     $ 747     $ 11,953  
Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)
    28       9                                     37  
Less: Other adjustments to expenses (1)
    5       180       36                   134       149       504  
                                                                 
Total operating expenses
  $ 5,943     $ 1,272     $ 1,455     $ 698     $     $ 1,446     $ 598     $ 11,412  
                                                                 
 
 
(1) See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses for the components of such adjustments.


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Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax and are on a constant currency basis. The constant currency basis amounts for both periods are calculated using the average foreign currency exchange rates for the third quarter of 2011.
 
The increase in operating earnings includes the impact of the Acquisition, which is reflected in both Japan and Other International Regions. Despite equity market declines in the current quarter, positive equity market performance in previous periods, combined with increased sales of our variable annuity products, drove higher average separate account balances compared to the prior period, which resulted in an increase in policy fee income. The equity market decline triggered an acceleration of DAC amortization which essentially offset the increase in policy fee income. Results for the current period were negatively impacted by the Third Quarter 2011 Events. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a slightly positive impact on results compared to the prior period.
 
The increase in our average separate account balances was largely attributable to positive net cash flows from the annuity business and favorable equity market performance in the previous three quarters. The decline in the equity market performance in the current quarter caused a decrease in the average separate account balances largely offset by positive equity market performance from the previous three quarters. This resulted in higher policy fees and other revenues of $139 million, most notably in Retirement Products. Policy fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the average assets in the separate accounts.
 
Apart from an increase resulting from the Acquisition, DAC, VOBA and deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) amortization, increased $134 million during the current period compared to the prior period most notably in Retirement Products. During the third quarter of 2011, results reflected increased or accelerated amortization primarily stemming from a decline in the market value of our separate account balances. A factor that determines the amount of amortization is expected future earnings which, in the retirement business, are derived, in part, from the fees earned on separate account balances. The decline in the market value of our separate account balances during the third quarter of 2011 resulted in a decrease in the expected future gross profits, which triggered an acceleration of amortization.
 
Net investment income increased from growth in average invested assets, offset by lower yields. Growth in the investment portfolio was primarily due to the Acquisition and positive net cash flows in the majority of our domestic businesses, as well as continued growth in Other International Regions (excluding the impact of the Acquisition). These cash flows were invested primarily in fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans. Yields were negatively impacted by the acquired ALICO investment portfolio, which has a larger allocation to lower yielding government securities and shorter duration investments. In addition, yields were adversely impacted by the effects of lower fixed maturity securities yields due to new investment and reinvestment during this lower interest rate environment. Also, yields were negatively impacted by lower returns on other limited partnership interests due to volatility in equity markets. These decreases in yield were partially offset by increased real estate joint venture yields from the positive effects of improving real estate markets period over period and an increase in mortgage loan prepayments. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010, investment earnings and interest credited related to contractholder-directed unit-linked investments are excluded from operating revenues and operating expenses, as the contractholder, and not the Company, directs the investment of the funds. This change in presentation had no impact on operating earnings in the current period; however, it unfavorably impacted the change in net investment income in the current period, when compared to the prior period, as positive returns were incurred in the third quarter of 2010 from improving equity markets. The corresponding favorable impact is reflected in interest credited expense.
 
Unfavorable claims experience resulted in a $220 million reduction in operating earnings. In the current period, we incurred a $117 million charge to increase reserves in connection with our use of the Death Master File, impacting primarily Insurance Products. In addition, severe storm activity drove losses totaling $69 million in Auto & Home, which included the impact of Hurricane Irene.
 
Operating expenses increased due to the Acquisition and also increased as a result of higher variable expenses of $177 million, such as commissions, a portion of which is offset by DAC capitalization, and separate account advisory fees. The current period also includes expenses related to investment and growth in our international and banking businesses of $122 million. Additionally, the Company incurred expenses related to a liquidation plan filed by the Department of Financial Services for ELNY in the current period.


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Interest expense on debt increased $22 million primarily as a result of the debt issued in the third and fourth quarters of 2010 in connection with the Acquisition and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings.
 
The Company benefited from a higher tax benefit of $68 million from the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to a higher utilization of tax preferenced investments which provide tax credits and deductions.
 
Insurance Products
 
                                 
    Three Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 4,159     $ 4,234     $ (75 )     (1.8 )%
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    566       539       27       5.0 %
Net investment income
    1,526       1,515       11       0.7 %
Other revenues
    216       185       31       16.8 %
                                 
Total operating revenues
    6,467       6,473       (6 )     (0.1 )%
                                 
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    4,816       4,685       131       2.8 %
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    255       243       12       4.9 %
Capitalization of DAC
    (213 )     (204 )     (9 )     (4.4 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    186       221       (35 )     (15.8 )%
Other expenses
    1,016       998       18       1.8 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    6,060       5,943       117       2.0 %
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    142       185       (43 )     (23.2 )%
                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 265     $ 345     $ (80 )     (23.2 )%
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
Sustained high levels of unemployment and a challenging pricing environment continue to depress growth across our group insurance businesses. Growth in our open block traditional life and universal life businesses was more than offset by declines in our group life and non-medical health business, as well as the expected run-off from our closed block business. Our dental business benefited from higher enrollment and certain pricing actions, but this was more than offset by a decline in revenues from our disability business. This reduction was mainly due to net customer cancellations and lower covered lives. Our long-term care (“LTC”) revenues were flat period over period, consistent with the discontinuance of the sale of this coverage at the end of 2010.
 
The primary driver of the decrease in operating earnings was unfavorable claims experience.
 
Claims experience varied amongst our businesses with a net unfavorable impact of $139 million to operating earnings. This was driven primarily by an adjustment to reserves of $109 million, in connection with the Company’s use of the Death Master File, in our group and individual life businesses. Results of our traditional life business in the prior period included a favorable reserve refinement of $24 million. The mortality ratios for group life and individual life are both 99% in the current period. Excluding the impact of these adjustments, the mortality ratios for group life and individual life are 88% and 87%, respectively. While these are comparable with the prior period mortality ratios of 89% and 87%, respectively, certain of our individual and group life businesses experienced less favorable mortality in the current period. Partially offsetting these negative impacts to operating earnings were more favorable morbidity results, specifically, in our disability and dental businesses, which had favorable claims experience. Our disability business also benefited from higher net closures.
 
Higher net investment income of $7 million was more than offset by a $21 million increase in both interest credited on long-duration contracts, which is reflected in the change in policyholder benefits and dividends, and


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interest credited on policyholder account balances. This increase in interest credited was primarily due to growth in future policyholder benefits in our LTC and traditional life businesses, together with growth in account balances mainly in our variable universal life business. The increase in net investment income was due to a $42 million increase from growth in average invested assets and a $35 million decrease from lower yields. Growth in the investment portfolio was due to positive cash flows from operations in most of our businesses and an increase in the size of our securities lending program. Cash flows from operations were invested primarily in fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans. Yields were negatively impacted by the effect of lower fixed maturity securities yields due to new investment and reinvestment during this lower interest rate environment. Also, yields were negatively impacted by low returns on invested economic capital resulting from the current low interest rate environment. These decreases in yield were partially offset by increased real estate and real estate joint venture yields as a result of the positive effects of improving real estate markets period over period. To manage the needs of our intermediate- to longer-term liabilities, our portfolio consists primarily of investment grade corporate fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans, structured securities (comprised of mortgage and asset-backed securities) and U.S. Treasury and agency securities and, to a lesser extent, certain other invested asset classes, including other limited partnership interests, real estate joint ventures and other invested assets which provide additional diversification and opportunity for long-term yield enhancement.
 
Other expenses increased $12 million primarily due to a $19 million increase in commissions. This was partially offset by a $6 million decrease in premium taxes driven by tax credits realized this quarter. A portion of the commission increase is offset by DAC capitalization, which increased in total by $6 million. Approximately $17 million of the increase in other revenues represents commission income which is directly correlated with the aforementioned commission expense.
 
DAC amortization decreased $23 million largely due to the impact of a model refinement in the current and prior period. In addition, higher fees earned on several of our products, primarily our individual universal life product, contributed $19 million to operating earnings. In our traditional life business, policyholder dividends declined $14 million as a result of the reduction in the dividend scale, which was announced in the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
Retirement Products
 
                                 
    Three Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 393     $ 227     $ 166       73.1 %
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    620       500       120       24.0 %
Net investment income
    800       856       (56 )     (6.5 )%
Other revenues
    77       56       21       37.5 %
                                 
Total operating revenues
    1,890       1,639       251       15.3 %
                                 
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    585       378       207       54.8 %
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    408       394       14       3.6 %
Capitalization of DAC
    (478 )     (270 )     (208 )     (77.0 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    347       153       194       126.8 %
Interest expense on debt
          2       (2 )     (100.0 )%
Other expenses
    867       615       252       41.0 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    1,729       1,272       457       35.9 %
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    57       129       (72 )     (55.8 )%
                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 104     $ 238     $ (134 )     (56.3 )%
                                 


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Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
During the third quarter of 2011, overall annuity sales increased 79% compared to the third quarter of 2010. Variable annuity product sales reflected the introduction of a new, lower-risk variable annuity rider and changes in competitors’ offerings which, we believe, make our products more attractive. Surrender rates for both our variable and fixed annuities remained low during the current period which reinforces our belief that our customers continue to value our products compared to other alternatives in the marketplace.
 
In the annuity business, the movement in premiums is almost entirely offset by the related change in policyholder benefits, as the insurance liability that we establish at the time we assume the risk under these contracts is typically equivalent to the premium earned less the amount of acquisition expenses.
 
Interest rate and equity market changes were the primary drivers of the decrease in operating earnings, with the largest impact resulting from increased DAC, VOBA and DSI amortization and a decrease in net investment income, partially offset by higher policy fees and other revenues.
 
DAC, VOBA and DSI amortization increased $139 million during the third quarter of 2011 compared to the prior period. During the third quarter of 2011, results reflected increased or accelerated DAC, VOBA and DSI amortization primarily stemming from a decline in the market value of our separate account balances. A factor that determines the amount of amortization is expected future earnings which, in the retirement business, are derived, in part, from the fees earned on separate account balances. The decline in the market value of our separate account balances during the third quarter of 2011 resulted in a decrease in the expected future gross profits, which triggered an acceleration of amortization.
 
Net investment income decreased $36 million due to a $56 million decrease from lower yields and a $20 million increase from growth in average invested assets. Yields were negatively impacted by new investment and the reinvestment in fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans during this lower interest rate environment. In addition, yields were negatively impacted by lower returns on other limited partnership interests due to volatility in equity markets. Also, yields were negatively impacted by lower returns on invested economic capital resulting from the current low interest rate environment. The decrease in yields was partially offset by increased real estate joint venture yields as a result of the positive effects of improving real estate markets period over period. Growth in the investment portfolio was due to positive cash flows from operations, which was invested primarily in fixed maturity securities. To manage the needs of our intermediate-to longer-term liabilities, our portfolio consists primarily of investment grade corporate fixed maturity securities, structured securities, mortgage loans, U.S. Treasury and agency securities and, to a lesser extent, certain other invested asset classes, including other limited partnership interests, real estate joint ventures and other invested assets, in order to provide additional diversification and opportunity for long-term yield enhancement. Consistent with yields on our investment portfolio, there has been a corresponding drop in our average crediting rates on fixed annuities, which resulted in a $15 million decrease in interest credited expense. However, this was more than offset by an increase of $24 million due to lower amortization of excess interest reserves and the impact of growth in our fixed annuity policyholder account balances. Amortization in the third quarter of 2010 was accelerated due to one large case surrender, resulting in lower interest credited expense in the prior year period.
 
Other expenses increased $163 million primarily due to a $161 million increase in variable expenses, such as commissions, separate account advisory fees and other volume-related costs associated with sales activity. The majority of this increase was offset by DAC capitalization.
 
An increase in average separate account balances was largely attributable to positive net cash flows from the annuity business and favorable equity market performance in the previous three quarters. The decline in the equity market performance in the current quarter caused a decrease in the average separate account balances largely offset by positive equity market performance from the previous three quarters. This resulted in higher policy fees and other revenues of $92 million. Policy fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the average assets in the separate account.


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Corporate Benefit Funding
 
                                 
    Three Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 724     $ 402     $ 322       80.1 %
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    69       58       11       19.0 %
Net investment income
    1,289       1,216       73       6.0 %
Other revenues
    61       59       2       3.4 %
                                 
Total operating revenues
    2,143       1,735       408       23.5 %
                                 
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    1,287       963       324       33.6 %
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    327       380       (53 )     (13.9 )%
Capitalization of DAC
    (6 )     (6 )           %
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    4       4             %
Interest expense on debt
    2       1       1       100.0 %
Other expenses
    126       113       13       11.5 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    1,740       1,455       285       19.6 %
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    139       98       41       41.8 %
                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 264     $ 182     $ 82       45.1 %
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
Strong sales in our pension closeout and structured settlement businesses contributed to the increase in operating revenues in the 2011 period. Our pension closeouts business in the U.K. continues to expand as sales increased by $149 million, before income tax, in the current quarter. Our domestic pension closeouts sales have also improved in the current quarter as premiums increased by $67 million, before income tax. However, a combination of poor equity returns and lower interest rates have contributed to pension plans remaining underfunded, particularly in the U.S., which reduces our customers’ flexibility to engage in transactions such as pension closeouts. In addition, sales of structured settlement products increased $104 million, before income tax, over the 2010 period. For both the structured settlement and pension closeout businesses, the change in premiums is almost entirely offset by the related change in policyholder benefits. The insurance liability that is established at the time we assume the risk under these contracts is typically equivalent to the premium recognized.
 
The primary drivers of the $82 million increase in operating earnings were higher net investment income and the impact of lower crediting rates.
 
Net investment income increased $47 million, reflecting a $33 million increase from growth in average invested assets and a $14 million increase from higher yields. Growth in the investment portfolio was due to an increase in the size of the securities lending program and increased issuances under funding agreements. Yields were positively impacted by improved yields on fixed maturity securities from the repositioning of the accumulated liquidity in our portfolio to longer duration and higher yielding investments. These improvements in yields were partially offset by the negative impact of lower returns on invested economic capital resulting from the current low interest rate environment. To manage the needs of our longer-term liabilities, our portfolio consists primarily of investment grade corporate fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans, U.S. Treasury and agency securities, structured securities, and, to a lesser extent, certain other invested asset classes including other limited partnership interests, real estate joint ventures and other invested assets in order to provide additional diversification and opportunity for long-term yield enhancement. For our short-term obligations, we invest primarily in mortgage loans, structured securities, investment grade corporate fixed maturity securities and


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U.S. Treasury and agency securities. The yields on these short-term investments have moved consistently with the underlying market indices on which they are based, primarily the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the U.S. Treasury.
 
As many of our products are interest spread-based, changes in net investment income are typically offset by a corresponding change in interest credited expense. However, interest credited expense decreased $34 million primarily due to lower crediting rates and lower policyholder account balances in our funding agreement and guaranteed interest contract businesses. The increase in average policyholder liabilities resulted in a $7 million increase in interest credited expense primarily related to the structured settlements business.
 
A charge for a liability refinement in our small business recordkeeping business in the prior period and favorable liability refinements in the current period resulted in a net increase to operating earnings of $11 million. However, the impact of these refinements was partially offset by the adjustment of reserves in connection with the Company’s use of the Death Master File in our post-retirement benefit business of $8 million.
 
Mortality experience was mixed and did not materially impact operating earnings.
 
Auto & Home
 
                                 
    Three Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)  
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 760     $ 740     $ 20       2.7 %
Net investment income
    50       51       (1 )     (2.0 )%
Other revenues
    8       8             %
                                 
Total operating revenues
    818       799       19       2.4 %
                                 
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    613       506       107       21.1 %
Capitalization of DAC
    (121 )     (118 )     (3 )     (2.5 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    114       110       4       3.6 %
Other expenses
    200       200             %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    806       698       108       15.5 %
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    (10 )     20       (30 )     (150.0 )%
                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 22     $ 81     $ (59 )     (72.8 )%
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
Policy sales decreased in the third quarter of 2011 as the housing and automobile markets remained sluggish. This was offset by increases in the average premium of new policies sold. New premium associated with sales activity on new policies decreased 2% for our homeowners business and increased 3% for our auto business in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the prior period. In addition, we experienced a decrease in earned exposures. These decreases were more than offset by an increase in average earned premiums per policy for both our homeowners and auto businesses in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the prior period.
 
The primary driver of the $59 million decrease in operating earnings was unfavorable claims experience. Catastrophe-related losses increased $62 million compared to the third quarter of 2010 mainly due to severe storm activity during the quarter, including the impact of Hurricane Irene. In addition, current period non-catastrophe claims costs increased $23 million as a result of higher claims frequencies in both our auto and homeowners businesses due primarily to non-catastrophe weather. Higher severities in our homeowners business resulted in a


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$4 million increase in claims. The negative impact of these items was partially offset by additional favorable development of prior year losses of $16 million.
 
The impact of the items discussed above can be seen in the unfavorable change in the combined ratio, including catastrophes, to 105.7% in the third quarter of 2011 from 93.6% in the comparable 2010 period. The combined ratio, excluding catastrophes, was 88.0% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 88.2% in the comparable 2010 period.
 
The increase in average premium per policy in both our homeowners and auto businesses improved operating earnings by $18 million; however, the decrease in exposures resulted in a slight decrease in operating earnings as the reduction in premiums exceeded the reduction in claims. Exposures are primarily each automobile for the auto line of business and each residence for the homeowners line of business.
 
Japan
 
                         
    Three Months
       
    Ended
       
    September 30,        
    2011     2010     Change  
    (In millions)  
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                       
Premiums
  $ 1,601     $     $ 1,601  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    220             220  
Net investment income
    540             540  
Other revenues
    5             5  
                         
Total operating revenues
    2,366             2,366  
                         
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    999             999  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    401             401  
Capitalization of DAC
    (619 )           (619 )
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    318             318  
Amortization of negative VOBA
    (135 )           (135 )
Other expenses
    909             909  
                         
Total operating expenses
    1,873             1,873  
                         
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    178             178  
                         
Operating earnings
  $ 315     $     $ 315  
                         
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
Our Japan operation is comprised of the Japanese business acquired in the Acquisition and remains among the largest foreign life insurers in Japan. Through our Japan operation, we provide life insurance, accident and health insurance, annuities and endowment products to both individuals and groups.
 
The Japanese economy, to which we face substantial exposure given our operations there, has been significantly negatively impacted by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Disruptions to the Japanese economy are having, and will continue to have, negative impacts on the overall global economy, not all of which can be foreseen. Even with the impact of the earthquake and tsunami, our sales results are stronger than anticipated and continue to show steady growth and improvement across essentially all distribution channels, including captive agents, independent agents, brokers, bancassurance, and direct marketing. During the third quarter of 2011, the Company released $12 million of previously recorded liabilities and incurred $5 million of increased operating expenses related to the earthquake and tsunami.


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Other International Regions
 
                                 
    Three Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 1,702     $ 878     $ 824       93.8 %
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    433       301       132       43.9 %
Net investment income
    550       451       99       22.0 %
Other revenues
    40       7       33       471.4 %
                                 
Total operating revenues
    2,725       1,637       1,088       66.5 %
                                 
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    1,315       763       552       72.3 %
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    146       242       (96 )     (39.7 )%
Capitalization of DAC
    (415 )     (168 )     (247 )     (147.0 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    268       104       164       157.7 %
Amortization of negative VOBA
    (16 )           (16 )        
Interest expense on debt
          (1 )     1       100.0 %
Other expenses
    1,074       506       568       112.3 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    2,372       1,446       926       64.0 %
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    90       2       88       4,400.0 %
                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 263     $ 189     $ 74       39.2 %
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax and are on a constant currency basis. The constant currency basis amounts for both periods are calculated using the average foreign currency exchange rates for the third quarter of 2011.
 
Sales results continue to show steady growth and improvement, with increases over the prior period in essentially all of our businesses. In the Asia Pacific region, sales continue to grow, driven by strong variable universal life sales, the launch of a whole life cancer product in Korea and higher group sales in the Australia business. In Latin America, accident and health sales increased throughout the region. In addition, there was strong retirement sales growth in Chile’s immediate annuity products and for Afore in Mexico. Europe experienced higher credit life sales and had continued growth in variable annuity business.
 
Reported operating earnings increased by $74 million over the prior period, reflecting the addition of the ALICO operations other than Japan. The positive impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates improved reported earnings by $6 million for the third quarter of 2011 compared to the prior period.
 
In addition to the increase in operating earnings due to the ALICO operations other than Japan, operating earnings in Mexico increased primarily due to an increase in policy fees on our universal life products and growth in our institutional business. Operating earnings in Chile increased mainly due to growth in our institutional business. In addition, operating earnings in Argentina increased primarily from a tax benefit in the current period. Operating earnings in Korea increased mainly due to business growth in the life business and lower DAC amortization. Operating earnings in Australia increased primarily due to a tax benefit in the current period and a decrease in operating earnings attributable to a change in product feature in the prior period. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in tax benefits resulting from the reversal of benefits received in the first and second quarters of 2010 for the non-renewal of a foreign controlled corporation tax provision, as well as a change in liabilities for tax uncertainties. The Japan reinsurance business decreased earnings primarily due to market performance. The impact of the sale of the Company’s interest in Mitsui Sumitomo MetLife Insurance Co., Ltd. (“MSI MetLife”) on April 1, 2011 decreased operating results as no earnings were recognized in the current period.


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Net investment income increased from growth in average invested assets offset by lower yields. Growth in average invested assets reflects the Acquisition and growth in our businesses. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010, investment earnings and interest credited related to contractholder-directed unit-linked investments were excluded from operating revenues and operating expenses, as the contractholder, and not the Company, directs the investment of the funds. This change in presentation had no impact on operating earnings in the current period; however, it unfavorably impacted the change in net investment income in the current period, when compared to the prior period, as positive returns were incurred in the third quarter of 2010 from recovering equity markets. The corresponding favorable impact is reflected in interest credited expense. The decrease in yields reflects the decreased operating joint venture returns from the sale of MSI MetLife in the second quarter of 2011, the Acquisition, as ALICO’s acquired investment portfolio has a larger allocation to lower yielding government securities, and the net impact of higher inflation, primarily in Chile, which was more than offset by the impact of changes in assumptions for measuring the effects of inflation on certain inflation-indexed investments, also in Chile. The change in net investment income from inflation was offset by a similar change in the related insurance liabilities. To manage the needs of our intermediate- to longer-term liabilities, our portfolio consists primarily of investment grade corporate fixed maturity securities, investment grade sovereign fixed maturity securities (including U.S. Treasury and agency securities) and structured securities and, to a lesser extent, certain other invested asset classes, including other limited partnership interests, real estate joint ventures and other invested assets which provide additional diversification and opportunity for long-term yield enhancement.
 
In addition to an increase associated with the Acquisition, operating expenses increased primarily due to higher commission and compensation expenses in Korea, Brazil, Mexico and Chile, a portion of which was offset by DAC capitalization.
 
Banking, Corporate & Other
 
                                 
    Three Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 3     $ 3     $       %
Net investment income
    297       225       72       32.0 %
Other revenues
    308       309       (1 )     (0.3 )%
                                 
Total operating revenues
    608       537       71       13.2 %
                                 
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    4       (4 )     8       200.0 %
Interest credited to bank deposits
    26       33       (7 )     (21.2 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
          (1 )     1       100.0 %
Interest expense on debt
    326       292       34       11.6 %
Other expenses
    438       278       160       57.6 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    794       598       196       32.8 %
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    (162 )     (14 )     (148 )     (1,057.1 )%
                                 
Operating earnings
    (24 )     (47 )     23       48.9 %
Less: Preferred stock dividends
    30       30             %
                                 
Operating earnings available to common shareholders
  $ (54 )   $ (77 )   $ 23       29.9 %
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
During the current period, the residential mortgage refinance market declined in comparison to the third quarter of 2010. Our forward mortgage origination business grew to $5.8 billion, an increase of $697 million over


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the 2010 period, as a result of growth initiatives and the current low interest rate environment. Our serviced residential mortgage loan portfolio increased $6.8 billion, which includes a $16.5 billion purchase from a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation receivership bank in the third quarter of 2010 and the sale of $4.8 billion to FNMA in the second quarter of 2010. Run-off of existing servicing business was 19.0% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 21.0% in the third quarter of 2010.
 
The Holding Company completed four debt financings in August 2010 in connection with the Acquisition, issuing $1.0 billion of 2.375% senior notes, $1.0 billion of 4.75% senior notes, $750 million of 5.875% senior notes, and $250 million of floating rate senior notes. The Holding Company also issued debt securities in November 2010, which are part of the $3.0 billion stated value of common equity units. The proceeds from these debt issuances were used to finance the Acquisition.
 
Operating earnings available to common shareholders and operating earnings, which excludes preferred stock dividends, each increased $23 million, primarily due to a higher tax benefit and higher net investment income. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the results of our mortgage banking business, an increase in other expenses and an increase in interest expense resulting from the 2010 debt issuances.
 
Banking, Corporate & Other benefited from a higher tax benefit of $104 million over the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to a higher utilization of tax preferenced investments which provide tax credits and deductions.
 
Net investment income increased $47 million due to an increase of $38 million from higher yields and an increase of $9 million from growth in average invested assets. Yields were positively impacted by improved yields on mortgage loans from the repositioning of the accumulated liquidity in our portfolio to longer duration and higher yielding investments and mortgage prepayments. Yields were also positively impacted by lower crediting rates paid to the segments on the economic capital invested on their behalf period over period, reflecting the low interest rate environment. Growth in the investment portfolio was due to positive cash flows from operations in most of our businesses. Our investments primarily include structured securities, investment grade corporate fixed maturities, mortgage loans and U.S. Treasury and agency securities. In addition, our investment portfolio includes the excess capital not allocated to the segments. Accordingly, it includes a higher allocation to certain other invested asset classes to provide additional diversification and opportunity for long-term yield enhancement, including leveraged leases, other limited partnership interests, real estate, real estate joint ventures, trading and other securities and equity securities.
 
The mortgage loan origination business experienced a $25 million decline in operating earnings with increases in other expenses to support sales growth and risk management initiatives. The results of our mortgage loan servicing business declined $24 million primarily due to additional expenses incurred to support a larger portfolio with increased regulatory oversight.
 
The Company incurred $40 million of expenses related to a liquidation plan filed by the Department of Financial Services for ELNY in the third quarter of 2011. In addition, minor fluctuations in various expense categories, such as advertising, legal, real estate, internal resource costs and interest on uncertain tax positions, offset each other and resulted in a small decrease to earnings.
 
Interest expense on debt increased $22 million primarily as a result of debt issued in the third and fourth quarters of 2010 in connection with the Acquisition and FHLB borrowings.


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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
Consolidated Results
 
                                 
    Nine Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
Revenues
                               
Premiums
  $ 27,190     $ 19,856     $ 7,334       36.9 %
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    5,856       4,339       1,517       35.0 %
Net investment income
    14,669       12,745       1,924       15.1 %
Other revenues
    1,878       1,681       197       11.7 %
Net investment gains (losses)
    (309 )     (324 )     15       4.6 %
Net derivative gains (losses)
    4,233       1,278       2,955       231.2 %
                                 
Total revenues
    53,517       39,575       13,942       35.2 %
                                 
Expenses
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    27,497       22,859       4,638       20.3 %
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    4,104       3,454       650       18.8 %
Interest credited to bank deposits
    72       108       (36 )     (33.3 )%
Capitalization of DAC
    (5,119 )     (2,255 )     (2,864 )     (127.0 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    4,295       2,184       2,111       96.7 %
Amortization of negative VOBA
    (536 )           (536 )        
Interest expense on debt
    1,260       1,136       124       10.9 %
Other expenses
    13,438       8,157       5,281       64.7 %
                                 
Total expenses
    45,011       35,643       9,368       26.3 %
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax
    8,506       3,932       4,574       116.3 %
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    2,681       1,251       1,430       114.3 %
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
    5,825       2,681       3,144       117.3 %
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax
    (6 )     20       (26 )     (130.0 )%
                                 
Net income (loss)
    5,819       2,701       3,118       115.4 %
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (6 )     (7 )     1       14.3 %
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. 
    5,825       2,708       3,117       115.1 %
Less: Preferred stock dividends
    91       91             %
Preferred stock redemption premium
    146             146          
                                 
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders
  $ 5,588     $ 2,617     $ 2,971       113.5 %
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, increased $3.1 billion to $5.8 billion primarily driven by increased derivative gains and decreased investment losses, both net of related adjustments, principally associated with DAC and VOBA amortization. In addition, operating earnings increased, reflecting the impact of the Acquisition.


