SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED AUGUST 2, 2010

 

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-147180

Preliminary Prospectus Supplement

(To Prospectus Dated November 6, 2007)

 

75,000,000 Shares

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

MetLife, Inc. is offering 75,000,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “common stock”).

 

The common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MET.” On July 30, 2010, the last reported sales price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $42.06 per share.

 

Following this offering, it is anticipated that MetLife, Inc. will offer, by means of one or more separate prospectus supplements, senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of $3.1 billion (the “additional offerings”). This offering of common stock is not conditioned on the completion of the additional offerings. There can be no assurance that the additional offerings will be completed.

 

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-21 of this prospectus supplement to read about important factors you should consider before buying shares of the common stock.

 

 

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

 

 

To the extent that the underwriters sell more than 75,000,000 shares of common stock, the underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional 11,250,000 shares from MetLife, Inc., solely to cover over-allotments, if any, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of common stock against payment therefor in New York, New York on          , 2010.

 

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prospectus Supplement dated          , 2010.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Prospectus

 

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with additional or different information. If anyone provided you with additional or different information, you should not rely on it. Neither we nor the underwriters are making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference, is accurate only as of their respective dates. MetLife’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

The common stock is offered for sale in those jurisdictions in the United States, Europe, Asia and elsewhere where it is lawful to make such offers. The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering or sale of the common stock in some jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus come are required by us and the underwriters to inform themselves about and to observe any applicable restrictions. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may not be used for or in connection with an offer or solicitation by any person in any jurisdiction in which that offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make that offer or solicitation. See “Underwriting” in this prospectus supplement.

 

You should read this prospectus supplement along with the accompanying prospectus carefully before investing in the common stock. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain the terms of this offering of common stock. This prospectus supplement may add, update or change information in the accompanying prospectus. In addition, the information incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus may have added, updated or changed information in the accompanying prospectus. If information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with any information in the accompanying prospectus (or any information incorporated therein by reference), this prospectus supplement will apply and will supersede such information.

 

It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the additional information under the caption “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to “MetLife,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to MetLife, Inc., together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, while references to “MetLife, Inc.” refer only to the holding company on an unconsolidated basis.

 

MetLife, Inc. files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These reports, proxy statements and other information can be read and copied at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room. The SEC maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding companies that file electronically with the SEC, including MetLife, Inc. MetLife, Inc.’s common stock is listed and trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MET.” These reports, proxy statements and other information can also be read at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.

 

The SEC allows “incorporation by reference” into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus of information that MetLife, Inc. files with the SEC. This permits MetLife, Inc. to disclose important information to you by referencing these filed documents. Any information referenced this way is considered part of this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, and any information filed with the SEC subsequent to the date of this prospectus will automatically be deemed to update and supersede this information. Information furnished under Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 of MetLife, Inc.’s Current Reports on Form 8-K is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. MetLife, Inc. incorporates by reference the following documents which have been filed with the SEC:

 

 

 

MetLife, Inc. incorporates by reference the documents listed above and any future filings made with the SEC in accordance with Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), until MetLife, Inc. files a post-effective amendment which indicates the termination of the offering of common stock made by this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Any reports filed by MetLife, Inc. with the SEC after the date of this prospectus supplement and before the date that the offering of common stock by means of this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus is terminated will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus.

 

MetLife, Inc. will provide without charge upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, other than exhibits to those documents, unless those exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. Requests should be directed to Investor Relations, MetLife, Inc., 1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, by electronic mail (metir@metlife.com), or by telephone (212-578-2211). You may also obtain the documents incorporated by reference into this document as of the date hereof at MetLife’s website, www.metlife.com. All other information contained on MetLife’s website is not a part of this document.

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus 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. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operations and financial results.

 

Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining MetLife’s actual future results. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors that might cause such differences include the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in MetLife, Inc.’s filings with the SEC. These factors include: (1) any delay or failure to complete the Acquisition (as defined herein) of the Alico Business (as defined herein); (2) uncertainty surrounding the consummation of this offering or the additional offerings in the absence of the completion of the Acquisition; (3) the imposition of onerous conditions following the Acquisition; (4) difficulties in integrating the Alico Business; (5) uncertainty with respect to the outcome of the closing agreement entered into between ALICO (as defined herein) and the United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in connection with the Acquisition; (6) uncertainty with respect to the making of 338 Elections (as defined herein) and any benefits therefrom; (7) an inability to manage the growth of the Alico Business; (8) a write down of the goodwill established in connection with the Acquisition; (9) exchange rate fluctuations; (10) an inability to predict the financial impact of the Acquisition on MetLife’s business and financial results; (11) events relating to AIG (as defined herein) that could adversely affect the Alico Business or MetLife; (12) the dilutive impact on MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders resulting from the issuance of equity securities to ALICO Holdings (as defined herein) in connection with the Acquisition; (13) a decrease in MetLife, Inc.’s stock price as a result of ALICO Holdings’ ability to sell its equity securities; (14) the conditional payment obligation of approximately $300 million to ALICO Holdings if the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock (as defined herein) into MetLife, Inc.’s common stock is not approved; (15) change of control provisions in the Alico Business’ agreements; (16) effects of guarantees within certain of the Alico Business’ variable life and annuity products; (17) regulatory action in the financial services industry affecting the combined business; (18) financial instability in Europe and possible write downs of sovereign debt of European nations; (19) difficult conditions in the global capital markets; (20) increased volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, which may affect MetLife’s ability to seek financing or access its credit facilities; (21) 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; (22) impact of comprehensive financial services regulation reform on MetLife; (23) exposure to financial and capital market risk; (24) changes in general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates, which may affect MetLife’s ability to raise capital, generate fee income and market-related revenue and finance statutory reserve requirements and may require MetLife to pledge collateral or make payments related to declines in value of specified assets; (25) potential liquidity and other risks resulting from MetLife’s participation in a securities lending program and other transactions; (26) investment losses and defaults, and changes to investment valuations; (27) impairments of goodwill and realized losses or market value impairments to illiquid assets; (28) defaults on MetLife’s mortgage loans; (29) the impairment of other financial institutions; (30) MetLife’s ability to address unforeseen liabilities, asset impairments or rating actions arising from any future acquisitions, including the Acquisition, and to successfully integrate acquired businesses with minimal disruption; (31) economic, political, currency and other risks relating to MetLife’s international operations; (32) MetLife, Inc.’s primary reliance, as a holding company, on dividends from its subsidiaries to meet debt payment obligations and the applicable regulatory restrictions on the ability of the subsidiaries to pay such dividends; (33) downgrades in MetLife, Inc.’s and its affiliates’ claims paying ability, financial strength or credit ratings; (34) ineffectiveness of risk management policies and procedures; (35) availability and effectiveness of reinsurance or indemnification arrangements, as well as default or failure of

counterparties to perform; (36) discrepancies between actual claims experience and assumptions used in setting prices for MetLife’s products and establishing the liabilities for MetLife’s obligations for future policy benefits and claims; (37) catastrophe losses; (38) 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; (39) unanticipated changes in industry trends; (40) changes in accounting standards, practices and/or policies; (41) changes in assumptions related to deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), deferred sales inducements (“DSI”), value of business acquired (“VOBA”) or goodwill; (42) increased expenses relating to pension and postretirement benefit plans, as well as health care and other employee benefits; (43) 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; (44) deterioration in the experience of the “closed block” established in connection with the reorganization of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”); (45) adverse results or other consequences from litigation, arbitration or regulatory investigations; (46) discrepancies between actual experience and assumptions used in establishing liabilities related to other contingencies or obligations; (47) regulatory, legislative or tax changes relating to MetLife’s insurance, banking, international, or other operations that may affect the cost of, or demand for, MetLife’s products or services, impair its ability to attract and retain talented and experienced management and other employees, or increase the cost or administrative burdens of providing benefits to employees; (48) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to terrorism, other hostilities, or natural catastrophes; (49) the effectiveness of MetLife’s programs and practices in avoiding giving its associates incentives to take excessive risks; (50) other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in MetLife, Inc.’s filings with the SEC; and (51) any of the foregoing factors as they relate to the Alico Business and its operations.

 

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.

 

In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to any of the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, please remember that they are incorporated to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:

 

 

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.

 

SUMMARY

	•	Insurance Products.  The Insurance Products segment offers a broad range of protection products and services aimed at serving the financial needs of MetLife’s customers throughout their lives. These products are sold to individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees. MetLife has built a leading position in the U.S. group insurance market through long-standing relationships with many of the largest corporate employers in the United States, and is one of the largest issuers of individual life insurance products in the United States.
	•	Retirement Products.  The Retirement products segment includes a variety of variable and fixed annuities that are primarily sold to individuals and employees of corporations and other institutions.
	•	Corporate Benefit Funding.  The Corporate Benefit Funding segment includes an array of annuity and investment products, including guaranteed interest products and other stable value products, income annuities, and separate account contracts for the investment management of defined benefit and defined contribution plan assets. This segment also includes certain products to fund postretirement benefits and company, bank or trust owned life insurance used to finance non-qualified benefit programs for executives.
	•	Auto & Home.  The Auto & Home segment includes personal lines property and casualty insurance offered directly to employees at their employer’s worksite, as well as to individuals through a variety of retail distribution channels, including independent agents, property and casualty specialists, direct response marketing and the agency distribution group.
	•	International.  International provides life insurance, accident and health insurance, credit insurance, annuities, endowment and retirement & savings products to both individuals and groups. MetLife focuses on emerging markets primarily within the Latin America, Asia Pacific and EMEI regions.

	•	Japan.  The Alico Business is among the largest foreign life insurers in Japan, which accounted for $7.8 billion, or approximately 55%, of its total revenues for the year ended November 30, 2009. Its principal products in the Japanese market are accident and health insurance, traditional life insurance, individual annuity and group life insurance. Its products are distributed through its captive agency force, independent agents, brokers, bancassurance and direct marketing.
	•	Western Europe.  Western Europe accounted for $2.7 billion, or approximately 19% of the Alico Business’ total revenues for the year ended November 30, 2009. In the Western European region, the Alico Business offers niche products combined with a multi-channel distribution approach in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. Its products are principally traditional life insurance, accident and health

		insurance and group life insurance, and its products are distributed through bancassurance, brokers, captive agencies, direct marketing, family offices, private banks, independent financial advisers and agencies. In addition, the Alico Business also provides wealth management services, particularly to the high net worth market, and other potentially high growth businesses and also offers cash onshore (unit-linked) bonds, life savings and retirement products and bulk purchase annuities.

	•	Central and Eastern Europe.  The Alico Business has the largest insurance platform in the Central and Eastern European region with 13 markets, which include Poland, Greece, Bulgaria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Russia, Romania, Hungary, Latvia, Serbia, Lithuania and Cyprus. This region accounted for $1.7 billion, or approximately 12% of the Alico Business’ total revenues for the year ended November 30, 2009. The Alico Business’ principal products offered in the region include life insurance (traditional and unit-linked), accident and health insurance, individual annuities, group life insurance, pension funds and mutual funds. Its products are distributed through captive agency, bancassurance, brokers, group sales force and direct marketing distribution channels.
	•	Middle East, Africa and South Asia.  This region accounted for $0.8 billion, or approximately 6% of the Alico Business’ total revenues for the year ended November 30, 2009. The Alico Business has the largest geographical coverage of any insurance company in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia regions with 16 markets, which include the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the area governed by the Palestinian National Authority, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Pakistan, Nepal, Yemen and Liberia. The Alico Business’ principal products offered in these regions include traditional life insurance, accident and health insurance, group life insurance and pensions. Its products are distributed through captive agency, group, bancassurance and broker distribution channels.
	•	Latin America.  The Alico Business conducts operations in the Latin American region in 24 markets, which include Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay, Panama, the Caribbean, Mexico and joint ventures in Peru and Venezuela. This region accounted for $0.8 billion, or approximately 6% of the Alico Business’ total revenues for the year ended November 30, 2009. The Alico Business’ principal products in this region include traditional life insurance, accident and health insurance, individual annuities, group life insurance and pensions, and its products are distributed by captive agencies, bancassurance, brokers, direct marketing and through worksites.

	•	Significantly Broaden MetLife’s Diversification by Product, Distribution and Geography.  The Acquisition will greatly diversify MetLife’s revenue and earnings sources by product, distribution and geography.

	•	In terms of geographic diversification, as a result of the Acquisition, MetLife will have a market presence in 64 different countries, up from 17 at present, which, MetLife believes, will create significant advantages over its international competitors by providing scale and access to many higher growth markets.
	•	The Acquisition will also diversify MetLife’s product mix by increasing the proportion of premium, fees and other revenues in accident and health insurance products and certain types of traditional life insurance

		products, where the primary risks are morbidity and mortality, and reducing MetLife’s relative exposure to market-sensitive products such as annuities. For the year ended November 30, 2009, accident and health insurance and traditional life insurance products accounted for 64% in the aggregate of the Alico Business’ total revenues.

	•	As a result of the Acquisition, MetLife’s distribution sources will be further diversified. In addition to MetLife’s existing professional agency, employers and third-party distribution channels, MetLife will, in the future, have the benefit of adding the Alico Business’ captive and independent agency and direct marketing distribution channels, as well as enhancing its own third-party distribution channel by combining it with that of the Alico Business.

	•	Meaningfully Accelerate MetLife’s Global Growth Strategy.  The Acquisition will materially advance MetLife’s presence in mature markets such as Japan and Western Europe and establish leading positions for MetLife in many emerging and developing markets. For the year ended November 30, 2009, approximately $7.8 billion, or approximately 55%, of the Alico Business’ revenues were generated in the Japanese market. Another $2.7 billion, or approximately 19%, of its 2009 revenues were generated in Western Europe. The Acquisition will result in the formation of a premier global life insurance franchise, and, according to premium income information derived from the AXCO Insurance Information Services Ltd. 2008 reports, the combined business will be ranked (i) the number one life insurer in the United States, Mexico and Chile, (ii) the number one insurer for individual life insurance in Russia and (iii) the number one foreign life insurer in Japan, with a growing presence in India and China and a significant presence in Europe.

	•	Create the Opportunity to Build an Unparalleled International Franchise Leveraging the Alico Business’ Key Strengths.  The Alico Business has an established track record of organic growth. At the core of the Alico Business’ strength are its broad geographic diversification, its leading position in many of the markets in which it operates, as well as its diversified distribution methods and balanced product mix favoring protection products. MetLife believes that this strong positioning, coupled with the Alico Business’ longstanding presence in markets that are now effectively closed to new entrants as a result of their restrictive regulatory regimes, makes its platform extremely difficult to replicate today. Accordingly, the Acquisition will create a unique opportunity to continue to build MetLife as an unparalleled international franchise leveraging the Alico Business’ key strengths.

		June 30, 2010
		(In millions)
Selected Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet Items:
Investments and cash and cash equivalents		$	462,691
Total assets			685,023
Long-term debt			26,773
Total liabilities (including redeemable noncontrolling interest of $129 million)			636,089
Total stockholders’ equity (excluding noncontrolling interests of $495 million)			48,439

		For the Six
		Months Ended				For the Year Ended
		June 30, 2010				December 31, 2009
		(In millions, except per share data)
Selected Pro Forma Combined Income Statement Items:
Premiums, fees and other revenues		$	22,436			$	43,661
Total revenues			34,053				54,256
Total expenses			29,551				56,980
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax			2,979				(1,279	)
Income (loss) per common share from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to common shareholders
Basic		$	2.78			$	(1.36	)
Diluted		$	2.77			$	(1.36	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic			1,044				1,040
Diluted			1,051				1,040

		Anticipated
		Financing Amount
		(In millions)
Sources:
Cash		$	657
Fixed/floating rate senior debt			3,100
MetLife, Inc. common stock			3,155
Total cash financing			6,912
Series B Preferred Stock issued to ALICO Holdings			2,884
MetLife, Inc. common stock issued to ALICO Holdings			3,291
MetLife, Inc. Equity Units issued to ALICO Holdings			3,165
Total securities issued to ALICO Holdings			9,340
Total source of funds		$	16,252
Uses:
Debt and equity issuance costs		$	112
Purchase price			16,140
Total uses of funds		$	16,252
Purchase Price Allocation:
Total purchase price		$	16,140
Effective settlement of pre-existing relationships			(456	)
Contractual purchase price adjustments			364
Fair value of noncontrolling interests			146
Total purchase consideration for the Alico Business		$	16,194
Carrying value of net balance sheet assets acquired			13,329
Pre-closing adjustments			300
Carrying value of net assets to be acquired			13,629
Estimated acquisition accounting adjustments			(2,012	)
Estimated fair value of net assets acquired			11,617
Goodwill		$	4,577

Issuer		MetLife, Inc.
Securities offered		75,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of MetLife, Inc.
		To the extent that the underwriters sell more than 75,000,000 shares of common stock, the underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional 11,250,000 shares of common stock, solely to cover over-allotments, if any.
Common stock outstanding at June 30, 2010, as adjusted for this offering		895,397,071 shares of common stock (906,647,071 shares of common stock assuming the exercise of the over-allotment option in full), not including shares of common stock to be issued as consideration in the Acquisition.
Use of proceeds		We estimate that the net proceeds of this offering will be $      (or $      assuming the exercise of the over-allotment option in full). We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund a portion of the purchase price for the Acquisition. In the event that the net proceeds from this offering and the additional offerings exceed the amount required for the Acquisition, we will use the excess net proceeds for general corporate purposes. In the event that the Acquisition is not consummated, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of the common stock for general corporate purposes.
New York Stock Exchange symbol		MET
Additional Offerings		Following this offering, it is anticipated that MetLife, Inc. will offer, by means of one or more separate prospectus supplements, senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of $3.1 billion. This offering of common stock is not conditioned on the completion of the additional offerings. There can be no assurance that the additional offerings will be completed.

 

In considering whether to purchase common stock, you should carefully consider all the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus. In particular, you should carefully consider the following risk factors.

 

Risks Relating to the Acquisition of the Alico Business

 

The Acquisition of the Alico Business May Not Be Completed Within the Expected Timeframe, or At All

 

Completion of the Acquisition is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver) of a number of conditions precedent, including relevant antitrust and regulatory clearances. Any relevant regulatory agency may refuse its approval or seek to make its approval subject to compliance with unanticipated or onerous conditions. The Acquisition is also subject to a number of other conditions beyond our control that may prevent, delay or otherwise negatively affect its completion. We cannot predict whether and when these other conditions will be satisfied. Failure to complete the Acquisition would, and any delay in completing the Acquisition could, prevent us from realizing the benefits that we expect from the Acquisition.

