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Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] |
Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business “MetLife” and the “Company” refer to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999, its subsidiaries and affiliates. MetLife is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management. MetLife is organized into six segments: Group Benefits; Retirement and Income Solutions (“RIS”); Asia; Latin America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”); and MetLife Holdings. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other. See Note 2 for further information on the Company’s segments and Corporate & Other. 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 on the consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions 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. Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has a controlling financial interest, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The Company uses either the equity method of accounting or the fair value option (“FVO”) for its investments in real estate joint ventures (“REJV”) and other limited partnership interests (“OLPI”) when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings in net investment income on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. Held-for-Sale The Company classifies a business as held-for-sale when management has approved or received approval to sell the business, the sale is probable to occur during the next 12 months at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current estimated fair value and certain other specified criteria are met. The business classified as held-for-sale is recorded at the lower of the carrying value and estimated fair value, less cost to sell. If the carrying value of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, less cost to sell, a loss is recognized and reported in net investment gains (losses). If the estimated fair value subsequently increases prior to sale, a gain is recognized and reported in net investment gains (losses) but will not exceed the losses recognized since the business was classified as held-for-sale. Assets and liabilities related to the business classified as held-for-sale are separately reported in the Company's consolidated balance sheets in the period in which the business first meets all the criteria to be classified as held-for-sale and in each reporting period thereafter until sold. See Note 3. If a component of the Company has either been disposed of or is classified as held-for-sale and represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results, the results of the component are reported in discontinued operations. Separate Accounts Separate accounts are established in conformity with insurance laws. Generally, the assets of the separate accounts cannot be used to settle the liabilities that arise from any other business of the Company. Separate account assets are subject to general account claims only to the extent the value of such assets exceeds the separate account liabilities. The Company separately reports, as separate account assets and liabilities, investments held in separate accounts and corresponding policyholder liabilities of the same amount if all of the following criteria are met: •such separate accounts are legally recognized; •assets supporting the contract liabilities are legally insulated from the Company’s general account liabilities; •investment objectives are directed by the contractholder; and •all investment performance, net of contract fees and assessments, is passed through to the contractholder. The Company reports separate account assets at their fair value which is based on the estimated fair values of the underlying assets comprising the individual separate account portfolios. Investment performance (including investment income, net investment gains (losses) and changes in unrealized gains (losses)) and the corresponding amounts credited to contractholders of such separate accounts are offset within the same line on the statements of operations. Separate accounts credited with a contractual investment return are not reported as separate account assets and liabilities and are combined on a line-by-line basis with the Company’s general account assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the accounting for these investments is consistent with the methodologies described herein for similar financial instruments held within the general account. Unit-linked separate account investments that are directed by contractholders but do not meet one or more of the other above criteria are included in contractholder-directed equity securities with the corresponding liability included in policyholder account balances (“PABs”) on the balance sheets. Investment performance is reported within net investment income and a corresponding amount reported as interest credited to PABs in the statements of operations. The Company’s revenues reflect fees charged to the separate accounts, including mortality charges, risk charges, policy administration fees, investment management fees and surrender charges. Such fees are included in universal life and investment-type product policy fees on the statements of operations. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The following table presents the Company’s significant accounting policies with cross-references to the notes which provide additional information on such policies.
Accounting Policy | Note
Future Policy Benefit Liabilities | 4
Policyholder Account Balances | 5
Market Risk Benefits | 6
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired, Unearned Revenue and Other Intangibles | 8
Reinsurance | 9
Investments | 11
Derivatives | 12
Fair Value | 13
Goodwill | 15
Employee Benefit Plans | 21
Income Tax | 22
Litigation Contingencies | 24
Future Policy Benefit Liabilities Traditional Non-participating and Limited-payment Long-duration products The Company establishes future policy benefit liabilities (“FPBs”) for amounts payable under traditional non-participating and limited-payment long-duration insurance and reinsurance policies which include, but are not limited to most whole and term life & endowment products, accident & health, fixed annuities, pension risk transfers, structured settlements, institutional income annuities and long-term care products. Effective January 1, 2023, the Company adopted an accounting pronouncement related to targeted improvements to the accounting for long-duration contracts (“LDTI”) with a January 1, 2021 transition date (the “LDTI Transition Date”). Generally, amounts are payable over an extended period of time and the related liabilities are calculated as the present value of future expected benefits and claim settlement expenses to be paid, reduced by the present value of future expected net premiums. FPBs are measured as cohorts (e.g., groups of long-duration contracts), with the exception of pension risk transfers and longevity reinsurance solutions contracts, each of which is generally considered its own cohort. Contracts from different subsidiaries or branches, issue years, benefit currencies and product types are not grouped together in the same cohort. Such liabilities are established based on methods and underlying assumptions in accordance with GAAP and applicable actuarial standards. A net premium ratio (“NPR”) approach is utilized, where net premiums (i.e., the portion of gross premiums required to fund expected insurance benefits and claim settlement expenses) are accrued each period as FPBs. The NPR used to accrue the FPB in each period is determined by using the historical and present value of expected future benefits and claim settlement expenses for the cohort divided by the historical and present value of expected future gross premiums for the cohort. Cash flow assumptions are incorporated into the calculation of a cohort's NPR and FPB reserve. These assumptions are used to project the amount and timing of expected benefits and claim settlement expenses to be paid and the expected amount of premiums to be collected for a cohort. The principal inputs and assumptions used in the establishment of FPBs are actual premiums, actual benefits, in-force policies, and best estimate cash flow assumptions to project future premium and benefit amounts. The Company’s primary best estimate cash flow assumptions include expectations related to mortality, morbidity, termination, claim settlement expense, policy lapse, renewal, retirement, disability incidence, disability terminations, inflation and other contingent events as appropriate to the respective product type and geographical area. Generally, the NPR and FPB reserve are updated retrospectively on a quarterly basis for actual experience and at least once a year for any changes in future cash flow assumptions, except for claim settlement expenses, for which the Company has elected to lock in assumptions at the LDTI Transition Date or inception (for contracts sold after the LDTI Transition Date), as allowed by LDTI. The resulting remeasurement (gain) loss is recorded through net income and reflects the impact of the change in the NPR based on experience at the end of the quarter applied to the cumulative premiums received from the inception of the cohort (or from the LDTI Transition Date for contracts issued prior to the LDTI Transition Date) to the beginning of the quarter. The total contractual profit pattern is recognized over the expected life of the cohort by retrospectively updating the NPR. If net premiums exceed gross premiums (i.e., expected