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The favorable change in net derivative gains (losses) of $1.9 billion, from gains of $831 million in the 2010 period to gains of $2.8 billion in the 2011 period, was primarily driven by a favorable change in freestanding derivatives of $2.0 billion, partially offset by an unfavorable change in embedded derivatives of $107 million primarily associated with variable annuity minimum benefit guarantees. The $2.0 billion favorable change in freestanding derivatives was primarily attributable to the impact of equity market movements and volatility, falling long-term interest rates and widening credit spreads in the financial services sector. The impact of equity market movements and equity volatility in the current period compared to the prior period had a positive impact of $972 million on our equity derivatives, which was primarily attributable to hedges of variable annuity minimum benefit guarantee liabilities that are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Long-term interest rates fell more in the current period than in the prior period which had a positive impact of $896 million on our interest rate derivatives, $95 million of which was attributable to hedges of variable annuity minimum benefit guarantee liabilities that are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Widening credit spreads on the financial services sector had a positive impact of $162 million on our purchased protection credit derivatives.
 
Certain variable annuity products with minimum benefit guarantees contain embedded derivatives that are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). The fair value of these embedded derivatives also includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk, which is unhedged. The $107 million unfavorable change in embedded derivatives was primarily attributable to hedged risks relating to changes in market factors of $933 million and an unfavorable change in other unhedged non-market risks of $235 million, partially offset by a favorable change in unhedged risks, including the adjustment for nonperformance risk of $1.0 billion. The aforementioned $933 million unfavorable change in embedded derivatives, attributable to changes in market factors, was largely offset by gains on freestanding derivatives that hedge these risks, which are described in the preceding paragraph. The foregoing $1.0 billion favorable change in the adjustment for nonperformance risk was net of a prior period $621 million loss relating to a refinement in estimating the spreads used in the adjustment for nonperformance risk.
 
In July 2011 and October 2011, the Company announced that it was exploring the sale of MetLife Bank’s depository and forward mortgage origination businesses, respectively. As a result of these announcements, we incurred losses of $119 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, relating to the impairment of the goodwill associated with MetLife Bank of $42 million included within net investment gains (losses) and the de-designation of certain cash flow hedges at MetLife Bank of $77 million included within net derivative gains (losses), all net of income tax.
 
The increase in net investment gains reflects net gains on the sales of certain real estate investments and reductions in the mortgage valuation allowance reflecting improving real estate market fundamentals, partially offset by increased impairments on sovereign fixed maturity securities, certain equity securities and goodwill.
 
Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $2.7 billion, or 32% of income (loss) from continuing operations, before provision for income tax, compared with $1.3 billion, or 32% of income (loss) from continuing operations, before provision for income tax, for the comparable 2010 period. The Company’s 2011 and 2010 effective tax rates differ from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of certain permanent tax differences, including non-taxable investment income and tax credits for investments in low income housing, in relation to income (loss) from continuing operations, before provision for income tax, as well as certain foreign permanent tax differences.
 
As more fully described in the discussion of performance measures above, we use operating earnings, which does not equate to income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, as determined in accordance with GAAP, to analyze our performance, evaluate segment performance, and allocate resources. We believe that the presentation of operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders, as we measure it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of our performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Operating earnings and operating earnings available to common shareholders should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, and GAAP net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders, respectively. Operating earnings available to common shareholders increased $1.2 billion to $3.9 billion in the first nine months of 2011 from $2.7 billion in the comparable 2010 period.


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Reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax to operating earnings available to common shareholders
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
                                                                 
                Corporate
                Other
    Banking,
       
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Auto &
          International
    Corporate
       
    Products     Products     Funding     Home     Japan     Regions     & Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  $ 2,062     $ 1,174     $ 1,110     $ 10     $ 934     $ 851     $ (316 )   $ 5,825  
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
    55       72       86       (10 )     (115 )     (385 )     (12 )     (309 )
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
    1,689       1,220       228       (10 )     228       987       (109 )     4,233  
Less: Other adjustments to continuing operations (1)
    (208 )     (281 )     60             15       (428 )     (222 )     (1,064 )
Less: Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    (538 )     (354 )     (131 )     7       (44 )     (125 )     133       (1,052 )
                                                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 1,064     $ 517     $ 867     $ 23     $ 850     $ 802       (106 )     4,017  
                                                                 
Less: Preferred stock dividends
                                                    91       91  
                                                                 
Operating earnings available to common shareholders
                                                  $ (197 )   $ 3,926  
                                                                 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
                                                                 
                Corporate
                Other
    Banking,
       
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Auto &
          International
    Corporate
       
    Products     Products     Funding     Home     Japan     Regions     & Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax
  $ 1,403     $ 781     $ 668     $ 219     $     $ 41     $ (431 )   $ 2,681  
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
    78       96       111       (3 )           (268 )     (338 )     (324 )
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
    711       627       (123 )     (7 )           157       (87 )     1,278  
Less: Other adjustments to continuing operations (1)
    (187 )     (404 )     69                   (413 )     (82 )     (1,017 )
Less: Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    (211 )     (113 )     (26 )     3             87       177       (83 )
                                                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 1,012     $ 575     $ 637     $ 226     $     $ 478       (101 )     2,827  
                                                                 
Less: Preferred stock dividends
                                                    91       91  
                                                                 
Operating earnings available to common shareholders
                                                  $ (192 )   $ 2,736  
                                                                 
 
 
(1) See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses for the components of such adjustments.


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Reconciliation of GAAP revenues to operating revenues and GAAP expenses to operating expenses
 
Nine months Ended September 30, 2011
 
                                                                 
                Corporate
                Other
    Banking,
       
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Auto &
          International
    Corporate
       
    Products     Products     Funding     Home     Japan     Regions     & Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Total revenues
  $ 21,155     $ 6,636     $ 6,515     $ 2,400     $ 6,701     $ 8,308     $ 1,802     $ 53,517  
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
    55       72       86       (10 )     (115 )     (385 )     (12 )     (309 )
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
    1,689       1,220       228       (10 )     228       987       (109 )     4,233  
Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)
    14                                           14  
Less: Other adjustments to revenues (1)
    (164 )     72       117             (255 )     (217 )     300       (147 )
                                                                 
Total operating revenues
  $ 19,561     $ 5,272     $ 6,084     $ 2,420     $ 6,843     $ 7,923     $ 1,623     $ 49,726  
                                                                 
                                                                 
Total expenses
  $ 17,982     $ 4,829     $ 4,808     $ 2,448     $ 5,256     $ 7,031     $ 2,657     $ 45,011  
Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)
    60       485                   20                   565  
Less: Other adjustments to expenses (1)
    (2 )     (132 )     57             (290 )     211       522       366  
                                                                 
Total operating expenses
  $ 17,924     $ 4,476     $ 4,751     $ 2,448     $ 5,526     $ 6,820     $ 2,135     $ 44,080  
                                                                 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
                                                                 
                Corporate
                Other
    Banking,
       
    Insurance
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Auto &
          International
    Corporate
       
    Products     Products     Funding     Home     Japan     Regions     & Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Total revenues
  $ 20,269     $ 5,588     $ 5,668     $ 2,337     $     $ 4,343     $ 1,370     $ 39,575  
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
    78       96       111       (3 )           (268 )     (338 )     (324 )
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
    711       627       (123 )     (7 )           157       (87 )     1,278  
Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)
    6                                           6  
Less: Other adjustments to revenues (1)
    (110 )     (48 )     142                   (135 )     345       194  
                                                                 
Total operating revenues
  $ 19,584     $ 4,913     $ 5,538     $ 2,347     $     $ 4,589     $ 1,450     $ 38,421  
                                                                 
                                                                 
Total expenses
  $ 18,110     $ 4,384     $ 4,631     $ 2,067     $     $ 4,288     $ 2,163     $ 35,643  
Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)
    78       185                                     263  
Less: Other adjustments to expenses (1)
    5       171       73                   278       427       954  
                                                                 
Total operating expenses
  $ 18,027     $ 4,028     $ 4,558     $ 2,067     $     $ 4,010     $ 1,736     $ 34,426  
                                                                 
 
 
(1) See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses for the components of such adjustments.


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Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax and are on a constant currency basis. The constant currency basis amounts for both periods are calculated using the average foreign currency exchange rates for the first nine months of 2011.
 
The increase in operating earnings includes the impact of the Acquisition, which is reflected in both Japan and Other International Regions, as well as increased policy fee income as growth in the variable annuity business and the improvement in the financial markets drove a higher level of average separate account balances. Results for the current period were negatively impacted by the Third Quarter 2011 Events. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a modest positive impact on results compared to the prior period.
 
The increase in average separate account balances was largely attributable to positive net cash flows from the annuity business and favorable equity market performance in the previous three quarters. The decline in the equity market performance in the current quarter caused a decrease in the average separate account balances, which was largely offset by positive equity market performance from the previous three quarters. This resulted in higher policy fees and other revenues of $423 million, most notably in Retirement Products. Policy fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the average assets in the separate accounts.
 
Net investment income increased from growth in average invested assets, offset by lower yields. Growth in the investment portfolio was primarily due to the Acquisition and positive net cash flows in the majority of our domestic businesses, as well as continued growth in Other International Regions (excluding the impact of the Acquisition). These cash flows were invested primarily in fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans. Yields were negatively impacted by the acquired ALICO investment portfolio, which has a larger allocation of lower yielding government securities and shorter duration investments. In addition, yields were adversely impacted by the effects of lower fixed maturity securities yields due to new investment and reinvestment during this lower interest rate environment. Also, yields were negatively impacted by lower returns on other limited partnership interests due to volatility in equity markets. These decreases in yields were partially offset by increased real estate joint venture yields as a result of the positive effects of improving real estate markets period over period and an increase in mortgage loan prepayments. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010, investment earnings and interest credited related to contractholder-directed unit-linked investments are excluded from operating revenues and operating expenses, as the contractholder, and not the Company, directs the investment of the funds. This change in presentation had no impact on operating earnings in the current period; however, it unfavorably impacted the change in net investment income in the current period, when compared to the prior period, as positive returns were incurred in the first nine months of 2010 from recovering equity markets. The corresponding favorable impact is reflected in interest credited expense.
 
Since many of our products are interest spread-based, higher net investment income is typically offset by higher interest credited expense. However, interest credited expense decreased as a result of the impact of derivatives that are used to hedge certain liabilities in our funding agreement business. The impact from growth in our LTC, traditional life and structured settlement businesses partially offset those decreases in interest credited expense.
 
A reduction in the dividend scale, which was announced in the fourth quarter of 2010, resulted in a $47 million decrease in policyholder dividends in the traditional life business.
 
Operating expenses increased due to the Acquisition and also increased as a result of higher variable expenses of $362 million, such as commissions and separate account advisory fees, a portion of which is offset by DAC capitalization. The current period also includes expenses related to investment and growth in our international and banking businesses of $308 million. Additionally, the Company incurred expenses related to a liquidation plan filed by the Department of Financial Services for ELNY in the current period. Results in Japan were negatively impacted by additional expenses of $23 million related to the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
 
Unfavorable claims experience resulted in a $307 million reduction in operating earnings. Severe storm activity during the second and third quarters of 2011 resulted in catastrophe losses of $194 million in Auto & Home, which included the impact of Hurricane Irene. In addition, the current period included a $117 million charge to increase reserves in connection with our use of the Death Master File, impacting primarily Insurance Products.


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Apart from an increase resulting from the Acquisition, DAC, VOBA and DSI amortization increased $179 million during the first nine months of 2011 compared to the prior year, most notably in Retirement Products. During the third quarter of 2011, results reflected increased or accelerated amortization primarily stemming from a substantial decline in the market value of our separate account balances, which more than offset the growth experienced during the first six months of 2011. A factor that determines the amount of amortization is expected future earnings which, in the retirement business, are derived, in part, from the fees earned on separate account balances. The decline in the market value of our separate account balances during the third quarter of 2011 resulted in a decrease in the expected future gross profits, triggering an acceleration of amortization.
 
Interest expense on debt increased $101 million primarily as a result of the debt issued in the third and fourth quarters of 2010 in connection with the Acquisition and FHLB borrowings.
 
The first nine months of 2010 included $93 million of charges related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (together, the “Health Care Act”). The Health Care Act reduced the tax deductibility of retiree health care costs to the extent of any Medicare Part D subsidy received beginning in 2013. Because the deductibility of future retiree health care costs was reflected in our financial statements, the entire future impact of this change in law was required to be recorded as a charge in the first quarter of 2010, when the legislation was enacted. As a result, we incurred a $75 million charge in the first quarter of 2010. The Health Care Act also amended Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) as a result of which MetLife would be considered a healthcare provider, as defined, and would be subject to limits on tax deductibility of certain types of compensation. This change negatively impacted the results for the first nine months of 2010 by $18 million. In addition, we benefited from a higher tax benefit of $24 million from the 2010 period primarily due to a higher utilization of tax preferenced investments which provide tax credits and deductions.
 
Insurance Products
 
                                 
    Nine Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 12,619     $ 12,874     $ (255 )     (2.0 )%
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    1,695       1,634       61       3.7 %
Net investment income
    4,627       4,514       113       2.5 %
Other revenues
    620       562       58       10.3 %
                                 
Total operating revenues
    19,561       19,584       (23 )     (0.1 )%
                                 
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    14,115       14,253       (138 )     (1.0 )%
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    742       714       28       3.9 %
Capitalization of DAC
    (643 )     (627 )     (16 )     (2.6 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    631       666       (35 )     (5.3 )%
Other expenses
    3,079       3,021       58       1.9 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    17,924       18,027       (103 )     (0.6 )%
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    573       545       28       5.1 %
                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 1,064     $ 1,012     $ 52       5.1 %
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
The significant components of the increase in operating earnings were higher net investment income, the impact of a reduction in dividends to certain policyholders, and lower DAC amortization, partially offset by unfavorable claims experience.


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Higher net investment income of $73 million was partially offset by a $49 million increase in both interest credited on long-duration contracts, which is reflected in the change in policyholder benefits and dividends, and interest credited on policyholder account balances. This increase in interest credited was primarily due to growth in future policyholder benefits in our LTC and traditional life businesses and an increase in crediting rates, partially offset by a decline in policyholder account balances, mainly in our variable universal life business. The increase in net investment income was due to a $98 million increase from growth in average invested assets and a $25 million decrease from lower yields. Growth in the investment portfolio was due to positive cash flows from operations in our individual life business. Yields were negatively impacted by lower returns on invested economic capital resulting from the current low interest rate environment. Also, yields were negatively impacted by lower returns on other limited partnership interests, primarily hedge funds, due to volatility in equity markets. These decreases in yield were partially offset by increased real estate and real estate joint venture yields as a result of the positive effects of improving real estate markets period over period. In addition, yields were positively impacted by the improved yields on fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans from the repositioning of the accumulated liquidity in our portfolio to longer duration and higher yielding investments and an increase in mortgage loan prepayments.
 
Also contributing to the increase in operating earnings were: a reduction in the dividend scale, which was announced in the fourth quarter of 2010, resulting in a $47 million decrease in policyholder dividends in the traditional life business; higher fees earned on several of our products, primarily our individual universal life product, increasing operations earnings by $33 million; and a decrease in DAC amortization of $23 million, which was largely due to the impact of a model refinement in the current and prior period.
 
Claims experience varied amongst our businesses with a net unfavorable impact of $70 million to operating earnings. This was driven primarily by an adjustment of reserves of $109 million in connection with the Company’s use of the Death Master File, in our group and individual life businesses. Results of our traditional life business in the prior period included a reserve refinement of $24 million. Excluding these negative impacts, group life’s underlying business exhibited favorable mortality, while individual life mortality experience was unfavorable. We also had very favorable morbidity results in the current period in our non-medical health businesses, with our disability and dental businesses having favorable claims experience. Our disability business also benefited from higher net closures.
 
Other expenses increased $38 million, primarily due to an increase in commissions. A portion of the commission increase is offset by DAC capitalization which increased, in total by $10 million. Approximately $31 million of the increase in other revenues represents commission income which is directly correlated with the aforementioned commission expense.


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Retirement Products
 
                                 
    Nine Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 839     $ 730     $ 109       14.9 %
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    1,828       1,474       354       24.0 %
Net investment income
    2,378       2,550       (172 )     (6.7 )%
Other revenues
    227       159       68       42.8 %
                                 
Total operating revenues
    5,272       4,913       359       7.3 %
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    1,362       1,207       155       12.8 %
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    1,196       1,205       (9 )     (0.7 )%
Capitalization of DAC
    (1,195 )     (766 )     (429 )     (56.0 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    783       594       189       31.8 %
Interest expense on debt
    1       4       (3 )     (75.0 )%
Other expenses
    2,329       1,784       545       30.5 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    4,476       4,028       448       11.1 %
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    279       310       (31 )     (10.0 )%
                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 517     $ 575     $ (58 )     (10.1 )%
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
Interest rate and equity market changes were the primary drivers of the decrease in operating earnings, with the largest impact resulting from an increase in DAC, VOBA and DSI amortization, a decrease in net investment income and an increase in other expenses, partially offset by an increase in policy fees and other revenues.
 
In the annuity business, the movement in premiums is almost entirely offset by the related change in policyholder benefits, as the insurance liability that we establish at the time we assume the risk under these contracts is typically equivalent to the premium earned less the amount of acquisition expenses. In addition, income annuity earnings were $16 million lower mainly due to less favorable mortality, as well as reserve adjustments as a result of refinements in certain assumptions.
 
DAC, VOBA and DSI amortization increased $138 million during the first nine months of 2011 compared to the prior period. During the third quarter of 2011, results reflected increased or accelerated DAC, VOBA and DSI amortization primarily stemming from a substantial decline in the market value of our separate account balances, which more than offset the growth experienced during the first six months of 2011. A factor that determines the amount of amortization is expected future earnings which, in the retirement business, are derived, in part, from the fees earned on separate account balances. The decline in the market value of our separate account balances during the third quarter of 2011 resulted in a decrease in the expected future gross profits, triggering an acceleration of amortization.
 
Net investment income decreased $112 million due to a $107 million decrease from lower yields and a $5 million decrease from a reduction in average invested assets. Yields were negatively impacted by new investment and the reinvestment in fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans during this lower interest rate environment. In addition, yields were negatively impacted by lower returns on other limited partnership interests due to volatility in equity markets. Also, yields were negatively impacted by lower returns on invested economic capital resulting from the current low interest rate environment. The reduction in the investment portfolio was due to transfers to the separate account and a decrease in the size of the securities lending program. Consistent with yields on our investment portfolio, there has been a corresponding drop in our average crediting rates on fixed


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annuities which resulted in a $40 million decrease in interest credited expense. This was partially offset by an increase of $34 million due to lower amortization of excess interest reserves and the impact of growth in our fixed annuity policyholder account balances. Amortization in the third quarter of 2010 was accelerated due to one large case surrender, resulting in lower interest credited expense in the prior year period.
 
Other expenses increased $352 million primarily due to an increase of $335 million in variable expenses such as commissions, separate account advisory fees, letter of credit fees and other volume-related costs associated with sales activity. The majority of this increase is offset by DAC capitalization
 
An increase in average separate account balances was largely attributable to positive net cash flows from the annuity business and favorable equity market performance in the previous three quarters. The decline in the equity market performance in the current quarter caused a decrease in the average separate account balances, which was largely offset by positive equity market performance from the previous three quarters. This resulted in higher policy fees and other revenues of $274 million. Policy fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the average assets in the separate account.
 
Corporate Benefit Funding
 
                                 
    Nine Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 1,796     $ 1,547     $ 249       16.1 %
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    181       169       12       7.1 %
Net investment income
    3,925       3,641       284       7.8 %
Other revenues
    182       181       1       0.6 %
                                 
Total operating revenues
    6,084       5,538       546       9.9 %
                                 
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    3,400       3,115       285       9.1 %
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    992       1,099       (107 )     (9.7 )%
Capitalization of DAC
    (24 )     (17 )     (7 )     (41.2 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    14       12       2       16.7 %
Interest expense on debt
    6       3       3       100.0 %
Other expenses
    363       346       17       4.9 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    4,751       4,558       193       4.2 %
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    466       343       123       35.9 %
                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 867     $ 637     $ 230       36.1 %
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
The $230 million increase in operating earnings was primarily driven by an improvement in net investment income and the impact of lower interest credited expense, partially offset by unfavorable mortality.
 
Net investment income increased $185 million, reflecting a $150 million increase from growth in average invested assets and a $35 million increase from higher yields. Growth in the investment portfolio was due to an increase in the size of the securities lending program and increased issuances under funding agreements. Yields were positively impacted by improved yields on fixed maturity securities as a result of the repositioning of the accumulated liquidity in our portfolio to longer duration and higher yielding investments. Additionally, real estate and real estate joint ventures yields were positively impacted by the effects of improving real estate markets period over period. Also, mortgage loan yields were positively impacted by collections on lower yielding assets in addition to increased mortgage prepayments. These improvements in yields were partially offset by the negative impact of lower returns on invested economic capital resulting from the current low interest rate environment.


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As many of our products are interest spread-based, changes in net investment income are typically offset by a corresponding change in interest credited expense. However, interest credited expense decreased $70 million largely due to the impact from derivatives that are used to hedge certain liabilities in our funding agreement business. In addition, lower crediting rates and lower policyholder account balances in our funding agreement and guaranteed interest contract businesses contributed to this decrease. The increase in the average policyholder liabilities resulted in an $18 million increase in interest credited expense primarily related to our structured settlements business.
 
A charge for a liability refinement in our small business recordkeeping business in the prior period and favorable liability refinements in the current period resulted in a net increase to operating earnings of $13 million. However, the impact of these refinements was partially offset by the adjustment of reserves in connection with the Company’s use of the Death Master File in our post-retirement benefit business of $8 million.
 
Mortality experience was mixed and decreased operating earnings by $9 million in the 2011 period.
 
Auto & Home
 
                                 
    Nine Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 2,243     $ 2,177     $ 66       3.0 %
Net investment income
    154       156       (2 )     (1.3 )%
Other revenues
    23       14       9       64.3 %
                                 
Total operating revenues
    2,420       2,347       73       3.1 %
                                 
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    1,864       1,506       358       23.8 %
Capitalization of DAC
    (343 )     (339 )     (4 )     (1.2 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    336       328       8       2.4 %
Other expenses
    591       572       19       3.3 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    2,448       2,067       381       18.4 %
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    (51 )     54       (105 )     (194.4 )%
                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 23     $ 226     $ (203 )     (89.8 )%
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
The primary driver of the $203 million decrease in operating earnings was unfavorable claims experience. Catastrophe-related losses increased $194 million compared to the first nine months of 2010 mainly due to severe storm activity in the U.S. during the second and third quarters of 2011, which resulted in $261 million of losses. The third quarter of 2011 included catastrophe-related losses resulting from the impact of Hurricane Irene. The second quarter included catastrophe-related losses mainly due to a record number of tornadoes for a one-month period that resulted in damage in many states, with the worst storm impacting Alabama and Tennessee, from tornadoes and hail, respectively, as well as one tornado that impacted 20 states and caused severe tornado damage in Missouri, Minnesota and Oklahoma. In addition, current period non-catastrophe claim costs increased $62 million as a result of higher claim frequencies in both our auto and homeowners businesses due primarily to severe winter weather in the first quarter of 2011 and to non-catastrophe weather in the second and third quarters of 2011. Higher severities in our homeowners business resulted in a $9 million increase in claims. The negative impact of these items was partially offset by additional favorable development of prior year losses of $27 million and a $10 million decrease in severities in our auto business.


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The impact of the items discussed above can be seen in the unfavorable change in the combined ratio, including catastrophes, to 108.6% in the first nine months of 2011 from 94.3% in the comparable 2010 period. The combined ratio, excluding catastrophes, was 88.7% in the first nine months of 2011 compared to 87.5% in the comparable 2010 period.
 
A $15 million increase in other expenses, including the net change in DAC, contributed to the decrease in operating earnings. The increase in other expenses resulted from higher commission-related expense and minor fluctuations in a number of expense categories.
 
The increase in average premium per policy in both our homeowners and auto businesses improved operating earnings by $39 million and the increase in exposures resulted in a slight increase in operating earnings as the positive impact from claims exceeded the negative impact from premiums. Exposures are primarily each automobile for the auto line of business and each residence for the homeowners line of business.
 
In addition, the write-off in the first quarter of 2010 of an equity interest in a mandatory state underwriting pool, required by a change in legislation, resulted in an increase in other revenues in the 2011 period.
 
Japan
 
                         
    Nine Months
       
    Ended
       
    September 30,        
    2011     2010     Change  
    (In millions)  
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                       
Premiums
  $ 4,720     $     $ 4,720  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    609             609  
Net investment income
    1,496             1,496  
Other revenues
    18             18  
                         
Total operating revenues
    6,843             6,843  
                         
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    2,967             2,967  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    1,158             1,158  
Capitalization of DAC
    (1,660 )           (1,660 )
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    981             981  
Amortization of negative VOBA
    (422 )           (422 )
Other expenses
    2,502             2,502  
                         
Total operating expenses
    5,526             5,526  
                         
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    467             467  
                         
Operating earnings
  $ 850     $     $ 850  
                         
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
The Japanese economy, to which we face substantial exposure given our operations there, has been significantly negatively impacted by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Disruptions to the Japanese economy are having, and will continue to have, negative impacts on the overall global economy, not all of which can be foreseen. Despite the impact of the earthquake and tsunami, our sales results continue to show steady growth and improvement across our captive agents, independent agents, brokers, bancassurance, and direct marketing distribution channels. During the first nine months of 2011, the Company incurred $23 million of increased operating expenses related to the earthquake and tsunami. In addition, the Company incurred $26 million of insurance claims in the second quarter of 2011 related to the earthquake and tsunami, of which $12 million was released in the current period.


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Other International Regions
 
                                 
    Nine Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 4,966     $ 2,522     $ 2,444       96.9 %
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    1,339       902       437       48.4 %
Net investment income
    1,510       1,153       357       31.0 %
Other revenues
    108       12       96       800.0 %
                                 
Total operating revenues
    7,923       4,589       3,334       72.7 %
                                 
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    3,635       2,279       1,356       59.5 %
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    441       433       8       1.8 %
Capitalization of DAC
    (1,254 )     (506 )     (748 )     (147.8 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    868       313       555       177.3 %
Amortization of negative VOBA
    (57 )           (57 )        
Interest expense on debt
    2       2             %
Other expenses
    3,185       1,489       1,696       113.9 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    6,820       4,010       2,810       70.1 %
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    301       101       200       198.0 %
                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 802     $ 478     $ 324       67.8 %
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax and are on a constant currency basis. The constant currency basis amounts for both periods are calculated using the average foreign currency exchange rates for the first nine months of 2011.
 
Reported operating earnings increased by $324 million over the prior period, reflecting the addition of the ALICO operations other than Japan. The positive impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates improved reported earnings by $30 million for the first nine months of 2011 compared to the prior period.
 
In addition to the increase in operating earnings due to the ALICO operations other than Japan, operating earnings in Mexico increased primarily due to an increase in policy fees on our universal life products and growth in our institutional business. Korea’s operating earnings increased primarily from a tax benefit in the current period. In addition, operating earnings in Argentina increased primarily due to a tax benefit in the current period and the positive impact of inflation on certain inflation-indexed investments. Ireland’s operating earnings increased primarily due to business growth in our European annuity operation. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the Japan reinsurance business mainly due to market performance. The impact of the sale of the Company’s interest in MSI MetLife on April 1, 2011 also decreased operating results for the first nine months of 2011, as no earnings were recognized in the current period. Australia’s operating earnings decreased slightly due to the loss of an institutional business contract in December 2010, partially offset by a tax refund in the current period.
 
Net investment income increased from growth in average invested assets offset by lower yields. Growth in average invested assets reflects the Acquisition and growth in our businesses. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010, investment earnings and interest credited related to contractholder-directed unit-linked investments were excluded from operating revenues and operating expenses, as the contractholder, and not the Company, directs the investment of the funds. This change in presentation had no impact on operating earnings in the current period; however, it unfavorably impacted the change in net investment income in the current period, when compared to the prior period as positive returns were incurred in the first nine months of 2010 from recovering equity markets. The corresponding favorable impact is reflected in interest credited expense. Decreased yields reflect the decreased


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operating joint venture returns from the sale of MSI MetLife in second quarter of 2011, the Acquisition, as ALICO’s acquired investment portfolio has a larger allocation to lower yielding government securities, and the net impact of higher inflation, primarily in Chile, which was more than offset by the impact of changes in assumptions for measuring the effects of inflation on certain inflation-indexed investments, also primarily in Chile. The change in net investment income from inflation was offset by a similar change in the related insurance liabilities.
 
In addition to an increase associated with the Acquisition, operating expenses increased primarily due to higher commissions and compensation expenses in Korea, Mexico, Brazil and Chile, a portion of which was offset by DAC capitalization.
 