 

This Offering of Common Stock is Not Conditioned on the Completion of the Acquisition

 

This offering of common stock is not conditioned on the completion of the Acquisition. Although certain information contained in this prospectus supplement generally assumes the completion of the Acquisition, we cannot assure you that the Acquisition, this common stock offering or the additional offerings will be consummated on the terms described in this prospectus supplement or at all. The completion of the Acquisition, this common stock offering and the additional offerings are all subject to a number of conditions precedent, which may or may not be satisfied. If we do not complete the Acquisition, we will retain broad discretion to use the net proceeds from this offering of common stock for general corporate purposes.

 

Regulatory Agencies in Certain Jurisdictions May Impose Onerous Conditions Following the Acquisition

 

In certain jurisdictions, although consent may not be required from the relevant regulator, there is a risk that the regulator may impose onerous requirements on the Alico Business or MetLife following the Acquisition. These conditions could have the effect, among other things, of imposing significant additional costs, limiting our revenues, requiring divestitures of certain assets, reducing the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition or imposing other operating restrictions.

 

We May Experience Difficulties in Integrating the Alico Business, Including Its Joint Ventures and Other Arrangements with Third Parties

 

Our ability to achieve the benefits we anticipate from the Acquisition will depend in large part upon whether we are able to integrate the Alico Business into our business in an efficient and effective manner. We may not be able to integrate the Alico Business smoothly or successfully and the process may take longer than expected. The integration of certain operations and the differences in operational culture following the Acquisition will require the dedication of significant management resources, which may distract management’s attention from day-to-day business operations. Integration planning has already required significant management resources. If we are unable to successfully integrate the operations of the Alico Business into MetLife, we may be unable to realize the cross-selling and other distribution benefits, revenue growth and other anticipated benefits we expect to achieve as a result of the Acquisition and our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

The success with which we are able to integrate the Alico Business will depend on our ability to manage a variety of issues, including the following:

 

 

 

There is the risk that MetLife, Inc. will be exposed to obligations and liabilities of the Alico Business that are not adequately covered, in amount, scope or duration, by the indemnification provisions in the Stock Purchase Agreement or reflected or reserved for in the Alico Business’ historical financial statements, and there is the risk that such historical financial statements may contain errors. The Stock Purchase Agreement provides that ALICO Holdings will indemnify MetLife, Inc. for losses arising out of inaccuracies or breaches of representations or warranties, or the breach or failure to perform covenants or agreements set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement, in addition to losses arising out of certain matters identified during MetLife’s due diligence review of the Alico Business. However, the survival periods for bringing, and the monetary limitations imposed on, certain indemnification claims may result in insufficient protection from all potential losses that MetLife, Inc. may suffer in connection with the Acquisition. For example, pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, ALICO Holdings has agreed to indemnify MetLife, Inc. against losses arising out of a breach of a representation and warranty relating to the absence of undisclosed liabilities. However, in the event that MetLife, Inc. suffers a loss because of the existence of a liability of the Alico Business that was required to be disclosed and was not disclosed by ALICO Holdings to MetLife, Inc., we cannot be certain that indemnification by ALICO Holdings will be, among other things, collectible or sufficient in amount, scope or duration to fully offset any such loss since losses arising from any such breach will be subject to a 21-month survival period and an indemnification deductible and cap. MetLife, Inc. is indemnified under the Stock Purchase Agreement for various tax matters, including U.S. federal income taxes attributable to periods during which the Alico Business was included in AIG’s consolidated federal income tax return. We cannot be certain that any such indemnification will ultimately be fully collectible. We may also become exposed to obligations and liabilities that were undiscovered in the course of performing due diligence of the Alico Business in connection with the Acquisition and, therefore, may not be adequately addressed in the Stock Purchase Agreement. See “Proposed Acquisition of the Alico Business — Indemnification.” Any of these liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

We expect to incur significant one-time costs in connection with the Acquisition and the related integration of the Alico Business. The costs and liabilities actually incurred in connection with the Acquisition and subsequent integration process may exceed those anticipated.

 

In addition, we and the Alico Business operate in certain markets through joint ventures. Our ability to exercise management control or influence over these joint venture operations and our investment in them will depend on the continued cooperation between the joint venture participants and on the terms of the joint venture agreements, which allocate control among the joint venture participants. We may face financial or other exposure in the event that any of these joint venture partners fail to meet their obligations under the joint venture, encounter financial difficulty or elect to alter, modify or terminate the relationship. In addition, a significant proportion of the Alico Business’ product distribution is and will be carried out through arrangements with third parties not controlled by the Alico Business and is dependent upon continuation of these relationships. A temporary or permanent disruption to these distribution arrangements could adversely affect the combined business’ results of operations following the Acquisition.

There Can Be No Assurance That the Closing Agreement ALICO Entered Into With the IRS Will Achieve Its Intended Effect, or That ALICO Will Be Able to Comply with the Related Agreed Upon Plan

 

On March 4, 2010, ALICO entered into a closing agreement with the Commissioner of the IRS with respect to a U.S. withholding tax issue arising from payments by foreign branches of a life insurance company incorporated under U.S. law. IRS Revenue Ruling 2004-75, effective January 1, 2005, requires foreign branches of U.S. life insurance companies in certain circumstances to withhold U.S. income taxes on payments of taxable income made with respect to certain insurance and annuity products paid to customers resident in a foreign country. The closing agreement provides transitional relief under Section 7805(b) of the Code to ALICO, such that ALICO’s foreign branches will not be required to withhold U.S. income tax on the income portion of payments made pursuant to ALICO’s life insurance and annuity contracts (“Covered Payments”) under IRS Revenue Ruling 2004-75 for any tax periods beginning on January 1, 2005 and ending on December 31, 2013 (the “Deferral Period”). The closing agreement provides that ALICO will submit a plan to the IRS within 90 days after the close of the Acquisition, indicating the steps ALICO will take (on a country by country basis) to ensure that no substantial amount of U.S. withholding tax will arise from Covered Payments made by ALICO’s foreign branches to foreign customers after the Deferral Period. In addition, the closing agreement requires that such plan be updated in quarterly filings with the IRS. The closing agreement is final and binding upon ALICO and the IRS; provided, however, that the agreement can be reopened in the event of malfeasance, fraud or a misrepresentation of a material fact, and is subject to change of law risk that occurs after the effective date of the closing agreement (with certain exceptions). In addition, the closing agreement provides that no legislative amendment to Section 861(a)(1)(A) of the Code shall shorten the Deferral Period, regardless of when such amendment is enacted. We expect that the plan ALICO is required to deliver to the IRS may involve the transfer of businesses from certain of the foreign branches of ALICO to one or more existing or newly-formed foreign affiliates of ALICO; however, ALICO has not completed this plan. Although it is not known at this time, there could be potentially significant costs associated with the implementation of the plan and, in addition, there can be no assurance that ALICO will achieve the plan presented to the IRS within the required time frame of December 31, 2013 because of regulatory approvals and other requirements. Failure to achieve the plan in a timely manner could cause ALICO to be required to withhold U.S. income taxes on the taxable portion of payments made by ALICO’s foreign branches after December 31, 2013 to customers resident in a foreign country, which could put ALICO at a competitive disadvantage with its competitors that sell similar products through foreign entities and could have a material adverse effect on ALICO’s future revenues or expenses or both.

 

There Can Be No Assurance That Any Elections Under Section 338 of the Code Will Be Made or That Any Incremental Benefit Will Result From Such Elections, If Made

 

ALICO Holdings is making elections under Section 338(g) of the Code (and, as appropriate, Section 338(h)(10) of the Code) (collectively, “338 Elections”) with respect to ALICO Holdings’ acquisition of ALICO and certain of its subsidiaries in 2009. As a result of these elections, ALICO is expected to realize certain tax benefits in the future. In addition, MetLife, Inc. has the right under the Stock Purchase Agreement to have 338 Elections made, at its option, with respect to its acquisition of ALICO and its subsidiaries. The incremental benefit of these additional 338 Elections, if made, will depend on the value of MetLife, Inc.’s stock at the time of the closing of the Acquisition that is issued to ALICO Holdings as part of the purchase price for ALICO and the effectiveness of such elections, among other things. It has been assumed for purposes of the unaudited capsule pro forma financial information included herein, that additional 338 Elections will be made and that ALICO and its subsidiaries will have additional amortizable basis in their assets for U.S. tax purposes as a result of such additional elections. MetLife, Inc. has entered into certain arrangements with the underwriters with respect to the offering so as to facilitate the preservation of MetLife, Inc.’s eligibility to make 338 Elections with respect to ALICO and its eligible subsidiaries. No assurance can be given, however, that such additional elections will be made or as to the incremental benefit, if any, that will result from such elections, if made.

 

Following the Acquisition, the Prospects of the Combined Business May Be Materially and Adversely Affected if We Are Not Able to Manage the Growth of the Alico Business’ Operations Successfully

 

The life insurance markets in many of the international markets in which the Alico Business operates have experienced significant growth in recent years. Management of the Alico Business’ growth to date has required significant management and operational resources and is likely to continue to do so. Future growth of our combined

business will require, among other things, the continued development of adequate underwriting and claim handling capabilities and skills, sufficient capital base, increased marketing and sales activities, and the hiring and training of new personnel.

 

There can be no assurance that we will be successful in managing future growth. In particular, there may be difficulties in hiring and training sufficient numbers of customer service personnel and agents to keep pace with any future growth in the number of customers in our developing or developed markets. In addition, we may experience difficulties in upgrading, developing and expanding information technology systems quickly enough to accommodate any future growth. If we are unable to manage future growth following the Acquisition, our prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

 

If the Alico Business Does Not Perform Well or We Do Not Integrate It Successfully, We May Incur Significant Charges to Write Down the Goodwill Established in the Acquisition

 

As a result of the Acquisition, we expect goodwill will increase substantially. See “Summary — Unaudited Pro Forma Capsule Financial Information.” Under applicable accounting guidance, we must test our goodwill annually for impairment and, if we determine that the goodwill has been impaired, we must write down the goodwill by the amount of the impairment, with a corresponding charge to net income. If the Alico Business does not perform well or we do not integrate it successfully, the reporting units containing parts of the Alico Business may have fair values lower than their respecting carrying values, which would result in a write down of goodwill. As such, this could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

We Are and, Following the Acquisition, Will Be Subject to the Risk of Exchange Rate Fluctuations Owing to the Geographical Diversity of Our Combined Business

 

Due to our geographical diversity and the Alico Business’ significant international operations, following the Acquisition we will be subject to increased risk of exchange rate fluctuations. In particular, in periods when any foreign currency in which we derive our revenues (such as the Japanese yen) weakens, translating amounts expressed in that currency into U.S. dollars causes fewer U.S. dollars to be reported. When the relevant foreign currency strengthens, translating such currency into U.S. dollars causes more U.S. dollars to be reported. Between March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010, the Japanese yen has strengthened against the U.S. dollar, which fluctuated from a low point of ¥88.45 to the U.S. dollar on June 29, 2010 to a high point of ¥94.67 to the U.S. dollar on April 2, 2010, which has been somewhat offset by the weakening of the euro, which fluctuated from a high point of 0.8382 euro to the U.S. dollar on June 7, 2010, to 0.7339 euro to the U.S. dollar on April 14, 2010. Any unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The weakening of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar will generally adversely affect the value of investments in U.S. dollar terms and reduce the level of reserves denominated in that currency. See “— Risks Related to Our Business — Fluctuations in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Could Negatively Affect Our Profitability” below.

 

The Unaudited Pro Forma Capsule Financial Information in This Prospectus Supplement May Not Be Indicative of What Our Actual Financial Position or Results of Operations Would Have Been

 

The unaudited pro forma capsule financial information contained in this prospectus supplement is not necessarily indicative of what our actual financial position or results of operations would have been had the Acquisition been completed on the dates indicated. It is presented for illustrative purposes only and has not been presented in accordance with the SEC’s Regulation S-X rules on pro forma financial information because we are not required to do so yet. The unaudited pro forma capsule financial information reflects adjustments, which are based upon preliminary estimates, to allocate the purchase price to the net assets of the Alico Business. The purchase price allocation as well as other assumptions reflected in this prospectus supplement are preliminary, and the final allocation of the purchase price will be based upon the actual purchase price and the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the Alico Business as of the date of the completion of the Acquisition. In addition, subsequent to the completion of the Acquisition, there may be further refinements of the purchase price allocation as additional information becomes available. Accordingly, the final purchase accounting adjustments may differ materially from the pro forma adjustments reflected in this prospectus supplement. In addition, the unaudited pro forma capsule financial information is based in substantial part on an estimate relating to the financing of the Acquisition, as well

as adjustments reflecting the fair value of ALICO’s noncontrolling interest and a reduction for MetLife, Inc. debt securities and guaranteed investment contracts owned by the Alico Business that are effectively extinguished as a result of the Acquisition. These estimates, although made in good faith, may not be correct, in which case the unaudited pro forma capsule financial information could be materially incorrect. See “Summary — Unaudited Pro Forma Capsule Financial Information” for more information.

 

The Carve Out Financial Statements of the Alico Business Incorporated by Reference Herein Are Not Representative of the Future Financial Position, Future Results of Operations or Future Cash Flows of the Alico Business as Part of MetLife Nor Do They Reflect What the Financial Position, Results of Operations or Cash Flows of the Alico Business Would Have Been as a Part of MetLife During the Periods Presented

 

The financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Alico Business presented in the carve-out financial statements of the Alico Business, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, may be different from those that would have resulted had the Alico Business been operated as part of MetLife or different from those that may result in the future from the Alico Business being operated as a part of MetLife. This is primarily because, among other things:

 

 

Events Relating to AIG Could Continue to Harm the Alico Business and Its Reputation and Could Also Harm Our Business and Reputation

 

Following the financial difficulties involving AIG, the Alico Business’ customers, agents and employees, regulators and business counterparties expressed concerns about the business and financial condition of AIG and, consequently, the Alico Business. As a result, the Alico Business experienced certain adverse consequences to its business and reputation, including a temporary increase in policy surrenders and withdrawals and a reduction in new business, primarily attributable to a perceived reduction in its financial strength. In addition, any perception of additional instability surrounding AIG or other events related or relating to AIG may adversely impact the reputation of the Alico Business. Furthermore, following the completion of the Acquisition, the Alico Business will continue to have relationships with AIG, including the receipt and provision of services. See “Proposed Acquisition of the Alico Business — Other Ancillary Agreements.” There is also a risk that following the Acquisition, our association with the Alico Business (and therefore AIG) may cause our business to suffer. For example, we may face higher withdrawals, lower new business sales, a negative impact on relations with creditors, a negative impact on our credit ratings or restrictions on the ability of the Alico Business to pay dividends or transfer assets in certain jurisdictions.

 

The Issuance of Certain Equity Securities to ALICO Holdings in Connection with the Acquisition Will Have a Dilutive Impact on MetLife, Inc.’s Stockholders

 

As part of the consideration to be paid to Alico Holdings pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, and subject to certain purchase price adjustments, MetLife, Inc. will issue to ALICO Holdings (A) 78,239,712 shares of its common stock, (B) 6,857,000 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock, which will be convertible into approximately 68,570,000 shares of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock (subject to anti-dilution adjustments) upon a favorable vote of MetLife, Inc.’s common stockholders, and (C) $3.0 billion aggregate stated amount of the Equity Units, which, as currently structured, will initially consist of (x) forward purchase contracts obligating the holder to purchase a variable number of shares of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock on each of three specified future settlement dates (expected to be approximately two, three and four years after the closing of the Acquisition) for a fixed amount per purchase contract (an aggregate of $1.0 billion on each settlement date) (the “Stock Purchase Contracts”) and (y) an interest in shares of the Unit Preferred Stock. The aggregate amount of

MetLife, Inc.’s common stock expected to be issued to ALICO Holdings in connection with the Acquisition (including shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and shares of common stock issuable upon settlement of the Stock Purchase Contracts) is expected to be approximately 214,600,000 to 231,500,000 shares.

 

As a result of the issuance of these securities, more shares of common stock will be outstanding and each existing stockholder will own a smaller percentage of our common stock then outstanding.

 

Subject to Certain Limitations, ALICO Holdings Will Be Able to Sell MetLife, Inc.’s Equity Securities at Any Time From and After the Date 270 Days After the Closing of the Acquisition, Which Could Cause MetLife, Inc.’s Stock Price to Decrease

 

ALICO Holdings will agree in accordance with the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement to be entered into at the closing of the Acquisition (the “Investor Rights Agreement”), not to transfer any of MetLife, Inc.’s securities received pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, at any time up to the date 270 days after the closing of the Acquisition. However, from and after such date, ALICO Holdings will be able to transfer up to half of such equity securities, and from and after the first anniversary of the closing of the Acquisition, ALICO Holdings will be able to transfer all of such securities, subject in each case to certain limited volume and timing restrictions set forth in the Investor Rights Agreement. Moreover, ALICO Holdings will agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to transfer, and it will cause its affiliates to so transfer, all of MetLife, Inc.’s securities received in connection with the Acquisition prior to the later of (i) the fifth anniversary of the closing of the Acquisition, and (ii) the first anniversary of the third stock purchase date under the Stock Purchase Contracts. Subject to certain conditions, we have agreed to register the resale of MetLife, Inc.’s equity and other securities to be issued to ALICO Holdings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The sale or transfer of a substantial number of these securities within a short period of time could cause MetLife, Inc.’s stock price to decrease, make it more difficult for us to raise funds through future offerings of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock or acquire other businesses using MetLife, Inc.’s common stock as consideration.

 

If MetLife, Inc.’s Stockholders Do Not Vote to Approve the Conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock Into Common Stock, MetLife, Inc. Will Be Required to Pay Approximately $300 Million to ALICO Holdings

 

ALICO Holdings will receive shares of the Series B Preferred Stock at the date of completion of the Acquisition. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock will convert into 10 shares of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock if conversion is approved by MetLife, Inc.’s common stockholders. If we fail to obtain such approval prior to the first anniversary of the closing of the Acquisition, MetLife, Inc. will be required to pay approximately $300 million to ALICO Holdings, assuming no purchase price adjustments, and list the Series B Preferred Stock on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Change of Control Provisions in the Alico Business’ Agreements May Be Triggered Upon the Completion of the Acquisition and May Lead to Adverse Consequences

 

We and the Alico Business are party to contracts, agreements and instruments, including reinsurance contracts, that contain change of control provisions that may be triggered upon the completion of the Acquisition. Agreements with change of control provisions typically provide for, or permit the termination of, the agreement upon the occurrence of a change of control of one of the parties or, in the case of debt instruments, require repayment of the outstanding indebtedness. Usually these provisions, if any, may be waived with the consent of the other party, and we will consider whether to seek these waivers. In the absence of these waivers, the operation of the change of control provisions, if any, could result in the loss of significant contractual rights and benefits, the termination of significant agreements, the payment of a termination fee or the need to renegotiate financing agreements. In addition, employment agreements or other employee benefit arrangements may contain change of control provisions providing for additional payments following a change of control.