benefits exceed expected gross premiums), the FPB is increased, and a corresponding adjustment is recognized immediately in net income. The change in FPB reflected in the statement of operations is calculated using a locked-in discount rate. For products issued prior to the LDTI Transition Date, a cohort level locked-in discount rate was developed that reflected the interest accretion rates that were locked in at inception of the underlying contracts (unless there was a historical premium deficiency event that resulted in updating the interest accretion rate prior to the LDTI Transition Date), or the acquisition date for contracts acquired through an assumed in-force reinsurance transaction or a business combination. For contracts issued subsequent to the LDTI Transition Date, the upper-medium grade discount rate used for interest accretion is locked-in for the cohort and represents the original upper-medium grade discount rate at the issue date of the underlying contracts. The FPB for all cohorts is remeasured to a current upper-medium grade discount rate at each reporting date through other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”). The Company generally interprets the upper-medium grade discount rate to be a rate comparable to that of a corporate single A rate that reflects the duration characteristics of the liability. The upper-medium grade discount rate is determined by using observable market data, including published upper-medium grade discount curves. In situations where market data for an upper-medium grade discount curve is not available (e.g., in certain foreign jurisdictions), spreads are applied to adjust the available observable market data to an upper-medium grade discount curve. The last liquid point on the upper-medium grade discount curve for each jurisdiction grades to an ultimate forward rate, which is derived using assumptions of economic growth, inflation, and a long-term upper-medium grade spread. The table below summarizes the market data and spreads applied to determine the upper-medium grade discount rate for products issued in key jurisdictions that are included in the disaggregated rollforwards in Note 4.
Disaggregated rollforwards | Jurisdiction | Observable base curve | Spread applied to derive upper-medium grade discount rate
RIS Annuities, MetLife Holdings Long-term Care | United States | Single A curve | No spread applied as there is an observable single A base discount curve.
Asia - Whole and Term Life & Endowments, Asia - Accident & Health | Japan | Japanese government bond yield | A spread is applied based on local corporate bonds whose credit is deemed to approximate single A bonds. The spread is based on weighted average bond yields up to 10 years and held flat for years 10 to 30.
Korea | Korean government bond yield | A spread is applied based on local corporate bonds whose credit is deemed to approximate single A bonds. The spread is based on weighted average bond yields up to five years and held flat for years five to 30.
Latin America Fixed Annuities | Chile | Chilean government bond yield | A blended spread is applied based on local corporate bonds whose credit is deemed to approximate single A bonds. The spread is based on weighted average bond yields up to 10 years and held flat for years 10 to 25.
Mexico | Mexican government bond yield | There are few public corporate bonds denominated in Mexican pesos with a credit rating higher than sovereign bonds. Therefore, a spread is applied based on local corporate bond yields to approximate a single A equivalent bond.
For limited-payment long-duration contracts, the collection of premiums does not represent the completion of the earnings process, therefore, any gross premiums received in excess of net premiums is deferred and amortized as a deferred profit liability (“DPL”). The DPL is presented within FPBs and is amortized in proportion to either the present value of expected benefit payments or insurance in-force of each cohort to ensure that profits are recognized over the life of the underlying policies in that cohort, regardless of when premiums are received. This amortization of the DPL is recorded through net income within policyholder benefits and claims. Consistent with the Company’s measurement of traditional long-duration products, management also recognizes an FPB reserve for limited-payment contracts that is representative of the difference between the present value of expected future benefits and the present value of expected future net premiums, subject to retrospective remeasurement through net income and OCI, as described above. The DPL is also subject to retrospective remeasurement through net income, however, it is not remeasured for changes in discount rates. When a cohort’s present value of future net premiums exceeds the present value of future benefits, a “flooring” adjustment is required. The flooring adjustment ensures that the liability for future policy benefits for each cohort is not less than zero, and is reported in net income or OCI, depending on whether the flooring relates to the FPBs discounted at the locked-in discount rate versus the current upper-medium grade discount rate, respectively. Traditional Participating Products The Company establishes FPBs for traditional participating contracts in the U.S., which include whole and term life participating contracts in both the open and closed block using a net premium approach, similar to traditional non-participating contracts. However, for participating contracts, the discount rate and actuarial assumptions are locked-in at inception, include a provision for adverse deviation, and all changes in the associated FPBs are reported within policyholder benefits and claims. See Note 10 for additional information on the closed block. For traditional participating contracts, the Company reviews its estimates of actuarial liabilities for future benefits and compares them with current best estimate assumptions. The Company revises estimates, to increase FPBs, if the Company determines that the liabilities previously established for future benefit payments less future expected net premiums in the aggregate for this line of business prove inadequate. Additional Insurance Liabilities Liabilities for universal, variable universal, and variable life policies with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”) and paid-up guarantees are determined by estimating the expected value of death benefits payable when the account balance is projected to be zero and recognizing those benefits ratably over the life of the contract based on total expected assessments. The additional insurance liabilities are updated retrospectively on a quarterly basis for actual experience and at least once a year for any changes in future cash flow assumptions. The assumptions used in estimating the secondary and paid-up guarantee liabilities are investment income, mortality, lapse, and premium payment pattern and persistency. The assumptions of investment performance and volatility for variable products are consistent with historical experience of appropriate underlying equity indices, such as the Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) 500 Index. The benefits used in calculating the liabilities are based on the average benefits payable over a range of scenarios. The resulting adjustments are recorded as policyholder liability remeasurement (gains) losses in the statement of operations reflecting the impact on the change in the ratio of benefits payable to total assessments over the life of the contract based on experience at the end of the quarter applied to the cumulative assessments received as of the beginning of the quarter. For annuitization benefits, future benefits expected to be paid during the annuitization phase are discounted using an upper-medium grade discount rate to determine the excess benefit upon annuitization. The discount rate is not locked in for expected annuitization benefits, and is required to be updated quarterly, consistent with other components of the annuitization benefit cash flows. Changes in the discount rate applied to the future annuitization payments are reflected in policyholder benefits and claims within the statement of operations. Premium Deficiency Reserves Premium deficiency reserves may be established for short-duration contracts to provide for expected future losses and certain expenses that exceed unearned premiums. These reserves are based on actuarial estimates of the amount of loss inherent in that period, including losses incurred for which claims have not been reported. The provisions for unreported claims are calculated using studies that measure the historical length of time between the incurred date of a claim and its eventual reporting to the Company. For universal life-type and certain participating contracts, a premium deficiency reserve may be established when existing contract liabilities, together with the present value of future fees and/or premiums, are not sufficient to cover the present value of future benefits and settlement costs. Anticipated investment income is also considered in the calculations of premium deficiency reserves for short-duration contracts, as well as universal life-type and certain participating contracts. Policyholder Account Balances PABs represent the amount held by the Company on behalf of the policyholder at each reporting date. This amount includes deposits received from the policyholder, interest credited to the policyholder’s account balance, net of charges assessed against the account balance and any policyholder withdrawals. This balance also