Banking, Corporate & Other
 
                                 
    Nine Months
             
    Ended
             
    September 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)        
 
OPERATING REVENUES
                               
Premiums
  $ 7     $ 6     $ 1       16.7 %
Net investment income
    924       691       233       33.7 %
Other revenues
    692       753       (61 )     (8.1 )%
                                 
Total operating revenues
    1,623       1,450       173       11.9 %
                                 
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends
    7       (11 )     18       163.6 %
Interest credited to bank deposits
    72       108       (36 )     (33.3 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
          (1 )     1       100.0 %
Interest expense on debt
    970       815       155       19.0 %
Other expenses
    1,086       825       261       31.6 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    2,135       1,736       399       23.0 %
                                 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    (406 )     (185 )     (221 )     (119.5 )%
                                 
Operating earnings
    (106 )     (101 )     (5 )     (5.0 )%
Less: Preferred stock dividends
    91       91             %
                                 
Operating earnings available to common shareholders
  $ (197 )   $ (192 )   $ (5 )     (2.6 )%
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
Operating earnings available to common shareholders and operating earnings, which excludes preferred stock dividends, each decreased $5 million, primarily due to a decrease in the results of our mortgage banking business, an increase in interest expense resulting from the 2010 debt issuances, and an increase in other expenses, partially offset by an increase in net investment income, a higher tax benefit and a decrease in interest credited to bank deposits.
 
The mortgage loan origination business experienced a $104 million decline in operating earnings primarily due to a $75 million increase in other expenses to support sales growth and risk management initiatives. In addition, a $29 million reduction in this business is principally attributable to new interest rate lock commitment activity as a result of a weaker refinance market, as well as margin compression in both our forward and reverse mortgage products. The results of our mortgage loan servicing business declined $44 million primarily due to additional expenses incurred to support a larger portfolio with increased regulatory oversight.
 
Interest expense on debt increased $101 million primarily as a result of debt issued in the third and fourth quarters of 2010 in connection with the Acquisition and FHLB borrowings.


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The Company incurred $40 million of expenses related to a liquidation plan filed by the Department of Financial Services for ELNY in the current period. Additionally, the positive resolution of certain legal matters in the prior period resulted in $10 million of lower operating earnings for the third quarter of 2011. In addition, minor fluctuations in various expense categories, such as advertising, real estate costs, and discretionary spending such as consulting and postemployment-related costs, offset each other and resulted in a small increase to earnings.
 
Net investment income increased $151 million due to an increase of $113 million from higher yields and an increase of $38 million from growth in average invested assets. Yields were positively impacted by improved yields on fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans from the repositioning of the accumulated liquidity in our portfolio to longer duration and higher yielding investments. Yields were also positively impacted by lower crediting rates paid to the segments on the economic capital invested on their behalf period over period, reflecting the low interest rate environment. An increase in the average invested assets was primarily due to proceeds from the issuances of debt.
 
Banking, Corporate & Other also benefited from a higher tax benefit of $142 million from the first nine months of 2010 primarily due to $93 million of charges in 2010 related to the Health Care Act. The Health Care Act reduced the tax deductibility of retiree health care costs to the extent of any Medicare Part D subsidy received beginning in 2013. Because the deductibility of future retiree health care costs was reflected in our financial statements, the entire future impact of this change in law was required to be recorded as a charge in the first quarter of 2010, when the legislation was enacted. As a result, we incurred a $75 million charge in the first quarter of 2010. The Health Care Act also amended Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) as a result of which MetLife would be considered a healthcare provider, as defined, and would be subject to limits on tax deductibility of certain types of compensation. This change negatively impacted the results for the first nine months of 2010 by $18 million. The higher tax benefit was also a result of higher utilization of tax preferenced investments which provide tax credits and deductions.
 
Interested credited to bank deposits decreased $22 million due to lower overall cost of deposits driven by lower interest rates paid on deposit accounts.
 
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, relating to the variability in the estimated fair value of investments associated with changes in market factors such as credit spreads.
 
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, interest rate, currency and equity market risks.
 
Current Environment.  The global economy and markets are still affected by a period of significant stress that began in the second half of 2007. This disruption has adversely affected the financial services industry, in particular.


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The global recession and disruption of the financial markets has led to concerns over capital markets access and the solvency of certain European Union member states, including Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain, and of financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to debt issued by these countries.
 
In January 2011, Greece’s sovereign debt was downgraded to below investment grade by Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), the last of the major rating agencies to downgrade their debt to below investment grade. In July 2011, a Greece support program estimated at €109 billion from public financing sources was announced, as well as a separate Greece sovereign debt exchange proposal by the private sector. Private investors that voluntarily participate in the debt exchange proposal, which was expected to apply to Greece’s sovereign debt maturing through 2019, were expected to incur losses on a net present value basis of approximately 20% on such securities that mature through 2019. As a result, in July 2011, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), and S&P downgraded Greece’s sovereign debt to Ca and CC ratings, respectively — rating designations of likely in, or very near, default. In October 2011, certain European Union member states agreed to certain measures to restore financial stability to Europe and improve the debt sustainability and refinancing profile of Greece. The measures include plans to expand the size of the public financing capacity of the European Financial Stability Facility and increase the capital level of European private sector banks. The measures also include a new loan to Greece of up to €100 billion from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund and voluntary participation by private investors in a debt exchange program, that replaces the July 2011 proposal described above, with a nominal discount of 50% on notional sovereign debt of Greece, which is expected to be finalized by the end of 2011 and which is expected to be implemented in the first half of 2012.
 
In July 2011, the sovereign debt of Portugal and Ireland was downgraded to below investment grade by Moody’s. Also in July 2011, a Portugal and Ireland support program was announced that included the reduction of interest rates on certain sovereign debt of Portugal and Ireland.
 
In September 2011, S&P downgraded Italy’s sovereign debt from A+ to A, with a negative outlook. In October 2011, (i) Fitch downgraded the sovereign debt of Italy to A+ from AA-, with a negative outlook, and of Spain to AA- from AA+, with a negative outlook; (ii) Moody’s downgraded the sovereign debt of Italy to A2 from Aa2, with a negative outlook, and of Spain to A1 from Aa2 with a negative outlook.; and S&P downgraded the sovereign debt of Spain to AA- from AA, with a negative outlook.
 
Our holdings of Greece sovereign debt were acquired in the Acquisition and our amortized cost basis reflects recording such securities at estimated fair value on November 1, 2010, which was substantially below par, partially mitigating our impairment exposure. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $217 million on its holdings of Greece’s sovereign debt. The par value and amortized cost of the Company’s holdings in sovereign fixed maturity securities of Greece, was $828 million and $377 million at September 30, 2011, respectively, and $962 million and $682 million at December 31, 2010, respectively. The estimated fair value of the Company’s holdings in sovereign fixed maturity securities of Greece was $447 million and $642 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company’s holdings in sovereign fixed maturity securities of Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain, commonly referred to as “Europe’s perimeter region,” was $571 million and $629 million and $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The notional value of net purchased credit default swap protection on the Europe perimeter region was $130 million and $170 million as compared to the par value of the Europe perimeter region sovereign fixed maturity securities of $1.0 billion and


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$1.9 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The estimated fair value of these Europe perimeter region sovereign fixed maturity securities prior to considering net purchased credit default swap protection represented 1.0% and 3.2% of the Company’s equity at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and 0.1% and 0.3% of total cash and invested assets at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Overall, our holdings in European sovereign fixed maturity securities and corporate securities (including both fixed maturity securities and perpetual hybrid securities classified as non-redeemable preferred stock) at amortized cost were $42.3 billion, comprised of $9.2 billion of sovereign fixed maturity securities and $33.1 billion of corporate securities at September 30, 2011. Our European sovereign fixed maturity securities are invested in a diversified portfolio, primarily in countries outside of the Europe perimeter region, which comprise $8.7 billion of the $9.2 billion of sovereign fixed maturity securities at amortized cost at September 30, 2011. The corporate securities are invested in a diversified portfolio of primarily non-financial services industry securities, which comprise $24.3 billion of the $33.1 billion of corporate securities at amortized cost at September 30, 2011. Over 90% of these European sovereign fixed maturity securities and corporate securities are investment grade and for the approximately 10% that are below investment grade, approximately 60% are non-financial services industry corporate securities at September 30, 2011. European financial services industry corporate securities at amortized cost were $8.8 billion, with $6.9 billion within the banking sector, with over 95% invested in investment grade rated corporate securities, at September 30, 2011.
 
Despite all Europe perimeter region programs, including the July 2011 and October 2011 programs described above, concerns remain that other European Union member states could experience similar financial troubles, which could adversely affect financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to debt issued by these countries.
 
In August 2011, S&P downgraded the AAA rating on U.S. Treasury securities to AA+ with a negative outlook, while Moody’s affirmed the Aaa rating on U.S. Treasury securities, but with a negative outlook. Fitch affirmed its AAA rating on U.S. Treasury securities and kept its outlook stable. In October 2011, Moody’s affirmed its August 2011 ratings but revised its negative outlook to stable. We continue to closely evaluate the implications on our investment portfolio of a one-notch downgrade of U.S. Treasury securities and believe our investment portfolio is well positioned. In light of the related market uncertainty, we increased our liquidity position in July 2011. With the raising of the statutory debt ceiling in August 2011, we have subsequently redeployed and reduced some of this increased liquidity position into higher yielding investments according to our ALM discipline. Despite the downgrade by S&P, yields on U.S. Treasury securities have decreased since these actions, causing an increase in the unrealized gain position on our holdings of U.S. Treasury and agency securities. The S&P downgrade initially had an adverse effect on financial markets but the extent of the longer-term impact cannot be predicted. See “— Risk Factors — Concerns Over U.S. Fiscal Policy and the Trajectory of the National Debt of the U.S., as well as Rating Agency Downgrades of U.S. Treasury Securities Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
In September 2011, the Federal Open Market Committee announced a program, known as “Operation Twist,” to purchase, by the end of June 2012, $400 billion in par value of U.S. Treasury securities with remaining maturities of six to 30 years and to sell, over the same period, an equal par value of U.S. Treasury securities with remaining maturities of three years or less. By reducing the supply of longer-term securities in the market, this action is intended to put downward pressure on longer-term interest rates relative to levels that would otherwise prevail. The reduction in longer-term interest rates, in turn, is intended to contribute to a broad easing of financial market conditions that could provide additional stimulus to support the economic recovery. See “Risk Factors — 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.”
 
The Japanese economy, to which we face substantial exposure given our operations there, was significantly negatively impacted by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Disruptions to the Japanese economy are having, and will continue to have, negative impacts on the overall global economy, not all of which can be foreseen.


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All of these factors have had and could continue to have an adverse effect on the financial results of companies in the financial services industry, including MetLife. Such global economic conditions, as well as the global financial markets, continue to impact our net investment income, our net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), level of unrealized gains and (losses) within the various asset classes within our investment portfolio and our allocation to lower yielding cash equivalents and short-term investments. See “— Industry Trends.”
 
Investment Outlook.  Stabilizing credit and real estate markets during 2010 and improving real estate markets during the first nine months of 2011 had a positive impact on returns and net investment income of real estate joint ventures and funds, which are included within real estate and real estate joint venture portfolios. Disruption in the global financial markets, such as the sharp decline in the global equity markets in third quarter of 2011, could adversely impact returns and net investment income on alternative investment classes. Net cash flows arising from our business and our investment portfolio will be reinvested in a prudent manner and according to our ALM discipline in appropriate assets over time. We will maintain a sufficient level of liquidity to meet business needs. Net investment income may be adversely affected if excess liquidity is required over an extended period of time to meet changing business needs.


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Composition of Investment Portfolio and Investment Portfolio Results
 
The following yield table presents the investment income, investment portfolio gains (losses), annualized yields on average ending assets and ending carrying value for each of the asset classes within the Company’s investment portfolio, as well as investment income and investment portfolio gains (losses) for the investment portfolio as a whole. The yield table also presents gains (losses) on derivative instruments which are used to manage risk for certain invested assets and certain insurance liabilities:
 
                                 
    At or For the
    At or For the
 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                               
Yield (1)
    4.79 %     5.81 %     4.95 %     5.63 %
Investment income (2),(3)
  $ 3,721     $ 3,236     $ 11,208     $ 9,289  
Investment gains (losses) (3)
  $ (186 )   $ (65 )   $ (454 )   $ (258 )
Ending carrying value (2),(3)
  $ 354,611     $ 261,988     $ 354,611     $ 261,988  
Mortgage Loans:
                               
Yield (1)
    5.56 %     5.54 %     5.54 %     5.50 %
Investment income (3),(4)
  $ 806     $ 712     $ 2,330     $ 2,078  
Investment gains (losses) (3)
  $ 45     $ 37     $ 160     $ 20  
Ending carrying value (3)
  $ 59,722     $ 52,770     $ 59,722     $ 52,770  
Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures:
                               
Yield (1)
    4.67 %     2.80 %     4.15 %     1.28 %
Investment income
  $ 96     $ 48     $ 252     $ 66  
Investment gains (losses)
  $ 165     $ (1 )   $ 241     $ (40 )
Ending carrying value
  $ 8,197     $ 6,990     $ 8,197     $ 6,990  
Policy Loans:
                               
Yield (1)
    5.43 %     6.19 %     5.46 %     6.50 %
Investment income
  $ 162     $ 155     $ 482     $ 488  
Ending carrying value
  $ 11,932     $ 10,089     $ 11,932     $ 10,089  
Equity Securities:
                               
Yield (1)
    3.59 %     2.75 %     4.42 %     3.84 %
Investment income
  $ 28     $ 19     $ 106     $ 83  
Investment gains (losses)
  $ (3 )   $ (1 )   $ (37 )   $ 100  
Ending carrying value
  $ 3,118     $ 2,861     $ 3,118     $ 2,861  
Other Limited Partnership Interests:
                               
Yield (1)
    11.08 %     11.48 %     12.07 %     13.75 %
Investment income
  $ 180     $ 170     $ 582     $ 596  
Investment gains (losses)
  $     $ (4 )   $ 8     $ (15 )
Ending carrying value
  $ 6,538     $ 5,948     $ 6,538     $ 5,948  
Cash and Short-Term Investments:
                               
Yield (1)
    0.72 %     0.42 %     0.87 %     0.39 %
Investment income
  $ 38     $ 20     $ 122     $ 48  
Investment gains (losses)
  $     $     $ 1     $ 1  
Ending carrying value (3)
  $ 25,901     $ 26,019     $ 25,901     $ 26,019  
Other Invested Assets: (5)
                               
Investment income
  $ 158     $ 75     $ 335     $ 395  
Investment gains (losses)
  $     $ (67 )   $ (3 )   $ 8  
Ending carrying value
  $ 23,138     $ 16,558     $ 23,138     $ 16,558  
Total Investments:
                               
Investment income yield (1)
    4.76 %     5.32 %     4.90 %     5.36 %
Investment fees and expenses yield
    (0.13 )     (0.15 )     (0.13 )     (0.14 )
                                 
Net Investment Income Yield (3)
    4.63 %     5.17 %     4.77 %     5.22 %
                                 
Investment income
  $ 5,189     $ 4,435     $ 15,417     $ 13,043  
Investment fees and expenses
    (137 )     (121 )     (403 )     (338 )
                                 
Net Investment Income (3),(6)
  $ 5,052     $ 4,314     $ 15,014     $ 12,705  
                                 
Ending Carrying Value (3)
  $ 493,157     $ 383,223     $ 493,157     $ 383,223  
                                 
Gross investment gains (3)
  $ 477     $ 212     $ 1,115     $ 899  
Gross investment losses (3)
    (199 )     (215 )     (732 )     (664 )
Writedowns
    (257 )     (98 )     (467 )     (419 )
                                 
Investment Portfolio Gains (Losses) (3),(6)
  $ 21     $ (101 )   $ (84 )   $ (184 )
Investment portfolio gains (losses) income tax (expense) benefit
    (7 )     29       31       48  
                                 
Investment Portfolio Gains (Losses), Net of Income Tax
  $ 14     $ (72 )   $ (53 )   $ (136 )
                                 
Derivative Gains (Losses) (6)
  $ 4,130     $ (311 )   $ 4,037     $ 1,001  
Derivative gains (losses) income tax (expense) benefit
    (1,442 )     121       (1,414 )     (408 )
                                 
Derivative Gains (Losses), Net of Income Tax
  $ 2,688     $ (190 )   $ 2,623     $ 593  
                                 
 
 
As described in the footnotes below, the yield table reflects certain differences from the presentation of invested assets, net investment income, net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) as presented in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations, including the exclusion of contractholder-


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directed unit-linked investments classified within trading and other securities, as the contractholder, not the Company, directs the investment of the funds; and the exclusion of the effects of consolidating under GAAP certain VIEs that are consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”). This yield table presentation is consistent with how we measure our investment performance for management purposes, and we believe it enhances understanding of our investment portfolio results.
 
(1) Yields are based on average of quarterly average asset carrying values, excluding recognized and unrealized investment gains (losses), collateral received from counterparties associated with our securities lending program, the effects of consolidating certain VIEs that are treated as CSEs and, effective October 1, 2010, contractholder-directed unit-linked investments. Yields also exclude investment income recognized on mortgage loans and securities held by CSEs and, effective October 1, 2010, contractholder-directed unit-linked investments.
 
(2) Fixed maturity securities include $684 million and $3,756 million at estimated fair value of trading and other securities at September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Fixed maturity securities include ($38) million and $6 million of investment income (loss) related to trading and other securities for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $194 million and $217 million of investment income related to trading and other securities for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
 
(3) (a) Ending carrying values of fixed maturity securities as presented herein, exclude (i) contractholder-directed unit-linked investments — reported within trading and other securities, of $17,874 million at September 30, 2011, and (ii) securities held by CSEs — reported within trading and other securities, of $140 million and $231 million at September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Effective October 1, 2010, investment income and net investment income, as presented herein, excludes investment income and net investment income on contractholder-directed unit-linked investments — reported within trading and other securities, as shown in footnote (6) to this yield table.
 
(b) Ending carrying values, investment income, net investment income and investment gains (losses), as presented herein, exclude the effects of consolidating certain VIEs that are treated as CSEs. The adjustments to investment income, net investment income and investment gains (losses) in the aggregate are as shown in footnote (6) to this yield table. The adjustments to ending carrying value, investment income and investment gains (losses) by invested asset class are presented below. Both the invested assets and long-term debt of the CSEs are accounted for under the fair value option (“FVO”). The adjustment to investment gains (losses) presented below and in footnote (6) to this yield table includes the effects of remeasuring both the invested assets and long-term debt in accordance with the FVO.
 
                                                 
    At or For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011     At or For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011  
          Impact of Excluding
    Total - Including all
          Impact of Excluding
    Total - Including all
 
    As Reported in the
    Trading and Other
    Trading and Other
    As Reported in the
    Trading and Other
    Trading and Other
 
    Yield Table     Securities and CSEs     Securities and CSEs     Yield Table     Securities and CSEs     Securities and CSEs  
    (In millions)  
 
                                                 
Trading and Other Securities:
                                               
                                                 
(included within Fixed Maturity Securities):
                                               
                                                 
Ending carrying value
  $ 684     $ 18,014     $ 18,698     $ 684     $ 18,014     $ 18,698  
                                                 
Investment income
  $ (38 )   $ (818 )   $ (856 )   $ 6     $ (430 )   $ (424 )
                                                 
Investment gains (losses)
  $     $ 1     $ 1     $     $ (7 )   $ (7 )
                                                 
Mortgage Loans:
                                               
                                                 
Ending carrying value
  $ 59,722     $ 3,227     $ 62,949     $ 59,722     $ 3,227     $ 62,949  
                                                 
Investment income
  $ 806     $ 95     $ 901     $ 2,330     $ 286     $ 2,616  
                                                 
Investment gains (losses)
  $ 45     $ (8 )   $ 37     $ 160     $ 9     $ 169  
                                                 
Cash and Short-Term Investments:
                                               
                                                 
Ending carrying value
  $ 25,901     $ 13     $ 25,914     $ 25,901     $ 13     $ 25,914  
                                                 
Total Investments:
                                               
                                                 
Ending carrying value
  $           493,157     $           21,254     $        514,411     $        493,157     $           21,254     $           514,411  
 
(4) Investment income from fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans includes prepayment fees.

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(5) Other invested assets are principally comprised of freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values and leveraged leases. Freestanding derivatives with negative estimated fair values are included within other liabilities. However, the accruals of settlement payments on freestanding derivatives included in other liabilities are included in net investment income as shown in Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. As yield is not considered a meaningful measure of performance for other invested assets, it has been excluded from the yield table.
 
(6) Net investment income, investment portfolio gains (losses) and derivative gains (losses) presented in this yield table vary from the most directly comparable measures presented in the GAAP interim condensed consolidated statements of operations due to certain reclassifications affecting net investment income, net investment gains (losses), net derivative gains (losses), interest credited to policyholder account balances (“PABs”), and other revenues, and excludes the effects of consolidating under GAAP certain VIEs that are treated as CSEs. Such reclassifications are presented in the tables below.
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Net investment income — in the above yield table
  $ 5,052     $ 4,314     $ 15,014     $ 12,705  
Real estate discontinued operations — deduct from net investment income
    1       9       (3 )     2  
Scheduled periodic settlement payments on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting — deduct from net investment income, add to net derivative gains (losses)
    (69 )     (62 )     (163 )     (172 )
Equity method operating joint ventures— add to net investment income, deduct from net derivative gains (losses)
                (23 )     (102 )
Net investment income on contractholder-directed unit-linked investments — reported within trading and other securities — add to net investment income
    (824 )           (437 )      
Incremental net investment income from CSEs — add to net investment income
    97       103       281       312  
                                 
Net investment income — GAAP consolidated statements of operations   $ 4,257     $ 4,364     $ 14,669     $ 12,745  
                                 
Investment portfolio gains (losses) — in the above yield table
  $ 21     $ (101 )   $ (84 )   $ (184 )
Real estate discontinued operations — deduct from net investment gains (losses)
    (26 )           (97 )     (10 )
Investment gains (losses) related to CSEs — add to net investment gains (losses)
    (7 )     16       2       24  
Other gains (losses) — add to net investment gains (losses)
    (43 )     (257 )     (130 )     (154 )
                                 
Net investment gains (losses) — GAAP consolidated statements of operations   $ (55 )   $ (342 )   $ (309 )   $ (324 )
                                 
Derivative gains (losses) — in the above yield table
  $ 4,130     $ (311 )   $ 4,037     $ 1,001  
Scheduled periodic settlement payments on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting — add to net derivative gains (losses), deduct from net investment income
    69       62       163       172  
Scheduled periodic settlement payments on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting — add to net derivative gains (losses), deduct from interest credited to PABs
    2       5       18       3  
Settlement of foreign currency earnings — add to net derivative gains (losses), deduct from other revenues
    (5 )           (8 )      
Equity method operating joint ventures— add to net investment income, deduct from net derivative gains (losses)
                23       102  
                                 
Net derivative gains (losses) — GAAP consolidated statements of operations   $ 4,196     $ (244 )   $ 4,233     $ 1,278  
                                 


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See “— Results of Operations — Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 — Consolidated Results” and “— Results of Operations — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 — Consolidated Results” for analyses of the period over period changes in net investment income, net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses).
 
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
 
Fixed maturity securities, which consisted principally of publicly-traded and privately placed fixed maturity securities, were $353.9 billion and $324.8 billion at estimated fair value, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, or 69% of total cash and invested assets at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Publicly-traded fixed maturity securities represented $308.0 billion and $284.0 billion at estimated fair value, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, or 87% of total fixed maturity securities at estimated fair value, at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Privately placed fixed maturity securities represented $45.9 billion and $40.8 billion at estimated fair value, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, or 13% of total fixed maturity securities at estimated fair value, at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Equity securities, which consisted principally of publicly-traded and privately-held common and preferred stocks, including certain perpetual hybrid securities and mutual fund interests, were $3.1 billion and $3.6 billion, or 0.6% and 0.8%, of total cash and invested assets at estimated fair value, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Publicly-traded equity securities represented $1.8 billion and $2.3 billion, or 58% and 64%, of total equity securities at estimated fair value, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Privately-held equity securities represented $1.3 billion at estimated fair value, at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, or 42% and 36%, of total equity securities at estimated fair value, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
See also “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Investments — Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale — Valuation of Securities” in the 2010 Annual Report for a general discussion of the process we use to value securities; a general discussion of the process we use to determine the placement of securities in the fair value hierarchy; a general discussion of valuation techniques and inputs used; and a general discussion of the controls systems for ensuring that observable market prices and market-based parameters are used for valuation, wherever possible; including our review of liquidity, the volume and level of trading activity, and identifying transactions that are not orderly.


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Fair Value Hierarchy.  Fixed maturity securities and equity securities available-for-sale measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value pricing sources and fair value hierarchy are as follows:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011  
    Fixed Maturity
    Equity
 
    Securities     Securities  
    (In millions)  
 
Level 1:
                               
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
  $ 21,817       6.1 %   $ 875       28.1 %
                                 
Level 2:
                               
Independent pricing source
    275,963       78.0       1,231       39.4  
Internal matrix pricing or discounted cash flow techniques
    35,861       10.1       264       8.5  
                                 
Significant other observable inputs
    311,824       88.1       1,495       47.9  
                                 
Level 3:
                               
Independent pricing source
    9,494       2.7       286       9.2  
Internal matrix pricing or discounted cash flow techniques
    9,133       2.6       12       0.4  
Independent broker quotations
    1,659       0.5       450       14.4  
                                 
Significant unobservable inputs
    20,286       5.8       748       24.0  
                                 
Total estimated fair value
  $ 353,927       100.0 %   $ 3,118       100.0 %
                                 
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011  
    Fair Value Measurements 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
  $     $ 99,204     $ 7,371     $ 106,575  
Foreign corporate securities
          58,793       4,729       63,522  
Foreign government securities
    68       49,002       3,889       52,959  
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”)
    25       41,256       612       41,893  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    21,724       20,079       31       41,834  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)
          18,753       832       19,585  
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
          11,649       2,769       14,418  
State and political subdivision securities
          13,088       53       13,141  
Other fixed maturity securities
                       
                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 21,817     $ 311,824     $ 20,286     $ 353,927  
                                 
Equity Securities:
                               
Common stock
  $ 875     $ 1,097     $ 239     $ 2,211  
Non-redeemable preferred stock
          398       509       907  
                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 875     $ 1,495     $ 748     $ 3,118  
                                 
 
The composition of fair value pricing sources for and significant changes in Level 3 securities at September 30, 2011 are as follows:
 
  •  The majority of the Level 3 fixed maturity and equity securities (89%, as presented above) were concentrated in four sectors: U.S. and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and ABS.


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  •  Level 3 fixed maturity securities are priced principally through market standard valuation methodologies, independent pricing services and independent non-binding broker quotations using inputs that are not market observable or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 fixed maturity securities consist of less liquid fixed maturity securities with very limited trading activity or where less price transparency exists around the inputs to the valuation methodologies including alternative residential mortgage loan (“Alt-A”) RMBS and less liquid prime RMBS, certain below investment grade private placements and less liquid investment grade corporate securities (included in U.S. and foreign corporate securities), less liquid foreign government securities and less liquid ABS including securities supported by sub-prime mortgage loans (included in ABS).
 
  •  During the three months ended September 30, 2011, Level 3 fixed maturity securities increased by $627 million, or 3%. The increase was driven by net purchases in excess of sales and an increase in estimated fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), partially offset by net transfers out of Level 3. See analysis of transfers into and/or out of Level 3 below. Net purchases in excess of sales of fixed maturity securities were concentrated in foreign government securities, U.S. corporate securities and ABS. The increase in estimated fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for fixed maturity securities was concentrated in foreign government and U.S. corporate securities due in part to a decrease in interest rates.
 
  •  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Level 3 fixed maturity securities decreased by $2,430 million, or 11%. The decrease was driven by net transfers out of Level 3, partially offset by net purchases in excess of sales and an increase in estimated fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). See analysis of transfers into and/or out of Level 3 below. The increase in net purchases in excess of sales of fixed maturity securities were concentrated in foreign government securities and U.S. corporate securities, and the increase in estimated fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for fixed maturity securities was concentrated in U.S. corporate securities and foreign government securities due in part to a decrease in interest rates.
 