Guarantees Within Certain of Alico Business’ Variable Life and Annuity Products That Protect Policyholders Against Significant Downturns in Equity Markets May Increase the Volatility of Results, Increase ALICO’s Exposure to Foreign Exchange Risk, and Decrease Alico Business’ Earnings

 

The Alico Business has certain variable life and annuity products with little or no cash value that contain guaranteed death benefits. If policyholder lapses are less than expected or if investment performance is worse than expected, these guarantees will become more valuable, increasing liabilities, resulting in a reduction in net income. Also, the Alico Business has funding agreement liabilities that guarantee payment of the highest fund value over the life of the funding agreement, protecting the policyholder even if the fund value declines at the maturity date. If fund values decline, the value of these guarantees will increase, increasing the liabilities associated with these contracts, resulting in a reduction of net income. In addition, certain products are exposed to foreign exchange risk. Payments under these contracts may be required to be made in different currencies, depending on the circumstances. Therefore, payments may be required in a different currency than the currency upon which the liability valuation is based. If the currency upon which expected future payments are made strengthens relative to the currency upon which the liability valuation is based, the liability valuation may increase, resulting in a reduction of net income.

 

The Resolution of Several Issues Affecting the Financial Services Industry Could Have a Negative Impact on Our Reported Results and, Following the Acquisition, the Combined Business’ Reported Results or on Its Relations with Current and Potential Customers

 

Both we and the Alico Business are and, following the Acquisition, will continue to be subject to legal and regulatory actions in the ordinary course of our business, both in the United States and internationally. This could result in a review 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 the United States, federal and state regulators have focused on, and continue to devote substantial attention to, the mutual fund, fixed, index and variable annuity and insurance product industries. This includes new regulations in respect of the suitability of broker-dealers’ sales of certain products. 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.

 

In Asia, where the Alico Business 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. See “— Risks Related to Our Business — 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 Alico Business’ Investment Portfolio Contains a Substantial Amount of Sovereign Debt of European Nations, Which May Be Written Down as a Result of Financial Instability in Europe

 

The Alico Business’ investment portfolio contains investments in government bonds issued by European nations. Recently, the European Union member states have experienced above average public debt, inflation and unemployment as the global economic downturn has developed. A number of member states are significantly impacted by the economies of their more influential neighbors, such as Germany. In addition, financial troubles of one nation can trigger a domino effect on others. In particular, a number of large European banks hold significant amounts of sovereign financial institution debt of other European nations and could experience difficulties as a result of defaults or declines in the value of such debt.

 

In response to the financial crises affecting certain member states, including Greece, Spain, Ireland and Portugal, on May 10, 2010, the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund announced a rescue package of up to €750 billion, or approximately $1 trillion, for European nations in the euro area. Although the rescue package is intended to stabilize these economies, there can be no assurance that such

package ultimately will be successful. Recent sovereign debt issuances have been well received by investors, but, to the extent that the rescue package does not achieve its intended effect, European nations such as Greece could continue to incur widening credit spreads and depressed asset valuations. In such case, the Alico Business may be forced to write down the value of the Greek bonds contained in its investment portfolio, and it could experience similar results with respect to its investments in securities issued by other countries in the region.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

The Alico Business is similar to our own business in many respects, and the Acquisition will increase our exposure to many of the risks described below.

 

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 United States and elsewhere around the world. Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in global capital markets or in particular markets or financial asset classes can have an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio. Disruptions in one market or asset class can also spread to other markets or asset classes. Although the disruption in the global financial markets that began in late 2007 has moderated, not all global financial markets are functioning normally, and some remain reliant upon government intervention and liquidity. Upheavals in the financial markets can also affect our business through their effects on general levels of economic activity, employment and customer behavior. Although many economists believe the recent recession ended in the third quarter of 2009, after a brief rebound, the recovery has slowed, and the unemployment rate is expected to remain high for some time. In addition, inflation has fallen over the last several years and remains at very low levels. Some economists believe that disinflation and deflation risk remains in the economy. Our revenues 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 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 annuity products. The account values of these products decrease as a result of downturns in capital markets. Decreases in account values reduce the fees generated by our variable annuity products, cause the amortization of deferred acquisition costs to accelerate and could increase the level of liabilities we must carry to support those variable annuities issued with any associated guarantees.

 

Factors such as consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, 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 market turmoil 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,” “— President Obama Recently Signed a Bill Providing for Comprehensive Reform of Financial Services Regulation in the United States, Various Aspects of Which Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth,” “— Our Insurance and Banking Businesses Are Heavily Regulated, and Changes in Regulation May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth” and “— Competitive Factors May Adversely Affect Our Market Share and Profitability.”

Adverse Capital and Credit Market Conditions May Significantly Affect Our Ability to Meet Liquidity Needs, Access to Capital and Cost of Capital

 

The capital and credit markets are sometimes subject to periods of extreme volatility and disruption. Such volatility and disruption could cause liquidity and credit capacity for certain issuers to be limited.

 

We need liquidity to pay our operating expenses, interest on our debt and dividends on our capital stock, maintain our securities lending activities and replace certain maturing liabilities. Without sufficient liquidity, we will be forced to curtail our operations, and our business will suffer. The principal sources of our liquidity are insurance premiums, annuity considerations, deposit funds, and cash flow from our investment portfolio and assets, consisting mainly of cash or assets that are readily convertible into cash. Sources of liquidity in normal markets also include short-term instruments such as funding agreements and commercial paper. Sources of capital in normal markets include long-term instruments, medium- and long-term debt, junior subordinated debt securities, capital securities and equity securities.

 

In the event market or other conditions have an adverse impact on our capital and liquidity beyond expectations and our current resources do not satisfy our needs, we may have to seek additional financing. The availability of additional financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, regulatory considerations, the general availability of credit, the volume of trading activities, the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry, our credit ratings and credit capacity, as well as the possibility that customers or lenders could develop a negative perception of our long- or short-term financial prospects if we incur large investment losses or if the level of our business activity decreases due to a market downturn. Similarly, our access to funds may be impaired if regulatory authorities or rating agencies take negative actions against us. Our internal sources of liquidity may prove to be insufficient and, in such case, we may not be able to successfully obtain additional financing on favorable terms, or at all.

 

Our liquidity requirements may change if, among other things, we are required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice under securities lending agreements.

 

Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the capital and credit markets may also limit our access to capital required to operate our business, most significantly our insurance operations. Such market conditions may limit our ability to replace, in a timely manner, maturing liabilities; satisfy statutory capital requirements; and access the capital necessary to grow our business. As such, we may be forced to delay raising capital, issue different types of securities than we would otherwise, less effectively deploy such capital, issue shorter tenor securities than we prefer, or bear an unattractive cost of capital which could decrease our profitability and significantly reduce our financial flexibility. Our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and statutory capital position could be materially adversely affected by disruptions in the financial markets.

 

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 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) gave the U.S. Treasury the authority to, among other things, purchase up to $700.0 billion of securities (including newly issued preferred shares and subordinated debt) from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets. The U.S. federal government, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and other governmental and regulatory bodies also took other actions to address the financial crisis. For example, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York made funds available to commercial and financial companies under a number of programs, including the Commercial Paper Funding Facility, which expired in early 2010. The U.S. Treasury established programs based in part on EESA and in part on the separate authority of the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC, to foster purchases from and by banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions of certain kinds of assets for which valuations have been low and markets weak. Although such actions appear to have provided some stability to the financial markets, our business, financial condition and results of operations and the trading price of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock could be materially and adversely affected to the extent that credit availability and prices for financial assets revert to their low levels of late 2008 and early 2009 or do not improve

further. These programs have largely run their course or been discontinued. More likely to be relevant to MetLife, Inc. are the monetary policy by the Federal Reserve Board and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”), which was recently signed by President Obama and will significantly change financial regulation in the U.S. in a number of areas that could affect MetLife. We cannot predict what impact, if any, this could have on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

It is not certain what effect the enactment of Dodd-Frank will have on the financial markets, the availability of credit, asset prices and MetLife’s operations. See “— President Obama Recently Signed a Bill Providing for Comprehensive Reform of Financial Services Regulation in the United States, Various Aspects of Which Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth.” Furthermore, Congress has considered, and may consider in the future, legislative proposals that could impact the estimated fair value of mortgage loans, such as legislation that would permit bankruptcy courts to rewrite the terms of a mortgage contract, including reducing the principal balance of mortgage loans owed by bankrupt borrowers, or legislation that requires loan modifications. If such legislation is enacted, it could cause loss of principal on certain of our non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed security (“RMBS”) holdings and could cause a ratings downgrade in such holdings which, in turn, would cause an increase in unrealized losses on such securities and increase the risk-based capital that we must hold to support such securities. See “— We Are Exposed to Significant Financial and Capital Markets Risk Which May Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations, Financial Condition and Liquidity, and Our Net Investment Income Can Vary from Period to Period.” In 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. 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 Congress will be willing to make the necessary appropriations, what the public’s sentiment would be towards any such appropriations, or what additional requirements or conditions might be imposed on the use of any such additional funds.

 

The choices made by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC in their distribution of funds under EESA and 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 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 “— Competitive Factors May Adversely Affect Our Market Share and Profitability.” See also “— 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” and “— Our Insurance and Banking Businesses Are Heavily Regulated, and Changes in Regulation May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth.”

 

Our Insurance and Banking Businesses Are Heavily Regulated, and Changes in Regulation May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth

 

Our insurance operations are subject to a wide variety of insurance and other laws and regulations. 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 and operate.

 

State laws in the United States grant insurance regulatory authorities broad administrative powers with respect to, among other things:

 

 

 

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.

 

State insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) regularly reexamine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, are often made for the benefit of the consumer at the expense of the insurer and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The NAIC and several states’ legislatures have considered the need for regulations and/or laws to address agent or broker practices that have been the focus of investigations of broker compensation in the State of New York and in other jurisdictions. The NAIC adopted a Compensation Disclosure Amendment to its Producers Licensing Model Act which, if adopted by the states, would require disclosure by agents or brokers to customers that insurers will compensate such agents or brokers for the placement of insurance and documented acknowledgement of this arrangement in cases where the customer also compensates the agent or broker. Several states have enacted laws similar to the NAIC amendment. Others have enacted laws or proposed disclosure regulations which, under differing circumstances, require disclosure of specific compensation earned by a producer on the sale of an insurance or annuity product. We cannot predict how many states may promulgate the NAIC amendment or alternative regulations or the extent to which these regulations may have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

Currently, the U.S. federal government does not directly regulate the business of insurance. However, federal legislation and administrative policies in several areas can significantly and adversely affect insurance companies. These areas include financial services regulation, securities regulation, pension regulation, 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. As part of a comprehensive reform of financial services regulation, Dodd-Frank creates an office within the federal government to collect information about the insurance industry, recommend prudential standards, and represent the United States in dealings with foreign insurance regulators. 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 “— President Obama Recently Signed a Bill Providing for Comprehensive Reform of Financial Services Regulation in the United States, Various Aspects of Which Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth.”

As a federally chartered national 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 may apply as well. MetLife Bank is principally regulated by the 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:

 

 

In addition, the ability of MetLife Bank to pay dividends could be reduced by any additional capital requirements that might be imposed as a result of the enactment of Dodd-Frank.

 

Furthermore, Dodd-Frank establishes a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that would supervise and regulate institutions providing certain financial products and services to consumers. Although the consumer financial services to which this legislation would apply would exclude certain insurance business, the new Bureau would have authority to regulate consumer services provided by MetLife Bank. Federal pre-emption of state consumer protection laws applicable to banking services would be significantly restricted under the bills, which would increase the regulatory and compliance burden on MetLife Bank and 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 impact the business and operations of MetLife Bank.

 

In addition, bank regulatory agencies have issued proposed interagency guidance for funding and liquidity risk management that would apply to MetLife, Inc. as a bank holding company. 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 assessment for banks with assets of $10 billion or more, which includes MetLife Bank. Federal and state 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.

 

Our international operations are subject to regulation in the jurisdictions in which they operate, which in many ways is similar to that of the state regulation outlined above. This regulation may 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. See “— 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.”

 

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is time consuming and personnel-intensive, and changes in these laws and regulations may materially increase our direct and indirect compliance and other expenses of doing business, thus having a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

From time to time, regulators raise issues during examinations or audits of MetLife, Inc.’s subsidiaries that could, if determined adversely, have a material impact on us. We cannot predict whether or when regulatory actions may be taken that could adversely affect our operations. In addition, the interpretations of regulations by regulators may change and statutes may be enacted with retroactive impact, particularly in areas such as accounting or statutory reserve requirements.

 

We are also subject to other regulations and may in the future become subject to additional regulations.

 

President Obama Recently Signed a Bill Providing for Comprehensive Reform of Financial Services Regulation in the United States, Various Aspects of Which 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 and our profitability and limit our growth. For example:

 

 

 

 

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 capital requirements are imposed, and to the extent any new prudential supervisory standards are imposed on MetLife, Inc. but not on its competitors. 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 “— 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.”

 

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 can be significantly greater than our historical measures indicate.

 

We Are Exposed to Significant Financial and Capital Markets Risk Which May Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations, Financial Condition and Liquidity, and Our Net Investment Income Can Vary from Period to Period

 

We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, real estate markets, foreign currency exchange rates, market volatility, the performance of the economy in general, the performance of the specific obligors included in our portfolio and other factors outside our control.

 

Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates will increase the net unrealized loss position of our fixed income investment portfolio and, if long-term interest rates rise dramatically within a six to twelve month time period, certain of our life insurance businesses may be exposed to disintermediation risk. Disintermediation risk refers to the risk that our policyholders may surrender their contracts in a rising interest rate environment, requiring us to liquidate fixed income investments in an unrealized loss position. Due to the long-term nature of the liabilities associated with certain of our life insurance businesses, guaranteed benefits on variable annuities, and structured settlements, sustained declines in long-term interest rates may subject us to reinvestment risks and increased hedging costs. In other situations, declines in interest rates may result in increasing the duration of certain life insurance liabilities, creating asset-liability duration mismatches.

 

Our investment portfolio also contains interest rate sensitive instruments, such as fixed income securities, which may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates from governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. A rise in interest rates would

increase the net unrealized loss position of our fixed income investment portfolio, offset by our ability to earn higher rates of return on funds reinvested. Conversely, a decline in interest rates would decrease the net unrealized loss position of our fixed income investment portfolio, offset by lower rates of return on funds reinvested. Our mitigation efforts with respect to interest rate risk are primarily focused towards maintaining an investment portfolio with diversified maturities that has a weighted average duration that is approximately equal to the duration of our estimated liability cash flow profile. However, our estimate of the liability cash flow profile may be inaccurate and we may be forced to liquidate fixed income investments prior to maturity at a loss in order to cover the liability. Although we take measures to manage the economic risks of investing in a changing interest rate environment, we may not be able to mitigate the interest rate risk of our fixed income investments relative to our liabilities. See also “— Changes in Market Interest Rates May Significantly Affect Our Profitability.”

 

Our exposure to credit spreads primarily relates to market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in credit spreads. A widening of credit spreads will increase the net unrealized loss position of the fixed-income investment portfolio, will increase losses associated with credit-based non-qualifying derivatives where we assume credit exposure, and, if issuer credit spreads increase significantly or for an extended period of time, will likely result in higher other-than-temporary impairments. Credit spread tightening will reduce net investment income associated with new purchases of fixed maturity securities. In addition, market volatility can make it difficult to value certain of our securities if trading becomes less frequent. As such, valuations may include assumptions or estimates that may have significant period to period changes which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition. Credit spreads on both corporate and structured securities widened significantly during 2008, resulting in continuing depressed pricing. As a result of improved conditions, credit spreads narrowed in 2009 and have changed minimally in 2010. If there is a resumption of significant volatility in the markets, it could cause changes in credit spreads and defaults and a lack of pricing transparency which, individually or in tandem, could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows through realized investment losses, impairments, and changes in unrealized loss positions.

 

Our primary exposure to equity risk relates to the potential for lower earnings associated with certain of our insurance businesses where fee income is earned based upon the estimated fair value of the assets under management. Equity market downturns and volatility may discourage purchases of separate account products, such as variable annuities and variable life insurance that have underlying mutual funds with returns linked to the performance of the equity markets, and may cause some of our existing customers to withdraw or reduce investments in those products. In addition, downturns and volatility in equity markets can have a material adverse effect on the revenues and returns from our savings and investment products and services. Because these products and services generate fees related primarily to the value of assets under management, a decline in the equity markets could reduce our revenues from the reduction in the value of the investments we manage. The retail annuity business in particular is highly sensitive to equity markets, and a sustained weakness in the equity markets could decrease revenues and earnings in variable annuity products. Furthermore, certain of our annuity products offer guaranteed benefits which increase our potential benefit exposure should equity markets decline. MetLife, Inc. uses derivatives to mitigate the impact of such increased potential benefit exposures. We are also exposed to interest rate and equity risk based upon the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return assumptions associated with our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Sustained declines in long-term interest rates or equity returns likely would have a negative effect on the funded status of these plans. Lastly, we invest a portion of our investments in equity securities, leveraged buy-out funds, hedge funds and other private equity funds and the estimated fair value of such investments may be impacted by downturns or volatility in equity markets.

 

Our primary exposure to real estate risk relates to commercial and agricultural real estate. Our exposure to commercial and agricultural real estate risk stems from various factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, market conditions including the demand and supply of space, creditworthiness of tenants and partners, capital markets volatility and the inherent interest rate movement. In addition, our real estate joint venture development program is subject to risks, including, but not limited to, reduced property sales and decreased availability of financing which could adversely impact the joint venture developments and/or operations. The state of the economy and speed of recovery in fundamental and capital market conditions in the commercial and agricultural real estate sectors will continue to influence the performance of our investments in these sectors. These factors and others

beyond our control could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows through net investment income, realized investment losses and impairments.