includes liabilities for structured settlement and institutional income annuities, and certain other contracts, that do not contain significant insurance risk, as well as the estimated fair value of embedded derivatives associated with indexed annuity products. Market Risk Benefits As defined by LDTI, market risk benefits (“MRBs”) are contracts or contract features that guarantee benefits, such as guaranteed minimum benefits, in addition to an account balance, which expose insurance companies to other than nominal capital market risk (e.g., equity price, interest rate, and/or foreign currency exchange risk) and protect the contractholder from the same risk. These contracts and contract features were generally recorded as embedded derivatives or additional insurance liabilities prior to the LDTI Transition Date. Certain contracts may have multiple contract features or guarantees. In these cases, each feature is separately evaluated to determine whether it meets the definition of an MRB at contract inception. If a contract includes multiple benefits that meet the definition of an MRB, those benefits are aggregated and measured as a single compound MRB. All identified MRBs are required to be measured at estimated fair value, whether the contract or contract feature represents a direct, assumed or ceded capital market risk. All MRBs in an asset position are aggregated and presented as an asset, and all MRBs in a liability position are aggregated and presented as a liability. Changes in the estimated fair value of MRBs are recognized in net income, except for the portion of the fair value change attributable to the change in nonperformance risk of the Company which is recorded as a separate component of OCI. The Company generally uses an attributed fee approach to value MRBs, where the attributed fee is determined at contract inception by estimating the fair value of expected future benefits and the expected future fees. The attributed fee percentage is the portion of the expected future fees due from contractholders deemed necessary at contract inception to fund all future expected benefits. This typically results in a zero fair value for the MRB at inception. The estimated fair value of the expected future benefits is estimated using a stochastically-generated set of risk-neutral scenarios. Once calculated, the attributed fee percentage is fixed and does not change over the life of the contract. All fees due from contractholders (or payable to reinsurers in the case of ceded MRBs) in excess of the attributed fees are reported in universal life and investment-type product policy fees. Other Policy-Related Balances Other policy-related balances include policy and contract claims, premiums received in advance, unearned revenue (“UREV”) liabilities, obligations assumed under structured settlement assignments, policyholder dividends due and unpaid, policyholder dividends left on deposit and negative value of business acquired (“VOBA”). The liability for policy and contract claims generally relates to incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) death, disability, dental and vision claims. In addition, generally included in other policy-related balances are claims which have been reported but not yet settled for death, disability, dental and vision. The liability for these claims is based on the Company’s estimated ultimate cost of settling all claims. The Company derives estimates for the development of IBNR claims principally from analyses of historical patterns of claims by business line. The methods used to determine these estimates are continually reviewed. Adjustments resulting from this continuous review process and differences between estimates and payments for claims are recognized in policyholder benefits and claims expense in the period in which the estimates are changed or payments are made. The Company accounts for the prepayment of premiums on its individual life, group life and health contracts as premiums received in advance. These amounts are then recognized in premiums when due. The UREV liability relates to universal life and investment-type products and represents policy charges for services to be provided in future periods. The charges are deferred as UREV and amortized on a basis consistent with the methodologies and assumptions used for amortizing deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) for the related contracts. Changes in the UREV liability for each period (representing deferrals less amortization) are reported in universal life and investment-type product policy fees. See “— Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles” for a discussion of negative VOBA. Recognition of Insurance Revenues and Deposits Premiums related to long-duration whole and term life & endowment products, individual accident & health, disability, individual and group fixed annuities (including pension risk transfers, certain structured settlements, and certain income annuities), long-term care and participating products are recognized as revenues when due from policyholders. Policyholder benefits and expenses are provided to recognize profits over the estimated lives of the insurance policies. When premiums are due over a significantly shorter period than the period over which benefits are provided, any excess profit is deferred as a DPL and recognized into earnings in a constant relationship to insurance in-force or, for annuities, the present value of expected future policy benefit payments. Premiums related to short-duration group term life, dental, disability, accident & health, vision and credit insurance contracts are recognized on a pro rata basis over the applicable contract term. Unearned premiums, representing the portion of premium written related to the unexpired coverage, are reflected as liabilities until earned. Deposits related to universal life and investment-type products are credited to PABs. Revenues from such contracts consist of fees for mortality, policy administration and surrender charges and are recorded in universal life and investment-type product policy fees in the period in which services are provided. All fees due from contractholders (or payable to reinsurers in the case of ceded MRBs) in excess of the attributed fees on contracts with MRBs are reported in universal life and investment-type product policy fees. Amounts that are charged to earnings include interest credited and benefit claims incurred in excess of related PABs. All revenues and expenses are presented net of ceded reinsurance, as applicable. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles The Company incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal insurance business. Costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts are capitalized as DAC. Such costs include: •incremental direct costs of contract acquisition, such as commissions; •the portion of an employee’s total compensation and benefits related to time spent selling, underwriting or processing the issuance of new and renewal insurance business only with respect to actual policies acquired or renewed; •other essential direct costs that would not have been incurred had a policy not been acquired or renewed; and •the costs of direct-response advertising, the primary purpose of which is to elicit sales to customers who could be shown to have responded specifically to the advertising and that results in probable future benefits. All other acquisition-related costs, including those related to general advertising and solicitation, market research, agent training, product development, unsuccessful sales and underwriting efforts, as well as all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred. VOBA is an intangible asset resulting from a business combination that represents the excess of book value over the estimated fair value of acquired insurance, annuity, and investment-type contracts in-force at the acquisition date. The estimated fair value of the acquired liabilities is based on projections, by each block of business, of future policy and contract charges, premiums, mortality and morbidity, separate account performance, surrenders, operating expenses, investment returns, nonperformance risk adjustment and other factors. Actual experience with the purchased business may vary from these projections. VOBA is subject to periodic recoverability testing for traditional life and limited-payment contracts, as well as universal life type contracts. DAC and VOBA for most long-duration products are amortized on a constant-level basis that approximates straight-line amortization on an individual contract basis. The DAC and VOBA related to RIS annuities are amortized over expected benefit payments, and for all other long-duration products are generally amortized in proportion to policy count. For short-duration products, DAC and VOBA are amortized in proportion to actual and expected future earned premiums. DAC and VOBA are aggregated on the financial statements for reporting purposes. Amortization of DAC and VOBA is included in other expenses. The Company generally has two different types of sales inducements which are included in other assets: (i) the policyholder receives a bonus whereby the policyholder’s initial account balance is increased by an amount equal to a specified percentage of the customer’s deposit; and (ii) the policyholder receives a higher interest rate using a dollar cost averaging method than would have been received based on the normal general account interest rate credited. The Company defers sales inducements and amortizes them over the life of the policy using the same methodologies and