A rollforward of the fair value measurements for fixed maturity securities and equity securities available-for-sale measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs is as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30, 2011     September 30, 2011  
    Fixed Maturity
    Equity
    Fixed Maturity
    Equity
 
    Securities     Securities     Securities     Securities  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 19,659     $ 959     $ 22,716     $ 1,173  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                               
Earnings
    (149 )     10       (79 )     (56 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    368       (94 )     871       19  
Purchases
    1,846       14       5,054       57  
Sales
    (868 )     (98 )     (4,162 )     (400 )
Transfers into Level 3
    862       1       604       12  
Transfers out of Level 3
    (1,432 )     (44 )     (4,718 )     (57 )
                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 20,286     $ 748     $ 20,286     $ 748  
                                 
 
An analysis of transfers into and/or out of Level 3 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 is as follows:
 
  •  Total gains and losses in earnings and other comprehensive income (loss) are calculated assuming transfers into or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and out for the same period are excluded from the rollforward.


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  •  Total gains (losses) for fixed maturity securities included in earnings of less than $1 million and ($5) million, and other comprehensive income (loss) of $37 million and $16 million, were incurred on these securities subsequent to their transfer into Level 3, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
 
  •  Net transfers into and/or out of Level 3 for fixed maturity securities were ($570) million and ($4,114) million, and were comprised of transfers into Level 3 of $862 million and $604 million, and transfers out of Level 3 of ($1,432) million and ($4,718) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
 
Overall, transfers into and/or out of Level 3 are attributable to a change in the observability of inputs. Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable. Transfers into and/or out of any level are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period. Significant transfers into and/or out of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are summarized below:
 
  •  During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, fixed maturity securities transfers into Level 3 of $862 million and $604 million, respectively, resulted primarily from current market conditions characterized by a lack of trading activity, decreased liquidity 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 estimated fair value principally for certain foreign government securities, ABS and foreign corporate securities for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and foreign corporate securities, ABS and foreign government securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
  •  During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, fixed maturity securities transfers out of Level 3 of ($1,432) million and ($4,718) million, respectively, resulted primarily from increased transparency of both new issuances that, subsequent to issuance and establishment of trading activity, became priced by independent pricing services and existing issuances that, over time, the Company was able to obtain pricing from, or corroborate pricing received from independent pricing services with observable inputs, or there were increases in market activity and upgraded credit ratings primarily for certain foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and ABS for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and ABS, foreign corporate securities and RMBS for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Estimated Fair Value of Investments” included in the 2010 Annual Report for further information on the estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported above.
 
See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the valuation techniques and inputs by level by major classes of invested assets that affect the amounts reported above.
 
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 and capital assessment purposes and assigns securities to one of six credit quality categories called “NAIC designations.” If no rating is available from the NAIC, then as permitted by the NAIC, an internally developed rating is used. The NAIC ratings are generally similar to the credit quality designations of the Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organizations (“NRSROs”) for marketable fixed maturity securities, called “rating agency designations,” except for certain structured securities as described below. NAIC ratings 1 and 2 include fixed maturity securities generally considered investment grade (i.e., rated “Baa3” or better by Moody’s or rated “BBB” or better by S&P and Fitch) by such rating organizations. NAIC ratings 3 through


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6 include fixed maturity securities generally considered below investment grade (i.e., rated “Ba1” or lower by Moody’s or rated “BB+” or lower by S&P and Fitch) by such rating organizations.
 
The NAIC adopted revised rating methodologies for certain structured securities comprised of non-agency RMBS, CMBS and ABS. The NAIC’s objective with the revised rating methodologies for these structured securities was to increase the accuracy in assessing expected losses, and to use the improved assessment to determine a more appropriate capital requirement for such structured securities. The revised methodologies reduce regulatory reliance on rating agencies and allow for greater regulatory input into the assumptions used to estimate expected losses from structured securities. The Company applies the revised NAIC rating methodologies to structured securities held by MetLife, Inc.’s insurance subsidiaries that file NAIC statutory financial statements. Currently, the NAIC evaluates structured securities held by insurers using the revised NAIC rating methodologies on an annual basis. If such insurance subsidiaries of the Company acquire structured securities that have not been previously evaluated by the NAIC, but are expected to be evaluated by the NAIC in the upcoming annual review, an internally developed rating is used for interim reporting.
 
The three tables below present fixed maturity securities based on rating agency designations and equivalent designations of the NAIC, with the exception of certain structured securities described above. These structured securities are presented based on ratings from the revised NAIC rating methodologies described above (which may not correspond to rating agency designations). All NAIC designation (e.g., NAIC 1 — 6) amounts and percentages presented herein are based on the revised NAIC methodologies described above. All rating agency designation (e.g., Aaa/AAA) amounts and percentages presented herein are based on rating agency designations without adjustment for the revised NAIC methodologies described above.
 
The following three tables present information about the Company’s fixed maturity securities holdings by NAIC credit quality ratings. Comparisons between NAIC ratings and rating agency designations are published by the NAIC. Rating agency designations are based on availability of applicable ratings from rating agencies on the NAIC acceptable rating organizations list, including Moody’s, S&P, Fitch and Realpoint, LLC. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.
 
The following table presents the Company’s total fixed maturity securities by NRSRO designation and the equivalent designations of the NAIC, except for certain structured securities, which are presented as described above, as well as the percentage, based on estimated fair value, that each designation is comprised of at:
 
                                                         
          September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
                Estimated
                Estimated
       
NAIC
        Amortized
    Fair
    % of
    Amortized
    Fair
    % of
 
Rating     Rating Agency Designation   Cost     Value     Total     Cost     Value     Total  
          (In millions)  
 
  1     Aaa/Aa/A   $ 234,346     $ 250,596       70.8 %   $ 226,639     $ 231,198       71.2 %
  2     Baa     73,486       78,837       22.3       65,412       68,729       21.2  
  3     Ba     16,049       15,348       4.3       15,331       15,290       4.7  
  4     B     8,624       7,844       2.2       8,742       8,308       2.6  
  5     Caa and lower     1,305       1,157       0.3       1,340       1,142       0.3  
  6     In or near default     199       145       0.1       153       130        
                                                         
        Total fixed maturity securities   $ 334,009     $ 353,927       100.0 %   $ 317,617     $ 324,797       100.0 %
                                                         


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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 designations of the NAIC, except for certain structured securities, which are presented as described above, that each designation is comprised of at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
                                                         
    Fixed Maturity Securities — by Sector & Credit Quality Rating at September 30, 2011  
NAIC Rating:   1     2     3     4     5     6     Total
 
                            Caa and
    In or Near
    Estimated
 
Rating Agency Designation:   Aaa/Aa/A     Baa     Ba     B     Lower     Default     Fair Value  
    (In millions)  
 
U.S. corporate securities
  $ 53,118     $ 40,462     $ 8,636     $ 4,082     $ 276     $ 1     $ 106,575  
Foreign corporate securities
    33,080       25,876       3,257       1,185       120       4       63,522  
Foreign government securities
    41,960       8,259       1,248       1,155       337             52,959  
RMBS (1)
    36,543       1,921       1,977       1,155       248       49       41,893  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    41,834                                     41,834  
CMBS (1)
    18,467       796       104       136       4       78       19,585  
ABS (1)
    13,324       687       103       127       164       13       14,418  
State and political subdivision securities
    12,270       836       23       4       8             13,141  
Other fixed maturity securities
                                         
                                                         
Total fixed maturity securities
  $  250,596     $  78,837     $  15,348     $  7,844     $  1,157     $  145     $  353,927  
                                                         
Percentage of total
    70.8 %     22.3 %     4.3 %     2.2 %     0.3 %     0.1 %     100.0 %
 
                                                         
    Fixed Maturity Securities — by Sector & Credit Quality Rating at December 31, 2010  
NAIC Rating:
  1     2     3     4     5     6     Total
 
                            Caa and
    In or Near
    Estimated
 
Rating Agency Designation:   Aaa/Aa/A     Baa     Ba     B     Lower     Default     Fair Value  
    (In millions)  
 
U.S. corporate securities
  $ 46,035     $ 34,259     $ 7,633     $ 3,452     $ 353     $ 40     $ 91,772  
Foreign corporate securities
    39,430       24,352       2,474       1,454       169       9       67,888  
Foreign government securities
    31,559       7,184       2,179       1,080                   42,002  
RMBS (1)
    38,984       1,109       2,271       1,993       331       45       44,733  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    33,304                                     33,304  
CMBS (1)
    19,385       665       363       205       56       1       20,675  
ABS (1)
    13,133       435       338       120       226       35       14,287  
State and political subdivision securities
    9,368       722       32             7             10,129  
Other fixed maturity securities
          3             4                   7  
                                                         
Total fixed maturity securities
  $  231,198     $  68,729     $  15,290     $  8,308     $  1,142     $  130     $  324,797  
                                                         
Percentage of total
    71.2 %     21.2 %     4.7 %     2.6 %     0.3 %     %     100.0 %
 
 
(1) Presented using the revised NAIC rating methodologies described above.
 
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about:
 
  •  Fixed maturity and equity securities on a sector basis and the related cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, including the noncredit loss component of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) loss, and estimated fair value of such securities at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010;
 
  •  Estimated fair value and unrealized gains (losses) on below investment grade or non-rated, non-income producing, fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010;
 
  •  Government and agency securities holdings in excess of 10% of the Company’s equity; and
 
  •  U.S. and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities — the composition by industry and sector and related concentrations of credit risk at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.


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Structured Securities.  The following table presents information about structured securities at:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Estimated
          Estimated
       
    Fair
    % of
    Fair
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
RMBS
  $ 41,893       55.2 %   $ 44,733       56.1 %
CMBS
    19,585       25.8       20,675       26.0  
ABS
    14,418       19.0       14,287       17.9  
                                 
Total structured securities
  $ 75,896       100.0 %   $ 79,695       100.0 %
                                 
Ratings profile:
                               
RMBS rated Aaa/AAA
  $ 32,452       77.5 %   $ 36,085       80.7 %
RMBS rated NAIC 1
  $ 36,543       87.2 %   $ 38,984       87.1 %
CMBS rated Aaa/AAA
  $ 16,224       82.8 %   $ 16,901       81.7 %
CMBS rated NAIC 1
  $ 18,467       94.3 %   $ 19,385       93.7 %
ABS rated Aaa/AAA
  $ 9,250       64.2 %   $ 10,411       72.9 %
ABS rated NAIC 1
  $  13,324       92.4 %   $  13,133       91.9 %
 
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables and information about the Company’s structured securities holdings at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, including:
 
  •  RMBS holdings by security type and risk profile at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010;
 
  •  Alt-A RMBS holdings by vintage year and selected other information at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010;
 
  •  CMBS holdings by rating agency designation and by vintage year, as well as NAIC rating, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010; and
 
  •  ABS holdings by collateral type and selected other information at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
RMBS.  The majority of RMBS held by the Company was rated Aaa/AAA by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch; and the majority was rated NAIC 1 by the NAIC at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, as presented above. The majority of the agency RMBS held by the Company were guaranteed or otherwise supported by FNMA, FHLMC or GNMA. Non-agency RMBS includes prime and Alt-A RMBS. Prime residential mortgage lending includes the origination of residential mortgage loans to the most creditworthy borrowers with high quality credit profiles. Alt-A is a classification of mortgage loans where the risk profile of the borrower falls between prime and sub-prime. Sub-prime mortgage lending is the origination of residential mortgage loans to borrowers with weak credit profiles. Included within prime and Alt-A RMBS are resecuritization of real estate mortgage investment conduit (“Re-REMIC”) securities. Re-REMIC Alt-A RMBS involve the pooling of previous issues of prime and Alt-A RMBS and restructuring the combined pools to create new senior and subordinated securities. The credit enhancement on the senior tranches is improved through the resecuritization. The Company’s holdings are in senior tranches with significant credit enhancement.
 
The Company’s Alt-A securities portfolio has superior structure to the overall Alt-A market. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s Alt-A securities portfolio has no exposure to option adjustable rate mortgages (“ARMs”) and a minimal exposure to hybrid ARMs. The Company’s Alt-A securities portfolio is comprised primarily of fixed rate mortgages which have performed better than both option ARMs and hybrid ARMs in the overall Alt-A market. Additionally, 69% and 85% at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, of the Company’s Alt-A securities portfolio has super senior credit enhancement, which typically provides double the credit enhancement of a standard Aaa/AAA rated fixed maturity security.


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CMBS.  There have been disruptions in the CMBS market due to market perceptions that default rates will increase in part as a result of weakness in commercial real estate market fundamentals and 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 caused a pull-back in market liquidity, increased credit spreads and repricing of risk, which has led to higher levels of unrealized losses as compared to historical levels through the first quarter of 2010. However, commencing in the third quarter 2010 and through the third quarter of 2011, market conditions improved causing our portfolio to be in a net unrealized gain position of 2% of amortized cost at September 30, 2011.
 
The Company had no exposure to CMBS index securities at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010. The Company’s holdings of commercial real estate collateralized debt obligations securities were $133 million and $138 million at estimated fair value at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The weighted average credit enhancement of the Company’s CMBS holdings was 27% and 26% at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 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.
 
ABS.  The Company’s ABS holdings are diversified both by collateral type and by issuer. The Company had ABS supported by sub-prime mortgage loans with estimated fair values of $997 million and $1,119 million and unrealized losses of $350 million and $317 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Approximately 24% of this portfolio was rated Aa or better, of which 71% was in vintage year 2005 and prior at September 30, 2011. Approximately 54% of this portfolio was rated Aa or better, of which 88% was in vintage year 2005 and prior at December 31, 2010. These older vintages from 2005 and prior benefit from better underwriting, improved credit enhancement levels and higher residential property price appreciation. All of the $997 million and $1,119 million of ABS supported by sub-prime mortgage loans were classified as Level 3 fixed maturity securities in the fair value hierarchy at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The slowing U.S. housing market, greater use of affordable mortgage products and relaxed underwriting standards for some originators of sub-prime mortgage loans have led to higher delinquency and loss rates, especially within the 2006 and 2007 vintage years. These factors have caused a pull-back in market liquidity and repricing of risk, which has led to higher levels of unrealized losses on securities backed by sub-prime mortgage loans as compared to historical levels.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Equity Securities).  The Company was not exposed to any concentrations of credit risk in its equity securities holdings of any single issuer greater than 10% of the Company’s equity or 1% of total investments at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Evaluation of Fixed Maturity Securities and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale for Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
 
See the following sections within Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about the evaluation of fixed maturity securities and equity securities available-for-sale for OTTI:
 
  •  Evaluating available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary impairment;
 
  •  Net unrealized investment gains (losses);
 
  •  Continuous gross unrealized losses and OTTI losses for fixed maturity and equity securities available-for-sale by sector;
 
  •  Aging of gross unrealized losses and OTTI losses for fixed maturity and equity securities available-for-sale;
 
  •  Concentration of gross unrealized losses and OTTI losses for fixed maturity and equity securities available-for-sale; and
 
  •  Evaluating temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities.


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Trading and Other Securities
 
The Company has a trading securities portfolio, principally invested in fixed maturity securities, to support investment strategies that involve the active and frequent purchase and sale of securities (“Actively Traded Securities”) and the execution of short sale agreements. Trading and other securities also include securities for which the FVO has been elected (“FVO Securities”). FVO Securities include certain fixed maturity and equity securities held for investment by the general account to support asset and liability matching strategies for certain insurance products. FVO Securities also include contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities which do not qualify for presentation as separate account summary total assets and liabilities. These investments are primarily mutual funds, and to a lesser extent, fixed maturity and equity securities, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. The investment returns on these investments inure to contractholders and are offset by a corresponding change in PABs through interest credited to PABs. FVO Securities also include securities held by CSEs (former qualifying special purpose entities). Trading and other securities were $18.7 billion and $18.6 billion, or 3.6% and 3.9% of total cash and invested assets at estimated fair value, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables which present information about the Actively Traded Securities and FVO Securities, related short sale agreement liabilities and investments pledged to secure short sale agreement liabilities at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Trading and other securities and trading (short sale agreement) liabilities, measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy, are presented as follows:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011  
    Trading and Other
    Trading
 
    Securities     Liabilities  
    (In millions)  
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1)
  $ 7,332       39 %   $ 64       96 %
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
    10,074       54       3       4  
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
    1,292       7              
                                 
Total estimated fair value
  $ 18,698       100 %   $ 67       100 %
                                 
 
A rollforward of the fair value measurements for trading and other securities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, is as follows:
 
                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30, 2011     September 30, 2011  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 679     $ 822  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings
    (17 )     58  
Purchases
    1,026       1,033  
Sales
    (297 )     (488 )
Transfers into Level 3
          123  
Transfers out of Level 3
    (99 )     (256 )
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 1,292     $ 1,292  
                 
 
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” included in the 2010 Annual Report for further information on the estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported above.
 
See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the valuation techniques and inputs by level of major classes of invested assets that affect the amounts reported above.


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Net Investment Gains (Losses) Including OTTI Losses Recognized in Earnings
 
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables that present:
 
  •  The components of net investment gains (losses) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010;
 
  •  Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010;
 
  •  Fixed maturity security OTTI losses recognized in earnings by sector and industry within the U.S. and foreign corporate securities sector for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010; and
 
  •  Equity security OTTI losses recognized in earnings by sector and industry for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.
 
Overview of Fixed Maturity and Equity Security OTTI Losses Recognized in Earnings.  Impairments of fixed maturity and equity securities were $289 million and $588 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $120 million and $360 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Impairments of fixed maturity securities were $284 million and $530 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $119 million and $357 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Impairments of equity securities were $5 million and $58 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $1 million and $3 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
 
The Company’s credit-related impairments of fixed maturity securities were $269 million and $382 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $107 million and $339 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
 
The Company’s three largest impairments totaled $227 million and $290 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $65 million and $105 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
 
The Company records OTTI losses charged to earnings within net investment gains (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.
 
Explanations of period over period changes in fixed maturity and equity securities impairments are as follows:
 
Three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2010 — Overall OTTI losses recognized in earnings on fixed maturity and equity securities were $289 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to $120 million in the prior period. An increase in OTTI losses on fixed maturity and equity securities primarily reflects impairments on Greece sovereign debt securities of $206 million as result of the announced debt exchange program on maturities through 2019 and a reduction in the expected recoverable amount for the longer maturities, which was partially offset by decreased impairments on fixed maturity securities in the financial services industry of $47 million, reflecting improving economic fundamentals.
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2010 — Overall OTTI losses recognized in earnings on fixed maturity and equity securities were $588 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to $360 million in the prior period. An increase in OTTI losses on fixed maturity and equity securities primarily reflects impairments on Greece sovereign debt securities of $217 million as a result of the announced debt exchange program on maturities through 2019 and a reduction in the expected recoverable amount for the longer maturities and intent to sell impairments on other sovereign securities as the acquired ALICO portfolio was repositioned into longer duration and higher yield investments for total sovereign security impairments of $295 million, which was partially offset by decreased impairments on structured securities of $110 million reflecting improving economic fundamentals.


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Future Impairments.  Future OTTIs will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance (including changes in the present value of future cash flows expected to be collected), changes in credit ratings, changes in collateral valuation, changes in interest rates and changes in credit spreads. If economic fundamentals and any of the above factors deteriorate, additional OTTIs may be incurred in upcoming quarters.
 
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 Income (Loss)
 
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the table that presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held at September 30, 2011 and 2010 for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.
 
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 brokerage firms and commercial banks. The Company obtains collateral, usually cash, in an amount generally equal to 102% of the estimated fair value of the securities loaned, which is obtained at the inception of a loan and maintained at a level greater than or equal to 100% for the duration of the loan. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or repledged by the transferee. The Company is liable to return to its counterparties the cash collateral under its control. These transactions are treated as financing arrangements and the associated liability is recorded at the amount of the cash received.
 
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the following information regarding the Company’s securities lending program:
 
  •  Securities on loan, aging of cash collateral liability, security collateral on deposit from counterparties and the estimated fair value of the reinvestment portfolio at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010; and
 
  •  Estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at September 30, 2011 and portion consisting of U.S. Treasury and agency securities at September 30, 2011 and composition of the remaining securities on loan and the composition of the reinvestment portfolio at September 30, 2011.
 
Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral
 
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the following:
 
  •  A table of the invested assets on deposit, invested assets held in trust and invested assets pledged as collateral at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010;
 
  •  The amount of the Company’s cash received from and due back to counterparties pursuant to its securities lending program; and
 
  •  Assets of certain CSEs that can only be used to settle liabilities of such entities.
 
Mortgage Loans
 
The Company’s mortgage loans are principally collateralized by commercial real estate, agricultural real estate and residential properties. The carrying value of mortgage loans was $62.9 billion and $62.3 billion, or 12.2% and 13.1% of total cash and invested assets, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the Company’s mortgage loans held-for-investment of $59.2 billion and $59.0 billion by portfolio segment at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, as well as the components of the mortgage loans held-for-sale of $3.7 billion and $3.3 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The information presented below excludes the effects of consolidating certain VIEs that are treated as CSEs. Such amounts are presented in the aforementioned table.


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Commercial Mortgage Loans by Geographic Region and Property Type.  Commercial mortgage loans are the largest component of the mortgage loan invested asset class as it represents over 70% of total mortgage loans held-for-investment (excluding the effects of consolidating certain VIEs that are treated as CSEs) at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The Company diversifies its commercial mortgage loan portfolio by both geographic region and property type to reduce the risk of concentration. Additionally, the Company manages risk when originating commercial and agricultural mortgage loans by generally lending only up to 75% of the estimated fair value of the underlying real estate collateral. The tables below present the diversification across geographic regions and property types for commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment at:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
          % of
          % of
 
    Amount     Total     Amount     Total  
          (In millions)        
 
Region:
                               
South Atlantic
  $ 8,626       21.5 %   $ 8,016       21.2 %
Pacific
    8,556       21.3       8,974       23.7  
Middle Atlantic
    7,917       19.8       6,484       17.1  
International
    4,650       11.6       4,214       11.1  
West South Central
    3,257       8.1       3,266       8.6  
East North Central
    3,253       8.1       3,066       8.1  
New England
    1,723       4.3       1,531       4.1  
Mountain
    896       2.2       884       2.3  
West North Central
    534       1.3       666       1.8  
East South Central
    453       1.1       461       1.2  
Other
    255       0.7       256       0.8  
                                 
Total recorded investment
    40,120       100.0 %     37,818       100.0 %
                                 
Less: valuation allowances
    428               562          
                                 
Carrying value, net of valuation allowances
  $ 39,692             $ 37,256          
                                 
Property Type:
                               
Office
  $ 19,290       48.1 %   $ 16,857       44.6 %
Retail
    8,564       21.3       9,215       24.3  
Apartments
    4,166       10.4       3,630       9.6  
Industrial
    3,138       7.8       2,910       7.7  
Hotels
    2,982       7.4       3,089       8.2  
Other
    1,980       5.0       2,117       5.6  
                                 
Total recorded investment
    40,120       100.0 %     37,818       100.0 %
                                 
Less: valuation allowances
    428               562          
                                 
Carrying value, net of valuation allowances
  $ 39,692             $ 37,256          
                                 
 
Mortgage Loan Credit Quality — Restructured, Potentially Delinquent, Delinquent or Under Foreclosure.  The Company monitors its mortgage loan investments on an ongoing basis, including reviewing loans that are restructured, potentially delinquent, and delinquent or under foreclosure. These loan classifications are consistent with those used in industry practice.
 
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 in the near term. The Company defines delinquent mortgage loans consistent


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with industry practice, when interest and principal payments are past due as follows: commercial mortgage loans — 60 days or more; agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days or more; and residential mortgage loans — 60 days or more. The Company defines mortgage loans under foreclosure as loans in which foreclosure proceedings have formally commenced.
 
The following table presents the recorded investment and valuation allowance for all mortgage loans held-for-investment distributed by the above stated loan classifications at:
 
                                                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
                      % of
                      % of
 
    Recorded
    % of
    Valuation
    Recorded
    Recorded
    % of
    Valuation
    Recorded
 
    Investment     Total     Allowance     Investment     Investment     Total     Allowance     Investment  
    (In millions)  
 
Commercial:
                                                               
                                                                 
Performing
  $  39,680       98.9 %   $ 358       0.9 %   $  37,487       99.1 %   $ 528       1.4 %
Restructured (1)
    242       0.6       46       19.0 %     93       0.2       6       6.5 %
Potentially delinquent
    43       0.1       18       41.9 %     180       0.5       28       15.6 %
Delinquent or under foreclosure
    155       0.4       6       3.9 %     58       0.2             %
                                                                 
Total
  $ 40,120       100.0 %   $ 428       1.1 %   $ 37,818       100.0 %   $ 562       1.5 %
                                                                 
Agricultural (2):
                                                               
                                                                 
Performing
  $ 12,750       98.3 %   $ 41       0.3 %   $ 12,486       97.9 %   $ 35       0.3 %
Restructured (3)
    68       0.5       8       11.8 %     33       0.3       8       24.2 %
Potentially delinquent
    11       0.1       4       36.4 %     62       0.5       11       17.7 %
Delinquent or under foreclosure (3)
    138       1.1       29       21.0 %     170       1.3       34       20.0 %
                                                                 
Total
  $ 12,967       100.0 %   $ 82       0.6 %   $ 12,751       100.0 %   $ 88       0.7 %
                                                                 
Residential (4):
                                                               
                                                                 
Performing
  $ 3,377       98.6 %   $ 18       0.5 %   $ 2,145       96.1 %   $ 12       0.6 %
Restructured (5)
    3       0.1             %     4       0.2             %
Potentially delinquent
    10       0.3             %     4       0.2             %
Delinquent or under foreclosure (5)
    34       1.0       1       5.9 %     78       3.5       2       2.6 %
                                                                 
Total
  $ 3,424       100.0 %   $ 19       0.6 %   $ 2,231       100.0 %   $ 14       0.6 %
                                                                 
 
 
(1) As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, restructured commercial mortgage loans were comprised of ten and five restructured loans, respectively, all of which were performing.
 
(2) Of the $13.0 billion of agricultural mortgage loans outstanding at September 30, 2011, 50% were subject to rate resets prior to maturity. A substantial portion of these mortgage loans have been successfully reset, refinanced or extended at market terms.
 
(3) As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, restructured agricultural mortgage loans were comprised of fourteen and five restructured loans, respectively, all of which were performing. Additionally, as of December 31, 2010, delinquent or under foreclosure agricultural mortgage loans included two restructured loans with a recorded investment of $29 million, which were not performing.
 
(4) Residential mortgage loans held-for-investment consist primarily of first lien residential mortgage loans, and to a much lesser extent, second lien residential mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit.
 
(5) As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, restructured residential mortgage loans were comprised of eight and twelve restructured loans, respectively, all of which were performing. Additionally, as of September 30, 2011, potentially delinquent restructured mortgage loans included five restructured loans.
 
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables that present, by portfolio segment, mortgage loans by credit quality indicator, impaired mortgage loans, past due and nonaccrual mortgage loans, as well as loans modified through troubled debt restructurings.
 
Mortgage Loan Credit Quality — Monitoring Process — Commercial and Agricultural Mortgage Loans.  The Company reviews all commercial mortgage loans on an ongoing basis. These reviews may include an analysis


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of the property financial statements and rent roll, lease rollover analysis, property inspections, market analysis, estimated valuations of the underlying collateral, loan-to-value ratios, debt service coverage ratios, and tenant creditworthiness. The monitoring process focuses on higher risk loans, which include those that are classified as restructured, potentially delinquent, delinquent or in foreclosure, as well as loans with higher loan-to-value ratios and lower debt service coverage ratios. The monitoring process for agricultural mortgage loans is generally similar, with a focus on higher risk loans, such as loans with higher loan-to-value ratios, including reviews on a geographic and property type basis.
 
Loan-to-value ratios and debt service coverage ratios are common measures in the assessment of the quality of commercial mortgage loans. Loan-to-value ratios are a common measure in the assessment of the quality of agricultural mortgage loans. Loan-to-value ratios compare the amount of the loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral. A loan-to-value ratio greater than 100% indicates that the loan amount is greater than the collateral value. A loan-to-value ratio of less than 100% indicates an excess of collateral value over the loan amount. The debt service coverage ratio compares a property’s net operating income to amounts needed to service the principal and interest due under the loan. For commercial mortgage loans, the average loan-to-value ratio was 62% and 66% at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and the average debt service coverage ratio was 2.2x at September 30, 2011 as compared to 2.4x at December 31, 2010. For agricultural mortgage loans, the average loan-to-value ratio was 48% and 49% at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The values utilized in calculating the debt service coverage and loan-to-value ratios are updated annually, on a rolling basis, with a portion of the loan portfolio updated each quarter as part of the periodic quality rating process and evaluation of the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.
 