 

Our primary foreign currency exchange risks are described under “— Fluctuations in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Could Negatively Affect Our Profitability.” Significant declines in equity prices, changes in U.S. interest rates, changes in credit spreads, and changes in foreign currency exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Changes in these factors, which are significant risks to us, can affect our net investment income in any period, and such changes can be substantial. A portion of our investments are made in leveraged buy-out funds, hedge funds and other private equity funds reported within other limited partnership interests, many of which make private equity investments. The amount and timing of net investment income from such investment funds tends to be uneven as a result of the performance of the underlying investments, including private equity investments. The timing of distributions from the funds, which depends on particular events relating to the underlying investments, as well as the funds’ schedules for making distributions and their needs for cash, can be difficult to predict. As a result, the amount of net investment income that we record from these investments can vary substantially from quarter to quarter. Recent equity, real estate and credit market volatility have further reduced net investment income and related yields for these types of investments and we may continue to experience reduced net investment income due to continued volatility in the equity, real estate and credit markets in 2010. Although the disruption in the global financial markets has moderated, not all global financial markets are functioning normally and some remain reliant upon government intervention and liquidity. Continuing challenges include continued weakness in the U.S. real estate market and increased mortgage loan delinquencies, investor anxiety over the U.S. and European economies, rating agency downgrades of various structured products and financial issuers, unresolved issues with structured investment vehicles and monoline financial guarantee insurers, deleveraging of financial institutions and hedge funds and a serious dislocation in the inter-bank market. If there is a resumption of significant volatility in the markets, it could cause changes in interest rates, declines in equity prices, and the strengthening or weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar which, individually or in tandem, could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows through realized investment losses, impairments, and changes in unrealized loss positions.

 

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 decrease or potentially become negative. Our expectation for future spreads is an important component in the amortization of DAC and 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 adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows and significantly reduce our profitability.

The sufficiency of our life insurance statutory reserves in Taiwan is highly sensitive to interest rates and other related assumptions. This is due to the sustained low interest rate environment in Taiwan coupled with long-term interest rate guarantees of approximately 6% embedded in the life and health contracts sold prior to 2003 and the lack of availability of long-duration investments in the Taiwanese capital markets to match such long-duration liabilities. The key assumptions include current Taiwan government bond yield rates increasing from current levels of 1.8% to 3.0% over the next ten years, a modest increase in lapse rates, mortality and morbidity levels remaining consistent with recent experience, and U.S. dollar-denominated investments making up 35% of total assets backing life insurance statutory reserves. Current statutory reserve adequacy analysis shows that provisions are adequate; however, adverse changes in key assumptions for interest rates, lapse experience and mortality and morbidity levels could lead to a need to strengthen reserves.

 

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 MetLife’s 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. 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.

 

Some of Our Investments Are Relatively Illiquid and Are in Asset Classes That Have Been Experiencing Significant Market Valuation Fluctuations

 

We hold certain investments that may lack liquidity, such as privately-placed fixed maturity securities; mortgage loans; policy loans and leveraged leases; equity real estate, including real estate joint ventures and funds; and other limited partnership interests. These asset classes represented 31.5% of the carrying value of our total cash and investments at June 30, 2010. Even some of our very high quality investments have been more illiquid as a result of the current market conditions. If we require significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of normal cash requirements or are required to post or return cash collateral in connection with our investment portfolio, derivatives transactions or securities lending program, we may have difficulty selling these investments in a timely manner, be forced to sell them for less than we otherwise would have been able to realize, or both. The reported value of our relatively illiquid types of investments, our investments in the asset classes described above and, at times, our high quality, generally liquid asset classes, do not necessarily reflect the lowest current market price for the asset. If we were forced to sell certain of our investments in the current market, there can be no assurance that we will be able to sell them for the prices at which we have recorded them and we could be forced to sell them at significantly lower prices.

 

Our Participation in a Securities Lending Program Subjects Us to Potential Liquidity and Other Risks

 

We participate 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. We generally obtain collateral in an amount equal to 102% of the estimated fair value of the loaned securities, 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. Returns of loaned securities by the third parties would require us to return the cash collateral associated with such loaned securities. In addition, in some cases, the maturity of the securities held as invested collateral (i.e., securities that we have purchased with cash collateral received from the third parties) may exceed the term of the related securities on loan and the estimated fair value may fall below the amount of cash received as collateral and invested. If we are required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and we are forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, we may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than we otherwise

would have been able to realize under normal market conditions, or both. In addition, under stressful capital market and economic conditions, liquidity broadly deteriorates, which may further restrict our ability to sell securities. If we decrease the amount of our securities lending activities over time, the amount of net investment income generated by these activities will also likely decline.

 

Our Requirements to Pledge Collateral or Make Payments Related to Declines in Estimated Fair Value of Specified Assets May Adversely Affect Our Liquidity and Expose Us to Counterparty Credit Risk

 

Some of our transactions with financial and other institutions specify the circumstances under which the parties are required to pledge collateral related to any decline in the estimated fair value of the specified assets. In addition, under the terms of some of our transactions, we may be required to make payments to our counterparties related to any decline in the estimated fair value of the specified assets. The amount of collateral we may be required to pledge and the payments we may be required to make under these agreements may increase under certain circumstances, which could adversely affect our liquidity.

 

Gross Unrealized Losses on Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities May Be Realized or Result in Future Impairments, Resulting in a Reduction in Our Net Income

 

Fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale, except trading securities, are reported at their estimated fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and are, therefore, excluded from net income. Our gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities at June 30, 2010 were $7.0 billion. The portion of the $7.0 billion of gross unrealized losses for fixed maturity and equity securities where the estimated fair value has declined and remained below amortized cost or cost by 20% or more for six months or greater was $3.1 billion at June 30, 2010. The accumulated change in estimated fair value of these available-for-sale securities is recognized in net income when the gain or loss is realized upon the sale of the security or in the event that the decline in estimated fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary and an impairment charge to earnings is taken. Realized losses or impairments may have a material adverse effect on our net income in a particular quarterly or annual period.

 

The Determination of the Amount of Allowances and Impairments Taken on Our Investments is Highly Subjective and Could Materially Impact Our Results of Operations or Financial Position

 

The determination of the amount of allowances and impairments varies by investment type and is based upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. We update our evaluations regularly and reflect changes in allowances and impairments in net investment losses as such evaluations are revised. There can be no assurance that we have accurately assessed the level of impairments taken and allowances provided as reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, additional impairments may need to be taken or allowances provided for in the future. Historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments or allowances.

 

For example, the cost of our fixed maturity and equity securities is adjusted for impairments deemed to be other-than-temporary that are charged to earnings in the period in which the determination is made. The assessment of whether impairments have occurred is based on our case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in estimated fair value. The review of our fixed maturity and equity securities for impairments includes an analysis of the total gross unrealized losses by three categories of securities: (i) securities where the estimated fair value has declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by less than 20%; (ii) securities where the estimated fair value has declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by 20% or more for less than six months; and (iii) securities where the estimated fair value has declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by 20% or more for six months or greater.

 

Additionally, we consider a wide range of factors about the security issuer and use our best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near term recovery. Inherent in our evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not

limited to: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the estimated fair value has been below cost or amortized cost; (ii) the potential for impairments of securities when the issuer is experiencing significant financial difficulties; (iii) the potential for impairments in an entire industry sector or sub-sector; (iv) the potential for impairments in certain economically depressed geographic locations; (v) the potential for impairments of securities where the issuer, series of issuers or industry has suffered a catastrophic type of loss or has exhausted natural resources; (vi) with respect to fixed maturity securities, whether we have the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before recovery of the decline in estimated fair value below amortized cost; (vii) with respect to equity securities, whether we have the ability and intent to hold a particular security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of its estimated fair value to an amount at least equal to its cost; (viii) unfavorable changes in forecasted cash flows on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and (ix) other subjective factors, including concentrations and information obtained from regulators and rating agencies.

 

Defaults on Our Mortgage Loans and Volatility in Performance May Adversely Affect Our Profitability

 

Our mortgage loans face default risk and are principally collateralized by commercial, agricultural and residential properties, as well as automobiles. The carrying value of mortgage loans is stated at original cost net of repayments, amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts and valuation allowances, except for residential mortgage loans held-for-sale accounted for under the fair value option which are carried at estimated fair value, as determined on a recurring basis, and certain commercial and residential mortgage loans carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, as determined on a nonrecurring basis. We establish valuation allowances for estimated impairments at the balance sheet date. Such valuation allowances are based on the excess carrying value of the loan over the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, the estimated fair value of the loan’s collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent, or the loan’s observable market price. We also establish valuation allowances for loan losses for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics, such as property types, or loans having similar 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 the 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. At June 30, 2010, loans that were either delinquent or in the process of foreclosure totaled less than 0.7% of our mortgage loan investments. The performance of our mortgage loan investments, however, may fluctuate in the future. In addition, substantially all of our mortgage loans held-for-investment have balloon payment maturities. An increase in the default rate of our mortgage loan investments could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition through realized investment losses or increases in our valuation allowances.

 

Further, any geographic or sector concentration of our mortgage loans may have adverse effects on our investment portfolios and consequently on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition. While we seek to mitigate this risk by having a broadly diversified portfolio, events or developments that have a negative effect on any particular geographic region or sector may have a greater adverse effect on the investment portfolios to the extent that the portfolios are concentrated. Moreover, our ability to sell assets relating to such particular groups of related assets may be limited if other market participants are seeking to sell at the same time. In addition, legislative proposals that would allow or require modifications to the terms of mortgage loans could be enacted. We cannot predict whether these proposals will be adopted, or what impact, if any, such proposals or, if enacted, such laws, could have on our business or investments.

 

The Impairment of Other Financial Institutions Could Adversely Affect Us

 

We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, hedge funds and other investment funds and other institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty. In addition, with respect to secured transactions, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due to us. We also have exposure to these financial institutions in the form of unsecured debt instruments, non-redeemable and redeemable preferred securities, derivative transactions, joint venture, hedge fund and equity investments. Further, potential action by governments and regulatory bodies in response to the financial crisis affecting the global banking system and financial markets, such as

investment, nationalization, conservatorship, receivership and other intervention, whether under existing legal authority or any new authority that may be created, could negatively impact these instruments, securities, transactions and investments. There can be no assurance that any such losses or impairments to the carrying value of these investments would not materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

We Face Unforeseen Liabilities, Asset Impairments or Rating Actions Arising from Possible Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses or Difficulties Integrating Such Businesses

 

We have engaged in dispositions and acquisitions of businesses in the past, and expect to continue to do so in the future. We entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 7, 2010 to acquire the Alico Business. There could be unforeseen liabilities or asset impairments, including goodwill impairments, that arise in connection with the businesses that we may sell or the businesses that we may acquire in the future. In addition, there may be liabilities or asset impairments that we fail, or are unable, to discover in the course of performing due diligence investigations on each business that we have acquired or may acquire. Furthermore, the use of our own funds as consideration in any acquisition would consume capital resources that would no longer be available for other corporate purposes. We also may not be able to raise sufficient funds to consummate an acquisition if, for example, we are unable to sell our securities or close related bridge credit facilities. Moreover, as a result of uncertainty and risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, rating agencies may take certain actions with respect to the ratings assigned to MetLife, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

 

Our ability to achieve certain benefits we anticipate from any acquisitions of businesses will depend in large part upon our ability to successfully integrate such businesses in an efficient and effective manner. We may not be able to integrate such businesses smoothly or successfully, and the process may take longer than expected. The integration of operations may require the dedication of significant management resources, which may distract management’s attention from day-to-day business. If we are unable to successfully integrate the operations of such acquired businesses, we may be unable to realize the benefits we expect to achieve as a result of such acquisitions and our business and results of operations may be less than expected. See “— Risks Relating to the Acquisition of the Alico Business” and “—  We May Experience Difficulties in Integrating the Alico Business, Including Its Joint Venture and Other Arrangements with Third Parties.”

 

Fluctuations in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Could Negatively Affect Our Profitability

 

We are exposed to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar resulting from our holdings of non-U.S. dollar denominated investments, investments in foreign subsidiaries and net income from foreign operations and issuance of non-U.S. dollar denominated instruments, including guaranteed interest contracts and funding agreements. These risks relate to potential decreases in estimated fair value and income resulting from a strengthening or weakening in foreign exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar. In general, the weakening of foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar will adversely affect the estimated fair value of our non-U.S. dollar denominated investments, our investments in foreign subsidiaries, and our net income from foreign operations. Although we use foreign currency swaps and forward contracts to mitigate foreign currency exchange rate risk, we cannot provide assurance that these methods will be effective or that our counterparties will perform their obligations.

 

From time to time, various emerging market countries have experienced severe economic and financial disruptions, including significant devaluations of their currencies. Our exposure to foreign exchange rate risk is exacerbated by our investments in certain emerging markets.

 

Historically, we have matched substantially all of our foreign currency liabilities in our foreign subsidiaries with investments denominated in their respective foreign currency, which limits the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuation on local operating results; however, fluctuations in such rates affect the translation of these results into our U.S. dollar basis consolidated financial statements. Although we take certain actions to address this risk, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation could materially adversely affect our reported results due to unhedged positions or the failure of hedges to effectively offset the impact of the foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation.

 

The Acquisition will increase our exposure to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar and increase our exposure to emerging markets. Fluctuations in the yen/ U.S. dollar

exchange rate can have a significant effect on our reported financial position and results of operations following the Acquisition because the Alico Business has substantial operations in Japan and a significant portion of its premiums and investment income are received in yen. Claims and expenses are also paid in yen and the Alico Business primarily purchases yen-denominated assets to support yen-denominated policy liabilities. These and other yen-denominated financial statement items are, however, translated into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, fluctuations in the yen/U.S. dollar exchange rate can have a significant effect on our reported financial position and results of operations following the Acquisition. See “— Risks Relating to the Acquisition of the Alico Business — We Are and, Following the Acquisition, Will Be Subject to the Risk of Exchange Rate Fluctuations Owing to the Geographical Diversity of Our Combined Business.”

 

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

 

Our international operations face political, legal, operational and other risks that we do not face in our domestic operations. We face the risk of discriminatory regulation, nationalization or expropriation of assets, price controls and 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 into U.S. dollars or other currencies. Some of our foreign insurance operations are, and are likely to continue to be, in emerging markets where these risks are heightened. In addition, we rely on local sales forces in these countries and may encounter labor problems resulting from workers’ associations and trade unions in some countries. In Japan, China and India we operate with local business partners with the resulting risk of managing partner relationships to the business objectives. If our business model is not successful in a particular country, we may lose all or most of our investment in building and training the sales force in that country. The Acquisition will increase our exposure to these risks.

 

We are expanding our international operations in certain markets where we operate and in selected new markets. This may require considerable management time, as well as start-up expenses for market development before any significant revenues and earnings are generated. Operations in new foreign markets may achieve low margins or may be unprofitable, and expansion in existing markets may be affected by local economic and market conditions. Therefore, as we expand internationally, we may not achieve expected operating margins and our results of operations may be negatively impacted.

 

In addition, in recent years, the operating environment in Argentina has been very challenging. In Argentina, we were formerly principally engaged in the pension business. In December 2008, the Argentine government nationalized private pensions and seized the pension funds’ investments, eliminating the private pensions business in Argentina. As a result, we have experienced and will continue to experience reductions in the operation’s revenues and cash flows. The Argentine government now controls all assets which previously were managed by our Argentine pension operations. Further governmental or legal actions related to our operations in Argentina could negatively impact our operations in Argentina and result in future losses.

 

Following the Acquisition, we will have market presence in 64 different countries, up from 17, at present, and increased exposure to risks posed by local and regional economic conditions. Europe has recently experienced a deep recession and countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and, in particular, Greece, have been particularly affected by the recession, resulting in increased national debts and depressed economic activity. The Alico Business has significant operations and investments in these countries which could be adversely affected by economic developments such as higher taxes, growing inflation, decreasing government spending, rising unemployment and currency instability.

 

In addition to fluctuations in the yen/U.S. dollar exchange rate discussed above, we will face increased exposure to the Japanese markets after completion of the Acquisition as a result of the Alico Business’ considerable presence there. Deterioration in Japan’s economic recovery could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition following the Acquisition.

 

The Alico Business also has significant operations in the Middle East where the legal systems and regulatory frameworks are still evolving. Following the completion of the Acquisition, lack of legal certainty in the region will expose our operations to increased risk of adverse or unpredictable actions by regulators and may make it more

difficult for us to enforce our contracts, which may negatively impact our business in this region. See also “— Changes in Market Interest Rates May Significantly Affect Our Profitability” regarding the impact of low interest rates on our Taiwanese operations.

 

As a Holding Company, MetLife, Inc. Depends on the Ability of Its Subsidiaries to Transfer Funds to It to Meet Its Obligations and Pay Dividends

 

MetLife, Inc. is a holding company for its insurance and financial subsidiaries and does not have any significant operations of its own. Dividends from its subsidiaries and permitted payments to it under its tax sharing arrangements with its subsidiaries are its principal sources of cash to meet its obligations and to pay preferred and common stock dividends. If the cash MetLife, Inc. receives from its subsidiaries is insufficient for it to fund its debt service and other holding company obligations, MetLife, Inc. may be required to raise cash through the incurrence of debt, the issuance of additional equity or the sale of assets.

 

The payment of dividends and other distributions to MetLife, Inc. by its insurance subsidiaries is regulated by insurance laws and regulations. In general, dividends in excess of prescribed limits require insurance regulatory approval. In addition, insurance regulators may prohibit the payment of dividends or other payments by its insurance subsidiaries to MetLife, Inc. if they determine that the payment could be adverse to our policyholders or contractholders. The payment of dividends and other distributions by insurance companies is also influenced by business conditions and rating agency considerations.

 

Any payment of interest, dividends, distributions, loans or advances by our foreign subsidiaries to MetLife, Inc. could be subject to taxation or other restrictions on dividends or repatriation of earnings under applicable law, monetary transfer restrictions and foreign currency exchange regulations in the jurisdiction in which such foreign subsidiaries operate. See “— 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.”

 

A Downgrade or a Potential Downgrade in Our Financial Strength or Credit Ratings Could Result in a Loss of Business and Materially Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Financial strength ratings, which various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (each, an “NRSRO”) publish as indicators of an insurance company’s ability to meet contractholder and policyholder obligations, are important to maintaining public confidence in our products, our ability to market our products and our competitive position.

 

Downgrades in our financial strength ratings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations in many ways, including:

 

 

In addition to the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries, various NRSROs also publish credit ratings for MetLife, Inc. and several of its subsidiaries. Credit ratings are indicators of a debt issuer’s ability to meet the terms of debt obligations in a timely manner and are important factors in our overall funding profile and ability to access certain types of liquidity. Downgrades in our credit ratings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations in many ways, including adversely limiting our access to capital markets, potentially increasing the cost of debt, and requiring us to post collateral. For example, with respect to derivative transactions with credit ratings downgrade triggers, a one-notch downgrade would have increased our derivative collateral requirements by $67 million at June 30, 2010. Also, $438 million of liabilities associated with

funding agreements and other capital market products were subject to credit ratings downgrade triggers that permit early termination subject to a notice period of 90 days.