assumptions used to amortize DAC for the related contracts. The amortization of deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) is included in policyholder benefits and claims. DSI assets were $155 million and $146 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Value of distribution agreements acquired (“VODA”) is reported in other assets and represents the present value of expected future profits associated with the expected future business derived from the distribution agreements acquired as part of a business combination. Value of customer relationships acquired (“VOCRA”) is also reported in other assets and represents the present value of the expected future profits associated with the expected future business acquired through existing customers of the acquired company or business. The VODA and VOCRA associated with past business combinations are amortized over the assets’ useful lives ranging from nine to 40 years and such amortization is included in other expenses. Each year, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment exists, the Company reviews VODA and VOCRA to determine whether the asset is impaired. For certain acquired blocks of business, the estimated fair value of the in-force contract obligations exceeded the book value of assumed in-force insurance policy liabilities, resulting in negative VOBA, which is presented separately from VOBA as an additional insurance liability included in other policy-related balances. The estimated fair value of the in-force contract obligations is based on projections by each block of business. Negative VOBA is amortized on a basis consistent with the methodologies and assumptions used for amortizing DAC for the related contracts. Such amortization is recorded as an offset in other expenses. Reinsurance For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines whether the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Cessions under reinsurance agreements do not discharge the Company’s obligations as the primary insurer. The Company reviews all contractual features, including those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the reinsurer is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. For reinsurance of existing in-force blocks of long-duration contracts that transfer significant insurance risk, the difference, if any, between the net consideration paid (received), and the liabilities ceded (assumed) related to the underlying reinsured contracts is generally considered the net cost of reinsurance at the inception of the reinsurance agreement. The net cost of reinsurance is amortized on a basis consistent with the methodologies and assumptions used for amortizing DAC related to the underlying reinsured contracts. Subsequent accounting for in-force blocks and new business assumed is the same as if the business was directly sold by the Company. For prospective reinsurance of short-duration contracts that meet the criteria for reinsurance accounting, amounts paid (received) are recorded as ceded (assumed) premiums and ceded (assumed) unearned premiums. Ceded (assumed) unearned premiums are reflected as a component of premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (future policy benefits). Such amounts are amortized through earned premiums over the remaining contract period in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. For retroactive reinsurance of short-duration contracts that meet the criteria for reinsurance accounting, amounts paid (received) in excess of the related insurance liabilities ceded (assumed) are recognized immediately as a loss and are reported in policyholder benefits and claims. Any gain by the ceding entity on such retroactive agreement is deferred as a liability and is amortized over the estimated remaining settlement period. The reinsurance recoverable for traditional non-participating and limited-payment contracts is generally measured using a net premium methodology to accrue the projected net gain or loss on reinsurance in proportion to the gross premiums of the underlying reinsured cohorts and is updated retrospectively on a quarterly basis for actual experience and at least once a year for any changes in cash flow assumptions. The locked-in discount rate used to measure changes in the reinsurance recoverable recorded in net income was established at the LDTI Transition Date, or at the inception of the reinsurance coverage for reinsurance agreements entered into subsequent to the LDTI Transition Date. The reinsurance recoverable is remeasured to an upper-medium grade discount rate through OCI at each reporting date, similar to the underlying reinsured contracts. The reinsurance recoverable for other long-duration contracts and associated contract features is measured using assumptions and methods generally consistent with the underlying direct policies, except that for reinsured MRBs, the entire change in fair value is recognized in net income each reporting period. Amounts currently recoverable under reinsurance agreements are included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and amounts payable including funds withheld liabilities on coinsurance or modified coinsurance agreements are included in other liabilities. Assets and liabilities relating to reinsurance agreements with the same reinsurer may be recorded net on the balance sheet, if a right of offset exists within the reinsurance agreement. In the event that reinsurers do not meet their obligations to the Company under the terms of the reinsurance agreements, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable, reinsurance recoverable balances could become uncollectible. In such instances, reinsurance recoverable balances are stated net of an allowance for credit loss (“ACL”). Premiums, fees, policyholder liability remeasurement (gains) losses, and policyholder benefits and claims include amounts assumed under reinsurance agreements and are reported net of reinsurance ceded. Amounts received from reinsurers for policy administration are reported in other expenses. If the Company determines that a reinsurance agreement does not expose the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the agreement using the deposit method of accounting. Deposits received are included in other liabilities and deposits made are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables. As amounts are paid or received, consistent with the underlying contracts, the deposit assets or liabilities are adjusted. Interest on such deposits is recorded as other revenues or other expenses, as appropriate. Periodically, the Company evaluates the adequacy of the expected payments or recoveries and adjusts the deposit asset or liability through other revenues or other expenses, as appropriate. Investments Net Investment Income Net investment income includes primarily interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount, prepayment fees, dividend income, rental income and equity method income and is net of related investment expenses. Net investment income also includes: (i) realized gains (losses) on investments sold or disposed and (ii) unrealized gains (losses) recognized in earnings, representing changes in estimated fair value, primarily for Unit-linked investments (defined below) and FVO securities. Net Investment Gains (Losses) Net investment gains (losses) include primarily (i) realized gains (losses) from sales and other disposals of investments, which are determined by specific identification, (ii) intent-to-sell impairment losses on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale (“AFS”) and impairment losses on all other asset classes and, to a lesser extent, (iii) recognized gains (losses). Recognized gains (losses) are primarily comprised of the change in the ACL and unrealized gains (losses) for certain investments for which changes in estimated fair value are recognized in earnings. Changes in the ACL include both (i) provisions for credit loss on fixed maturity securities AFS, mortgage loans and certain leases, and (ii) subsequent changes in the ACL. Unrealized gains (losses), representing changes in estimated fair value recognized in earnings, primarily relate to equity securities and certain OLPI and REJV. Net investment gains (losses) also include non-investment portfolio gains (losses) which do not relate to the performance of the investment portfolio, including gains (losses) from sales and divestitures of businesses and impairment of property, equipment, leasehold improvements and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets. Accrued Investment Income Accrued investment income is presented separately on the consolidated balance sheet and excluded from the carrying value of the related investments, primarily fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans. Fixed Maturity Securities The majority of the Company’s fixed maturity securities are classified as AFS and are reported at their estimated fair value. Changes in the estimated fair value of these securities not recognized in earnings representing unrecognized unrealized investment gains (losses) are recorded as a separate component of OCI, net of policy-related amounts and deferred income taxes. All security transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Interest income and prepayment fees are recognized when earned. Interest income is recognized using an effective yield method giving effect to amortization of premium and accretion of discount, and is based on the estimated economic life of the securities, which for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities considers the estimated timing