Mortgage Loan Credit Quality — Monitoring Process — Residential Mortgage Loans.  The Company has a conservative residential mortgage loan portfolio and does not hold any option ARMs, sub-prime or low teaser rate loans. Higher risk loans include those that are classified as restructured, potentially delinquent, delinquent or in foreclosure, as well as loans with higher loan-to-value ratios and interest-only loans. The Company’s investment in residential junior lien loans and residential mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of 80% or more was $198 million at September 30, 2011, and the majority of the higher loan-to-value residential mortgage loans have mortgage insurance coverage which reduces the loan-to-value ratio to less than 80%. Additionally, the Company’s investment in traditional residential interest-only mortgage loans was $537 million and $389 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Mortgage Loan Valuation Allowances.  The Company’s valuation allowances are established both on a loan specific basis for those loans considered impaired where a property specific or market specific risk has been identified that could likely result in a future loss, as well as for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics where a property specific or market specific risk has not been identified, but for which the Company expects to incur a loss. Accordingly, a valuation allowance is provided to absorb these estimated probable credit losses. The Company records additions to and decreases in its valuation allowances and gains and losses from the sale of loans in net investment gains (losses).
 
The Company records valuation allowances for loans considered to be impaired when it is probable that, based upon current information and events, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Based on the facts and circumstances of the individual loans being impaired, loan specific valuation allowances are established for the excess carrying value of the loan over either: (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate; (ii) the estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent; or (iii) the loan’s observable market price.
 
The Company also establishes valuation allowances for loan losses for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics, such as property types, loan-to-value ratios and debt service coverage ratios when, based on past experience, it is probable that a credit event has occurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. These valuation allowances are based on loan risk characteristics, historical default rates and loss severities, real estate market fundamentals and outlook, as well as other relevant factors.
 
The determination of the amount of, and additions or decreases to, valuation allowances is based upon the Company’s periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with its loan portfolios. Such


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evaluations and assessments are based upon several factors, including the Company’s experience for loan losses, defaults and loss severity, and loss expectations for loans with similar risk characteristics. These evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. We update our evaluations regularly, which can cause the valuation allowances to increase or decrease over time as such evaluations are revised. Negative credit migration including an actual or expected increase in the level of problem loans will result in an increase in the valuation allowance. Positive credit migration including an actual or expected decrease in the level of problem loans will result in a decrease in the valuation allowance. Such changes in the valuation allowance are recorded in net investment gains (losses).
 
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the activity in the Company’s valuation allowances, by portfolio segment, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010; and for tables that present the Company’s valuation allowances, by type of credit loss, by portfolio segment, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Impairments to estimated fair value included within net investment gains (losses) for impaired mortgage loans were ($47) million and ($32) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $1 million and $3 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The estimated fair value of the impaired mortgage loans after these impairments was $313 million and $197 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, which are carried at estimated fair value based on the value of the underlying collateral or independent broker quotations, if lower, of which $245 million and $164 million related to impaired mortgage loans held-for-investment and $68 million and $33 million to certain mortgage loans held-for-sale, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. These impaired mortgage loans were recorded at estimated fair value and represent a nonrecurring fair value measurement. The estimated fair value is categorized as Level 3 due to the lack of transparency and unobservability in collateral valuation and independent broker quotations.
 
Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures
 
Real estate investments by type consisted of the following:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Carrying
    % of
    Carrying
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
          (In millions)        
 
Traditional
  $ 5,690       69.4 %   $ 5,030       62.6 %
Real estate joint ventures and funds
    2,327       28.4       2,707       33.7  
                                 
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
    8,017       97.8       7,737       96.3  
Foreclosed (commercial, agricultural and residential)
    173       2.1       152       1.9  
                                 
Real estate held-for-investment
    8,190       99.9       7,889       98.2  
Real estate held-for-sale
    7       0.1       141       1.8  
                                 
Total real estate and real estate joint ventures
  $ 8,197       100.0 %   $ 8,030       100.0 %
                                 
 
See also Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for a discussion of the types of investments reported within traditional real estate and real estate joint ventures and funds. The estimated fair value of the traditional real estate investment portfolio was $7.3 billion and $6.6 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
There were no impairments of real estate and real estate joint ventures for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and $1 million and $47 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and 2010, respectively. There were no impairments of cost basis real estate joint ventures for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011. There were no impairments of cost basis real estate joint ventures for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and $25 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, and such impairments were recognized in net investment gains (losses) for all periods. The estimated fair value of the impaired cost basis real estate joint ventures after these impairments was $8 million at September 30, 2010. These


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impairments to estimated fair value represent non-recurring fair value measurements that have been classified as Level 3 due to the limited activity and limited price transparency inherent in the market for such investments. There were no impairments recognized on real estate held-for-sale for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.
 
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 U.S. and overseas) was $6.5 billion and $6.4 billion, which included $1.1 billion and $1.0 billion of hedge funds, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Impairments to estimated fair value for such other limited partnership interests of $2 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and $5 million and $10 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were recognized within net investment gains (losses). The estimated fair value of the impaired other limited partnership interests after these impairments was $13 million and $18 million at September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These impairments to estimated fair value represent non-recurring fair value measurements that have been classified as Level 3 due to the limited activity and limited price transparency inherent in the market for such investments.
 
Other Invested Assets
 
The following table presents the carrying value of the Company’s other invested assets by type at:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Carrying
    % of
    Carrying
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
          (In millions)        
 
Freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values
  $ 16,284       70.4 %   $ 7,777       50.4 %
Leveraged leases, net of non-recourse debt
    2,240       9.7       2,191       14.2  
Tax credit partnerships
    1,045       4.5       976       6.3  
MSRs
    686       3.0       950       6.2  
Funds withheld
    562       2.4       551       3.6  
Joint venture investments
    201       0.9       694       4.5  
Other
    2,120       9.1       2,291       14.8  
                                 
Total
  $ 23,138       100.0 %   $ 15,430       100.0 %
                                 
 
See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values.
 
Short-term Investments and Cash Equivalents
 
The carrying value of short-term investments, which includes investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase was $15.9 billion and $9.4 billion, or 3.1% and 2.0% of total cash and invested assets, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The carrying value of cash equivalents, which includes investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase were $5.4 billion and $9.6 billion, or 1.0% and 2.0% of total cash and invested assets, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 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


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to manage these risks, including the use of derivative instruments. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for:
 
  •  A comprehensive description of the nature of the Company’s derivative instruments, including the strategies for which derivatives are used in managing various risks.
 
  •  Information about the notional amount, estimated fair value, and primary underlying risk exposure of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, excluding embedded derivatives held at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Hedging.  See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about:
 
  •  The notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives and non-derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments by type of hedge designation at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
  •  The notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives that were not designated or do not qualify as hedging instruments by derivative type at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
  •  The statement of operations effects of derivatives in cash flow, fair value, or non-qualifying hedge relationships for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.
 
See “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Management of Market Risk Exposures — Hedging Activities” for more information about the Company’s use of derivatives by major hedge program.
 
Fair Value Hierarchy.  Derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy, are presented as follows:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011  
    Derivative
    Derivative
 
    Assets     Liabilities  
    (In millions)  
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1)
  $ 196       1 %   $ 129       3 %
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
    14,767       91       3,694       93  
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
    1,321       8       136       4  
                                 
Total estimated fair value
  $ 16,284       100 %   $ 3,959       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 assumed to be 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 September 30, 2011 include: interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards with maturities which extend beyond the observable portion of the yield curve; interest rate lock commitments with certain unobservable inputs, including pull-through rates; 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; credit default swaps based upon baskets of credits having unobservable credit correlations, credit default swaps priced through independent broker quotes; equity options with unobservable volatility inputs or that are priced via independent broker quotations; and credit forwards having unobservable repurchase rates.
 
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 5% and 2%, respectively, of the net derivative estimated fair value was priced via independent broker quotations.


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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 nine months ended September 30, 2011 is as follows:
 
                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30, 2011     September 30, 2011  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 79     $ 173  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
               
Earnings
    692       594  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    333       338  
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements
    80       182  
Transfer into and/or out of Level 3
    1       (102 )
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 1,185     $ 1,185  
                 
 
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Derivative Financial Instruments” in the 2010 Annual Report for further information on the estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported above.
 
Credit Risk. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about how the Company manages credit risk related to its freestanding derivatives, including the use of master netting agreements and collateral arrangements.
 
Credit Derivatives.  See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about the estimated fair value and maximum amount at risk related to the Company’s written credit default swaps.
 
Embedded Derivatives.  The embedded derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy, are presented as follows:
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011  
    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)
    2       1       19       1  
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
    354       99       4,862       99  
                                 
Total estimated fair value
  $ 356       100 %   $ 4,881       100 %
                                 
 
A rollforward of the fair value measurements for net embedded derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs is as follows:
 
                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30, 2011     September 30, 2011  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ (2,074 )   $ (2,438 )
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
               
Earnings
    (2,199 )     (1,615 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (114 )     (116 )
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements
    (121 )     (339 )
Transfer into and/or out of Level 3
           
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ (4,508 )   $ (4,508 )
                 


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The valuation of guaranteed minimum benefits includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses), in connection with this adjustment, were $1,952 million and $1,986 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and ($291) million and $399 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The net derivative gains (losses) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 included ($955) million relating to a refinement for estimating nonperformance risk in fair value measurements implemented at June 30, 2010. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
See also “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Embedded Derivatives” included in the 2010 Annual Report for further information on the estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported above.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Credit Facilities, Committed Facilities and Letters of Credit
 
The Company maintains unsecured credit facilities, committed facilities and letters of credit with various financial institutions. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Credit and Committed Facilities,” for further descriptions of such arrangements.
 
Collateral for Securities Lending
 
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 $613 million at September 30, 2011. There was no non-cash collateral for securities lending on deposit from customers at December 31, 2010.
 
Other
 
See Note 9 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the following information:
 
  •  Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments;
 
  •  Mortgage Loan Commitments;
 
  •  Commitments to Fund Bank Credit Facilities, Bridge Loans and Private Corporate Bond Investments; and
 
  •  Guarantees.
 
Other than the commitments disclosed in Note 9 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, there are no other material obligations or liabilities arising from the commitments to fund partnership investments, mortgage loans, bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate bond investment arrangements.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Overview
 
Our business and results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy, generally, both in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world. Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in global capital markets, particular markets, or financial asset classes can have an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio and our insurance liabilities are sensitive to changing market factors. The global economy and markets are still affected by a period of significant stress that began in the second half of 2007. This disruption has adversely affected the financial services industry, in particular. Consequently, financial institutions paid higher spreads over benchmark U.S. Treasury securities than before the market disruption began.


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The global recession and disruption of the financial markets has led to concerns over capital markets access and the solvency of certain European Union member states and of financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to debt issued by these countries. The Japanese economy, to which we face substantial exposure given our operations there, was significantly negatively impacted by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Disruptions to the Japanese economy are having, and will continue to have, negative impacts on the overall global economy, not all of which can be foreseen. Although the recent downgrade by S&P of U.S. Treasury securities initially had an adverse effect on financial markets, the extent of the longer-term impact cannot be predicted. It is possible that the downgrade and continued concerns about U.S. fiscal policy and the trajectory of the national debt of the U.S. could have severe repercussions to the U.S. and global credit and financial markets, further exacerbate concerns over sovereign debt of other countries and could disrupt economic activity in the U.S. and elsewhere. All of these factors could affect the Company’s ability to meet liquidity needs and obtain capital. See “— Industry Trends,” “— Investments — Current Environment” and “Risk Factors — Concerns over U.S. Fiscal Policy and the Trajectory of the National Debt of the U.S., as well as Rating Agency Downgrades of U.S. Treasury Securities, Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The following discussion supplements the discussion in the 2010 Annual Report under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
 
Liquidity Management
 
Based upon the strength of its franchise, diversification of its businesses and strong financial fundamentals, we continue to believe the Company has ample liquidity to meet business requirements under current market conditions and unlikely but reasonably possible stress scenarios. The Company’s short-term liquidity position (cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, excluding 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, and cash collateral received from counterparties in connection with derivative instruments) was $14.1 billion and $17.6 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. We continuously monitor and adjust our liquidity and capital plans for the Holding Company and its subsidiaries in light of changing needs and opportunities. See “— Investments — Current Environment.”
 
The Company
 
Capital
 
The Company’s capital position is managed to maintain its financial strength and credit ratings and is supported by its ability to generate strong cash flows at the operating companies, borrow funds at competitive rates and raise additional capital to meet its operating and growth needs.
 
The Company raised new capital from its debt issuances during the difficult market conditions prevailing since the second half of 2008, as well as during the rebound and recovery periods beginning in the second quarter of 2009 and continuing into 2010. The increase in credit spreads experienced during the crisis resulted in an increase in the cost of capital, as well as increases in facility fees. Most recently, as a result of reductions in interest rates and credit spreads, the Company’s interest expense and dividends on floating rate securities have been lower.
 
Despite the still unsettled financial markets, the Company also raised new capital from successful offerings of the Holding Company’s common stock in August 2010 and March 2011. The August 2010 offering provided financing for the Acquisition and the March 2011 offering provided financing for the repurchase from AM Holdings of the Holding Company’s Convertible Preferred Stock that was issued in connection with the Acquisition. See “— The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Convertible Preferred Stock” and “— Common Stock.”
 
Rating Agencies.  Rating agencies assign insurer financial strength ratings to the Holding Company’s domestic life insurance subsidiaries and credit ratings to the Holding Company and certain of its subsidiaries. The level and composition of regulatory capital at the subsidiary level and equity capital of the Company are among the many factors considered in determining the Company’s insurer financial strength and credit ratings. Each agency has its own capital adequacy evaluation methodology, and assessments are generally based on a combination of factors. In addition to heightening the level of scrutiny that they apply to insurance companies,


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rating agencies have increased and may continue to increase the frequency and scope of their credit reviews, may request additional information from the companies that they rate and may adjust upward the capital and other requirements employed in the rating agency models for maintenance of certain ratings levels.
 
A downgrade in the credit or insurer financial strength ratings of the Holding Company or its subsidiaries would likely impact the cost and availability of 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.
 
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 the Holding Company or other parent entities is constrained by the amount of surplus we hold to maintain our ratings and provides an additional margin for risk protection and investment in our businesses. We proactively take actions to maintain capital consistent with these ratings objectives, which may include adjusting dividend amounts and deploying financial resources from internal or external sources of capital. Certain of these activities may require regulatory approval. Furthermore, the payment of dividends and other distributions to the Holding Company by its insurance subsidiaries is regulated by insurance laws and regulations. See “— The Holding Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Dividends from Subsidiaries” and Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report.


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Summary of Primary Sources and Uses of Liquidity and Capital.  The Company’s primary sources and uses of liquidity and capital are described below, and summarized as follows:
 
                 
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Sources:
               
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 9,040     $ 5,193  
Net cash provided by changes in policyholder account balances
    2,910       3,583  
Net cash provided by changes in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
    7,661       7,695  
Net cash provided by changes in bank deposits
    296        
Net cash provided by short-term debt issuances
    145       1,145  
Long-term debt issued
    1,346       4,590  
Cash received in connection with collateral financing arrangements
    100        
Common stock issued, net of issuance costs
    2,950       3,529  
Stock options exercised
    77       32  
Cash provided by the effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates
    133        
                 
Total sources
    24,658       25,767  
                 
Uses:
               
Net cash used in investing activities
    23,349       19,369  
Net cash used for changes in bank deposits
          959  
Long-term debt repaid
    1,192       689  
Debt issuance costs
    1       14  
Redemption of convertible preferred stock
    2,805        
Preferred stock redemption premium
    146        
Dividends on preferred stock
    91       91  
Net cash used in other, net
    68       192  
Cash used in the effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates
          8  
                 
Total uses
    27,652       21,322  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (2,994 )   $ 4,445  
                 
 
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.
 
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 disruption. The Company closely monitors and manages these risks through its credit risk management process.
 
Liquid Assets.  An integral part of the Company’s liquidity management is the amount of liquid assets it holds. Liquid assets include cash, 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


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collateral financing arrangements and pledged in support of debt and funding agreements. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had $260.1 billion and $245.7 billion, respectively, in liquid assets. For further discussion of invested assets on deposit with regulatory agencies, held in trust in support of collateral financing arrangements and pledged in support of debt and funding agreements, see “— Investments — Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral.”
 
Global Funding Sources.  Liquidity is provided by a variety of short-term instruments, including funding agreements, credit facilities and commercial paper. Capital is provided by a variety of instruments, including short-term and long-term debt, preferred securities, junior subordinated debt securities and equity and equity-linked securities. The diversity of the Company’s funding sources enhances funding flexibility, limits dependence on any one market or source of funds and generally lowers the cost of funds. The Company’s global funding sources include:
 
  •  The Holding Company and MetLife Funding, Inc. (“MetLife Funding”) each have commercial paper programs supported by $4.0 billion in general corporate credit facilities. MetLife Funding, a subsidiary of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”), serves as a centralized finance unit for the Company. MetLife Funding raises cash from its commercial paper program and uses the proceeds to extend loans, through MetLife Credit Corp., another subsidiary of MLIC, to the Holding Company, MLIC and other affiliates in order to enhance the financial flexibility and liquidity of these companies. Outstanding balances for the commercial paper program fluctuate in line with changes to affiliates’ financing arrangements. Pursuant to a support agreement, MLIC has agreed to cause MetLife Funding to have a tangible net worth of at least one dollar. At both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, MetLife Funding had a tangible net worth of $12 million. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, MetLife Funding had total outstanding liabilities for its commercial paper program, including accrued interest payable, of $101 million and $102 million, respectively.
 
  •  MetLife Bank is a depository institution that is approved to use the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Discount Window borrowing privileges. To utilize these privileges, MetLife Bank has pledged qualifying loans and investment securities to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as collateral. At both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, MetLife Bank had no liability for advances from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York under this facility.
 
  •  MetLife Bank has a cash need to fund residential mortgage loans that it originates and generally holds for a relatively short period before selling them to one of the government-sponsored enterprises such as FNMA or FHLMC. The outstanding volume of residential mortgage originations varies from month to month and is cyclical within a month. To meet the variable funding requirements from this mortgage activity, as well as to increase overall liquidity from time to time, MetLife Bank takes advantage of short-term collateralized borrowing opportunities with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB of NY”). MetLife Bank has entered into advances agreements with the FHLB of NY whereby MetLife Bank has received cash advances and under which the FHLB of NY has been granted a blanket lien on certain of MetLife Bank’s residential mortgage loans, mortgage loans held-for-sale, commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities to collateralize MetLife Bank’s repayment obligations. 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 advances agreements. MetLife Bank has received advances from the FHLB of NY on both short-term and long-term bases, with a total liability of $4.6 billion and $3.8 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
  •  The Company also had obligations under funding agreements with the FHLB of NY of $11.8 billion and $12.6 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, for MLIC, and with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB of Boston”) of $450 million and $100 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, for MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut (“MICC”). See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report. In September 2010, MetLife Investors Insurance Company (“MLIIC”) and General American Life Insurance Company (“GALIC”), subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc., each became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (“FHLB of Des Moines”), and each purchased $10 million of FHLB of Des Moines


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  common stock. Membership in the FHLB of Des Moines provides an additional source of contingent liquidity for the Company. The Company had obligations under funding agreements with the FHLB of Des Moines of $220 million for MLIIC and $475 million for GALIC at September 30, 2011. There were no funding agreements with the FHLB of Des Moines at December 31, 2010.
 
  •  The Company issues fixed and floating rate funding agreements, which are denominated in either U.S. dollars or foreign currencies, to certain special purpose entities (“SPEs”) that have issued either debt securities or commercial paper for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, funding agreements outstanding, which are included in PABs, were $24.9 billion and $27.2 billion, respectively. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
  •  MLIC and MICC have each issued funding agreements to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer Mac”) and certain SPEs that have issued debt securities for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements, and such debt securities are also guaranteed as to payment of interest and principal by Farmer Mac, a federally chartered instrumentality of the U.S. The obligations under all such funding agreements are secured by a pledge of certain eligible agricultural real estate mortgage loans and may, under certain circumstances, be secured by other qualified collateral. The amount of the Company’s liability for funding agreements issued was $2.8 billion at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, which is included in PABs. The obligations under these funding agreements are collateralized by designated agricultural real estate mortgage loans with carrying values of $3.2 billion at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
Outstanding Debt.  The following table summarizes the outstanding debt of the Company at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Short-term debt
  $ 451     $ 306  
Long-term debt (1)
  $ 21,596     $ 20,766  
Collateral financing arrangements
  $ 5,297     $ 5,297  
Junior subordinated debt securities
  $ 3,192     $ 3,191  
 
 
(1) Excludes $3,157 million and $6,820 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, of long-term debt relating to CSEs. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Debt Issuances and Other Borrowings.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, MetLife Bank received advances related to long-term borrowings totaling $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, from the FHLB of NY. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, MetLife Bank received advances related to short-term borrowings totaling $5.8 billion and $8.3 billion, respectively, from the FHLB of NY.
 
Collateral Financing Arrangements.  On June 1, 2011, the Holding Company received $100 million from an unaffiliated financial institution related to an increase in the estimated fair value of the surplus note issued by MetLife Reinsurance Company of Charleston pursuant to a collateral financing arrangement. See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for a further description of this collateral financing arrangement.
 
Credit and Committed Facilities.  The Company maintains unsecured credit facilities and committed facilities, which aggregated $4.0 billion and $12.4 billion, respectively, at September 30, 2011. When drawn upon, these facilities bear interest at varying rates in accordance with the respective agreements. See Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
The unsecured credit facilities are used for general corporate purposes, to support the borrowers’ commercial paper programs and for the issuance of letters of credit. At September 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding $2.1 billion in letters of credit and no drawdowns against these facilities. Remaining unused commitments were $1.9 billion at September 30, 2011.


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On August 12, 2011, the 364-day, $1.0 billion senior unsecured credit agreement entered into in October 2010 by the Holding Company and MetLife Funding was amended and restated to provide a five-year, $3.0 billion senior unsecured credit facility. Concurrently, the Holding Company and MetLife Funding elected to reduce the outstanding commitments under the three-year, $3.0 billion senior unsecured credit facility entered into in October 2010 to $1.0 billion with no change to the original maturity of October 2013. Proceeds under both credit agreements are available to be used for general corporate purposes (including, in the case of loans made under the facilities, to back up commercial paper and, in the case of letters of credit issued under the facilities, to support variable annuity policy and reinsurance reserve requirements). The Company incurred costs of $9 million related to the amended and restated credit facilities, which have been capitalized and included in other assets. These costs will be amortized over the amended terms of the facilities. Due to the reduction in total capacity of the three-year facility, the Company subsequently expensed $4 million of the remaining deferred financing costs associated with the October 2010 credit agreement, which are included in other expenses.
 
The committed facilities are used for collateral for certain of the Company’s affiliated reinsurance liabilities. At September 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding $6.0 billion in letters of credit and $2.8 billion in aggregate drawdowns against these facilities. Remaining unused commitments were $3.6 billion at September 30, 2011. In February 2011, the Holding Company entered into a one-year $350 million committed facility with a third-party bank to provide letters of credit for the benefit of Missouri Reinsurance (Barbados) Inc. (“MoRe”), a captive reinsurance subsidiary. This facility was canceled on July 1, 2011.
 
We have no reason to believe that our lending counterparties will be unable to fulfill their respective contractual obligations under these facilities. As commitments associated with letters of credit and financing arrangements may expire unused, these amounts do not necessarily reflect the Company’s actual future cash funding requirements.
 
Covenants.  Certain of the Company’s debt instruments, credit facilities and committed facilities contain various administrative, reporting, legal and financial covenants. The Company believes it was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Convertible Preferred Stock.  In November 2010, the Holding Company issued to AM Holdings in connection with the financing of the Acquisition 6,857,000 shares of Series B contingent convertible junior participating non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”) convertible into approximately 68,570,000 shares (valued at $40.90 per share at the time of the Acquisition) of the Holding Company’s common stock (subject to anti-dilution adjustments) upon a favorable vote of the Holding Company’s common stockholders. On March 8, 2011, the Holding Company repurchased and canceled all of the Convertible Preferred Stock. See “— Common Stock” below.
 
Common Stock.  On March 8, 2011, the Holding Company issued 68,570,000 new shares of its common stock in a public offering at a price of $43.25 per share for gross proceeds of $3.0 billion. The proceeds were used to repurchase the Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
In November 2010, the Holding Company issued to AM Holdings in connection with the financing of the Acquisition 78,239,712 new shares of its common stock at $40.90 per share. On March 8, 2011, AM Holdings sold the 78,239,712 shares of common stock in a public offering concurrent with the public offering of common stock by the Holding Company.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Holding Company issued 2,583,389 new shares of common stock for $77 million to satisfy various stock option exercises.
 
Equity Units.  On the Acquisition Date, the Holding Company issued to AM Holdings in connection with the financing of the Acquisition $3.0 billion aggregate stated amount of Equity Units. See Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report. On March 8, 2011, concurrently with the public offering of common stock by the Holding Company and AM Holdings, AM Holdings sold all of the Equity Units in a public offering. The terms and conditions of the Equity Units were unaffected by the resulting transfers of ownership.


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Liquidity and Capital Uses
 
Debt Repayments.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, MetLife Bank made repayments of $690 million and $219 million, respectively, to the FHLB of NY related to long-term borrowings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, MetLife Bank made repayments to the FHLB of NY related to short-term borrowings of $5.6 billion and $7.2 billion, respectively.
 
Debt Repurchases.  We may from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Any such repurchases or exchanges will be dependent upon several factors, including our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, general market conditions, and applicable regulatory, legal and accounting factors. Whether or not to repurchase any debt and the size and timing of any such repurchases will be determined in the Company’s discretion.
 
Insurance Liabilities.  The Company’s principal cash outflows primarily relate to the liabilities associated with its various life insurance, property and casualty, annuity and group pension products, operating expenses and income tax, as well as principal and interest on its outstanding debt obligations. Liabilities arising from its insurance activities primarily relate to benefit payments under the aforementioned products, as well as payments for policy surrenders, withdrawals and loans. For annuity or deposit type products, surrender or lapse product behavior differs somewhat by segment. In the Retirement Products segment, which includes individual annuities, lapses and surrenders tend to occur in the normal course of business. For both the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, general account surrenders and withdrawals from annuity products were $2.8 billion. In Corporate Benefit Funding, which includes pension closeouts, bank-owned life insurance and other fixed annuity contracts, as well as funding agreements (including funding agreements with the FHLB of NY, the FHLB of Des Moines and the FHLB of Boston) and other capital market products, most of the products offered have fixed maturities or fairly predictable surrenders or withdrawals. With regard to Corporate Benefit Funding liabilities that provide customers with limited liquidity rights, at September 30, 2011 there were $1,385 million of funding agreements and other capital market products that could be put back to the Company after a period of notice. Of these liabilities, $535 million were subject to a notice period of 90 days. The remainder of the balance was subject to a notice period of nine months or longer. An additional $250 million of Corporate Benefit Funding liabilities were subject to credit ratings downgrade triggers that permit early termination subject to a notice period of 90 days.
 
Dividends.  Common stock dividend decisions are determined by the Holding Company’s Board of Directors after taking into consideration factors such as the Company’s current earnings, expected medium-term and long-term earnings, financial condition, regulatory capital position, and applicable governmental regulations and policies. The payment of dividends and other distributions by the Holding Company to its common stockholders is regulated by the Federal Reserve.
 
Information on the declaration, record and payment dates, as well as per share and aggregate dividend amounts, for the Preferred Stock is as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011:
 
                                         
            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)  
 
August 15, 2011
  August 31, 2011   September 15, 2011   $ 0.2555555     $ 6     $ 0.4062500     $ 24  
May 16, 2011
  May 31, 2011   June 15, 2011   $ 0.2555555       7     $ 0.4062500       24  
March 7, 2011
  February 28, 2011   March 15, 2011   $ 0.2500000       6     $ 0.4062500       24  
                                         
                    $ 19             $ 72  
                                         
 
Residential Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale.  At September 30, 2011, the Company held $3,726 million in residential mortgage loans held-for-sale, compared with $3,321 million at December 31, 2010, an increase of $405 million. From time to time, MetLife Bank has an increased cash 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 FNMA or FHLMC. To meet these increased funding requirements, as well as to increase overall liquidity, MetLife Bank takes advantage of collateralized borrowing opportunities with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the


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FHLB of NY. For further detail on MetLife Bank’s use of these funding sources, see “— The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Global Funding Sources.”
 
Investment and Other.  Additional cash outflows include those related to obligations of securities lending activities, investments in real estate, limited partnerships and joint ventures, as well as litigation-related liabilities. Also, the Company pledges collateral to, and has collateral pledged to it by, counterparties under the Company’s current derivative transactions. With respect to derivative transactions with credit ratings downgrade triggers, a two-notch downgrade would have increased the Company’s derivative collateral requirements by $106 million at September 30, 2011. In addition, the Company has pledged collateral and has had collateral pledged to it, and may be required from time to time to pledge additional collateral or be entitled to have additional collateral pledged to it, in connection with collateral financing arrangements related to the reinsurance of closed block liabilities and universal life secondary guarantee liabilities.
 