 

In view of the difficulties experienced during 2008 and 2009 by many financial institutions, including our competitors in the insurance industry, we believe it is possible that the NRSROs will continue to heighten the level of scrutiny that they apply to such institutions, will continue to increase the frequency and scope of their credit reviews, will continue to request additional information from the companies that they rate, and may adjust upward the capital and other requirements employed in the NRSRO models for maintenance of certain ratings levels. Rating agencies use an “outlook statement” of “positive,” “stable,” “negative” or “developing” to indicate a medium- or long-term trend in credit fundamentals which, if continued, may lead to a ratings change. A rating may have a “stable” outlook to indicate that the rating is not expected to change; however, a “stable” rating does not preclude a rating agency from changing a rating at any time, without notice. Certain rating agencies assign rating modifiers such as “CreditWatch” or “Under Review” to indicate their opinion regarding the potential direction of a rating. These ratings modifiers are generally assigned in connection with certain events such as potential mergers and acquisitions, or material changes in a company’s results, in order for the rating agencies to perform their analyses to fully determine the rating implications of the event. Certain rating agencies have recently implemented rating actions, including downgrades, outlook changes and modifiers, for MetLife, Inc.’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ insurer financial strength and credit ratings.

 

In February 2010, Fitch Ratings downgraded by one-notch the ratings of MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries. In February 2010, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business, and A.M. Best each placed the ratings of MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries on “CreditWatch with negative implications” and “Under Review with negative implications,” respectively, based on the announcement of the Acquisition. In March, 2010, Moody’s changed the ratings outlook of MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries from stable to negative outlook. We believe that all the NRSROs will continue to review our ratings in light of the Acquisition and may take further action at, or in anticipation of, the consummation of the Acquisition.

 

On July 1, 2010, Moody’s published revised guidance called “Revisions to Moody’s Hybrid Tool Kit” (the “Guidance”) for assigning equity credit to so-called hybrid securities, i.e., securities with both debt and equity characteristics (“Hybrids”). Moody’s evaluates Hybrids using certain specified criteria and then places each such security into a “basket”, with a specific percentage of debt and equity being associated with each basket, which is then used to adjust full sets of financial statements for purposes of, among other things, calculating the issuing company’s financial leverage. Under the Guidance, Hybrids are one element that Moody’s considers within the context of an issuer’s overall credit profile. We currently have approximately $5.3 billion of Hybrids outstanding, which includes approximately $3.2 billion of junior subordinated debt securities and $2.1 billion of preferred stock. Application of the Guidance will likely result in Moody’s significantly reducing the amount of equity credit it assigns to these securities and to the Equity Units to be issued to ALICO Holdings in connection with the Acquisition. We do not expect at this time, as a result of the Guidance, a reduction in Moody’s equity treatment of our existing Hybrids or, once issued, the Equity Units, would result in any material negative impact on MetLife, Inc.’s credit rating or the financial strength ratings of its insurance company subsidiaries. However, if we decided to increase our adjusted capital as a result of the application of the Guidance, we may seek to (i) issue additional common equity or higher equity content Hybrids satisfying the Guidance’s revised rating criteria, (ii) redeem, repurchase or restructure existing Hybrids, and/or (iii) modify the terms of the Equity Units in order to achieve the desired equity treatment or otherwise take into account the application of the Guidance. Any sale of additional common equity would have a dilutive effect on our common stockholders and any modification of the terms of the Equity Units could involve negotiations with ALICO Holdings, AIG and the lenders in our bridge loan facility.

 

We cannot predict what actions rating agencies may take, or what actions we may take in response to the actions of rating agencies, which could adversely affect our business. As with other companies in the financial services industry, our ratings could be downgraded at any time and without any notice by any NRSRO.

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

 

We have a $2.85 billion five-year revolving credit facility that matures in June 2012, as well as other facilities which we enter into in the ordinary course of business. In addition, concurrently with our entry into the agreement to acquire the Alico Business, we signed a commitment letter (amended and restated on March 16, 2010) with various financial institutions for a senior credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $5.0 billion (the “Senior Credit Facility”). The Senior Credit Facility will be used to finance any portion of the cash component of the purchase price of the Acquisition that is not financed with sales of MetLife, Inc.’s securities or cash on hand. An amount equal to 100% of the proceeds of sales of MetLife, Inc.’s securities, less certain ordinary-course transactions, will be applied to prepay any loans under the Senior Credit Facility and, if such proceeds or commitments are received on or prior to the date of the closing of the Acquisition, will permanently reduce dollar-for-dollar the commitments, if any, of the lenders under the Senior Credit Facility.

 

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 the $2.85 billion five-year revolving credit facility), 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.

 

Defaults, Downgrades or Other Events Impairing the Carrying Value of Our Fixed Maturity or Equity Securities Portfolio May Reduce Our Earnings

 

We are subject to the risk that the issuers, or guarantors, of fixed maturity securities we own may default on principal and interest payments they owe us. We are also subject to the risk that the underlying collateral within loan-backed securities, including mortgage-backed securities, may default on principal and interest payments causing an adverse change in cash flows paid to our investment. Fixed maturity securities represent a significant portion of our investment portfolio. The occurrence of a major economic downturn, acts of corporate malfeasance, widening risk spreads, or other events that adversely affect the issuers, guarantors or underlying collateral of these securities could cause the estimated fair value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio and our earnings to decline and the default rate of the fixed maturity securities in our investment portfolio to increase. A ratings downgrade affecting issuers or guarantors of particular securities, or similar trends that could worsen the credit quality of issuers, such as the corporate issuers of securities in our investment portfolio, could also have a similar effect. With economic uncertainty, credit quality of issuers or guarantors could be adversely affected. Similarly, a ratings downgrade affecting asset-backed securities (“ABS”) we hold could indicate the credit quality of that security has deteriorated and could increase the capital we must hold to support that security to maintain our risk-based capital levels. Any event reducing the estimated fair value of these securities other than on a temporary basis could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Levels of writedowns or impairments are impacted by our assessment of intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, fixed maturity securities and the intent and ability to hold equity securities which have declined in value until recovery. If we determine to reposition or realign portions of the portfolio so as not to hold certain equity securities, or intend to sell or determine that it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, certain fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position prior to recovery, then we will incur an other-than-temporary impairment charge in the period that the decision was made not to hold the equity security to recovery, or to sell, or the determination was made it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the fixed maturity security.

Our Risk Management Policies and Procedures May Leave Us Exposed to Unidentified or Unanticipated Risk, Which Could Negatively Affect Our Business

 

Management of risk requires, among other things, policies and procedures to record properly and verify a large number of transactions and events. We have devoted significant resources to develop our risk management policies and procedures and expect to continue to do so in the future. Nonetheless, our policies and procedures may not be comprehensive. 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. As a result, these methods may not fully predict future exposures, which can be significantly greater than our historical measures indicate. Other risk management methods depend upon the evaluation of information regarding markets, clients, catastrophe occurrence or other matters that is publicly available or otherwise accessible to us. This information may not always be accurate, complete, up-to-date or properly evaluated.

 

Reinsurance May Not Be Available, Affordable or Adequate to Protect Us Against Losses

 

As part of our overall risk management strategy, we purchase reinsurance for certain risks underwritten by our various business segments. While reinsurance agreements generally bind the reinsurer for the life of the business reinsured at generally fixed pricing, market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance protection for new business. In certain circumstances, the price of reinsurance for business already reinsured may also increase. Any decrease in the amount of reinsurance will increase our risk of loss and any increase in the cost of reinsurance will, absent a decrease in the amount of reinsurance, reduce our earnings. Accordingly, we may be forced to incur additional expenses for reinsurance or may not be able to obtain sufficient reinsurance on acceptable terms, which could adversely affect our ability to write future business or result in the assumption of more risk with respect to those policies we issue.

 

If the Counterparties to Our Reinsurance or Indemnification Arrangements or to the Derivative Instruments We Use to Hedge Our Business Risks Default or Fail to Perform, We May Be Exposed to Risks We Had Sought to Mitigate, Which Could Materially Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

We use reinsurance, indemnification and derivative instruments to mitigate our risks in various circumstances. In general, reinsurance does not relieve us of our direct liability to our policyholders, even when the reinsurer is liable to us. Accordingly, we bear credit risk with respect to our reinsurers and indemnitors. We cannot provide assurance that our reinsurers will pay the reinsurance recoverables owed to us or that indemnitors will honor their obligations now or in the future or that they will pay these recoverables on a timely basis. A reinsurer’s or indemnitor’s insolvency, inability or unwillingness to make payments under the terms of reinsurance agreements or indemnity agreements with us could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

In addition, we use derivative instruments to hedge various business risks. We enter into a variety of derivative instruments, including options, forwards, interest rate, credit default and currency swaps with a number of counterparties. If our counterparties fail or refuse to honor their obligations under these derivative instruments, our hedges of the related risk will be ineffective. This is a more pronounced risk to us in view of the stresses suffered by financial institutions over the past two years. Such failure could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Differences Between Actual Claims Experience and Underwriting and Reserving Assumptions May Adversely Affect Our Financial Results

 

Our earnings significantly depend upon the extent to which our actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions we use in setting prices for our products and establishing liabilities for future policy benefits and claims. Our liabilities for future policy benefits and claims are established based on estimates by actuaries of how much we will need to pay for future benefits and claims. For life insurance and annuity products, we calculate these liabilities based on many assumptions and estimates, including estimated premiums to be received over the assumed life of the policy, the timing of the event covered by the insurance policy, the amount of benefits or claims to be paid

and the investment returns on the investments we make with the premiums we receive. We establish liabilities for property and casualty claims and benefits based on assumptions and estimates of damages and liabilities incurred. To the extent that actual claims experience is less favorable than the underlying assumptions we used in establishing such liabilities, we could be required to increase our liabilities.

 

Due to the nature of the underlying risks and the high degree of uncertainty associated with the determination of liabilities for future policy benefits and claims, we cannot determine precisely the amounts which we will ultimately pay to settle our liabilities. Such amounts may vary from the estimated amounts, particularly when those payments may not occur until well into the future. We evaluate our liabilities periodically based on accounting requirements, which change from time to time, the assumptions used to establish the liabilities, as well as our actual experience. We charge or credit changes in our liabilities to expenses in the period the liabilities are established or re-estimated. If the liabilities originally established for future benefit payments prove inadequate, we must increase them. Such increases could affect earnings negatively and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Catastrophes May Adversely Impact Liabilities for Policyholder Claims and Reinsurance Availability

 

Our life insurance operations are exposed to the risk of catastrophic mortality, such as a pandemic or other event that causes a large number of deaths. Significant influenza pandemics have occurred three times in the last century, but neither the likelihood, timing, nor the severity of a future pandemic can be predicted. A significant pandemic could have a major impact on the global economy or the economies of particular countries or regions, including travel, trade, tourism, the health system, food supply, consumption, overall economic output and, eventually, on the financial markets. In addition, a pandemic that affected our employees or the employees of our distributors or of other companies with which we do business could disrupt our business operations. The effectiveness of external parties, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, in combating the spread and severity of such a pandemic could have a material impact on the losses experienced by us. In our group insurance operations, a localized event that affects the workplace of one or more of our group insurance customers could cause a significant loss due to mortality or morbidity claims. These events could cause a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any period and, depending on their severity, could also materially and adversely affect our financial condition.

 

Our Auto & Home business has experienced, and will likely in the future experience, catastrophe losses that may have a material adverse impact on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Auto & Home segment. Although Auto & Home makes every effort to manage our exposure to catastrophic risks through volatility management and reinsurance programs, these efforts do not eliminate all risk. Catastrophes can be caused by various events, including pandemics, hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hail, tornadoes, explosions, severe winter weather (including snow, freezing water, ice storms and blizzards), fires and man-made events such as terrorist attacks. Historically, substantially all of our catastrophe-related claims have related to homeowners coverages. However, catastrophes may also affect other Auto & Home coverages. Due to their nature, we cannot predict the incidence, timing and severity of catastrophes. In addition, changing climate conditions, primarily rising global temperatures, may be increasing, or may in the future increase, the frequency and severity of natural catastrophes such as hurricanes.

 

Hurricanes and earthquakes are of particular note for our homeowners coverages. Areas of major hurricane exposure include coastal sections of the northeastern United States (including lower New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts), the Gulf Coast (including Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas) and Florida. We also have some earthquake exposure, primarily along the New Madrid fault line in the central United States and in the Pacific Northwest.

 

The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event. Most catastrophes are restricted to small geographic areas; however, pandemics, hurricanes, earthquakes and man-made catastrophes may produce significant damage or loss of life in larger areas, especially those that are heavily populated. Claims resulting from natural or man-made catastrophic events could cause substantial volatility in our financial results for any fiscal quarter or year and could materially reduce our profitability or harm our financial condition. Also, catastrophic events could harm the financial condition of our reinsurers and thereby increase the probability of default on reinsurance recoveries. Our

ability to write new business could also be affected. It is possible that increases in the value, caused by the effects of inflation or other factors, and geographic concentration of insured property, could increase the severity of claims from catastrophic events in the future.

 

Most of the jurisdictions in which our insurance subsidiaries are admitted to transact business require life and property and casualty insurers doing business within the jurisdiction to participate in guaranty associations, which are organized to pay contractual benefits owed pursuant to insurance policies issued by impaired, insolvent or failed insurers. These associations levy assessments, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in a particular state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurer is engaged. In addition, certain states have government owned or controlled organizations providing life and property and casualty insurance to their citizens. The activities of such organizations could also place additional stress on the adequacy of guaranty fund assessments. Many of these organizations also have the power to levy assessments similar to those of the guaranty associations described above. Some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets.

 

While in the past five years, the aggregate assessments levied against MetLife, Inc.’s insurance subsidiaries have not been material, it is possible that a large catastrophic event could render such guaranty funds inadequate and we may be called upon to contribute additional amounts, which may have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations in a particular period. We have established liabilities for guaranty fund assessments that we consider adequate for assessments with respect to insurers that are currently subject to insolvency proceedings, but additional liabilities may be necessary.

 

Consistent with industry practice and accounting standards, we establish liabilities for claims arising from a catastrophe only after assessing the probable losses arising from the event. We cannot be certain that the liabilities we have established will be adequate to cover actual claim liabilities. From time to time, states have passed legislation that has the effect of limiting the ability of insurers to manage risk, such as legislation restricting an insurer’s ability to withdraw from catastrophe-prone areas. While we attempt to limit our exposure to acceptable levels, subject to restrictions imposed by insurance regulatory authorities, a catastrophic event or multiple catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our ability to manage this risk and the profitability of our property and casualty and life insurance businesses depends in part on our ability to obtain catastrophe reinsurance, which may not be available at commercially acceptable rates in the future. See “— Reinsurance May Not Be Available, Affordable or Adequate to Protect Us Against Losses.”

 

Our Statutory Reserve Financings May Be Subject to Cost Increases and New Financings May Be Subject to Limited Market Capacity

 

To support statutory reserves for several products, including, but not limited to, our level premium term life and universal life with secondary guarantees and MLIC’s closed block, we currently utilize capital markets solutions for financing a portion of our statutory reserve requirements. While we have financing facilities in place for our previously written business and have remaining capacity in existing facilities to support writings through the end of 2010 or later, certain of these facilities are subject to cost increases upon the occurrence of specified ratings downgrades of MetLife or are subject to periodic repricing. Any resulting cost increases could negatively impact our financial results.

 

Future capacity for these statutory reserve funding structures in the marketplace is not guaranteed. If capacity becomes unavailable for a prolonged period of time, hindering our ability to obtain funding for these new structures, our ability to write additional business in a cost effective manner may be impacted.

 

Competitive Factors May Adversely Affect Our Market Share and Profitability

 

Our business segments are subject to intense competition. We believe that this competition is based on a number of factors, including service, product features, scale, price, financial strength, claims-paying ratings, credit ratings, e-business capabilities and name recognition. We compete with a large number of other insurers, as well as

non-insurance financial services companies, such as banks, broker-dealers and asset managers, for individual consumers, employers and other group customers and agents and other distributors of insurance and investment products. Some of these companies offer a broader array of products, have more competitive pricing or more attractive features in their products or, with respect to other insurers, have higher claims paying ability ratings. Some may also have greater financial resources with which to compete. National banks, which may sell annuity products of life insurers in some circumstances, also have pre-existing customer bases for financial services products. Many of our group insurance products are underwritten annually, and, accordingly, there is a risk that group purchasers may be able to obtain more favorable terms from competitors rather than renewing coverage with us. The effect of competition may, as a result, adversely affect the persistency of these and other products, as well as our ability to sell products in the future.

 

In addition, the investment management and securities brokerage businesses have relatively few barriers to entry and continually attract new entrants.

 

Finally, the choices made by the U.S. Treasury in the administration of EESA and in its distribution of amounts available thereunder may have had the effect of supporting some parts of the financial system more than others, and the new requirements imposed on the financial industry by Dodd-Frank could similarly have differential effects. 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” and “— President Obama Recently Signed a Bill Providing for Comprehensive Reform of Financial Services Regulation in the United States, Various Aspects of Which Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth.”

 

Industry Trends Could Adversely Affect the Profitability of Our Businesses

 

Our business segments continue to be influenced by a variety of trends that affect the insurance industry, including competition with respect to product features, price, distribution capability, customer service and information technology. The impact on our business and on the life insurance industry generally of the volatility and instability of the financial markets is difficult to predict, and our business plans, financial condition and results of operations may be negatively impacted or affected in other unexpected ways. In addition, the life insurance industry is subject to state regulation, and, as complex products are introduced, regulators may refine capital requirements and introduce new reserving standards. Furthermore, regulators have undertaken market and sales practices reviews of several markets or products, including variable annuities and group products. The market environment may also lead to changes in regulation that may benefit or disadvantage us relative to some of our competitors.

 

Consolidation of Distributors of Insurance Products May Adversely Affect the Insurance Industry and the Profitability of Our Business

 

The insurance industry distributes many of its individual products through other financial institutions such as banks and broker-dealers. An increase in bank and broker-dealer consolidation activity may negatively impact the industry’s sales, and such consolidation could increase competition for access to distributors, result in greater distribution expenses and impair our ability to market insurance products to our current customer base or to expand our customer base. Consolidation of distributors and/or other industry changes may also increase the likelihood that distributors will try to renegotiate the terms of any existing selling agreements to terms less favorable to us.