and amount of prepayments of the underlying loans. See Note 11 “— Fixed Maturity Securities AFS — Methodology for Amortization of Premium and Accretion of Discount on Structured Products.” The amortization of premium and accretion of discount also take into consideration call and maturity dates. Generally, the accrual of income is ceased and accrued investment income that is considered uncollectible is recognized as a charge within net investment gains (losses) when securities are impaired. The Company periodically evaluates these securities for impairment. The assessment of whether impairments have occurred is based on management’s case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in estimated fair value as described in Note 11 “— Fixed Maturity Securities AFS — Evaluation of Fixed Maturity Securities AFS for Credit Loss.” For securities in an unrealized loss position, a credit loss is recognized in earnings within net investment gains (losses) when it is anticipated that the amortized cost, excluding accrued investment income, will not be recovered. When either: (i) the Company has the intent to sell the security; or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery, the reduction of amortized cost and the loss recognized in earnings is the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost and estimated fair value. If neither of these conditions exists, the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected is recognized in earnings as a credit loss by establishing an ACL with a corresponding charge recorded in net investment gains (losses). However, the ACL is limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost. This limitation is known as the “fair value floor.” If the estimated fair value is less than the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected, this portion of the decline in value related to other-than-credit factors (“noncredit loss”) is recorded in OCI as an unrecognized loss. For purchased credit deteriorated fixed maturity securities AFS and financing receivables, an ACL is established at acquisition, which is added to the purchase price to establish the initial amortized cost of the investment and is not recognized in earnings. Equity Securities Equity securities are reported at their estimated fair value, with unrealized gains (losses) representing changes in estimated fair value recognized in net investment gains (losses). Sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividends are recognized in net investment income when declared. Contractholder-Directed Equity Securities and Fair Value Option Securities Contractholder-directed equity securities and FVO securities (collectively, “Unit-linked investments and FVO securities”) are investments for which the FVO has been elected, or which are otherwise required to be carried at estimated fair value, and include: •contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities (“Unit-linked investments”) which do not qualify for presentation and reporting as separate account summary total assets and liabilities. These investments are primarily equity securities (including mutual funds). The investment returns on these investments inure to contractholders and are offset by a corresponding change in PABs through interest credited to PABs; and •fixed maturity and equity securities held-for-investment by the general account to support asset and liability management strategies for certain insurance products and investments in certain separate accounts. Interest income and dividend income on these investments are included in net investment income. Realized gains (losses) on investments sold or disposed and unrealized gains (losses), representing changes in estimated fair value, are both recognized in net investment income for Unit-linked investments and FVO securities. Sales of these investments are determined on a specific identification basis. Mortgage Loans The Company may originate or acquire mortgage loans and in certain cases transfer an interest to third parties under participation agreements. The Company accounts for transfers of an interest in a mortgage loan as sales if the transfers meet both the conditions of a participating interest and the conditions for sale accounting. A mortgage transfer that does not meet these conditions is recognized as a secured borrowing with a pledge of collateral. The Company disaggregates its mortgage loan investments into three portfolio segments: commercial, agricultural and residential. Also included in commercial mortgage loans are revolving line of credit loans collateralized by commercial properties. The accounting policies that are applicable to all portfolio segments are presented below and the accounting policies related to each of the portfolio segments are included in Note 11. The Company recognizes an ACL in earnings within net investment gains (losses) at time of purchase or origination based on expected lifetime credit loss on mortgage loans, in an amount that represents the portion of the amortized cost basis of such mortgage loans that the Company does not expect to collect, resulting in mortgage loans being presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The Company ceases to accrue interest when the collection of interest is not considered probable, which is based on a current evaluation of the status of the borrower, including the number of days past due. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, uncollected past due accrued interest income that is considered uncollectible is charged-off against net investment income. Generally, the accrual of interest income resumes after all delinquent amounts are paid and management believes all future principal and interest payments will be collected. The Company records cash receipts on non-accruing loans in accordance with the loan agreement. The Company records charge-offs of mortgage loan balances not considered collectible upon the realization of a credit loss, for commercial and agricultural mortgage loans, typically through foreclosure. The charge-off is recorded in net investment gains (losses), net of amounts recognized in ACL. Cash recoveries on principal amounts previously charged-off are generally reported in net investment gains (losses). Upon foreclosure, the mortgage is de-recognized, the collateral received is recognized at fair value, and any difference between the net carrying value of the mortgage loan and the fair value of the collateral received is recognized within net investment gains (losses). Mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, deferred fees or expenses, and are net of ACL. Interest income and prepayment fees are recognized when earned. Interest income is recognized using an effective yield method giving effect to amortization of premium and deferred expenses and accretion of discount and deferred fees. Also included in mortgage loans are residential mortgage loans for which the FVO was elected, and which are stated at estimated fair value. Changes in estimated fair value are recognized in net investment income. Mortgage loans that are designated as held-for-sale are carried at the lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value. Policy Loans Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances. Interest income is recognized as earned using the contractual interest rate. Generally, accrued interest is capitalized on the policy’s anniversary date. Valuation allowances are not established for policy loans, as they are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policies. Any unpaid principal and accrued interest are deducted from the cash surrender value or the death benefit prior to settlement of the insurance policy. Real Estate Real estate is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis without any provision for salvage value, over the estimated useful life of the asset (typically up to 55 years). Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective leases. The Company periodically reviews its real estate for impairment and tests for recoverability when the carrying value of the real estate exceeds its estimated fair value and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Properties whose carrying values are greater than their estimated undiscounted cash flows are written down to their estimated fair value. Real estate for which the Company commits to a plan to sell within one year and actively markets in its current condition for a reasonable price in comparison to its estimated fair value is classified as held-for-sale and is not depreciated. Real estate held-for-sale is stated at the lower of depreciated cost or estimated fair value less estimated disposition costs. Real Estate Joint Ventures and Other Limited Partnership Interests The Company uses the equity method of accounting or the FVO for an investee when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations but does not hold a controlling financial interest, including when the Company is not deemed the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Under the equity method, the Company recognizes its share of the investee's earnings within net investment income. Contributions made by the Company increase carrying value and distributions received by the Company reduce carrying value. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. The Company accounts for its interest in REJV and OLPI in which it has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations at estimated fair value. Unrealized gains (losses), representing changes in estimated fair value of these investments, are recognized in earnings within net investment gains (losses). Due to the nature and structure of these investments, they do not meet the characteristics of an equity security in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The Company consolidates REJV and OLPI when it holds a controlling financial interest, or it is deemed the primary beneficiary of an investee that is a VIE. Assets of certain consolidated REJV and OLPI are initially recorded at estimated fair value. The Company elects the FVO for certain REJV that are managed on a total return basis. Unrealized gains (losses) representing changes in estimated fair value for REJV and OLPI recorded at estimated fair value are recognized in net investment income. The Company routinely evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds its estimated fair value. When it is determined an equity method investment has had a loss in value that is other than temporary, an impairment is recognized. Such an impairment is charged to net investment gains (losses). Short-term Investments Short-term investments include highly liquid securities and other investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase. Securities included within short-term investments are stated at estimated fair value, while other investments included within short-term investments are stated at amortized cost less ACL, which approximates estimated fair value. Other Invested Assets Other invested assets consist principally of the following: •Freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values which are described in “— Derivatives” below. •Net investment in direct financing leases is equal to the minimum lease payment receivables plus the unguaranteed residual value, less the unearned income, less ACL. Income is recognized by applying the pre-tax internal rate of return to the investment balance. The Company regularly reviews its minimum lease payment receivables for credit loss and residual value for impairments. Certain direct financing leases are linked to inflation. •Annuities funding structured settlement claims represent annuities funding claims assumed by the Company in its capacity as a structured settlements assignment company. The annuities are stated at their contract value, which represents the present value of the future periodic claim payments to be provided. The net investment income recognized reflects the amortization of discount of the annuity at its implied effective interest rate. •Investments in operating joint ventures that engage in insurance underwriting activities are accounted for under the equity method. •Company-owned life insurance policies (“COLI”) are carried at cash surrender value. •Tax equity investments include low income housing tax credit partnerships and renewable energy partnerships, which derive a significant source of investment return in the form of income tax credits or other tax incentives. Beginning January 1, 2024, tax equity investments that meet certain criteria are accounted for using the proportional amortization method, where the initial cost of the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits received and recognized as a component of income tax expense (benefit). Tax equity investments which do not meet the qualification criteria for the proportional amortization method are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. See Note 22. •Investments in Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) common stock are carried at redemption value and are considered restricted investments until redeemed by FHLBNY. Dividends are recognized in net investment income when declared. •Net investment in leveraged leases is equal to the minimum lease payment receivables plus the unguaranteed residual value, less the unearned income, and is reported net of non-recourse debt. Income is recognized by applying the leveraged lease’s estimated rate of return to the net investment in the lease in those periods in which the net investment at the beginning of the period is positive. Leveraged leases derive investment returns in part from their income tax benefit. The Company regularly reviews its minimum lease payment receivables for credit loss and residual value for impairments. •Funds withheld represent a receivable for amounts contractually withheld by ceding companies in accordance with reinsurance agreements. The Company recognizes interest on funds withheld at rates defined by the terms of the agreement which may be contractually specified or directly related to the underlying investments. Securities Lending Transactions and Repurchase Agreements The Company accounts for securities lending transactions and repurchase agreements as financing arrangements and the associated liability is recorded at the amount of cash received. The securities loaned or sold under these agreements are included in invested assets. Income and expenses associated with securities lending transactions and repurchase agreements are recognized as investment income and investment expense, respectively, within net investment income. Securities Lending Transactions The Company enters into securities lending transactions, whereby securities are loaned to unaffiliated financial institutions. The Company obtains collateral at the inception of the loan, usually cash, in an amount generally equal to 102% of the estimated fair value of the securities loaned, and maintains it at a level greater than or equal to 100% for the duration of the loan. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or re-pledged by the transferee. The Company is liable to return to the counterparties the cash collateral received. Security collateral on deposit from counterparties in connection with securities lending transactions may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company monitors the ratio of the collateral held to the estimated fair value of the securities loaned on a daily basis and additional collateral is obtained as necessary throughout the duration of the loan. Repurchase Agreements The Company participates in short-term repurchase agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions. Under these agreements, the Company sells securities and receives cash in an amount generally equal to 85% to 100% of the estimated fair value of the securities sold at the inception of the transaction, with a simultaneous agreement to repurchase such securities at a future date or on demand in an amount equal to the cash initially received plus interest. The Company monitors the ratio of the cash held to the estimated fair value of the securities sold throughout the duration of the transaction and additional cash or securities are obtained as necessary. Securities sold under such transactions may be sold or re-pledged by the transferee. Derivatives Freestanding Derivatives Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivative’s carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities. 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 reported in net derivative gains (losses) except as follows:
Statement of Operations Presentation: | Derivative:
Net investment income | • | Economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures
| • | Derivatives held within Unit-linked investments
| • | Economic hedges of FVO securities which are linked to equity indices
Hedge Accounting 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. Hedge designation and financial statement presentation of changes in estimated fair value of the hedging derivatives are as follows: •Fair value hedge - a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability - in the same line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability is adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk. •Cash flow hedge - 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 - in OCI and reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. •Net investment in a foreign operation (“NIFO”) hedge - in OCI, consistent with the translation adjustment for the hedged net investment in the foreign operation. The changes in estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported on the statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. Accruals on derivatives in net investment hedges are recognized in OCI. In its hedge 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. 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 at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. Assessments of hedge effectiveness 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 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 on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized 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. The changes in estimated fair value of derivatives related to discontinued cash flow hedges remain in OCI unless it is probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur. 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 on the balance sheet 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 OCI pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable of occurring are recognized immediately in net investment gains (losses). In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses). Embedded Derivatives The Company issues certain products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if: •the contract or contract feature does not meet the definition of a MRB; •the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings; •the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and •a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument. Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are reported in net derivative gains (losses). If the Company is unable to properly identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income. Additionally, the Company may elect to carry an entire contract on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation. Fair Value Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In most cases, the exit price and the transaction (or entry) price will be the same at initial recognition. Subsequent to initial recognition, fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. When such unadjusted quoted prices are not available, estimated fair values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities, or other observable inputs. If these inputs are not available, or observable inputs are not determinable, unobservable inputs and/or adjustments to observable inputs requiring significant management judgment are used to determine the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities. These unobservable inputs can be based on management’s judgment, assumptions or estimation and may not be observable in market activity. Unobservable inputs are based on management’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the assets. Goodwill Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from net assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and recognized. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the cost of the acquired entity over the estimated fair value of such assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment testing during the third quarter based upon data as of the close of the second quarter. Goodwill associated with a business acquisition is not tested for impairment during the year the business is acquired unless there is a significant identified impairment event. The Company tests goodwill for impairment by performing a qualitative assessment and/or a quantitative test. The qualitative impairment assessment is an assessment of historical information and relevant current events and circumstances, including economic, industry and market considerations, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company may elect not to perform the qualitative impairment assessment for some or all of its reporting units and perform a quantitative impairment test. In performing the quantitative impairment test, the Company may determine the fair values of its reporting units by applying a market multiple, discounted cash flow, and/or an actuarial-based valuation approach. The valuation methodologies utilized are subject to key judgments and assumptions that are sensitive to change. The impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level, which is the operating segment or a business one level below the operating segment, if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management at that level. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, the Company will consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying value of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates potential triggering events that may affect the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units to assess whether any goodwill impairment exists. Deteriorating or adverse economic, industry and 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. Employee Benefit Plans Certain subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. sponsor defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans covering eligible employees. 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 is December 31 for U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company recognizes the funded status of each of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation, which is the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) for pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) for other postretirement benefits in other assets or other liabilities. Actuarial gains and losses result from differences between each plan’s actual experience and the assumed experience on plan assets or PBO/APBO during a particular period and are recorded in accumulated OCI (“AOCI”). To the extent such gains and losses exceed 10% of the greater of the PBO/APBO or the estimated fair value of plan assets, the excess is amortized into net periodic benefit costs, generally over the average projected future service years of the active employees. In addition, prior service costs (credit) are recognized in AOCI at the time of the amendment and then amortized to net periodic benefit costs over the average projected future service years of the active employees. Net periodic benefit costs are determined using management’s estimates and actuarial assumptions and are comprised of service cost, interest cost, settlement and curtailment costs, expected return on plan assets, amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses, and amortization of prior service costs (credit). Fair value is used to determine the expected return on plan assets. The subsidiaries also sponsor defined contribution plans for substantially all U.S. employees under which a portion of employee contributions is matched. Applicable matching contributions are made each payroll period. Accordingly, the Company recognizes compensation cost for current matching contributions. As all contributions are transferred currently as earned to the defined contribution plans, no liability for matching contributions is recognized on the balance sheets. Income Tax MetLife, Inc. and its includable life insurance and non-life insurance subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Non-includable subsidiaries file either separate individual corporate tax returns or separate consolidated tax returns. The Company’s accounting for income taxes represents management’s best estimate of various events and transactions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities are measured at the balance sheet date using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The realization of deferred tax assets depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods under the tax law in the applicable tax jurisdiction. Valuation allowances are established against deferred tax assets when management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining whether valuation allowances should be established, as well as the amount of such allowances. When making such determination, the Company considers many factors, including: •the nature, frequency, and amount of cumulative financial reporting income and losses in recent years; •the jurisdiction in which the deferred tax asset was generated; •the length of time that carryforward can be utilized in the various taxing jurisdictions; •future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; •future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences; •taxable income in prior carryback years; and •tax planning strategies, including the intent and ability to hold certain AFS debt securities until they recover in value. The Company may be required to change its provision for income taxes when estimates used in determining valuation allowances on deferred tax assets significantly change or when receipt of new information indicates the need for adjustment in valuation allowances. Additionally, the effect of changes in tax laws, tax regulations, or interpretations of such laws or regulations, is recognized in net income tax expense (benefit) in the period of change. The Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded on the financial statements. A tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits due to tax uncertainties that do not meet the threshold are included within other liabilities and are charged to earnings in the period that such determination is made. The Company classifies interest recognized as interest expense and penalties recognized as a component of income tax expense. Litigation Contingencies The Company is a defendant in a large number of litigation matters and is involved in a number of regulatory investigations. Liabilities are established when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Except as otherwise disclosed in Note 24, legal costs are recognized as incurred. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to liabilities for litigation, regulatory investigations and litigation-related contingencies to be reflected on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Other Accounting Policies Stock-Based Compensation The Company grants certain employees and directors stock-based compensation awards under various plans, subject to vesting conditions. The Company recognizes compensation expense in an amount fixed at grant date or remeasured quarterly based on the fair value of the award as described in Note 19. The Company takes an estimation of forfeitures into account and generally recognizes the expense over the vesting period. However, the Company truncates the expense period to the date the employee attained age-and-service criteria to exercise or receive payment for the award regardless of continued employment. In such a case, the Company does not accelerate award exercise or payment timing. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers highly liquid securities and other investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Securities included within cash equivalents are stated at estimated fair value, while other investments included within cash equivalents are stated at amortized cost which approximates estimated fair value. Property, Equipment, Leasehold Improvements and Computer Software Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, which are included in other assets, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Included in property and equipment are capitalized costs related to purchased software, as well as certain internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use computer software during the application development stage. Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment are determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ranging from three to 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the remaining lease term or useful life up to 20 years. The cost basis of the property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $7.7 billion and $7.3 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Accumulated depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $5.1 billion and $4.8 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Related depreciation and amortization expense was $469 million, $470 million and $423 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Leases The Company, as lessee, has entered into various lease and sublease agreements for office space and equipment. At contract inception, the Company determines that an arrangement contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. For contracts that contain a lease, the Company recognizes the ROU asset in other assets and the lease liability in other liabilities. The Company evaluates whether a ROU asset is impaired when events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and the associated lease costs are recorded as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are determined using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate based upon information available at commencement date to recognize the present value of lease payments over the lease term. ROU assets also include lease payments and excludes lease incentives. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease and are included in the lease measurement when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components and accounts for these items as a single lease component for all asset classes. The majority of the Company’s leases and subleases are operating leases related to office space. The Company recognizes lease expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Other Revenues Other revenues primarily include fees related to service contracts from customers for vision fee for service arrangements, prepaid legal plans, fee-based investment management, recordkeeping and administrative services, and administrative services-only (“ASO”) contracts. Substantially all of the revenue from the services is recognized over time as the applicable services are provided or are made available to the customers. The revenue recognized includes variable consideration to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal will not occur. In addition to the service fees, other revenues also include certain stable value fees and other miscellaneous revenues. These fees and miscellaneous revenues are recognized as earned. Policyholder Dividends Policyholder dividends are approved annually by the insurance subsidiaries’ boards of directors. The aggregate amount of policyholder dividends is related to actual interest, mortality, morbidity and expense experience for the year, as well as management’s judgment as to the appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by the insurance subsidiaries. Foreign Currency Assets, liabilities and operations of foreign affiliates and subsidiaries, as well as investments accounted for under the equity method, are recorded based on the functional currency of each entity. The determination of the functional currency is made based on the appropriate economic and management indicators. For most of the Company’s foreign operations, the local currency is the functional currency. For certain other foreign operations, such as Japan, the local currency and one or more other currencies qualify as functional currencies. Assets and liabilities of foreign affiliates and subsidiaries are translated from the functional currency to U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at each year-end and revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the year. The resulting translation adjustments are charged or credited directly to OCI, net of applicable taxes. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, including the effect of re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities to the appropriate functional currency, are reported as part of net investment gains (losses) in the period in which they occur. Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per common share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares, or their equivalent, outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise or issuance of stock-based awards using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, exercise or issuance of stock-based awards is assumed to occur with the proceeds used to purchase common stock at the average market price for the period. The difference between the number of shares assumed issued and number of shares assumed purchased represents the dilutive shares. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. The following tables provide a description of ASUs recently issued by the FASB and the impact of their adoption on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Adopted Accounting Pronouncements The table below describes the impacts of the ASUs recently adopted by the Company.
Standard | Description | Effective Date and Method of Adoption | Impact on Financial Statements
ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures | The amendments in the ASU are intended to improve segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The key amendments include: (i) disclosures on significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss on an annual and interim basis; (ii) disclosures on an amount for other segment items by segment and a description of its composition on an annual and interim basis. The other segment items category is the difference between segment revenue less the significant expenses disclosed and each reported measure of segment profit or loss; (iii) providing all annual disclosures on a segment’s profit or loss and assets currently required by FASB ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting in interim periods; and (iv) specifying the title and position of the CODM. | Effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2024 and interim periods beginning January 1, 2025, applied on a retrospective basis. | The Company has included the enhanced disclosures within Note 2.
ASU 2023-02, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method | The amendments in this update permit reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. In addition, disclosures describing the nature of the investments and related income tax credits and benefits will be required. | January 1, 2024, the Company adopted this update, applying a modified retrospective basis. | The Company has elected to use the proportional amortization method to account for its tax equity investments that meet the required criteria. The adoption of this update resulted in a decrease to retained earnings of $219 million, net of income tax, primarily related to the Company’s tax equity investments reported within other invested assets, as of January 1, 2024.
Future Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements ASUs not listed below were assessed and either determined to be not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures. ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of December 31, 2024 that are currently being assessed and may or may not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures are summarized in the table below.
Standard | Description | Effective Date and Method of Adoption | Impact on Financial Statements
ASU 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, as amended by ASU 2025-01, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying The Effective Date | The key amendments in this update require disclosures in the notes to financial statements around employee compensation costs, depreciation, intangible asset amortization and certain other costs and expenses. Information on selling expenses incurred is also required. | Effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2027, and interim periods beginning January 1, 2028, to be applied prospectively with an option for retrospective application (with early adoption permitted). | The Company is evaluating the impact of the guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures | Among other things, the amendments in this update require that public business entities, on an annual basis: (i) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (ii) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. In addition, the amendments in this update require that all entities disclose on an annual basis the following information about income taxes paid: (i) the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal (national), state, and foreign taxes and (ii) the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid (net of refunds received) is equal to or greater than five percent of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received). | Effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2025, to be applied prospectively with an option for retrospective application (with early adoption permitted). | The Company is evaluating the impact of the guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

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