Securities Lending.  The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby blocks of securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, are loaned to third parties, primarily brokerage firms and commercial banks. The Company obtains collateral, usually cash, from the borrower, which must be returned to the borrower when the loaned securities are returned to the Company. Under the Company’s securities lending program, the Company was liable for cash collateral under its control of $25.8 billion and $24.6 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Of these amounts, $2.4 billion and $2.8 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, were on open, meaning that the related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day upon return of cash collateral. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at September 30, 2011 was $2.4 billion, of which $2.2 billion were U.S. Treasury and agency securities which, if put to the Company, can be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirements. See “— Investments — Securities Lending” for further information.
 
Contractual Obligations.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Company — Liquidity and Capital Uses — Contractual Obligations” in the 2010 Annual Report for additional information on the Company’s contractual obligations.
 
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. Under these arrangements, each Obligor, with respect to the applicable entity, has agreed to cause such entity to meet specified capital and surplus levels, has guaranteed certain contractual obligations or has agreed to provide, upon the occurrence of certain contingencies, reinsurance for such entity’s insurance liabilities. We anticipate that in the event that these arrangements place demands upon the Company, there will be sufficient liquidity and capital to enable the Company to meet anticipated demands. On April 1, 2011, the Company sold its interest in MSI MetLife, a corporation in which the Holding Company owned 50% of the equity. The Company’s obligations under the related support agreement were terminated on that date. 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, mortgage lending bank, employer, investor, investment advisor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.
 
The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. For material matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible but not probable, no accrual is made but the Company discloses the nature of the contingency and an aggregate estimate of the reasonably possible range of loss in excess of amounts accrued, when such an estimate can be made. It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to herein, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations, it is possible that an adverse


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outcome in certain cases could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcome of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
 
The Holding Company
 
Capital
 
Restrictions and Limitations on Bank Holding Companies and Financial Holding Companies.  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 bank and financial holding companies. The federal banking regulatory agencies are required by law to take specific prompt corrective actions with respect to institutions that do not meet minimum capital standards. As of their most recently filed reports with the federal banking regulatory agencies, all of MetLife Bank’s risk-based and leverage capital ratios met the federal banking regulatory agencies “well capitalized” standards and all of the Holding Company’s risk-based and leverage capital ratios met the “adequately capitalized” standards. In addition to requirements which may be imposed in connection with the implementation of Dodd-Frank, if adopted in the U.S., Basel III will also lead to increased capital and liquidity requirements for bank holding companies, such as MetLife, Inc. See “— Industry Trends — Financial and Economic Environment” and “Risk Factors — Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth.”
 
Liquidity and Capital Sources
 
Dividends from Subsidiaries.  The Holding Company relies in part on dividends from its subsidiaries to meet its cash requirements. 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 end of the immediately preceding calendar year and statutory net gain from operations for the immediately preceding calendar year. Statutory accounting practices, as prescribed by insurance regulators of various states in which the Company conducts business, differ in certain respects from accounting principles used in financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP. The significant differences relate to the treatment of DAC, certain deferred income tax, required investment liabilities, statutory reserve calculation assumptions, goodwill and surplus notes.
 
The table below sets forth the dividends permitted to be paid by the respective insurance subsidiary without insurance regulatory approval:
 
         
    2011  
    Permitted w/o
 
Company   Approval (1)  
    (In millions)  
 
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
  $ 1,321  
American Life Insurance Company
  $ 661  
MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
  $ 517  
Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company
  $  
Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company
  $ 80  
 
 
  (1)   Reflects dividend amounts that may be paid during 2011 without prior regulatory approval. However, because dividend tests may be based on dividends previously paid over rolling 12-month periods, if paid before a specified date during 2011, some or all of such dividends may require regulatory approval. On April 29, 2011, MLIC paid as a dividend $183 million of such available amount to the Holding Company.


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  No other available amounts were paid by the above subsidiaries to the Holding Company during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
In addition to the amounts presented in the table above, during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Holding Company received cash of $592 million, of which $46 million represented a dividend and $546 million represented a return of capital.
 
The dividend capacity of non-U.S. operations is subject to similar restrictions established by the local regulators. The non-U.S. regulatory regimes also commonly limit the dividend payments to the parent to a portion of the prior year’s statutory income, as determined by the local accounting principles. The regulators of the non-U.S. operations, including the Japan branch of American Life, may also limit or not permit profit repatriations or other transfers of funds to the U.S. if such transfers would be detrimental to the solvency or financial strength of the operations of the non-U.S. operations, or for other reasons. Most of the non-U.S. subsidiaries are second tier subsidiaries and are not directly owned by the Holding Company. The capital and rating considerations applicable to the first tier subsidiaries may also impact the dividend flow into the Holding Company.
 
The Company’s management actively manages its target and excess capital levels and dividend flows on a pro-active basis and forecasts local capital positions as part of the financial planning cycle. The dividend capacity of certain U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries is also subject to business targets in excess of the minimum capital necessary to maintain the desired rating or level of financial strength in the relevant market. Management of the Holding Company cannot provide assurances that the Holding Company’s 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 regulators will not disapprove any dividends that such subsidiaries must submit for approval. See Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
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, 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; and (ii) cash collateral received from counterparties in connection with derivative instruments. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Holding Company had $3.3 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively, in liquid assets. In addition, the Holding Company has pledged collateral and has had collateral pledged to it, and may be required from time to time to pledge additional collateral or be entitled to have additional collateral pledged to it. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Holding Company had pledged $410 million and $362 million, respectively, 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, 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-term and long-term borrowing, as needed.
 
We continuously monitor and adjust our liquidity and capital plans for the Holding Company and its subsidiaries in light of changing requirements and market conditions.
 
Long-term Debt.  The following table summarizes the outstanding long-term debt of the Holding Company at:
 
                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Long-term debt — unaffiliated
  $ 16,419     $ 16,258  
Long-term debt — affiliated (1)
  $ 500     $ 665  
Collateral financing arrangements
  $ 2,797     $ 2,797  
Junior subordinated debt securities
  $ 1,748     $ 1,748  


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(1) Includes $165 million of affiliated senior notes associated with bonds held by ALICO at December 31, 2010. Such bonds were sold to a third party in the second quarter of 2011.
 
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 was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Preferred Stock, Convertible Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Equity Units.  For information on preferred stock issued by the Holding Company, see “— The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Preferred Stock” in the 2010 Annual Report. For information on convertible preferred stock, common stock and equity units issued by the Holding Company, see “— The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Convertible Preferred Stock,” “— Common Stock,” and “— Equity Units,” respectively.
 
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 and acquisitions. Based on our analysis and comparison of our current and future cash inflows from the dividends we receive from subsidiaries that are permitted to be paid without prior insurance regulatory approval, our asset portfolio and other cash flows and anticipated access to the capital markets, we believe there will be sufficient liquidity and capital to enable 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 general operating expenses and meet its cash needs.
 
Affiliated Capital Transactions.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Holding Company invested an aggregate of $1,283 million and $315 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   September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
            (In millions)  
 
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (1)
  6-month LIBOR + 1.80%   December 31, 2011   $     $ 775  
American Life Insurance Company (2)
  6-month LIBOR + 1.06%   September 26, 2013     100        
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
  7.13%   December 15, 2032     400       400  
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
  7.13%   January 15, 2033     100       100  
                         
Total
          $ 600     $ 1,275  
                         
 
 
(1) In April 2011, MLIC repaid in cash the $775 million surplus note issued to the Holding Company in December 2009. The early redemption was approved by the New York Superintendent of Insurance.
 
(2) On September 26, 2011, American Life issued a note to the Holding Company for $100 million maturing no later than September 26, 2013 with an interest rate of 6-month LIBOR + 1.06% in exchange for cash.
 
Debt Repayments.  The Holding Company intends to repay the debt that is due in December 2011. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Holding Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Senior Notes” in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
Support Agreements.  The Holding Company is party to various capital support commitments and guarantees with certain of its subsidiaries. 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.


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In June 2011, the Holding Company guaranteed the obligations of its subsidiary, DelAm, under a stop loss reinsurance agreement with RGA Reinsurance (Barbados) Inc. (“RGARe”), pursuant to which RGARe retrocedes to DelAm a portion of the whole life medical insurance business that RGARe assumed from American Life on behalf of its Japan branch.
 
As noted in “— The Company — Liquidity and Capital Uses — Support Agreements,” the Holding Company was formerly a party to a net worth maintenance agreement with MSI MetLife, a former investment in Japan of which the Holding Company owned 50% of the equity. Under the agreement, the Holding Company agreed, without limitation as to amount, to cause MSI MetLife to have the amount of capital and surplus necessary for MSI MetLife to maintain a solvency ratio of at least 400%, as calculated in accordance with the Insurance Business Law of Japan, and to make such loans to MSI MetLife as may have been necessary to ensure that MSI MetLife had sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet its payment obligations as they fell due. As more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Holding Company sold its 50% interest in MSI MetLife to a third party. Upon the close of such sale on April 1, 2011, the Holding Company’s obligations under the net worth maintenance agreement were terminated.
 
In March 2011, the Holding Company guaranteed the obligations of its subsidiary, MoRe, under a retrocession agreement with RGARe, pursuant to which MoRe retrocedes a portion of the closed block liabilities associated with industrial life and ordinary life insurance policies that it assumed from MLIC.
 
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which includes information on new guidance regarding accounting for DAC.
 
Subsequent Event
 
On October 25, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an annual dividend for 2011 of $0.74 per common share payable on December 14, 2011 to stockholders of record as of November 9, 2011. The Company estimates the aggregate dividend payment to be $787 million.
 
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 values of certain assets and liabilities are materially exposed to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and changes in the equity markets.
 
Enterprise Risk Management.  MetLife has established several financial and non-financial senior management committees as part of its risk management process. These committees manage capital and risk positions, approve ALM strategies and establish appropriate corporate business standards. Further enhancing its committee structure, during the second quarter of 2010, MetLife created an Enterprise Risk Committee made up of the following voting members: the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Investment Officer, the President of U.S. Business, the President of International and the Chief Risk Officer. This committee is responsible for


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reviewing all material risks to the enterprise and deciding on actions if necessary, in the event risks exceed desirable targets, taking into consideration best practices to resolve or mitigate those risks.
 
MetLife also has a separate Enterprise Risk Management Department, which is responsible for risk management throughout MetLife and reports to MetLife’s Chief Risk Officer. The Enterprise Risk Management Department’s primary responsibilities consist of:
 
  •  implementing a corporate risk framework, which outlines the Company’s approach for managing risk on an enterprise-wide basis;
 
  •  developing policies and procedures for managing, measuring, monitoring and controlling those risks identified in the corporate risk framework;
 
  •  establishing appropriate corporate risk tolerance levels;
 
  •  deploying capital on an economic capital basis; and
 
  •  reporting on a periodic basis to the Finance and Risk Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors; with respect to credit risk, reporting to the Investment Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors; and reporting on various aspects of risk to financial and non-financial senior management committees.
 
Asset/Liability Management.  The Company actively manages its assets using an approach that balances quality, diversification, asset/liability matching, liquidity, concentration and investment return. The goals of the investment process are to optimize, net of income tax, risk-adjusted investment income and risk-adjusted total return while ensuring that the assets and liabilities are reasonably managed on a cash flow and duration basis. The ALM process is the shared responsibility of the Financial Risk Management and Asset/Liability Management Unit, Enterprise Risk Management, the Portfolio Management Unit, and the senior members of the business segments and is governed by the ALM Committees. The ALM Committees’ duties include reviewing and approving target portfolios, establishing investment guidelines and limits and providing oversight of the ALM process on a periodic basis. The directives of the ALM Committees are carried out and monitored through ALM Working Groups which are set up to manage by product type. In addition, an ALM Steering Committee oversees the activities of the underlying ALM Committees.
 
MetLife establishes target asset portfolios for each major insurance product, which represent the investment strategies used to profitably fund its liabilities within acceptable levels of risk. These strategies are monitored through regular review of portfolio metrics, such as effective duration, yield curve sensitivity, convexity, liquidity, asset sector concentration and credit quality by the ALM Working Groups.
 
Market Risk Exposures
 
The Company has exposure to market risk through its insurance operations and investment activities. For purposes of this disclosure, “market risk” is defined as the risk of loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity market.
 
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 on variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits which have the same type of interest rate exposure (medium- and long-term interest rates) as fixed maturity securities. The Company employs product design, pricing and ALM strategies to reduce the adverse effects of interest rate movements. Product design and pricing strategies include the use of surrender charges or restrictions on withdrawals in some products and the ability to reset credited rates for certain products. ALM strategies include the use of derivatives and duration mismatch limits. See “Risk Factors — Changes in Market Interest Rates May Significantly Affect Our Profitability.”


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Foreign Currency Exchange Rates.  The Company’s exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar results from its holdings in non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed maturity and equity securities, mortgage loans, and certain liabilities, as well as through its investments in foreign subsidiaries. The principal currencies that create foreign currency exchange rate risk in the Company’s investment portfolios are the Euro, the Japanese yen and the Canadian dollar. The principal currencies that create foreign currency risk in the Company’s liabilities are the British pound, the Euro 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 is primarily exposed to the Mexican peso, the Japanese yen, the Korean won, the Canadian dollar, the British pound, the Chilean peso, the Australian dollar, the Argentine peso, the Polish zloty, the Euro and the Hong Kong dollar. In addition to hedging with foreign currency swaps, forwards and options, local surplus in some countries is held entirely or in part in U.S. dollar assets which further minimizes exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation risk. The Company has matched much of its foreign currency liabilities in its foreign subsidiaries with their respective foreign currency assets, thereby reducing its risk to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation. See “Risk Factors — Fluctuations in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Could Negatively Affect Our Profitability” in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
Equity Market.  The Company has exposure to equity market risk through certain liabilities that involve long-term guarantees on equity performance such as net embedded derivatives on variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits, certain policyholder account balances along with investments in equity securities. We manage this risk on an integrated basis with other risks through our ALM strategies including the dynamic hedging of certain variable annuity guarantee benefits. The Company also manages equity market risk exposure in its investment portfolio through the use of derivatives. Equity exposures associated with other limited partnership interests are excluded from this section as they are not considered financial instruments under GAAP.
 
Management of Market Risk Exposures
 
The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and equity market risk, including the use of derivative instruments.
 
Interest Rate Risk Management.  To manage interest rate risk, the Company analyzes interest rate risk using various models, including multi-scenario cash flow projection models that forecast cash flows of the liabilities 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 ALM 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 business segments may reflect differences in legal entity, statutory line of business and any product market characteristic which may drive a distinct investment strategy with respect to duration, liquidity or credit quality of the invested assets. Certain smaller entities make use of unsegmented general accounts for which the investment strategy reflects the aggregate characteristics of liabilities in those entities. The Company measures relative sensitivities of the value of its assets and liabilities to changes in key assumptions utilizing Company models. These models reflect specific product characteristics and include assumptions based on current and anticipated experience regarding lapse, mortality and interest crediting rates. In addition, these models include asset cash flow projections reflecting interest payments, sinking fund payments, principal payments, bond calls, mortgage prepayments and defaults.
 
Common industry metrics, such as duration and convexity, are also used to measure the relative sensitivity of assets and liability values to changes in interest rates. In computing the duration of liabilities, consideration is given to all policyholder guarantees and to how the Company intends to set indeterminate policy elements such as interest credits or dividends. Each asset portfolio has a duration target based on the liability duration and the investment objectives of that portfolio. Where a liability cash flow may exceed the maturity of available assets, as is the case with certain retirement and non-medical health products, the Company may support such liabilities with equity investments, derivatives or curve mismatch strategies.


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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.
 
  •  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 Market Risk Management.  Equity market risk exposure through the issuance of variable annuities is managed by the Company’s Asset/Liability Management Unit in partnership with the Investment Department. Equity market risk is realized 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 and equity securities. These derivatives include exchange-traded equity futures, equity index options contracts and equity variance swaps. The Company also employs reinsurance to manage these exposures.
 
Hedging Activities.  MetLife uses derivative contracts primarily to hedge a wide range of risks including interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, and equity risk. Derivative hedges are designed to reduce risk on an economic basis while considering their impact on accounting results and GAAP and Statutory capital. The construction of the Company’s derivative hedge programs vary depending on the type of risk being hedged. Some hedge programs are asset or liability specific while others are portfolio hedges that reduce risk related to a group of liabilities or assets. The Company’s use of derivatives by major hedge programs is as follows:
 
  •  Risks Related to Living Guarantee Benefits — The Company uses a wide range of derivative contracts to hedge the risk associated with variable annuity living guarantee benefits. These hedges include equity and interest rate futures, interest rate swaps, currency futures/forwards, equity indexed options and interest rate option contracts and equity variance swaps.
 
  •  Minimum Interest Rate Guarantees — For certain Company liability contracts, the Company provides the contractholder a guaranteed minimum interest rate. These contracts include certain fixed annuities and other insurance liabilities. The Company purchases interest rate floors to reduce risk associated with these liability guarantees.
 
  •  Reinvestment Risk in Long Duration Liability Contracts — Derivatives are used to hedge interest rate risk related to certain long duration liability contracts, such as deferred annuities. Hedges include zero coupon interest rate swaps and swaptions.
 
  •  Foreign Currency Risk — The Company uses currency swaps and forwards to hedge foreign currency risk. These hedges primarily swap foreign currency denominated bonds, investments in foreign subsidiaries or equity exposures to U.S. dollars.
 
  •  General ALM Hedging Strategies — In the ordinary course of managing the Company’s asset/liability risks, the Company uses interest rate futures, interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, interest rate floors and inflation swaps. These hedges are designed to reduce interest rate risk or inflation risk related to the existing assets or liabilities or related to expected future cash flows.


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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 September 30, 2011. The sensitivity analysis separately calculates each of the Company’s market risk exposures (interest rate, equity market and foreign currency exchange rate) relating to its trading and non trading assets and liabilities. The Company modeled the impact of changes in market rates and prices on the estimated fair values of its market sensitive assets and liabilities as follows:
 
  •  the net present values of its interest rate sensitive exposures resulting from a 10% change (increase or decrease) in interest rates;
 
  •  the U.S. dollar equivalent estimated fair values of the Company’s foreign currency exposures due to a 10% change (increase or decrease) in foreign currency exchange rates; and
 
  •  the estimated fair value of its equity positions due to a 10% change (increase or decrease) in equity market prices.
 
The sensitivity analysis is an estimate and should not be viewed as predictive of the Company’s future financial performance. The Company cannot ensure that its actual losses in any particular period will not exceed the amounts indicated in the table below. Limitations related to this sensitivity analysis include:
 
  •  the market risk information is limited by the assumptions and parameters established in creating the related sensitivity analysis, including the impact of prepayment rates on mortgages;
 
  •  for the derivatives that qualify as hedges, the impact on reported earnings may be materially different from the change in market values;
 
  •  the analysis excludes other significant real estate holdings and liabilities pursuant to insurance contracts; and
 
  •  the model assumes that the composition of assets and liabilities remains unchanged throughout the period.
 
Accordingly, the Company uses such models as tools and not as substitutes for the experience and judgment of its management. Based on its analysis of the impact of a 10% change (increase or decrease) in market rates and prices, MetLife has determined that such a change could have a material adverse effect on the estimated fair value of certain assets and liabilities from interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and equity exposures.
 
The table below illustrates the potential loss in estimated fair value for each market risk exposure of the Company’s market sensitive assets and liabilities at September 30, 2011:
 
         
    September 30, 2011  
    (In millions)  
 
Non-trading:
       
Interest rate risk
  $ 3,427  
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
  $ 4,446  
Equity market risk
  $ (45 )
Trading:
       
Interest rate risk
  $ 3  
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
  $ 449  


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Sensitivity Analysis:  Interest Rates.  The table below provides additional detail regarding the potential loss in fair value of the Company’s trading and non-trading interest sensitive financial instruments at September 30, 2011 by type of asset or liability:
 
                         
    September 30, 2011  
                Assuming a
 
          Estimated
    10% Increase
 
    Notional
    Fair
    in the Yield
 
    Amount     Value (3)     Curve  
    (In millions)  
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturity securities
          $ 353,927     $ (4,072 )
Equity securities
            3,118        
Trading and other securities
            18,698       (4 )
Mortgage loans:
                       
Held-for-investment
            61,624       (226 )
Held-for-sale
            3,740       (4 )
                         
Mortgage loans, net
            65,364       (230 )
Policy loans
            13,889       (119 )
Real estate joint ventures (1)
            603        
Other limited partnership interests (1)
            1,658        
Short-term investments
            15,913       (1 )
Other invested assets:
                       
Mortgage servicing rights
            686       56  
Other
            1,453        
Cash and cash equivalents
            10,001       (1 )
Accrued investment income
            4,793        
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
            5,376       (237 )
Other assets
            482       (2 )
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)
            356       (18 )
Mortgage loan commitments
  $ 3,743       4       (2 )
Commitments to fund bank credit facilities, bridge loans and private corporate
                       
bond investments
  $ 1,855       33        
                         
Total Assets
                  $ (4,630 )
                         
Liabilities:
                       
Policyholder account balances
          $ 153,778     $ 794  
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
            34,933        
Bank deposits
            10,754       2  
Short-term debt
            451        
Long-term debt
            22,991       219  
Collateral financing arrangements
            4,647        
Junior subordinated debt securities
            3,219       98  
Other liabilities:
                       
Trading liabilities
            67       1  
Other
            4,793        
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)
            4,881       1,556  
                         
Total Liabilities
                  $ 2,670  
                         
Derivative Instruments:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 72,828     $ 5,625     $ (980 )
Interest rate floors
  $ 23,866       1,066       (90 )
Interest rate caps
  $ 38,727       70       20  
Interest rate futures
  $ 15,429       (12 )     (74 )
Interest rate options
  $ 18,088       1,080       (241 )
Interest rate forwards
  $ 16,812       206       (46 )
Synthetic GICs
  $ 4,420              
Foreign currency swaps
  $ 16,823       269       14  
Foreign currency forwards
  $ 10,029       307       29  
Currency futures
  $ 633              
Currency options
  $ 2,502       13        
Credit default swaps
  $ 13,450       210        
Credit forwards
  $ 20       3        
Equity futures
  $ 6,845       144        
Equity options
  $ 17,413       3,003       (94 )
Variance swaps
  $ 19,394       310       (8 )
Total rate of return swaps
  $ 1,612       31        
                         
Total Derivative Instruments
                  $ (1,470 )
                         
Net Change
                  $ (3,430 )
                         
 
 
(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.


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(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 $1,934 million, or 36%, to $3,448 million at September 30, 2011 from $5,382 million at December 31, 2010. The decrease in risk is primarily due to a large decline in interest rates across the long end of the swaps and U.S. Treasury curves which decreased risk by $2,400 million. This decrease in risk was partially offset by a change in the net assets and liabilities bases of $364 million and a decrease in the long-term debt of $206 million. The remainder of the fluctuation is attributable to numerous immaterial items.
 
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 September 30, 2011 by type of asset or liability:
 
                         
    September 30, 2011  
                Assuming a
 
          Estimated
    10% Increase
 
    Notional
    Fair
    in the Foreign
 
    Amount     Value (1)     Exchange Rate  
    (In millions)  
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturity securities
          $ 353,927     $ (7,782 )
Equity securities
            3,118       (150 )
Trading and other securities
            18,698       (449 )
Mortgage loans:
                       
Held-for-investment
            61,624       (446 )
Held-for-sale
            3,740        
                         
Mortgage loans, net
            65,364       (446 )
Policy loans
            13,889       (200 )
Other limited partnership interests
            1,658       (13 )
Short-term investments
            15,913       (204 )
Other invested assets:
                       
Mortgage servicing rights
            686        
Other
            1,453       (111 )
Cash and cash equivalents
            10,001       (122 )
Accrued investment income
            4,793       (14 )
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
            5,376       (160 )
Other assets
            482       (11 )
                         
Total Assets
                  $ (9,662 )
                         
Liabilities:
                       
Policyholder account balances
          $ 153,778     $ 3,425  
Bank deposits
            10,754        
Long-term debt
            22,991       118  
Payable for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
            34,933       3  
Other liabilities
            4,793       208  
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)
            4,881       424  
                         
Total Liabilities
                  $ 4,178  
                         
Derivative Instruments:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 72,828     $ 5,625     $ (29 )
Interest rate floors
  $ 23,866       1,066        
Interest rate caps
  $ 38,727       70        
Interest rate futures
  $ 15,429       (12 )      
Interest rate options
  $ 18,088       1,080       (17 )
Interest rate forwards
  $ 16,812       206        
Synthetic GICs
  $ 4,420              
Foreign currency swaps
  $ 16,823       269       716  
Foreign currency forwards
  $ 10,029       307       69  
Currency futures
  $ 633             (56 )
Currency options
  $ 2,502       13       8  
Credit default swaps
  $ 13,450       210        
Credit forwards
  $ 20       3        
Equity futures
  $ 6,845       144       5  
Equity options
  $ 17,413       3,003       (106 )
Variance swaps
  $ 19,394       310       (1 )
Total rate of return swaps
  $ 1,612       31        
                         
Total Derivative Instruments
                  $ 589  
                         
Net Change
                  $ (4,895 )
                         


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(1) Estimated fair value presented in the table above represents the estimated fair value of all financial instruments within this financial statement caption, not necessarily those solely subject to foreign exchange risk.
 
(2) Embedded derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet in the same caption as the host contract.
 
Foreign currency exchange rate risk increased by $880 million, or 22%, to $4,895 million at September 30, 2011 from $4,015 million at December 31, 2010. This change was due to an increase in exchange rate risk relating to fixed maturity securities (including trading and other securities) of $1,369 million due to higher net exposures primarily to the British pound, the Australian dollar and the Japanese yen. This was partially offset by an increase in the foreign exposure related to policyholder account balances and to the use of derivatives employed by the Company of $170 million and $284 million, respectively. The remainder of the fluctuation is attributable to numerous immaterial items.
 
Sensitivity Analysis:  Equity Market Prices.  The table below provides additional detail regarding the potential loss in estimated fair value of the Company’s portfolio due to a 10% change in equity at September 30, 2011 by type of asset or liability:
 
                         
    September 30, 2011  
                Assuming a
 
          Estimated
    10% Decrease
 
    Notional
    Fair
    in Equity
 
    Amount     Value (1)     Prices  
    (In millions)  
 
Assets:
                       
Equity securities
          $ 3,118     $ (334 )
Other invested assets:
                       
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)
            356       19  
                         
Total Assets
                  $ (315 )
                         
Liabilities:
                       
Policyholder account balances
          $ 153,778     $  
Bank deposits
            10,754        
Other liabilities:
                       
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)
            4,881       (787 )
                         
Total Liabilities
                  $ (787 )
                         
Derivative Instruments:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 72,828     $ 5,625     $  
Interest rate floors
  $ 23,866       1,066        
Interest rate caps
  $ 38,727       70        
Interest rate futures
  $ 15,429       (12 )      
Interest rate options
  $ 18,088       1,080        
Interest rate forwards
  $ 16,812       206        
Synthetic GICs
  $ 4,420              
Foreign currency swaps
  $ 16,823       269        
Foreign currency forwards
  $ 10,029       307        
Currency futures
  $ 633              
Currency options
  $ 2,502       13        
Credit default swaps
  $ 13,450       210        
Credit forwards
  $ 20       3        
Equity futures
  $ 6,845       144       612  
Equity options
  $ 17,413       3,003       400  
Variance swaps
  $ 19,394       310        
Total rate of return swaps
  $ 1,612       31       135  
                         
Total Derivative Instruments
                  $ 1,147  
                         
Net Change
                  $ 45  
                         


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(1) Estimated fair value presented in the table above represents the estimated fair value of all financial instruments within this financial statement caption not necessarily those solely subject to equity price risk.
 
(2) Embedded derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet in the same caption as the host contract.
 
Equity price risk decreased by $59 million, resulting in a gain position of $45 million at September 30, 2011 compared to a loss position of $14 million at December 31, 2010. This change was partially due to an increase in exposure from the derivatives employed by the company of $361 million. This was offset by an increase in equity exposure related to net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts of $331 million. The remainder of the fluctuation is attributable to numerous immaterial items.
 
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
 
Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
 
There were no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) during the three months ended September 30, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Part II — Other Information
 
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
 
The following should be read in conjunction with (i) Part I, Item 3, of MetLife, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as amended by MetLife, Inc.’s Form 10-K/A dated March 1, 2011 (as amended, the “2010 Annual Report”), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”); (ii) Part II, Item 1, of MetLife, Inc.’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, and (iii) Note 9 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I of this report.
 