 

Our Valuation of Fixed Maturity, Equity and Trading Securities and Short-Term Investments May Include Methodologies, Estimations and Assumptions Which Are Subject to Differing Interpretations and Could Result in Changes to Investment Valuations That May Materially Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations or Financial Condition

 

Fixed maturity, equity, and trading securities and short-term investments which are reported at estimated fair value on the consolidated balance sheets represent the majority of our total cash and investments. We have

categorized these securities into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique.

 

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). An asset or liability’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. The input levels are as follows:

 

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. We define active markets based on average trading volume for equity securities. The size of the bid/ask spread is used as an indicator of market activity for fixed maturity securities.

 

Level 2 — Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities other than quoted prices in Level 1; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

 

At June 30, 2010, 8.6%, 84.2% and 7.2% of these securities represented Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, respectively. The Level 1 securities primarily consist of certain U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed fixed maturity securities; certain foreign government fixed maturity securities; exchange-traded common stock; certain trading securities; and certain short-term investments. The Level 2 assets include fixed maturity and equity securities priced principally through independent pricing services using observable inputs. These fixed maturity securities include most U.S. Treasury, agency and government guaranteed securities, as well as the majority of U.S. and foreign corporate securities, RMBS, CMBS, state and political subdivision securities, foreign government securities, and ABS. Equity securities classified as Level 2 primarily consist of non-redeemable preferred securities and certain equity securities where market quotes are available but are not considered actively traded and are priced by independent pricing services. We review the valuation methodologies used by the independent pricing services on an ongoing basis and ensure that any changes to valuation methodologies are justified. Level 3 assets include fixed maturity securities priced principally through independent non-binding broker quotations or market standard valuation methodologies using inputs that are not market observable or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 consists of less liquid fixed maturity securities with very limited trading activity or where less price transparency exists around the inputs to the valuation methodologies including: U.S. and foreign corporate securities — including below investment grade private placements; RMBS; CMBS; and ABS — including all of those supported by sub-prime mortgage loans. Equity securities classified as Level 3 securities consist principally of nonredeemable preferred stock and common stock of companies that are privately held or companies for which there has been very limited trading activity or where less price transparency exists around the inputs to the valuation.

 

Prices provided by independent pricing services and independent non-binding broker quotations can vary widely even for the same security.

 

The determination of estimated fair values by management in the absence of quoted market prices is based on: (i) valuation methodologies; (ii) securities we deem to be comparable; and (iii) assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances. The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about financial instruments, including estimates of the timing and amounts of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer or counterparty. Factors considered in estimating fair value include: coupon rate, maturity, estimated duration, call provisions, sinking fund requirements, credit rating, industry sector of the issuer, and quoted market prices of comparable securities. The use of different methodologies and assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

During periods of market disruption including periods of significantly rising or high interest rates, rapidly widening credit spreads or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain of our securities, for example sub-prime mortgage-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities where the underlying loans are Alt-A and CMBS, if trading becomes less frequent and/or market data becomes less observable. In times of financial market disruption, certain asset classes that were in active markets with significant observable data may become illiquid. In such cases, more securities may fall to Level 3 and thus require more subjectivity and management judgment. As such, valuations may include inputs and assumptions that are less observable or require greater estimation, as well as valuation methods which are more sophisticated or require greater estimation thereby resulting in estimated fair values which may be greater or less than the amount at which the investments may be ultimately sold. Further, rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities as reported within our consolidated financial statements and the period-to-period changes in estimated fair value could vary significantly. Decreases in value may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

If Our Business Does Not Perform Well, We May Be Required to Recognize an Impairment of Our Goodwill or Other Long-Lived Assets or to Establish a Valuation Allowance Against the Deferred Income Tax Asset, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations or Financial Condition

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the amounts we paid to acquire subsidiaries and other businesses over the estimated fair value of their net assets at the date of acquisition. See “— If the Alico Business Does Not Perform Well or We Do Not Integrate It Successfully, We May Incur Significant Charges to Write Down the Goodwill Established in the Acquisition.” We test goodwill at least annually for impairment. Impairment testing is performed based upon estimates of the estimated fair value of the “reporting unit” to which the goodwill relates. The reporting unit is the operating segment or a business one level below that operating segment if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management at that level. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is impacted by the performance of the business. The performance of our businesses may be adversely impacted by prolonged market declines. If it is determined that the goodwill has been impaired, we must write down the goodwill by the amount of the impairment, with a corresponding charge to net income. Such writedowns could have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.

 

Long-lived assets, including assets such as real estate, also require impairment testing to determine whether changes in circumstances indicate that MetLife will be unable to recover the carrying amount of the asset group through future operations of that asset group or market conditions that will impact the estimated fair value of those assets. Such writedowns could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position. Deferred income tax represents the tax effect of the differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities.

 

Deferred tax assets are assessed periodically by management to determine if they are realizable. Factors in management’s determination include the performance of the business including the ability to generate future taxable income. If based on available information, it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax asset will not be realized then a valuation allowance must be established with a corresponding charge to net income. Such charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.

 

If Our Business Does Not Perform Well or if Actual Experience Versus Estimates Used in Valuing and Amortizing DAC, DSI and VOBA Vary Significantly, We May Be Required to Accelerate the Amortization and/or Impair the DAC, DSI and VOBA Which Could Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations or Financial Condition

 

We incur significant costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal business. Those costs that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new and renewal business are deferred and referred to as DAC. Bonus amounts credited to certain policyholders, either immediately upon receiving a deposit or as excess interest credits for a period of time, are referred to as DSI. The recovery of DAC and DSI is dependent upon the future profitability of the related business. The amount of future profit or margin is dependent principally on investment returns in excess of the amounts credited to policyholders, mortality, morbidity, persistency, interest crediting rates, dividends paid to policyholders, expenses to administer the business, creditworthiness of reinsurance counterparties and

certain economic variables, such as inflation. Of these factors, we anticipate that investment returns are most likely to impact the rate of amortization of such costs. The aforementioned factors enter into management’s estimates of gross profits or margins, which generally are used to amortize such costs.

 

If the estimates of gross profits or margins were overstated, then the amortization of such costs would be accelerated in the period the actual experience is known and would result in a charge to income. Significant or sustained equity market declines could result in an acceleration of amortization of the DAC and DSI related to variable annuity and variable universal life contracts, resulting in a charge to income. Such adjustments could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

VOBA reflects the estimated fair value of in-force contracts in a life insurance company acquisition and represents the portion of the purchase price that is allocated to the value of the right to receive future cash flows from the insurance and annuity contracts in-force at the acquisition date. VOBA is based on actuarially determined projections. Actual experience may vary from the projections. Revisions to estimates result in changes to the amounts expensed in the reporting period in which the revisions are made and could result in a charge to income. Also, as VOBA is amortized similarly to DAC and DSI, an acceleration of the amortization of VOBA would occur if the estimates of gross profits or margins were overstated. Accordingly, the amortization of such costs would be accelerated in the period in which the actual experience is known and would result in a charge to net income. Significant or sustained equity market declines could result in an acceleration of amortization of the VOBA related to variable annuity and variable universal life contracts, resulting in a charge to income. Such adjustments could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

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 is disclosed in our annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. 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.

 

Changes in Our Discount Rate, Expected Rate of Return and Expected Compensation Increase Assumptions for Our Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans May Result in Increased Expenses and Reduce Our Profitability

 

We determine our pension and other postretirement benefit plan costs based on our best estimates of future plan experience. These assumptions are reviewed regularly and include discount rates, expected rates of return on plan assets and expected increases in compensation levels and expected medical inflation. Changes in these assumptions may result in increased expenses and reduce our profitability.

 

Guarantees Within Certain of Our Products that Protect Policyholders Against Significant Downturns in Equity Markets May Decrease Our Earnings, Increase the Volatility of Our Results if Hedging or Risk Management Strategies Prove Ineffective, Result in Higher Hedging Costs and Expose Us to Increased Counterparty Risk

 

Certain of our variable annuity products include guaranteed benefits. These include guaranteed death benefits, guaranteed withdrawal benefits, lifetime withdrawal guarantees, guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits, and guaranteed minimum income benefits. Periods of significant and sustained downturns in equity markets, increased equity volatility, or reduced interest rates could result in an increase in the valuation of the future policy benefit or policyholder account balance liabilities associated with such products, resulting in a reduction to net income. We use reinsurance in combination with derivative instruments to mitigate the liability exposure and the volatility of net

income associated with these liabilities, and while we believe that these and other actions have mitigated the risks related to these benefits, we remain liable for the guaranteed benefits in the event that reinsurers or derivative counterparties are unable or unwilling to pay. In addition, we are subject to the risk that hedging and other management procedures prove ineffective or that unanticipated policyholder behavior or mortality, combined with adverse market events, produces economic losses beyond the scope of the risk management techniques employed. These, individually or collectively, may have a material adverse effect on net income, financial condition or liquidity. We are also subject to the risk that the cost of hedging these guaranteed minimum benefits increases, resulting in a reduction to net income.

 

The valuation of certain of the foregoing liabilities (carried at fair value) includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk that reflects the credit standing of the issuing entity. This adjustment, which is not hedged, is based in part on publicly available information regarding credit spreads related to MetLife, Inc.’s debt, including credit default swaps. In periods of extreme market volatility, movements in these credit spreads can have a significant impact on net income.

 

We May Need to Fund Deficiencies in Our Closed Block; Assets Allocated to the Closed Block Benefit Only the Holders of Closed Block Policies

 

MLIC’s plan of reorganization, as amended (the “Plan”), required that we establish and operate an accounting mechanism, known as a closed block, to ensure that the reasonable dividend expectations of policyholders who own certain individual insurance policies of MLIC are met. We allocated assets to the closed block in an amount that will produce cash flows which, together with anticipated revenue from the policies included in the closed block, are reasonably expected to be sufficient to support obligations and liabilities relating to these policies, including, but not limited to, provisions for the payment of claims and certain expenses and tax, and to provide for the continuation of the policyholder dividend scales in effect for 1999, if the experience underlying such scales continues, and for appropriate adjustments in such scales if the experience changes. We cannot provide assurance that the closed block assets, the cash flows generated by the closed block assets and the anticipated revenue from the policies included in the closed block will be sufficient to provide for the benefits guaranteed under these policies. If they are not sufficient, we must fund the shortfall. Even if they are sufficient, we may choose, for competitive reasons, to support policyholder dividend payments with our general account funds.

 

The closed block assets, the cash flows generated by the closed block assets and the anticipated revenue from the policies in the closed block will benefit only the holders of those policies. In addition, to the extent that these amounts are greater than the amounts estimated at the time the closed block was funded, dividends payable in respect of the policies included in the closed block may be greater than they would be in the absence of a closed block. Any excess earnings will be available for distribution over time only to closed block policyholders.

 

Litigation and Regulatory Investigations Are Increasingly Common in Our Businesses and May Result in Significant Financial Losses and 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, and the damages claimed and the amount of any probable and estimable liability, if any, may remain unknown for substantial periods of time.

 

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 be inherently impossible to ascertain with any degree of certainty. Inherent uncertainties can include how fact finders will view individually and in their totality documentary evidence, the credibility and effectiveness of witnesses’ testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition

valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.

 

On a quarterly and annual basis, we review relevant information with respect to litigation and contingencies to be reflected in our consolidated financial statements. The review includes senior legal and financial personnel. Unless stated elsewhere herein, estimates of possible losses or ranges of loss for particular matters cannot in the ordinary course be made with a reasonable degree of certainty. Liabilities are established when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

 

Liabilities have been established for a number of matters noted in Note 8 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Second Quarter Form 10-Q. 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 June 30, 2010.

 

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, 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 with any certainty the numerous variables that can affect liability estimates, including the number of future claims, the cost to resolve claims, the disease mix and severity of disease in pending and future claims, the impact of the number of new claims filed in a particular jurisdiction and variations in the law in the jurisdictions in which claims are filed, the possible impact of tort reform efforts, the willingness of courts to allow plaintiffs to pursue claims against MLIC when exposure 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 or 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. Accordingly, it is reasonably possible that our total exposure to asbestos claims may be materially greater than the liability recorded by us in our consolidated financial statements 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.

 

The New York Attorney General recently announced that his office had launched a major fraud investigation into the life insurance industry for practices related to the use of retained asset accounts and that subpoenas requesting comprehensive data related to retained asset accounts have been served on MetLife and other insurance carriers. We received the subpoena on July 30, 2010. We offer a retained asset account for death benefit payments called a Total Control Account (“TCA”) as a settlement option under our individual and group life insurance policies. When a TCA is established for a beneficiary, we retain the death benefit proceeds in the general account and pay interest on those proceeds at a rate set by reference to objective indices. Additionally, the accounts enjoy a guaranteed minimum interest rate. Beneficiaries can withdraw all of the funds or a portion of the funds held in the

account at any time. It is possible that other state and federal regulators or legislative bodies may pursue similar investigations or make related inquiries. We cannot predict what effect any such investigations might have on our earnings or the availability of the TCA, but we believe that our financial statements taken as a whole would not be materially affected. We believe that any allegations that information about the TCA is not adequately disclosed or that the accounts are fraudulent or violate state or federal laws are without merit.

 

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.

 

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

 

The compensation and corporate governance practices of financial institutions will become subject to increasing regulation and scrutiny. Dodd-Frank includes new requirements that will affect our corporate governance and compensation practices, including some that are likely to lead to shareholders having the limited right to use MetLife, Inc.’s proxy statement to solicit proxies to vote for their own candidates for director, impose additional requirements for membership on Board committees, require additional shareholder votes on compensation matters, require policies to recover compensation previously paid to certain executives under certain circumstances, eliminate broker discretionary voting on compensation matters, require additional performance and compensation disclosure, and other requirements. See “— President Obama Recently Signed a Bill Providing for Comprehensive Reform of Financial Services Regulation in the United States, Various Aspects of Which Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth.” In addition, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and other U.S. bank regulators have released guidelines on incentive compensation that may apply to or impact MetLife, Inc. as a bank holding company.

 

These requirements and restrictions, and others Congress or regulators may propose or implement, 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. Other new rules, such as the Health Care Act (as defined below), could also limit our tax deductions for certain compensation paid to executive officers and other employees in excess of specified amounts. We may also be subject to requirements and restrictions on our business if we participate in some of the programs established in whole or in part under EESA.

 

Although AIG, the ultimate parent company of the Alico Business, has received assurances from the TARP Special Master for Executive Compensation that neither we nor the Alico Business will be subject to compensation related requirements and restrictions under programs established in whole or in part under EESA, there can be no assurance that the Acquisition will not lead to greater public or governmental scrutiny, regulation, or restrictions on our compensation practices as a result of the Acquisition and expansion into new markets outside the United States, whether in connection with AIG’s having received U.S. government funding or as a result of other factors.

 

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 care and some other 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 United States Treasury, the IRS, the United States 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 life insurance, annuities, and non-medical health insurance benefit products, subject to various effective dates. It also imposes requirements on the purchasers of certain of these products. 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.

 

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.

 

Changes in U.S. Federal and State Securities Laws and Regulations May Affect Our Operations and Our Profitability

 

Federal and state securities laws and regulations apply to insurance products that are also “securities,” including variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. As a result, some of MetLife, Inc.’s subsidiaries and their activities in offering and selling variable insurance contracts and policies are subject to extensive regulation under these securities laws. These subsidiaries issue variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies through separate accounts that are registered with the SEC as investment companies under the Investment Company Act. Each registered separate account is generally divided into sub-accounts, each of which invests in an underlying mutual fund which is itself a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act. In addition, the variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by the separate accounts are registered with the SEC under the Securities Act. Other subsidiaries are registered with the SEC as broker-dealers under the Exchange Act, and are members of, and subject to, regulation by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Further, some of our subsidiaries are registered as investment advisers with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and are also registered as investment advisers in various states, as applicable.

Federal and state securities laws and regulations are primarily intended to ensure the integrity of the financial markets and to protect investors in the securities markets, as well as protect investment advisory or brokerage clients. These laws and regulations generally grant regulatory agencies broad rulemaking and enforcement powers, including the power to limit or restrict the conduct of business for failure to comply with the securities laws and regulations. A number of changes have recently been suggested to the laws and regulations that govern the conduct of our variable insurance products business that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For example, Dodd-Frank 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. In addition, the NAIC has adopted a revised Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation, that will, if enacted by the states, place new responsibilities upon issuing insurance companies with respect to the suitability of annuity sales, including responsibilities for training agents.

 

Changes in Tax Laws, Tax Regulations, or Interpretations of Such Laws or Regulations Could Increase Our Corporate Taxes; Changes in Tax Laws Could Make Some of Our Products Less Attractive to Consumers

 

Changes in tax laws, Treasury and other regulations promulgated thereunder, or interpretations of such laws or regulations could increase our corporate taxes. The Obama Administration has proposed corporate tax changes. Changes in corporate tax rates could affect the value of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. Furthermore, the value of deferred tax assets could be impacted by future earnings levels.

 

Changes in tax laws could make some of our products less attractive to consumers. A shift away from life insurance and annuity contracts and other tax-deferred products would reduce our income from sales of these products, as well as the assets upon which we earn investment income. The Obama Administration has proposed certain changes to individual income tax rates and rules applicable to certain policies.

 

We cannot predict whether any tax legislation impacting corporate taxes or insurance products will be enacted, what the specific terms of any such legislation will be or whether, if at all, any legislation would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We May Be Unable to Attract and Retain Sales Representatives for Our Products

 

We must attract and retain productive sales representatives to sell our insurance, annuities and investment products. Strong competition exists among insurers for sales representatives with demonstrated ability. In addition, there is competition for representatives with other types of financial services firms, such as independent broker-dealers.

 

We compete with other insurers for sales representatives primarily on the basis of our financial position, support services and compensation and product features. We continue to undertake several initiatives to grow our career agency force while continuing to enhance the efficiency and production of our existing sales force. We cannot provide assurance that these initiatives will succeed in attracting and retaining new agents. Sales of individual insurance, annuities and investment products and our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected if we are unsuccessful in attracting and retaining agents.

 

MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors May Control the Outcome of Stockholder Votes on Many Matters Due to the Voting Provisions of the MetLife Policyholder Trust

 

Under the Plan, we established the MetLife Policyholder Trust (the “Trust”) to hold the shares of MetLife, Inc. common stock allocated to eligible policyholders not receiving cash or policy credits under the plan. At July 28, 2010, the Trust held 226,995,571 shares, or 27.7%, of the outstanding shares of MetLife, Inc. common stock. Because of the number of shares held in the Trust and the voting provisions of the Trust, the Trust may affect the outcome of matters brought to a stockholder vote.

 

Except on votes regarding certain fundamental corporate actions described below, the trustee will vote all of the shares of common stock held in the Trust in accordance with the recommendations given by MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors to its stockholders or, if the board gives no such recommendations, as directed by the board. As a result of the voting provisions of the Trust, the Board of Directors may be able to control votes on matters submitted

to a vote of stockholders, excluding those fundamental corporate actions, so long as the Trust holds a substantial number of shares of common stock.

 

If the vote relates to fundamental corporate actions specified in the Trust, the trustee will solicit instructions from the Trust beneficiaries and vote all shares held in the Trust in proportion to the instructions it receives. These actions include:

 

 

If a vote concerns any of these fundamental corporate actions, the trustee will vote all of the shares of common stock held by the Trust in proportion to the instructions it received, which will give disproportionate weight to the instructions actually given by Trust beneficiaries.

 

State Laws, Federal Laws, Our Certificate of Incorporation and Our By-Laws May Delay, Deter or Prevent Takeovers and Business Combinations that Stockholders Might Consider in Their Best Interests

 

State laws and our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may delay, deter or prevent a takeover attempt that stockholders might consider in their best interests. For instance, they may prevent stockholders from receiving the benefit from any premium over the market price of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock offered by a bidder in a takeover context. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock if they are viewed as discouraging takeover attempts in the future.

 

Any person seeking to acquire a controlling interest in us would face various regulatory obstacles which may delay, deter or prevent a takeover attempt that stockholders of MetLife, Inc. might consider in their best interests. First, the insurance laws and regulations of the various states in which MetLife, Inc.’s insurance subsidiaries are organized may delay or impede a business combination involving us. State insurance laws prohibit an entity from acquiring control of an insurance company without the prior approval of the domestic insurance regulator. Under most states’ statutes, an entity is presumed to have control of an insurance company if it owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting stock of that insurance company or its parent company. We are also subject to banking regulations, and may in the future become subject to additional regulations. Dodd-Frank contains provisions that could restrict or impede consolidation, mergers and acquisitions by systemically significant firms and/or large bank holding companies. In addition, the Investment Company Act would require approval by the contract owners of our variable contracts in order to effectuate a change of control of any affiliated investment adviser to a mutual fund underlying our variable contracts. Finally, FINRA approval would be necessary for a change of control of any FINRA registered broker-dealer that is a direct or indirect subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.

 

In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law may affect the ability of an “interested stockholder” to engage in certain business combinations, including mergers, consolidations or acquisitions of additional shares, for a period of three years following the time that the stockholder becomes an “interested stockholder.” An “interested stockholder” is defined to include persons owning, directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation.

MetLife, Inc.’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws also contain provisions that may delay, deter or prevent a takeover attempt that stockholders might consider in their best interests. These provisions may adversely affect prevailing market prices for MetLife, Inc.’s common stock and include: classification of MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors into three classes; a prohibition on the calling of special meetings by stockholders; advance notice procedures for the nomination of candidates to the Board of Directors and stockholder proposals to be considered at stockholder meetings; and supermajority voting requirements for the amendment of certain provisions of the certificate of incorporation and by-laws.

 

The Continued Threat of Terrorism and Ongoing Military Actions May Adversely Affect the Level of Claim Losses We Incur and the Value of Our Investment Portfolio

 

The continued threat of terrorism, both within the United States and abroad, ongoing military and other actions and heightened security measures in response to these types of threats may cause significant volatility in global financial markets and result in loss of life, property damage, additional disruptions to commerce and reduced economic activity. Some of the assets in our investment portfolio may be adversely affected by declines in the credit and equity markets and reduced economic activity caused by the continued threat of terrorism. We cannot predict whether, and the extent to which, companies in which we maintain investments may suffer losses as a result of financial, commercial or economic disruptions, or how any such disruptions might affect the ability of those companies to pay interest or principal on their securities or mortgage loans. The continued threat of terrorism also could result in increased reinsurance prices and reduced insurance coverage and potentially cause us to retain more risk than we otherwise would retain if we were able to obtain reinsurance at lower prices. Terrorist actions also could disrupt our operations centers in the United States or abroad. In addition, the occurrence of terrorist actions could result in higher claims under our insurance policies than anticipated. See “— 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.”

 

The Occurrence of Events Unanticipated in Our Disaster Recovery Systems and Management Continuity Planning 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 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. 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, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering. 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.

 

Our Associates May Take Excessive Risks Which Could Negatively Affect Our Financial Condition and Business

 

As an insurance enterprise, we are in the business of being paid to accept certain risks. The associates who conduct our business, including executive officers and other members of management, sales managers, investment professionals, product managers, sales agents, and other associates, do so in part by making decisions and choices that involve exposing us to risk. These include decisions such as setting underwriting guidelines and standards, product design and pricing, determining what assets to purchase for investment and when to sell them, which business opportunities to pursue, and other decisions. Although we endeavor, in the design and implementation of our compensation programs and practices, to avoid giving our associates incentives to take excessive risks, associates may take such risks regardless of the structure of our compensation programs and practices. Similarly, although we employ controls and procedures designed to monitor associates’ business decisions and prevent us from taking excessive risks, there can be no assurance that these controls and procedures are or may be effective. If our associates take excessive risks, the impact of those risks could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or business operations.

Risks Relating to the Offering of the Common Stock

 

MetLife, Inc.’s Share Price Will Fluctuate

 

Although there has been some recent stabilization, stock markets in general, and stock prices of financial services companies in particular, including MetLife, Inc., have experienced significant price and volume volatility since 2008. The market price and volume of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock may continue to be subject to significant fluctuations due not only to general stock market conditions but also to a change in sentiment in the market regarding our operations, business prospects, future funding, including in relation to the Acquisition, or this offering. In addition to the risk factors discussed above, the price and volume volatility of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock may be affected by:

 

 

There May Be Future Sales or Other Dilution of MetLife, Inc.’s Equity, Which May Adversely Affect the Market Price of Its Common Stock

 

In addition to the equity securities being issued as part of the consideration for the Acquisition as discussed above, except as may be required by the underwriters for this offering of common stock, MetLife, Inc. is not restricted from issuing additional common stock or preferred stock, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock (including the Series B Preferred Stock and the Stock Purchase Contracts forming part of the Equity Units). The market price of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of its common stock or preferred stock or similar securities in the market after this offering, or the perception that such sales could occur. The issuance of additional common stock will dilute the ownership interest of existing common stockholders. See “— Risks Relating to the Acquisition of the Alico Business — The Issuance of Certain Equity Securities to Alico Holdings Pursuant to the Terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement Will Have a Dilutive Impact on MetLife, Inc.’s Stockholders, Including Those Investors who Purchase Shares of the Common Stock in the Offering.”

 

The Common Stock, Which is Subordinate to MetLife, Inc.’s Existing and Future Indebtedness and Preferred Stock, Will Pay Dividends Only if and When Declared by MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors

 

Shares of the common stock are equity interests in MetLife, Inc. and do not constitute indebtedness. As such, shares of the common stock will rank junior to all indebtedness and other non-equity claims on MetLife, Inc. with respect to assets available to satisfy claims on MetLife, Inc., including in a liquidation of MetLife, Inc. Additionally, holders of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock are subject to the prior dividend and liquidation rights of any holders of MetLife, Inc.’s preferred stock then outstanding.

 

Dividends on the common stock are payable only if declared by MetLife, Inc.’s board of directors and are subject to restrictions on payment of dividends out of lawfully available funds. Also, as a holding company for its insurance and financial subsidiaries, the payment of dividends and other distributions to MetLife, Inc. by its insurance subsidiaries is regulated by insurance laws and regulations. See “— Risks Related to Our Business — As a Holding Company, MetLife, Inc. Depends on the Ability of Its Subsidiaries to Transfer Funds to It to Meet Its Obligations and Pay Dividends.” MetLife, Inc. has issued and outstanding indebtedness and preferred stock under which it may defer interest or dividend payments from time to time (although MetLife, Inc. has no present intention to, and believes the likelihood is remote that it will elect or be required to defer interest payments on these instruments), but in that case, MetLife, Inc. would not be permitted to declare or pay dividends on, make any distribution with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any shares of its common stock, during the deferral period.

 

The following tables set forth selected historical consolidated financial information for MetLife. The selected historical consolidated financial information at December 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2009 Form 10-K, the selected historical consolidated financial information at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and the selected historical consolidated financial information at December 31, 2005 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. This selected consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with and is qualified by reference to these financial statements and the related notes. The selected historical consolidated financial information at June 30, 2010 and for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 has been derived from the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included in the Second Quarter Form 10-Q. The following consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheet data have been prepared in conformity with GAAP. Some previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform with the presentation for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock will be $      (or $      assuming the exercise of the over-allotment option in full), after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund a portion of the purchase price for the Acquisition as described in this prospectus supplement. In the event that the net proceeds from this offering and the additional offerings exceed the amount required for the Acquisition, we will use the excess net proceeds for general corporate purposes. In the event that the Acquisition is not consummated, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of the common stock for general corporate purposes.

 

The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization at June 30, 2010, on an actual basis and as adjusted to give effect to (i) the offering of the common stock and (ii) the Acquisition and related financings. This information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, including the notes thereto, and other financial information pertaining to us incorporated herein by reference as well as the unaudited pro forma capsule financial information, including the notes thereto, included in “ Summary — Unaudited Pro Forma Capsule Financial Information.”

 

 

 

 

MetLife, Inc.’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Trading, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, and dividend information follows:

 

 

The reported last sale price for our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on July 30, 2010 was $42.06 per share. As of June 30, 2010, there were 820,397,071 shares of common stock outstanding. As of June 30, 2010, our outstanding shares of common stock were held by 90,566 stockholders of record.

 

In this section we discuss the terms and conditions of the proposed acquisition of the Alico Business and provisions of the Stock Purchase Agreement. This discussion does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Stock Purchase Agreement (including the Investor Rights Agreement and the other exhibits thereto), which is attached as an exhibit to MetLife, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 11, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

General

 

MetLife, Inc. entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 7, 2010 with AIG and ALICO Holdings, pursuant to which MetLife, Inc. agreed to acquire the Alico Business for cash and MetLife, Inc. securities presently valued at approximately $16.1 billion as of July 30, 2010, subject to certain pre-closing and closing adjustments.

 

ALICO’s capital stock is wholly owned by ALICO Holdings (a special purpose vehicle formed by AIG specifically for that purpose), and DelAm’s capital stock is wholly owned by AIG. All of the common voting equity interests of ALICO Holdings are owned by AIG and the preferred non-voting equity interests are owned by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

The closing of the Acquisition is subject to certain conditions. Although no assurances can be given that these conditions will be timely satisfied or waived, we expect the Acquisition to close in the fourth quarter of 2010. After giving effect to the Acquisition, MetLife will be one of the leading global insurance companies conducting business in more than 60 countries and serving over 90 million customers worldwide. On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Acquisition and the financing transactions related thereto, as of June 30, 2010, MetLife’s total assets and total stockholders’ equity (excluding noncontrolling interests of $495 million) would have been $685.0 billion and $48.4 billion, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2009, on a pro forma basis, MetLife would have had total revenues of $34.1 billion and $54.3 billion, and diluted income (loss) per share from continuing operations, net of income tax of $2.77 and $(1.36), respectively. See “Summary — Unaudited Pro Forma Capsule Financial Information.”

 

Irrespective of this offering, the aggregate amount of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock expected to be issued in the Acquisition (including shares issuable upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and shares issuable upon settlement of the Stock Purchase Contracts) estimated immediately after the closing thereof is expected to be less than 23.5% of MetLife, Inc.’s outstanding common stock. The Stock Purchase Agreement does not contain a financing condition to closing. In the Stock Purchase Agreement, MetLife, Inc. represented that it will have all funds necessary at the closing to pay the purchase price and consummate the proposed transactions thereunder. In addition, the Stock Purchase Agreement contains a specific performance covenant that permits AIG to obtain an injunction requiring MetLife, Inc. to close in the event the closing conditions are satisfied. We intend to finance the cash portion of the purchase price through cash on hand and proceeds from this offering and the additional offerings. Concurrently with its entry into the Stock Purchase Agreement to acquire the Alico Business, MetLife, Inc. executed a commitment letter in connection with the Senior Credit Facility. Subject to the conditions set forth therein, the Senior Credit Facility will be used to finance any portion of the cash component of the purchase price of the Acquisition that is not financed with sales of MetLife, Inc.’s securities or cash on hand. An amount equal to 100% of the proceeds of sales of MetLife, Inc.’s securities, less certain ordinary-course transactions, will be applied to prepay any loans under the Senior Credit Facility and, if such proceeds or commitments are received on or prior to the date of the closing of the Acquisition, will permanently reduce dollar-for-dollar the commitments, if any, of the lenders under the Senior Credit Facility. See “Capitalization” and “Summary — Unaudited Pro Forma Capsule Information.”

 

At the closing, ALICO Holdings, AIG and MetLife, Inc. will enter into an Investor Rights Agreement, described below, that will provide, among other things, for neutralized voting by ALICO Holdings and its affiliates of the shares of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock and will provide for registration rights in favor of ALICO Holdings with respect to the MetLife, Inc. securities to be issued to ALICO Holdings.

Overview of the Alico Business

 

Founded in 1921, ALICO is one of the largest and most diversified international life insurance companies in the world, providing consumers and businesses with products and services for life insurance, accident and health insurance, retirement and wealth management solutions. The Acquisition will include all of the Alico Business, including the business’ distribution system composed of agents, brokers and financial institutions; 12,500 employees across more than 50 countries; and 20 million customers worldwide. The Acquisition also will include the Alico Business’ Global Benefits Network serving U.S. and foreign multinationals.

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2010 and the year ended November 30, 2009, the Alico Business had total revenues of $7.0 billion and $14.1 billion, respectively, and net income of $694 million and $807 million, respectively. As of May 31, 2010 and November 30, 2009, the Alico Business had total assets of $109.6 billion and $113.0 billion, respectively, and stockholders’ equity of $13.2 billion and $12.7 billion, respectively.

 

International diversification is a key strength of the Alico Business. The Alico Business is a leader in many of the countries and markets in which it operates. The Alico Business’ principal products, based on revenues for the year ended November 30, 2009 are: (i) traditional life insurance (35%); (ii) accident and health insurance (29%); (iii) fixed and variable annuities (23%); and (iv) group life insurance (13%). The Alico Business uses a multi-channel distribution strategy driven by a captive agency force, brokers, bancassurance (a bank sales channel used to sell insurance products) and direct marketing. The Alico Business generated premium income and other consideration of $9.9 billion for the year ended November 30, 2009.

 

The Alico Business’ principal international markets, products and distribution methods are as follows:

 

 

 

The remaining 2% of revenues for the year ended November 30, 2009 related to ALICO’s corporate segment, which includes home office operations in Delaware and operations of DelAm.

 

The Alico Business has a comprehensive investment portfolio, which includes government bonds issued by Asian and European nations. In particular, as of November 30, 2009, the Alico Business held $11.5 billion in carrying value of debt issued by Japan, $1.3 billion in carrying value of debt issued by Greece, and an aggregate carrying value of $1.3 billion of debt issued by Portugal, Spain, Italy and Ireland.

 

Rationale for the Acquisition

 

MetLife expects that the Acquisition will increase stockholder value by increasing MetLife’s return on equity and by being accretive to operating earnings per share. In addition, MetLife believes that the Acquisition will provide significant long-term strategic and financial benefits to its stockholders, including a significant long-term growth in revenues, earnings and returns on equity. In particular, MetLife believes that the Acquisition will:

 

 

 

 

In addition, the Alico Business has leading positions in many emerging and developing markets in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Leveraging the combined business, the broad portfolio of product solutions and experience in managing diversified distribution channels, MetLife

believes that it will not only be strongly positioned in the international markets in which MetLife and the Alico Business currently operate, but it will also be well positioned to enter new markets with high growth potential. MetLife believes that its collective historical expertise in building and growing operations in developing markets, coupled with scalability of the combined company’s business model around the globe, will be a cornerstone of MetLife’s future geographic expansion.

 

 

Consideration

 

Under the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, assuming no purchase price adjustments, MetLife, Inc. will:

 

(i) pay $6.8 billion to ALICO Holdings in cash; and

 

(ii) issue to ALICO Holdings:

 

(a) 78,239,712 shares of common stock,

 

(b) 6,857,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, which will automatically convert into 68,570,000 shares of common stock (subject to anti-dilution adjustments) upon a favorable vote of MetLife, Inc.’s common stockholders, and

 

(c) $3.0 billion aggregate stated amount of Equity Units, initially consisting of (x) the Stock Purchase Contracts obligating the holder to purchase a variable number of shares of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock on each of three specified future settlement dates (expected to be approximately two, three and four years after the closing of the Acquisition) for a fixed amount per contract (an aggregate of $1.0 billion on each settlement date) and (y) an interest in shares of the Unit Preferred Stock.

 

The consideration is currently valued at approximately $16.1 billion (the “Purchase Price”) (based on the fair value of the Equity Units and the closing price of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock on July 30, 2010), and is subject to certain adjustments described below.

 

Purchase Price Adjustments

 

Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Purchase Price will be subject to, among other adjustments: (a) a positive or negative adjustment based on the after-tax net operating earnings of ALICO during the 12-month period ended May 31, 2010, to the extent that such earnings, as adjusted, are greater than $1.65 billion or less than $1.35 billion; (b) a positive or negative adjustment based on the actual settlement amount of various accounts payable and receivable relative to the carrying value of each such account payable and receivable; and (c) in the event that ALICO Holdings estimates ALICO’s risk-based capital to be less than 400% as of the closing date, a negative adjustment at the closing in an amount equal to the estimated amount required for ALICO to have a risk-based capital of 400% as of the closing date, followed by (i) a post-closing negative adjustment that requires AIG to pay to MetLife, Inc. an amount equal to the actual amount of capital required for ALICO (together with any amounts deducted at closing) to have an actual risk-based capital of 400% as of the closing date or (ii) a post-closing positive adjustment that requires MetLife, Inc. to pay back to AIG, in cash, an amount equal to the amount of any negative adjustment made at the closing as a result of ALICO’s estimated risk-based capital, to the extent that the risk-based capital of ALICO equals or exceeds 400% at the closing, in each case, in accordance with the terms and procedures set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement. In addition, AIG will receive a credit against the purchase price at the closing equal to the amount of costs and expenses that the Alico Business incurs in connection with the

completion of certain required separation actions prior to the closing, followed by a negative purchase price adjustment to the extent that such costs and expenses incurred between June 1, 2010 and the closing date exceeded $21.5 million.