Asbestos-Related Claims
 
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”) is and has been a defendant in a large number of asbestos-related suits filed primarily in state courts. These suits principally allege that the plaintiff or plaintiffs suffered personal injury resulting from exposure to asbestos and seek both actual and punitive damages.
 
As reported in the 2010 Annual Report, MLIC received approximately 5,670 asbestos-related claims in 2010. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, MLIC received approximately 3,750 and 4,800 new asbestos-related claims, respectively. See Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for historical information concerning asbestos claims and MLIC’s increase in its recorded liability at December 31, 2002. The number of asbestos cases that may be brought, the aggregate amount of any liability that MLIC may incur, and the total amount paid in settlements in any given year are uncertain and may vary significantly from year to year.
 
MLIC reevaluates on a quarterly and annual basis its exposure from asbestos litigation, including studying its claims experience, reviewing external literature regarding asbestos claims experience in the U.S., assessing relevant trends impacting asbestos liability and considering numerous variables that can affect its asbestos liability exposure on an overall or per claim basis. These variables include bankruptcies of other companies involved in asbestos litigation, legislative and judicial developments, the number of pending claims involving serious disease, the number of new claims filed against it and other defendants and the jurisdictions in which claims are pending. Based upon its regular reevaluation of its exposure from asbestos litigation, MLIC has updated its liability analysis for asbestos-related claims through September 30, 2011.


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Regulatory Matters
 
United States of America v. EME Homer City Generation, L.P., et al. (W.D. Pa., filed January 4, 2011).  On January 4, 2011, the U.S. commenced a civil action in United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against EME Homer City Generation L.P. (“EME Homer City”), Homer City OL6 LLC, and other defendants regarding the operations of the Homer City Generating Station, an electricity generating facility. Homer City OL6 LLC, an entity owned by MLIC, is a passive investor with a noncontrolling interest in the electricity generating facility, which is solely operated by the lessee, EME Homer City. The complaint sought injunctive relief and assessment of civil penalties for alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act and Pennsylvania’s State Implementation Plan. The alleged violations were the subject of Notices of Violations (“NOVs”) that the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued to EME Homer City, Homer City OL6 LLC, and others in June 2008 and May 2010. On January 7, 2011, the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania granted the motion by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the State of New York to intervene in the lawsuit as additional plaintiffs. On February 16, 2011, the State of New Jersey filed an Intervenor’s Complaint in the lawsuit. On January 7, 2011, two plaintiffs filed a putative class action titled Scott Jackson and Maria Jackson v. EME Homer City Generation L.P., et al. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on behalf of a putative class of persons who have allegedly incurred damage to their persons and/or property because of the violations alleged in the action brought by the U.S. Homer City OL6 LLC is a defendant in this action. On October 12, 2011, the court issued an order dismissing the Government’s lawsuit with prejudice. On October 13, 2011, the court issued an order dismissing the federal claims in the putative class actions with prejudice and dismissing the state law claims in the putative class actions without prejudice to re-file in state court. EME Homer City has acknowledged its obligation to indemnify Homer City OL6 LLC for any claims relating to the NOVs. Due to the acknowledged indemnification obligation, this matter is not included in the aggregate estimate of range of reasonably possible loss.
 
Unclaimed Property Inquiries.  More than 30 U.S. jurisdictions are auditing MetLife, Inc. and certain of its affiliates for compliance with unclaimed property laws. Additionally, MLIC and certain of its affiliates have received subpoenas and other regulatory inquiries from certain regulators and other officials relating to claims-payment practices and compliance with unclaimed property laws. An examination of these practices by the Illinois Department of Insurance has been converted into a multistate targeted market conduct exam. On July 5, 2011, the New York Insurance Department issued a letter requiring life insurers doing business in New York to use data available on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or a similar database to identify instances where death benefits under life insurance policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts are payable, to locate and pay beneficiaries under such contracts, and to report the results of the use of the data. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries, may join the multistate market conduct exam, or issue directives similar to the New York Insurance Department’s letter. In the third quarter of 2011, the Company incurred a $117 million after tax charge to increase reserves in connection with the Company’s use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File and similar databases to identify potential life insurance claims that have not yet been presented to the Company. It is possible that the audits, market conduct exam, and related activity may result in additional payments to beneficiaries, additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws, administrative penalties, interest, and changes to the Company’s procedures for the identification and escheatment of abandoned property. The Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible amount of any such additional payments or the reasonably possible cost of any such changes in procedures, but it is possible that such costs may be substantial.
 
Total Control Accounts Litigation
 
MLIC is a defendant in lawsuits related to its use of retained asset accounts, known as Total Control Accounts (“TCA”), as a settlement option for death benefits. The lawsuits include claims of breach of contract, breach of a common law fiduciary duty or a quasi-fiduciary duty such as a confidential or special relationship, or breach of a fiduciary duty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).
 
Faber, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (S.D.N.Y., filed December 4, 2008).  This putative class action lawsuit alleges that MLIC’s use of the TCA as the settlement option under group life insurance policies violates MLIC’s fiduciary duties under ERISA. As damages, plaintiffs seek disgorgement of the difference between


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the interest paid to the account holders and the investment earnings on the assets backing the accounts. On October 23, 2009, the court granted MLIC’s motion to dismiss with prejudice. On August 5, 2011, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the dismissal of the complaint. Plaintiffs have filed a petition for a rehearing or rehearing en banc with the Second Circuit.
 
Other U.S. Litigation
 
Merrill Haviland, et al. v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (E.D. Mich., removed to federal court on July 22, 2011).  This lawsuit was filed by 45 retired General Motors (“GM”) employees against MLIC and includes claims for conversion, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraudulent insurance acts, and unfair trade practices, based upon GM’s 2009 reduction of the employees’ life insurance coverage under GM’s ERISA-governed plan. The complaint includes a count seeking class action status. MLIC is the insurer of GM’s group life insurance plan and administers claims under the plan. According to the complaint, MLIC had previously provided plaintiffs with a “written guarantee” that their life insurance benefits under the GM plan would not be reduced for the rest of their lives. MLIC has removed the case to federal court based upon complete ERISA preemption of the state law claims and on September 19, 2011, filed a motion to dismiss.
 
International Litigation
 
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co. (Super. Ct., Ontario, October 2006). In 2006, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (“Sun Life”), as successor to the purchaser of MLIC’s Canadian operations, filed this lawsuit in Toronto, seeking a declaration that MLIC remains liable for “market conduct claims” related to certain individual life insurance policies sold by MLIC and that have been transferred to Sun Life. Sun Life had asked that the court require MLIC to indemnify Sun Life for these claims pursuant to indemnity provisions in the sale agreement for the sale of MLIC’s Canadian operations entered into in June of 1998. In January 2010, the court found that Sun Life had given timely notice of its claim for indemnification but, because it found that Sun Life had not yet incurred an indemnifiable loss, granted MLIC’s motion for summary judgment. Both parties appealed. In September 2010, Sun Life notified MLIC that a purported class action lawsuit was filed against Sun Life in Toronto, Kang v. Sun Life Assurance Co. (Super. Ct., Ontario, September 2010), alleging sales practices claims regarding the same individual policies sold by MLIC and transferred to Sun Life. An amended class action complaint in that case was served on Sun Life, again without naming MLIC as a party. In August, 2011, Sun Life notified MLIC that a purported class action lawsuit was filed against Sun Life in Vancouver, Alamwala v. Sun Life Assurance Co. (Sup. Ct., British Columbia, August 2011), alleging sales practices claims regarding certain of the same policies sold by MLIC and transferred to Sun Life. Sun Life contends that MLIC is obligated to indemnify Sun Life for some or all of the claims in these lawsuits. The Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss arising from this litigation.
 
Summary
 
Putative or certified class action litigation and other litigation and claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, mortgage lending bank, employer, investor, investment advisor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.
 
It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material 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 large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters


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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, together with the information under “Risk Factors” in Item 8.01 of MetLife, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2011, and “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A, of MetLife, Inc.’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference, 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 2010 Annual Report.
 
Difficult Conditions in the Global Capital Markets and the Economy Generally May Materially Adversely Affect Our Business and Results of Operations and These Conditions May Not Improve in the Near Future
 
Our business and results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy, generally, both in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world. Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in global capital markets, particular markets, or financial asset classes can have an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio and our insurance liabilities are sensitive to changing market factors. Disruptions in one market or asset class can also spread to other markets or asset classes. Upheavals in the financial markets can also affect our business through their effects on general levels of economic activity, employment and customer behavior.
 
Volatile conditions have continued to characterize financial markets at times, and not all global financial markets are functioning normally. Significant market volatility, and government actions taken in response, may exacerbate some of the risks discussed in reports we file with the SEC. The global recession and disruption of the financial markets has led to concerns over capital markets access and the solvency of certain European Union member states, including Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain, and of financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to debt issued by these countries. Certain of the major rating agencies have downgraded the sovereign debt of Greece, Portugal and Ireland to below investment grade. The sovereign debt of Italy and Spain were also recently downgraded. These ratings downgrades and implementation of European Union and private sector support programs have increased concerns that other European Union member states could experience similar financial troubles. The Japanese economy, to which we face substantial exposure given our operations there, has been significantly negatively impacted by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Disruptions to the Japanese economy are having, and will continue to have, negative impacts on the overall global economy, not all of which can be foreseen. Although the recent downgrade by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) of U.S. Treasury securities initially had an adverse effect on financial markets, the extent of the longer-term impact cannot be predicted. It is possible that the downgrade and continued concerns about U.S. fiscal policy and the trajectory of the national debt of the U.S. could have severe repercussions to the U.S. and global credit and financial markets, further exacerbate concerns over sovereign debt of other countries and could disrupt economic activity in the U.S. and elsewhere. See “— Concerns over U.S. Fiscal Policy and the Trajectory of the National Debt of the U.S., as well as Rating Agency Downgrades of U.S. Treasury Securities, Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Investments — Current Environment” for further information about European region support programs announced in July 2011 and October 2011 and ratings actions.
 
Our revenues and net investment income are likely to remain under pressure in such circumstances and our profit margins could erode. Also, in the event of extreme prolonged market events, such as the recent global credit crisis, we could incur significant capital and/or operating losses. Even in the absence of a market downturn, we are exposed to substantial risk of loss due to market volatility.
 
We are a significant writer of variable insurance products and certain other products issued through separate accounts. The account values of these products decrease as a result of downturns in capital markets. Decreases in account values reduce fees generated by these products, cause the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs


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(“DAC”) to accelerate and could increase the level of insurance liabilities we must carry to support such products issued with any associated guarantees.
 
Factors such as consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, deflation and inflation all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the amount and profitability of our business. In an economic downturn characterized by higher unemployment, lower family income, lower corporate earnings, lower business investment and lower consumer spending, the demand for our financial and insurance products could be adversely affected. Group insurance, in particular, is affected by the higher unemployment rate. In addition, we may experience an elevated incidence of claims and lapses or surrenders of policies. Our policyholders may choose to defer paying insurance premiums or stop paying insurance premiums altogether. Adverse changes in the economy could affect earnings negatively and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The recent financial crisis has precipitated, and may continue to raise the possibility of, legislative, regulatory and governmental actions. We cannot predict whether or when such actions may occur, or what impact, if any, such actions could have on our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “— 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,” “— Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth” and “— Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth,” and “Risk Factors — Competitive Factors May Adversely Affect Our Market Share and Profitability” in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
Concerns Over U.S. Fiscal Policy and the Trajectory of the National Debt of the U.S., as well as Rating Agency Downgrades of U.S. Treasury Securities, Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Concerns over U.S. fiscal policy and the trajectory of the national debt could have severe repercussions to the U.S. and global credit and financial markets, further exacerbate concerns over sovereign debt of other countries and could disrupt economic activity in the U.S. and elsewhere. As a result, our access to, or cost of, liquidity may deteriorate.
 
In August 2011, S&P downgraded the AAA rating on U.S. Treasury securities to AA+ with a negative outlook, while Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) affirmed the Aaa rating on U.S. Treasury securities, but with a negative outlook. Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) affirmed its AAA rating on U.S. Treasury securities and kept its outlook stable. In October 2011, Moody’s affirmed its August 2011 ratings, but revised its negative outlook to stable.
 
As a result, the market value of some of our investments is likely to decrease, and our capital adequacy could be adversely affected, which could require us to raise additional capital during a period of distress in financial markets, potentially at a higher cost. Further downgrades, together with the sustained current trajectory of the national debt of the U.S., would significantly exacerbate the risks we face and any resulting adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including those described under “— Difficult Conditions in the Global Capital Markets and the Economy Generally May Materially Adversely Affect Our Business and Results of Operations and These Conditions May Not Improve in the Near Future” and “Risk Factors — Adverse Capital and Credit Market Conditions May Significantly Affect Our Ability to Meet Liquidity Needs, Access to Capital and Cost of Capital,” “Risk Factors — Our Participation in a Securities Lending Program Subjects Us to Potential Liquidity and Other Risks” and “Risk Factors — 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” in the 2010 Annual Report. We cannot predict whether or when these adverse consequences may occur, what other unforeseen consequences may result, or the extent, severity and duration of the impact of such consequences on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
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


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Investors and Consumers May Not Achieve the Intended Effect or Could Adversely Affect MetLife’s Competitive Position
 
In recent years, Congress, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the U.S. Treasury and other agencies of the U.S. federal government have taken 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. Most of these programs have largely run their course or been discontinued. More likely to be relevant to MetLife, Inc. are the monetary policy implemented by the Federal Reserve Board and the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”), which will significantly change financial regulation in the U.S. in a number of areas that could affect MetLife. Given the large number of provisions of Dodd-Frank that must be implemented through regulatory action and the delay with which some aspects of this implementation are taking place, as well as MetLife, Inc.’s announced intention to sell MetLife Bank, National Association’s (“MetLife Bank”) depository and forward mortgage origination businesses, relinquish its bank charter (subject to regulatory approval) and, as a result, no longer be regulated as a bank holding company, we cannot predict what impact this could have on our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “— Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth.”
 
In September 2011, the Federal Open Market Committee announced a program, known as “Operation Twist,” to purchase, by the end of June 2012, $400 billion in par value of U.S. Treasury securities with remaining maturities of six to 30 years and to sell, over the same period, an equal par value of U.S. Treasury securities with remaining maturities of three years or less. By reducing the supply of longer-term securities in the market, this action is intended to put downward pressure on longer-term interest rates relative to levels that would otherwise prevail. The reduction in longer-term interest rates, in turn, is intended to contribute to a broad easing of financial market conditions that could provide additional stimulus to support the economic recovery. There can be no assurance that Operation Twist will have the intended effect or what impact, if any, this program could have on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
In addition, the U.S. federal government (including the FDIC) and private lenders have instituted programs to reduce the monthly payment obligations of mortgagors and/or reduce the principal payable on residential mortgage loans. As a result of such programs or of any legislation requiring loan modifications, we may need to maintain or increase our engagement in similar activities in order to comply with program or statutory requirements and to remain competitive. Increased attention is also being paid to the practices of lenders in connection with the mortgage modification process.
 
We cannot predict whether the funds made available by the U.S. federal government and its agencies will be enough to continue stabilizing or to further revive the financial markets or, if additional amounts are necessary, whether the Federal Reserve Board will make funds available, and whether Congress will be willing to make the necessary appropriations to counteract any weakness in employment or other aspects of the overall economy.
 
The choices made by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC in their distribution of funds under any future asset purchase programs, as well as any decisions made regarding the imposition of additional regulation on large financial institutions may have, over time, the effect of supporting or burdening some aspects of the financial services industry more than others. Some of our competitors have received, or may in the future receive, benefits under one or more of the federal government’s programs. This could adversely affect our competitive position. See “— Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth,” as well as “Risk Factors — Competitive Factors May Adversely Affect Our Market Share and Profitability” and “Risk Factors — New and Impending Compensation and Corporate Governance Regulations 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” in the 2010 Annual Report.


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Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth
 
Insurance Regulation — U.S.  Our insurance operations are subject to a wide variety of insurance and other laws and regulations. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Insurance Regulation” in the 2010 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. Our non-U.S. insurance operations are principally regulated by insurance regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions in which they are domiciled or operate. See “Business — International Regulation” in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
State laws in the U.S. 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 amount and timing of an assessment is beyond our control, the liabilities that we have currently established for these potential liabilities may not be adequate. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Insurance Regulation — Guaranty Associations and Similar Arrangements” in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
State insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, that are made for the benefit of the consumer sometimes lead to additional expense for the insurer and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
U.S. Federal Regulation Affecting Insurance.  Currently, the U.S. federal government does not directly regulate the business of insurance. However, Dodd-Frank allows federal regulators to compel state insurance regulators to liquidate an insolvent insurer under some circumstances if the state regulators have not acted within a specific period. It also establishes the Federal Insurance Office, which has the authority to participate in the negotiations of international insurance agreements with foreign regulators for the U.S., as well as to collect information about the insurance industry and recommend prudential standards.
 
Federal legislation and administrative policies in several areas can significantly and adversely affect insurance companies. These areas include financial services regulation, securities regulation, derivatives regulation,


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mortgage regulation, pension regulation, health care regulation, privacy, tort reform legislation and taxation. In addition, various forms of direct and indirect federal regulation of insurance have been proposed from time to time, including proposals for the establishment of an optional federal charter for insurance companies. Other aspects of our insurance operations could also be affected by Dodd-Frank. For example, Dodd-Frank imposes new restrictions on the ability of affiliates of insured depository institutions (such as MetLife Bank) to engage in proprietary trading or sponsor or invest in hedge funds or private equity funds. See ‘‘— Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth.”
 
Banking and Bank Holding Company Regulation.  As a federally chartered national banking association, MetLife Bank is subject to a wide variety of banking laws, regulations and guidelines. Federal banking laws regulate most aspects of the business of MetLife Bank, but certain state laws apply as well. MetLife Bank is principally regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), the Federal Reserve and the FDIC.
 
Federal banking laws and regulations address various aspects of MetLife Bank’s business and operations with respect to, among other things:
 
  •  chartering to carry on business as a bank;
 
  •  the permissibility of certain activities;
 
  •  maintaining minimum capital ratios;
 
  •  capital management in relation to the bank’s assets;
 
  •  dividend payments and repurchases of securities, including common stock;
 
  •  safety and soundness standards;
 
  •  loan loss and other related liabilities;
 
  •  liquidity;
 
  •  financial reporting and disclosure standards;
 
  •  counterparty credit concentration;
 
  •  restrictions on related party and affiliate transactions;
 
  •  lending limits (and, in addition, Dodd-Frank includes the credit exposures arising from securities lending by MetLife Bank within lending limits otherwise applicable to loans);
 
  •  payment of interest;
 
  •  unfair or deceptive acts or practices;
 
  •  mortgage servicing practices;
 
  •  privacy; and
 
  •  relationships with MetLife, Inc. in its capacity as a bank holding company and potentially with other investors in connection with a change in control of MetLife Bank.
 
Federal banking regulators regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to banks and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, are often made for the benefit of the consumer at the expense of the bank and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of MetLife Bank.
 
Since 2008, MetLife, through MetLife Bank, has significantly increased its mortgage servicing activities by acquiring servicing portfolios. Currently, MetLife Bank services approximately 1% of the aggregate principal amount of the mortgage loans serviced in the U.S.
 
State and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities have initiated various inquiries, investigations or examinations of alleged irregularities in the foreclosure practices of the residential mortgage servicing industry. Mortgage servicing practices have also been the subject of Congressional attention. Authorities have publicly stated


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that the scope of the investigations extends beyond foreclosure documentation practices to include mortgage loan modification and loss mitigation practices. See “— The Resolution of Several Issues Affecting the Financial Services Industry Could Have a Negative Impact on Our Reported Results or on Our Relations with Current and Potential Customers.”
 
In addition, Dodd-Frank establishes a new Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection that supervises and regulates institutions providing certain financial products and services to consumers. Although the consumer financial services to which this legislation applies exclude insurance business of the kind in which we engage, the new Bureau has authority to regulate consumer services provided by MetLife Bank and non-insurance consumer services provided elsewhere throughout MetLife. Dodd-Frank established a statutory standard for Federal preemption of state consumer financial protection laws, which standard may require national banks to comply with many state consumer financial protection laws that previously were considered preempted by Federal law. The scope of this new standard is currently the matter of some dispute between the Comptroller of the Currency and some state attorneys general, and there have been judicial decisions holding that Dodd-Frank did not change the pre-existing preemption standard as established in earlier judicial decisions. As a result of the new standard, whatever its scope is finally determined to be, the regulatory and compliance burden on MetLife Bank may increase, which could adversely affect its business and results of operations. Dodd-Frank also includes provisions on mortgage lending, anti-predatory lending and other regulatory and supervisory provisions that could also impact the business and operations of MetLife Bank.
 
In December 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”) published capital and liquidity standards referred to as “Basel III” for banks and bank holding companies, such as MetLife, Inc. Assuming regulators in the U.S. implement Basel III, it will require banks and bank holding companies to hold greater amounts of capital, to comply with requirements for short-term liquidity and to reduce reliance on short-term funding sources. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Financial Holding Company Regulation — Capital” in the 2010 Annual Report and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Industry Trends — Financial and Economic Environment.” It is not clear how these new requirements will compare to the enhanced prudential standards that may apply to us under Dodd-Frank. See “— Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth.” Recently, the Basel Committee reaffirmed its determination to maintain its proposed standard requiring a capital surcharge for large banks.
 
As a bank holding company, MetLife, Inc. may be restricted in its ability to pay dividends, repurchase common stock or other securities or engage in other transactions that could affect its capital or need for capital. The Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (collectively, the “Federal Reserve”) will need to approve our capital plans and any material changes to them in connection with such activities. There can be no assurance that the Federal Reserve will approve our capital plans. In October 2011, the Federal Reserve declined to act on our request to increase our common stock dividend and resume common stock repurchase activity. The ability of MetLife Bank and MetLife, Inc. to pay dividends or repurchase common stock or other securities could also be affected by any additional capital requirements that might be imposed as a result of the enactment of Dodd-Frank and/or the implementation by the U.S. banking regulators of Basel III. As required by Dodd-Frank, effective July 21, 2011, all bank holding companies that have elected to be treated as financial holding companies, such as MetLife, Inc., are required to be “well capitalized” and “well managed” as defined by the Federal Reserve Board, on a consolidated basis, as well as their depository institution(s). If we are unable to meet these standards, we could be subject to activity restrictions, ultimately be required to divest certain operations and be restricted in our ability to pay dividends or repurchase common stock. We determine our consolidated risk-based capital (“RBC”) ratios, as so defined, as of the end of each calendar quarter. As of September 30, 2011, our total RBC ratio was 10.20% and our Tier 1 RBC ratio was 9.91%. See “— Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth.” MetLife, Inc. is exploring the sale of MetLife Bank’s depository and forward mortgage origination businesses. The sale of the depository business, if completed, and the associated relinquishment of MetLife Bank’s charter (which is subject to regulatory approval), would end MetLife, Inc.’s status as a bank holding company; however, once its status as a bank holding company ends, MetLife, Inc. could still be subject to enhanced supervision by the Federal Reserve if it is designated by the Financial Stability Oversight Council (“FSOC”) as a systemically important financial institution. On October 11,


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2011, the FSOC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking outlining the process it will follow and the criteria it will use to assess whether a non-bank financial company should be so subject. If MetLife, Inc. meets the quantitative thresholds set forth in the proposal, the FSOC will continue with a further analysis using qualitative and quantitative factors. For further information regarding this proposal, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Industry Trends.”
 
The FDIC has the right to assess FDIC-insured banks for funds to help pay the obligations of insolvent banks to depositors. Because the amount and timing of an assessment is beyond our control, the liabilities that we have currently established for these potential liabilities may not be adequate. In addition, Dodd-Frank will result in increased assessments for banks with assets of $10.0 billion or more, which includes MetLife Bank.
 
Regulation of Brokers and Dealers.  Dodd-Frank also authorizes the SEC to establish a standard of conduct applicable to brokers and dealers when providing personalized investment advice to retail and other customers. This standard of conduct would be to act in the best interest of the customer without regard to the financial or other interest of the broker or dealer providing the advice. See “Business — U.S. Regulation — Banking Regulation” and “Risk Factors — Changes in U.S. Federal and State Securities Laws and Regulations, and State Insurance Regulations Regarding Suitability of Annuity Product Sales, May Affect Our Operations and Our Profitability” in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
Non-U.S. Regulation.  Our international operations are subject to regulation in the jurisdictions in which they operate, as described further under “Business — International Regulation” in the 2010 Annual Report. A significant portion of our revenues is generated through operations in foreign jurisdictions, including many countries in early stages of economic and political development. Our international operations may be materially adversely affected by foreign authorities and regulators, such as through nationalization or expropriation of assets, the imposition of limits on foreign ownership, changes in laws or their interpretation or application, political instability, dividend limitations, price controls, currency exchange controls or other restrictions that prevent us from transferring funds from these operations out of the countries in which they operate or converting local currencies we hold to U.S. dollars or other currencies, as well as adverse actions by foreign governmental authorities and regulators. This may also impact many of our customers and independent sales intermediaries. Changes in the regulations that affect their operations also may affect our business relationships with them and their ability to purchase or distribute our products. Accordingly, these changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Our international operations are subject to local laws and regulations, and we expect the scope and extent of regulation outside of the U.S., as well as regulatory oversight, generally to continue to increase. The authority of our international operations to conduct business is subject to licensing requirements, permits and approvals, and these authorizations are subject to modification and revocation. The regulatory environment in the countries in which we operate and changes in laws could have a material adverse effect on us and our foreign operations. See “Risk Factors — Our International Operations Face Political, Legal, Operational and Other Risks, Including Exposure to Local and Regional Economic Conditions, That Could Negatively Affect Those Operations or Our Profitability” and “Business — International Regulation” in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
Furthermore, the increase in our international operations as a result of the Acquisition may also subject us to increased supervision by the Federal Reserve Board, since the size of a bank holding company’s foreign activities is taken as an indication of the holding company’s complexity. It may also have an effect on the manner in which MetLife, Inc. is required to calculate its RBC.
 
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 regulated subsidiaries that could, if determined adversely, have a material impact on us. We cannot predict whether or when regulatory actions may be taken that could adversely affect our operations. In addition, the interpretations of regulations by regulators may change and statutes may be enacted with retroactive impact, particularly in areas such as accounting or statutory reserve requirements. We are also subject to other regulations and may in the future


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become subject to additional regulations. See “Business — U.S. Regulation” and “Business — International Regulation” in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth
 
On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed Dodd-Frank. Various provisions of Dodd-Frank could affect our business operations, capital requirements and profitability and limit our growth. For example:
 
  •  As a large, interconnected bank holding company with assets of $50 billion or more, or possibly as an otherwise systemically important financial institution, MetLife, Inc. will be subject to enhanced prudential standards imposed on such companies. Enhanced standards could be applied to RBC, liquidity, leverage (unless another, similar, standard is appropriate), resolution plan and credit exposure reporting, concentration limits, and risk management. Off-balance sheet activities are required to be accounted for in meeting capital requirements. In addition, if it were determined that MetLife, Inc. posed a substantial threat to U.S. financial stability, the applicable federal regulators would have the right to require it to take one or more other mitigating actions to reduce that risk, including limiting its ability to merge with or acquire another company, terminating activities, restricting its ability to offer financial products or requiring it to sell assets or off-balance sheet items to unaffiliated entities. Enhanced standards would also permit, but not require, regulators to establish requirements with respect to contingent capital, enhanced public disclosures and short-term debt limits. These standards are described as being more stringent than those otherwise imposed on bank holding companies; however, the Federal Reserve Board is permitted to apply them on an institution-by-institution basis, depending on its determination of the institution’s riskiness. In addition, under Dodd-Frank, all bank holding companies that have elected to be treated as financial holding companies, such as MetLife, Inc. will be required to be “well capitalized” and “well managed” as defined by the Federal Reserve Board, on a consolidated basis and not just at their depository institution(s), a higher standard than was applicable to financial holding companies before Dodd-Frank.
 
  •  MetLife, Inc., as a bank holding company, will have to meet minimum leverage ratio and RBC requirements on a consolidated basis to be established by the Federal Reserve Board that are not less than those applicable to insured depository institutions under so-called prompt corrective action regulations as in effect on the date of the enactment of Dodd-Frank. One consequence of these new rules will ultimately be the inability of bank holding companies to include trust-preferred securities as part of their Tier 1 capital. Because of the phase-in period for these new rules, they should have little practical effect on MetLife’s ability to treat its currently outstanding trust-preferred securities as part of its Tier 1 capital, but they do prevent MetLife, Inc. from treating the common equity units issued originally as part of the consideration for the Acquisition (and since re-sold to the public) as Tier I capital, since the new rules apply immediately to instruments issued after May 19, 2010.
 
  •  Under the provisions of Dodd-Frank relating to the resolution or liquidation of certain types of financial institutions, including bank holding companies, if MetLife, Inc. were to become insolvent or were in danger of defaulting on its obligations, it could be compelled to undergo liquidation with the FDIC as receiver. For this new regime to be applicable, a number of determinations would have to be made, including that a default by the affected company would have serious adverse effects on financial stability in the U.S. If the FDIC were to be appointed as the receiver for such a company, the liquidation of that company would occur under the provisions of the new liquidation authority, and not under the Bankruptcy Code. In such a liquidation, the holders of such company’s debt could in certain respects be treated differently than under the Bankruptcy Code. In particular, unsecured creditors and shareholders are intended to bear the losses of the company being liquidated. As required by Dodd-Frank, the FDIC has established rules relating to the priority of creditors’ claims and the potentially dissimilar treatment of similarly situated creditors. These provisions could apply to some financial institutions whose outstanding debt securities we hold in our investment portfolios. Dodd-Frank also provides for the assessment of bank holding companies with assets of $50 billion or more, non-bank financial companies supervised by the Federal Reserve, and other financial companies with assets of $50 billion or more to cover the costs of liquidating any financial company subject to the new liquidation authority. In addition, regulations have been proposed by the FDIC


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  and the Federal Reserve Board regarding the advance preparation of resolution plans by companies potentially subject to the FDIC’s liquidation authority. Although it is not possible to assess the full impact of the liquidation authority at this time, it could affect the funding costs of large bank holding companies or financial companies that might be viewed as systemically significant. It could also lead to an increase in secured financings.
 
  •  Dodd-Frank also includes a new framework of regulation of the over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives markets which will require clearing of certain types of transactions currently traded OTC and could potentially impose additional costs, including new capital, reporting and margin requirements and additional regulation on the Company. Increased margin requirements on MetLife, Inc.’s part, combined with restrictions on securities that will qualify as eligible collateral, could reduce its liquidity and require an increase in its holdings of cash and government securities with lower yields causing a reduction in income. MetLife, Inc. uses derivatives to mitigate a wide range of risks in connection with its businesses, including the impact of increased benefit exposures from our annuity products that offer guaranteed benefits. The derivative clearing requirements of Dodd-Frank could increase the cost of our risk mitigation and expose us to the risk of a default by a clearinghouse with respect to MetLife, Inc.’s cleared derivative transactions. In addition, we have always been subject to the risk that hedging and other management procedures might prove ineffective in reducing the risks to which insurance policies expose us or that unanticipated policyholder behavior or mortality, combined with adverse market events, produces economic losses beyond the scope of the risk management techniques employed. Any such losses could be increased by higher costs of writing derivatives (including customized derivatives) that might result from the enactment of Dodd-Frank.
 
  •  Dodd-Frank restricts the ability of insured depository institutions and of companies, such as MetLife, Inc., that control an insured depository institution, and their affiliates, to engage in proprietary trading and to sponsor or invest in funds (hedge funds and private equity funds) that rely on certain exemptions from the Investment Company Act. Dodd-Frank provides an exemption for investment activity by a regulated insurance company or its affiliate solely for the general account of such insurance company if such activity is in compliance with the insurance company investment laws of the state or jurisdiction in which such company is domiciled and the appropriate Federal regulators after consultation with relevant insurance commissioners have not jointly determined such laws to be insufficient to protect the safety and soundness of the institution or the financial stability of the U.S. Other exemptions, including, but not limited to, activities for risk-mitigating hedging and activities on behalf of customers, may be available for the general account or separate account activities of insurance companies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the appropriate Federal regulatory authorities are permitted under the legislation to impose, as part of rulemaking, additional capital requirements and other restrictions on any exempted activity. Dodd-Frank provides for a period of rule-making during which the effects of the statutory language may be clarified. Among other things, one task of the rule-making is to appropriately accommodate the business of insurance within an insurance company subject to regulation in accordance with relevant insurance company investments laws. Until the rule-making is complete, including the scope of the statutory exemptions to be applied to insurance companies for each of the prohibitions on proprietary trading and fund sponsoring or investing, it is unclear whether MetLife, Inc. may have to alter any of its future activities to comply, including continuing to invest in private investment funds for its general accounts or to issue certain insurance products backed by its separate accounts.
 
  •  Until the various final regulations are promulgated pursuant to Dodd-Frank, and perhaps for some time thereafter, the full impact of Dodd-Frank on the investments and investment activities, banking activities and insurance and annuity products of MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries will remain unclear. For example, besides directly limiting our future investment activities, Dodd-Frank could potentially negatively impact the market for, the returns from, or liquidity in, primary and secondary investments in private equity funds and hedge funds that are related to (either through a fund sponsorship or investor relationship) a company affiliated with an insured depository institution. The number of sponsors of such funds going forward may diminish, which may impact our available fund investment opportunities. Although Dodd-Frank provides for various transition periods for coming into compliance, fund sponsors that are subject to Dodd-Frank, and


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  in whose funds we have invested, may have to divest their funds business or reduce their ownership stakes in their funds, thereby potentially impacting our related investments in such funds. In addition, should such funds be required or choose to liquidate or sell their underlying assets, the market value and liquidity of such assets or the broader related asset classes could negatively be affected, including securities and real estate assets that MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries hold or may plan to sell. Secondary sales of fund interests at significant discounts by banking institutions and their affiliates, which are not fund sponsors but nevertheless are subject to the divestment requirements of Dodd-Frank, could reduce the returns realized by investors such as MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries seeking to access liquidity by selling their fund interests. In addition, our existing derivatives counterparties and the financial institutions subject to Dodd-Frank in which we have invested also could be negatively impacted by Dodd-Frank. See also “Risk Factors — New and Impending Compensation and Corporate Governance Regulations 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” in the 2010 Annual Report. Finally, rulemaking mandated by Dodd-Frank to define the scope of the term “swap,” and the extent to which insurance products may or may not be excluded from the definition of a swap, could impact a number of categories of insurance products issued and sold by MetLife, including stable value products.
 
  •  In addition, Dodd-Frank statutorily imposes the requirement that MetLife, Inc. serve as a source of strength for MetLife Bank.
 
The addition of a new regulatory regime over MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries, the likelihood of additional regulations, and the other changes discussed above could require changes to MetLife, Inc.’s operations. Whether such changes would affect our competitiveness in comparison to other institutions is uncertain, since it is possible that at least some of our competitors, for example insurance holding companies that control thrifts, rather than banks, will be similarly affected. Competitive effects are possible, however, if MetLife, Inc. were required to pay any new or increased assessments and additional capital requirements are imposed, and to the extent any new prudential supervisory standards are imposed on MetLife, Inc. but not on its competitors. The impact could be different if MetLife, Inc. is able to implement its plans to sell its depository and forward mortgage origination businesses, relinquish the MetLife Bank charter (subject to regulatory approval), and no longer be subject to regulation as a bank holding company, although it could still be subject to enhanced supervision as a systemically important non-bank financial institution. We cannot predict whether other proposals will be adopted, or what impact, if any, the adoption of Dodd-Frank or other proposals and the resulting studies and regulations could have on our business, financial condition or results of operations or on our dealings with other financial companies. See also “— Our Insurance, Brokerage and Banking Businesses are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth” and “Risk Factors — New and Impending Compensation and Corporate Governance Regulations 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” in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
Moreover, Dodd-Frank potentially affects such a wide range of the activities and markets in which MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries engage and participate that it may not be possible to anticipate all of the ways in which it could affect us. For example, many of our methods for managing risk and exposures are based upon the use of observed historical market behavior or statistics based on historical models. Historical market behavior may be altered by the enactment of Dodd-Frank. As a result of this enactment and otherwise, these methods may not fully predict future exposures, which could be significantly greater than our historical measures indicate.
 
The Resolution of Several Issues Affecting the Financial Services Industry Could Have a Negative Impact on Our Reported Results or on Our Relations with Current and Potential Customers
 
We will continue to be subject to legal and regulatory actions in the ordinary course of our business, both in the U.S. and internationally. This could result in a challenge of business sold in the past under previously acceptable market practices at the time. Regulators are increasingly interested in the approach that product providers use to select third-party distributors and to monitor the appropriateness of sales made by them. In some cases, product providers can be held responsible for the deficiencies of third-party distributors. In addition, regulators are auditing compliance by life insurers with state unclaimed property laws. See “— Litigation and Regulatory Investigations


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Are Increasingly Common in Our Businesses and May Result in Significant Financial Losses and/or Harm to Our Reputation.”
 
As a result of publicity relating to widespread perceptions of industry abuses, there have been numerous regulatory inquiries and proposals for legislative and regulatory reforms.
 
MetLife Bank’s mortgage servicing has been the subject of recent inquiries and requests by state and federal regulatory and law enforcement authorities. MetLife Bank is cooperating with the authorities’ review of this business. On April 13, 2011, the OCC entered into consent decrees with several banks, including MetLife Bank. The consent decrees require an independent review of foreclosure practices and set forth new residential mortgage servicing standards, including a requirement for a designated point of contact for a borrower during the loss mitigation process. In addition, the Federal Reserve entered into consent decrees with the affiliated bank holding companies of these banks, including MetLife, Inc., to enhance the supervision of the mortgage servicing activities of their banking subsidiaries. Neither of the consent decrees includes monetary penalties. In a press release, the Federal Reserve stated that it plans to announce monetary penalties with respect to the consent orders. The OCC stated in its press release that the actions do not preclude assessment of civil monetary penalties, which the OCC is holding in abeyance. It is also possible that additional state or federal authorities may pursue similar investigations or make related inquiries. MetLife Bank has also had an initial meeting with the Department of Justice regarding mortgage servicing and foreclosure practices.
 
These consent decrees, as well as the inquiries or investigations referred to above, could adversely affect MetLife’s reputation or result in material fines, penalties, equitable remedies or other enforcement actions, and result in significant legal costs in responding to governmental investigations or other litigation. MetLife cannot predict the outcome of any such actions or reviews. In addition, the changes to the mortgage servicing business required by the consent decrees and the resolution of any other inquiries or investigations may affect the profitability of such business. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Industry Trends.”
 
On October 12, 2011, MetLife, Inc. announced that it was exploring the sale of MetLife Bank’s forward mortgage origination business. MetLife, Inc. had previously announced in July 2011 that it was exploring the sale of MetLife Bank’s depository business. We cannot assure you that any sale of MetLife Bank’s forward mortgage origination business will relieve MetLife from complying with the consent decrees, or protect it from the inquiries and investigations relating to residential mortgage servicing and foreclosure activities, or any fines, penalties, equitable remedies or enforcement actions that may result, the costs of responding to any such governmental investigations, or other litigation.
 
Outside of the U.S., where MetLife derives and will continue to derive a significant portion of its income, regulatory regimes are developing at different speeds, driven by a combination of global factors and local considerations. New requirements may be introduced that are retrospectively applied to sales made prior to their introduction.
 
Changes in Market Interest Rates May Significantly Affect Our Profitability
 
Some of our products, principally traditional whole life insurance, fixed annuities and guaranteed interest contracts, expose us to the risk that changes in interest rates will reduce our investment margin or “spread,” or the difference between the amounts that we are required to pay under the contracts in our general account and the rate of return we are able to earn on general account investments intended to support obligations under the contracts. Our spread is a key component of our net income.
 
As interest rates decrease or remain at low levels, we may be forced to reinvest proceeds from investments that have matured or have been prepaid or sold at lower yields, reducing our investment margin. Moreover, borrowers may prepay or redeem the fixed income securities, commercial or agricultural mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities in our investment portfolio with greater frequency in order to borrow at lower market rates, which exacerbates this risk. Lowering interest crediting rates can help offset decreases in investment margins on some products. However, our ability to lower these rates could be limited by competition or contractually guaranteed minimum rates and may not match the timing or magnitude of changes in asset yields. As a result, our spread could


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decrease or potentially become negative. Our expectation for future spreads is an important component in the amortization of DAC and value of business acquired (“VOBA”), and significantly lower spreads may cause us to accelerate amortization, thereby reducing net income in the affected reporting period. In addition, during periods of declining interest rates, life insurance and annuity products may be relatively more attractive investments to consumers, resulting in increased premium payments on products with flexible premium features, repayment of policy loans and increased persistency, or a higher percentage of insurance policies remaining in force from year to year, during a period when our new investments carry lower returns. A decline in market interest rates could also reduce our return on investments that do not support particular policy obligations. Accordingly, declining interest rates may materially affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows and significantly reduce our profitability. In August 2011, the Federal Reserve announced its plans to keep interest rates at low levels until at least mid-2013.
 
Increases in market interest rates could also negatively affect our profitability. In periods of rapidly increasing interest rates, we may not be able to replace, in a timely manner, the investments in our general account with higher yielding investments needed to fund the higher crediting rates necessary to keep interest sensitive products competitive. We, therefore, may have to accept a lower spread and, thus, lower profitability or face a decline in sales and greater loss of existing contracts and related assets. In addition, policy loans, surrenders and withdrawals may tend to increase as policyholders seek investments with higher perceived returns as interest rates rise. This process may result in cash outflows requiring that we sell investments at a time when the prices of those investments are adversely affected by the increase in market interest rates, which may result in realized investment losses. Unanticipated withdrawals and terminations may cause us to accelerate the amortization of DAC and VOBA, which reduces net income and may also cause us to accelerate negative VOBA, which increases net income. An increase in market interest rates could also have a material adverse effect on the value of our investment portfolio, for example, by decreasing the estimated fair values of the fixed income securities that comprise a substantial portion of our investment portfolio. Lastly, an increase in interest rates could result in decreased fee income associated with a decline in the value of variable annuity account balances invested in fixed income funds.
 
An Inability to Access Our Credit Facilities Could Result in a Reduction in Our Liquidity and Lead to Downgrades in Our Credit and Financial Strength Ratings
 
In August 2011, we entered into a $3 billion unsecured five-year credit agreement by amending and restating our October 2010 unsecured 364-day credit agreement, and reduced the outstanding commitment under our October 2010 unsecured three-year credit facility to $1 billion. We also have other facilities which we enter into in the ordinary course of business. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Company — Liquidity and Capital Sources — Credit and Committed Facilities” and Notes 11 and 24 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
We rely on our credit facilities as a potential source of liquidity. The availability of these facilities could be critical to our credit and financial strength ratings and our ability to meet our obligations as they come due in a market when alternative sources of credit are tight. The credit facilities contain certain administrative, reporting, legal and financial covenants. We must comply with covenants under our credit facilities, including a requirement to maintain a specified minimum consolidated net worth.
 
Our right to make borrowings under these facilities is subject to the fulfillment of certain important conditions, including our compliance with all covenants, and our ability to borrow under these facilities is also subject to the continued willingness and ability of the lenders that are parties to the facilities to provide funds. Our failure to comply with the covenants in the credit facilities or fulfill the conditions to borrowings, or the failure of lenders to fund their lending commitments (whether due to insolvency, illiquidity or other reasons) in the amounts provided for under the terms of the facilities, would restrict our ability to access these credit facilities when needed and, consequently, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.


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Changes in Accounting Standards Issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or Other Standard-Setting Bodies May Adversely Affect Our Financial Statements
 
Our financial statements are subject to the application of GAAP, which is periodically revised and/or expanded. Accordingly, from time to time we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards issued by recognized authoritative bodies, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Market conditions have prompted accounting standard setters to expose new guidance which further interprets or seeks to revise accounting pronouncements related to financial instruments, structures or transactions, as well as to issue new standards expanding disclosures. The impact of accounting pronouncements that have been issued but not yet implemented, including new guidance regarding accounting for deferred acquisition costs, is disclosed in our reports filed with the SEC. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. An assessment of proposed standards is not provided as such proposals are subject to change through the exposure process and, therefore, the effects on our financial statements cannot be meaningfully assessed. It is possible that future accounting standards we are required to adopt could change the current accounting treatment that we apply to our consolidated financial statements and that such changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Litigation and Regulatory Investigations Are Increasingly Common in Our Businesses and May Result in Significant Financial Losses and/or Harm to Our Reputation
 
We face a significant risk of litigation and regulatory investigations and actions in the ordinary course of operating our businesses, including the risk of class action lawsuits. Our pending legal and regulatory actions include proceedings specific to us and others generally applicable to business practices in the industries in which we operate. In connection with our insurance operations, plaintiffs’ lawyers may bring or are bringing class actions and individual suits alleging, among other things, issues relating to sales or underwriting practices, claims payments and procedures, product design, disclosure, administration, denial or delay of benefits and breaches of fiduciary or other duties to customers. Plaintiffs in class action and other lawsuits against us may seek very large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of money damages or other relief. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value. See Note 9 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.
 
The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Liabilities have been established for a number of matters noted in Note 9 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. It is possible that some of the matters could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at September 30, 2011.
 
MLIC and its affiliates are currently defendants in numerous lawsuits including class actions and individual suits, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, mutual funds or other products.
 
In addition, MLIC is a defendant in a large number of lawsuits seeking compensatory and punitive damages for personal injuries allegedly caused by exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing products. These 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 have alleged that MLIC learned or should have learned of certain health risks posed by asbestos and, among other things,


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improperly publicized or failed to disclose those health risks. Additional litigation relating to these matters may be commenced in the future. The ability of MLIC to estimate its ultimate asbestos exposure is subject to considerable uncertainty, and the conditions impacting its liability can be dynamic and subject to change. The availability of reliable data is limited and it is difficult to predict the numerous variables that can affect liability estimates, including the number of future claims, the cost to resolve claims, the disease mix and severity of disease in pending and future claims, the impact of the number of new claims filed in a particular jurisdiction and variations in the law in the jurisdictions in which claims are filed, the possible impact of tort reform efforts, the willingness of courts to allow plaintiffs to pursue claims against MLIC when exposure to asbestos took place after the dangers of asbestos exposure were well known, and the impact of any possible future adverse verdicts and their amounts. The 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 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 our total exposure to asbestos claims may be materially greater than the asbestos liability currently accrued and that future charges to income may be necessary. The potential future charges could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded.
 
We are also subject to various regulatory inquiries, such as information requests, subpoenas and books and record examinations, from state and federal regulators and other authorities. A substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, even if we ultimately prevail in the litigation, regulatory action or investigation, we could suffer significant reputational harm, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our ability to attract new customers, retain our current customers and recruit and retain employees. Regulatory inquiries and litigation may cause volatility in the price of stocks of companies in our industry.
 
More than 30 U.S. jurisdictions are auditing MetLife, Inc. and certain of its affiliates for compliance with unclaimed property laws. Additionally, MLIC and certain of its affiliates have received subpoenas and other regulatory inquiries from certain regulators and other officials relating to claims-payment practices and compliance with unclaimed property laws. An examination of these practices by the Illinois Department of Insurance has been converted into a multistate targeted market conduct exam. On July 5, 2011, the New York Insurance Department issued a letter requiring life insurers doing business in New York to use data available on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or a similar database to identify instances where death benefits under life insurance policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts are payable, to locate and pay beneficiaries under such contracts, and to report the results of the use of the data. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries, may join the multistate market conduct exam, or issue directives similar to the New York Insurance Department’s letter. In the third quarter of 2011, the Company incurred a $117 million after tax charge to increase reserves in connection with the Company’s use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File and similar databases to identify potential life insurance claims that have not yet been presented to the Company. It is possible that the audits, market conduct exam, and related activity may result in additional payments to beneficiaries, additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws, administrative penalties, interest, and changes to the Company’s procedures for the identification and escheatment of abandoned property. The Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible amount of any such additional payments or the reasonably possible cost of any such changes in procedures, but it is possible that such costs may be substantial.
 
We cannot give assurance that current claims, litigation, unasserted claims probable of assertion, investigations and other proceedings against us will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. It is also possible that related or unrelated claims, litigation, unasserted claims probable of assertion, investigations and proceedings may be commenced in the future, and we could become subject to further investigations and have lawsuits filed or enforcement actions initiated against us. In addition, increased regulatory scrutiny and any resulting investigations or proceedings could result in new legal actions and precedents and industry-wide regulations that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.


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Legislative and Regulatory Activity in Health Care and Other Employee Benefits Could Increase the Costs or Administrative Burdens of Providing Benefits to Our Employees or Hinder or Prevent Us From Attracting and Retaining Employees, or Affect our Profitability As a Provider of Life Insurance, Annuities, and Non-Medical Health Insurance Benefit Products
 
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law on March 23, 2010, and The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, signed into law on March 30, 2010 (together, the “Health Care Act”), may lead to fundamental changes in the way that employers, including us, provide health care benefits, other benefits, and other forms of compensation to their employees and former employees. Among other changes, and subject to various effective dates, the Health Care Act generally restricts certain limits on benefits, mandates coverage for certain kinds of care, extends the required coverage of dependent children through age 26, eliminates pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations, requires cost reporting and, in some cases, requires premium rebates to participants under certain circumstances, limits coverage waiting periods, establishes several penalties on employers who fail to offer sufficient coverage to their full-time employees, and requires employers under certain circumstances to provide employees with vouchers to purchase their own health care coverage. The Health Care Act also provides for increased taxation of “high cost” coverage, restricts the tax deductibility of certain compensation paid by health insurers, reduces the tax deductibility of retiree health care costs to the extent of any retiree prescription drug benefit subsidy provided to the employer by the federal government, increases Medicare taxes on certain high earners, and establishes health insurance “exchanges” for individual purchases of health insurance.
 
The impact of the Health Care Act on us as an employer and on the benefit plans we sponsor for employees or retirees and their dependents, whether those benefits remain competitive or effective in meeting their business objectives, and our costs to provide such benefits and our tax liabilities in connection with benefits or compensation, cannot be predicted. Furthermore, we cannot predict the impact of choices that will be made by various regulators, including the U.S. Treasury, the IRS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and state regulators, to promulgate regulations or guidance, or to make determinations under or related to the Health Care Act. Either the Health Care Act or any of these regulatory actions could adversely affect our ability to attract, retain, and motivate talented associates. They could also result in increased or unpredictable costs to provide employee benefits, and could harm our competitive position if we are subject to fees, penalties, tax provisions or other limitations in the Health Care Act and our competitors are not.
 
The Health Care Act also imposes requirements on us as a provider of non-medical health insurance benefit products, subject to various effective dates. It also imposes requirements on the purchasers of certain of these products and has implications for certain other MLIC products, such as annuities. We cannot predict the impact of the Act or of regulations, guidance or determinations made by various regulators, on the various products that we offer. Either the Health Care Act or any of these regulatory actions could adversely affect our ability to offer certain of these products in the same manner as we do today. They could also result in increased or unpredictable costs to provide certain products, and could harm our competitive position if the Health Care Act has a disparate impact on our products compared to products offered by our competitors.
 
Litigation in U.S. federal courts has challenged whether the Health Care Act, or parts of it, are valid and consistent with the U.S. constitution. Some of the recent court decisions on these issues have held that the Health Care Act is unconstitutional, in whole or in part, and some observers believe that the U.S. Supreme Court will decide these issues in 2012. If the Health Care Act is ruled unconstitutional, the resulting disruption to the system of regulation of health care benefits, other benefits, and other forms of compensation in the U.S., and uncertainty regarding the future course of that system of regulation, may have impacts, some of them potentially negative, on the way that we provide health care benefits, other benefits and other forms of compensation to employees, and on our ability to do so in an efficient manner, which could adversely affect our ability to attract, retain, and motivate talented associates and could also result in increased or unpredictable costs. Such a ruling, and the uncertainty it creates, could also result in negative effects on us as a provider of non-medical health insurance benefit products, affecting our ability to offer certain products in the same manner as we do today or resulting in increased or unpredictable costs to provide certain products.


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The Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010 also includes certain provisions for defined benefit pension plan funding relief. These provisions may impact the likelihood and/or timing of corporate plan sponsors terminating their plans and/or engaging in transactions to partially or fully transfer pension obligations to an insurance company. As part of our Corporate Benefit Funding segment, we offer general account and separate account group annuity products that enable a plan sponsor to transfer these risks, often in connection with the termination of defined benefit pension plans. Consequently, this legislation could indirectly affect the mix of our business, with fewer closeouts and more non-guaranteed funding products, and adversely impact our results of operations.
 
The Occurrence of Events Unanticipated in Our Disaster Recovery Systems and Management Continuity Planning, as well as a Failure in Cyber- or Other Information Security Systems, Could Result in a Loss or Disclosure of Confidential Information, Damage Our Reputation and Could Impair Our Ability to Conduct Business Effectively
 
In the event of a disaster such as a natural catastrophe, an epidemic, an industrial accident, a blackout, a computer virus, a terrorist attack, a cyberattack or war, unanticipated problems with our disaster recovery systems could have a material adverse impact on our ability to conduct business and on our results of operations and financial position, particularly if those problems affect our computer-based data processing, transmission, storage and retrieval systems and destroy valuable data. In addition, in the event that a significant number of our managers were unavailable in the event of a disaster, our ability to effectively conduct business could be severely compromised. These interruptions also may interfere with our suppliers’ ability to provide goods and services and our employees’ ability to perform their job responsibilities.
 
We depend heavily upon computer systems to provide reliable service. Despite our implementation of a variety of security measures, our computer systems could be subject to physical and electronic break-ins, cyberattacks and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering, including threats that may come from external factors, such as governments, organized crime, hackers and third parties to whom we outsource certain functions, or may originate internally from within the Company.
 
If one or more of these events occurs, it could potentially jeopardize the confidential, proprietary and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, as well as our customers’ or other third parties’, operations, which could result in damage to our reputation, financial losses, litigation, increased costs, regulatory penalties and/or customer dissatisfaction or loss. Although we take steps to prevent and detect such attacks, it is possible that we may not become aware of a cyber incident for some time after it occurs, which could increase our exposure to these consequences.


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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 September 30, 2011 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)  
 
July 1 — July 31, 2011
    2,364     $ 41.40           $ 1,260,735,127  
August 1 — August 31, 2011
    42,867     $ 32.95           $ 1,260,735,127  
September 1 — September 30, 2011
    9,693     $ 29.97           $ 1,260,735,127  
 
 
(1) During the periods July 1 through July 31, 2011, August 1 through August 31, 2011 and September 1 through September 30, 2011, separate account and other affiliates of the Company purchased 2,364 shares, 42,867 shares and 9,693 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 September 30, 2011, the Company had $1,261 million remaining under its common stock repurchase program authorizations. In April 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $1.0 billion common stock repurchase program, which will begin after the completion of the January 2008 $1.0 billion common stock repurchase program, of which $261 million remained outstanding at September 30, 2011. 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and in privately negotiated transactions. Any future common stock repurchases will be dependent upon several factors, including the Company’s capital position, its liquidity, its financial strength and credit ratings, general market conditions and the market price of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock compared to management’s assessment of the stock’s underlying value and applicable regulatory, legal and accounting factors.


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Item 6.   Exhibits
 
(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and MetLife, Inc.’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.)
 
         
Exhibit
   
No.   Description
 
  10 .1   Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2011, among MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Funding, Inc., as borrowers, and the other parties signatory thereto, amending and restating the 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2010, among MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Funding, Inc., as borrowers, and the other parties signatory thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to MetLife, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 15, 2011).
  10 .2   Offer Letter and Appendix, dated July 14, 2011, between MetLife, Inc. and Martin J. Lippert.
  10 .3   Offer Letter, dated July 27, 2011, between MetLife, Inc. and Frans Hijkoop.
  10 .4   Resolutions of the MetLife, Inc., Board of Directors (adopted September 13, 2011) regarding non-management director compensation.
  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.


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Signatures
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
METLIFE, INC.
 
  By 
/s/  Peter M. Carlson
Name:     Peter M. Carlson
  Title:  Executive Vice President, Finance
Operations and Chief Accounting Officer
(Authorized Signatory and Principal
Accounting Officer)
 
Date: November 4, 2011


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Exhibit Index
 
(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and MetLife, Inc.’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.)
 
         
Exhibit
   
No.   Description
 
  10 .1   Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2011, among MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Funding, Inc., as borrowers, and the other parties signatory thereto, amending and restating the 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2010, among MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Funding, Inc., as borrowers, and the other parties signatory thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to MetLife, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 15, 2011).
  10 .2   Offer Letter and Appendix, dated July 14, 2011, between MetLife, Inc. and Martin J. Lippert.
  10 .3   Offer Letter, dated July 27, 2011, between MetLife, Inc. and Frans Hijkoop.
  10 .4   Resolutions of the MetLife, Inc., Board of Directors (adopted September 13, 2011) regarding non-management director compensation.
  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.


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