 

Series B Preferred Stock

 

At the closing, MetLife, Inc. will issue to ALICO Holdings the Series B Preferred Stock, which will rank junior to all shares of the other series of MetLife, Inc.’s outstanding preferred stock. The Series B Preferred Stock will not have voting rights on most matters that are submitted to a vote of MetLife, Inc.’s common stockholders, but is intended to have economic rights substantially equivalent to shares of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock, i.e., if MetLife, Inc. declares any dividend or distribution, it will simultaneously declare a dividend or distribution on the Series B Preferred Stock in the amount of dividends or distributions that would be made with respect to the shares of common stock into which the Series B Preferred Stock is convertible, as if the Series B Preferred Stock had been converted into shares of common stock on the record date for such dividend or distribution.

 

No later than the first anniversary of the closing, MetLife, Inc. will submit to its common stockholders a proposal to approve the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock into shares of its common stock, and each share of Series B Preferred Stock will automatically convert on the third business day following such approval at a conversion rate of ten shares of common stock for each share of Series B Preferred Stock (subject to anti-dilution adjustments). If such approval has not been obtained prior to the first anniversary of the closing, the Series B Preferred Stock will be deemed to be “Transferable Preferred Stock” (the “Transferable Preferred Stock”) pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement, and MetLife, Inc. will: (a) pay to ALICO Holdings an amount equal to the product of $43.750911 and the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock delivered to ALICO Holdings at the closing (which product, assuming the issuance of 6,857,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at the closing, would equal $300 million); (b) pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement, provide ALICO Holdings with registration rights to sell the Series B Preferred Stock in an orderly manner and seek to list the Series B Preferred Stock on the New York Stock Exchange in connection with any registration and sale; and (c) retain the option of converting the Series B Preferred Stock into common stock at a later date.

 

Equity Units

 

At the closing, MetLife, Inc. will issue the Equity Units to ALICO Holdings pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Contract Agreement to be entered into between MetLife, Inc. and the stock purchase contract agent. Each Equity Unit will initially pay distributions at a rate of 5% per annum, payable quarterly, and will initially consist of (i) a 1/40th ownership interest in one share of each of three series of Unit Preferred Stock that will rank pari passu in liquidation preference with MetLife, Inc.’s currently outstanding series of preferred stock and senior to the Series B Preferred Stock, and (ii) three Stock Purchase Contracts obligating the holder of such Equity Units to purchase, on three settlement dates, a variable number of shares of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock for a fixed price. The Unit Preferred Stock will be initially pledged as collateral to secure the obligations of the holders under the Stock Purchase Contracts.

 

Each series of Unit Preferred Stock will be automatically exchanged for a related interest in debt securities of MetLife, Inc. (issuable in one or more tranches) (the “Unit Debt Securities”) prior to the applicable settlement date. The Unit Debt Securities will: (i) be issued in an aggregate principal amount equal to the liquidation preference of the exchanged Unit Preferred Stock, (ii) have a stated maturity date or stated maturity dates, (iii) rank pari passu with all senior unsecured debt of MetLife, Inc., and (iv) initially bear an interest rate equal to the greater of (A) the dividend rate of the exchanged Unit Preferred Stock and (B) the applicable federal rate prescribed by the IRS on the exchange date. The Unit Debt Securities will be callable by MetLife, Inc. after they are remarketed subject to a customary make-whole provision.

 

Until certain deadlines prior to a settlement date, each holder can elect to strip the Unit Preferred Stock or Unit Debt Securities, as applicable, from the Equity Units; provided that they are replaced with U.S. Treasury Securities with principal amounts payable on or, in certain cases, prior to the relevant settlement dates in an amount sufficient to settle the related Stock Purchase Contracts.

 

Each of the Stock Purchase Contracts is expected to settle on the settlement dates approximately two, three and four years after the closing of the Acquisition, subject to extension in the event of a failed remarketing of the Unit

Debt Securities, in shares of common stock. The number of shares of common stock to be delivered on each such settlement date will be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Purchase Contract Agreement and will generally depend on the average of the volume-weighted average prices of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock during a 20 trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the initially applicable scheduled settlement date.

 

Each holder may choose to settle the Stock Purchase Contracts before the applicable settlement dates by delivering cash to MetLife, Inc. and, in such case, will receive the minimum number of shares of common stock that would have been deliverable upon settlement on the originally scheduled settlement date, together with the related pledged Unit Preferred Stock, Unit Debt Securities or U.S. Treasury Securities, as applicable.

 

Prior to each of the settlement dates, the relevant Unit Debt Securities will be remarketed, and, in connection therewith, their interest rate may be reset in order to realize aggregate proceeds sufficient to (i) meet the holders’ obligations under the related Stock Purchase Contracts, (ii) pay the remarketing agent’s fee, (iii) cover, in certain circumstances, a payment to the holders equal to any accrued but unpaid interest on the Unit Debt Securities being remarketed, and (iv) cover a payment to the holders equal to 0.05% of the principal amounts of the Unit Debt Securities being remarketed. Each series of the Unit Debt Securities may be remarketed up to five times, in three-month intervals, but if the fifth such remarketing fails, each holder will have the right to choose to settle the applicable Stock Purchase Contract either by using cash or by putting the relevant Unit Debt Securities back to MetLife, Inc., in each case in order to receive the related shares of common stock.

 

The Equity Units and Unit Preferred Securities will not be redeemable at the option of MetLife, Inc. The Unit Debt Securities will be callable by MetLife, Inc. after they are remarketed.

 

As permitted by the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, MetLife, Inc. may seek to modify the terms of the Equity Units, including by replacing the Unit Preferred Stock with a different host security, in order to achieve the desired equity treatment from the rating agencies. See “Risk Factors — A Downgrade in Our Financial Strength or Credit Ratings Could Result in a Loss of Business and Materially Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

Indemnification

 

The Stock Purchase Agreement provides that MetLife, Inc., on the one hand, and ALICO Holdings, on the other hand, will indemnify the other party and certain of the other party’s representatives for certain defined losses arising out of inaccuracies or breaches of applicable representations or warranties contained in the Stock Purchase Agreement and breaches of or failures to perform applicable covenants, obligations or agreements set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement. In addition, the Stock Purchase Agreement provides for certain specific indemnities relating to (a) the Premier Access Bond/Premier Bond Enhanced Fund or the Protected Recovery Fund, each formed by the Alico Business’ U.K. branch, (b) certain unit-linked insurance products offered or sold prior to the closing by ALICO Life International Limited (Italy branch) (the “Italy Matter”), (c) scheduled class action lawsuits relating to premiums charged in connection with credit life policies sold prior to the closing by ALICO Compania de Seguros, S.A. and other third-party claims based on substantially similar facts and circumstances as those underlying such class action lawsuits with respect to premiums charged in connection with credit life policies sold prior to the closing by ALICO Compania de Seguros, S.A., (the “Argentina Matter”) (d) the leak and subsequent unauthorized use of credit card numbers of policyholders of the Japan branch of the Alico Business (the “Japan Matter”) and (e) certain other specified matters relating to (i) loss of value resulting from the loss of certain joint venture interests in such cases where the consummation of the Acquisition triggers a third-party joint venture partner’s call right, right of first refusal or similar rights; (ii) the failure of certain reinsurance contracts to remain in full force and effect at the closing of the Acquisition; and (iii) loss of value resulting from the loss of certain governmental permits or the failure to obtain certain governmental approvals at or prior to the closing of the Acquisition.

 

The indemnification provided by each of ALICO Holdings and MetLife, Inc. with respect to breaches of representations and warranties (other than with respect to certain specified fundamental representations and warranties, indemnification for which is not subject to any U.S. dollar limitations) is subject to a materiality threshold of $87,500, a deductible of $125 million and a $2.25 billion cap (the “Cap”). Losses incurred by MetLife,

Inc. in connection with the Argentina Matter, the Italy Matter and the Japan Matter are aggregated with losses incurred by MetLife, Inc. in connection with breaches of representations and warranties (other than with respect to specified fundamental representations and warranties) for purposes of the Cap. ALICO Holdings will also indemnify MetLife, Inc. with respect to defined losses arising from any actions taken, or fines and penalties imposed by, a governmental agency in the event that the Alico Business violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, anti-money laundering laws and laws enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, subject to the Cap and with respect to tax matters, including certain tax indemnities applicable to specified matters.

 

AIG has agreed that ALICO Holdings will initially deposit the Equity Units into an indemnification collateral account as security for ALICO Holdings’ indemnification and other payment obligations. In addition, AIG has agreed to contribute additional assets to ALICO Holdings in order to ensure ALICO Holdings’ performance of its obligations under the Stock Purchase Agreement in the event that it lacks the requisite amount of cash or liquid assets to so perform. This collateral will be released periodically over a 30-month period on each of the 12-month, 24-month and 30-month anniversary of the closing of the Acquisition as follows: Equity Units with an aggregate stated amount of $1.0 billion (or such amount of net cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Units or other eligible collateral equal to such stated amount), less, on each such release date, specified reserve amounts, including, but not limited to, amounts necessary to satisfy then outstanding indemnification claims made by MetLife, Inc. However, if an AIG bankruptcy event occurs, any then remaining indemnification collateral will remain in the indemnification collateral account and will be released in part on each of the 30-month, 36-month and 48-month anniversary of the closing of the Acquisition, less, on each such release date, any such reserved amounts.

 

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Provisions

 

The Stock Purchase Agreement contains a limited non-competition provision which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits AIG from competing in the marketing and sale of certain specified lines of business and products in the United States and overseas. AIG has also agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to solicit or hire certain employees and producers of the Alico Business. The term of the non-competition and non-solicitation limitations is two years after the closing of the Acquisition.

 

Investor Rights Agreement

 

At the closing, MetLife, Inc. will enter into an investor rights agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”) with AIG and ALICO Holdings (including any permitted transferees, all of whom will be subject to the terms and provisions described below). Under the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement, commencing nine months after the closing, ALICO Holdings may require MetLife, Inc. to effect up to three registrations of Subject Securities (as defined below) under the Securities Act in any year; provided that ALICO Holdings will be limited to one registration statement in any 120-day period and may not require MetLife, Inc. to effect a registration if a shelf registration statement covering all of the Subject Securities is already in effect at such time. The “Subject Securities” include: (i) MetLife, Inc.’s common stock; (ii) the Equity Units, including their component securities; (iii) the Unit Preferred Stock and the Unit Debt Securities; and (iv) the Transferrable Preferred Stock.

 

Commencing nine months from the closing, pursuant to a registration statement, ALICO Holdings may make up to three public offerings of Subject Securities in each consecutive 365-day period, each offering with anticipated aggregate gross proceeds of $500 million or more, subject to the requirement that there are at least 120 days between each such offering. ALICO Holdings is limited to offering and selling: (a) 15% or less of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock or its equivalent in any offering; (b) Subject Securities in any offering, the aggregate gross proceeds of which would not exceed $4.0 billion; and (c) Subject Securities in any offering or other transfer, the aggregate gross proceeds of which would not exceed $6.6 billion in any 180-day period.

 

The right of ALICO Holdings to require MetLife, Inc. to register or offer Subject Securities will be subject to certain lock-ups and deferrals described below.

 

MetLife, Inc. can defer a registration demand or suspend an offering for up to:

 

 

in any of the following circumstances (and, as applicable, during the occurrence of a requested market stand-off): (a) MetLife, Inc. is subject to a customary suspension or blackout period; (b) the offering would occur shortly before or after an investor day presentation; (c) MetLife, Inc. believes that in connection with an offering disclosures would be required that would not otherwise be required and are not in the best interests of MetLife, Inc.; or (d) MetLife, Inc. is pursuing a primary underwritten offering (with respect to which ALICO Holdings will have piggyback registration rights). The stand-off referred to above would prevent ALICO Holdings from selling or otherwise transferring Subject Securities, upon the request of MetLife, Inc., other than (i) to any wholly owned subsidiary or other permitted transferee (which, in the case of a permitted pledge of Subject Securities would include the U.S. Treasury or any U.S. Federal Reserve Bank) of AIG or (ii) as part of the exercise of piggyback registration, from the date of the request and during the 60 days following an offering of common stock by MetLife, Inc. Once in any 365-day period, MetLife, Inc. may also defer a registration demand or suspend an offering for up to 60 days if MetLife, Inc. is making an equity offering to fund a business combination or acquisition of assets or to meet capital funding requirements.

 

ALICO Holdings will generally be permitted, subject to the other restrictions in the Investor Rights Agreement, to transfer in a registered public offering or in a forward-sale or hedge transaction (a) nine months after the closing, up to 50% of the MetLife, Inc. common stock consideration (or Transferable Preferred Stock or Equity Units on a common-stock equivalent basis) and 50% of the Unit Preferred Stock; and (b) one year after the closing, 100% of the Subject Securities. After the date which is eighteen months after the closing or, if earlier, after the date on which the aggregate value of the remaining Subject Securities is less than $1.0 billion, ALICO Holdings may transfer the Subject Securities in compliance with the volume and manner of sale requirements of Rule 144(e) and (f) (regardless of whether such requirements are applicable by law).

 

ALICO Holdings cannot transfer (a) common stock or (b) Transferable Preferred Stock or Equity Units (in each case, on a common stock equivalent basis) which would (i) constitute the equivalent of 3.5% or more of the outstanding common stock of MetLife, Inc. to any one transferee or (ii) result, to the actual knowledge of ALICO Holdings, in any transferee beneficially owning more than 5% of the outstanding common stock of MetLife, Inc.

 

ALICO Holdings will be able to assign its registration rights in connection with the transfer of at least $500 million of Subject Securities to AIG, any wholly owned subsidiary or other permitted transferee (which, in the case of a permitted pledge of Subject Securities would include the U.S. Treasury or any U.S. Federal Reserve Bank) of AIG that is or agrees to be bound by the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement. ALICO Holdings will agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to transfer all of the Subject Securities held by it or a permitted transferee before the later of: (i) the fifth anniversary of the closing; and (ii) the first anniversary of the last settlement date of the Stock Purchase Contracts under the terms of the Equity Units. The Investor Rights Agreement will terminate by consent of the parties or when ALICO Holdings no longer owns any Subject Securities.

 

AIG will be required to either remain in “control” of ALICO Holdings or guarantee all obligations of ALICO Holdings. Furthermore, ALICO Holdings and AIG will agree to certain standstill provisions, to the effect (among other things) that ALICO Holdings and AIG or their respective affiliates will not acquire or own more than 23.5% of the common stock or other voting securities (or securities convertible into common stock or other voting securities) of MetLife, Inc.

 

ALICO Holdings and AIG will agree that they will not seek to “control” or influence the management, board of directors, stockholders or policies of MetLife, Inc. or its affiliates. In addition, ALICO Holdings will agree to vote all of the common stock or other voting securities in the same proportion as the shares voted by all other holders of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock or other voting securities. This agreement with respect to voting will not apply to any common stock or other voting securities that are not Subject Securities unless, in the absence of such agreement, ALICO Holdings, AIG or their respective affiliates would be found to control MetLife, Inc. for purposes of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC”), in which case ALICO Holdings will be subject to the voting agreement to the extent necessary so that ALICO Holdings, AIG or any of their respective affiliates will not be found to control MetLife, Inc. for purposes of the BHC.

 

The Investor Rights Agreement will contain customary indemnification provisions. ALICO Holdings will have piggyback registration rights on any underwritten offerings of common stock by MetLife, Inc., subject to customary exceptions. Finally, if ALICO Holdings transfers any Subject Securities that are subject to any custody

arrangement securing its indemnification obligations under the Stock Purchase Agreement, any proceeds in connection therewith must also be subject to a first priority security interest in favor of MetLife, Inc.

 

Other Ancillary Agreements

 

In addition to the agreements described above, MetLife, Inc. will also enter into several other agreements with ALICO Holdings and its affiliates in connection with the Acquisition. These agreements include a special asset protection agreement pursuant to which ALICO Holdings will agree to partly reimburse MetLife, Inc. for losses relating to certain assets protected under the agreement and a transition services agreement, pursuant to which AIG and MetLife, Inc., following the closing of the Acquisition, will continue to provide each other with certain scheduled services and access to certain facilities, in each case for a specified term.

 

Conditions to Closing

 

Except as noted below, the obligations of AIG, ALICO Holdings and MetLife, Inc. to close the Acquisition are subject to the receipt of all governmental approvals, including anti-competition, insurance and pension regulatory approvals (or expirations of waiting periods), unless the parties waive such approvals. These governmental approvals must be in full force and effect without the imposition of certain conditions or restrictions including any condition or restriction requiring the taking of any action that would materially adversely affect the economic benefits reasonably expected to be derived by a party to the Stock Purchase Agreement in connection with the consummation of the Acquisition, requiring the divestiture or other disposition of any assets that are material to such party’s enterprise, or that would otherwise materially adversely affect such party or interfere with the ability of such party (taken as a whole with its subsidiaries) to conduct its business substantially in the manner as such business is currently being conducted. However, if six months have elapsed since the date of the Stock Purchase Agreement and not all governmental approvals have been obtained, then only certain specified governmental approvals will be required to be obtained, such as (a) the Federal Reserve Board’s determination that AIG and ALICO Holdings will not be deemed to “control” MetLife, Inc. due to the Acquisition, (b) governmental approvals in the State of Delaware, France, Japan, Poland, the United Kingdom, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Lebanon, Spain and jurisdictions where MetLife, Inc. operated on the date of the Stock Purchase Agreement, (c) governmental approvals to permit ALICO Holdings and AIG to receive MetLife, Inc. securities as part of the consideration for the Acquisition and (d) governmental approvals in such other jurisdictions under the laws of which criminal penalties may be imposed if the Acquisition is closed without obtaining such approvals.

 

Furthermore, except as noted above, the obligation of AIG, ALICO Holdings and MetLife, Inc. to close the Acquisition is subject to the absence of any governmental order issued or law enacted that would enjoin, prohibit or make illegal the Acquisition, unless such governmental order or law is vacated, terminated or withdrawn.

 

MetLife, Inc.’s obligation to close the Acquisition is subject to the following additional conditions:

 

(i) ALICO Holdings’ and AIG’s specified fundamental representations and warranties are true and correct in all respects;

 

(ii) ALICO Holdings’ and AIG’s representations and warranties (that are not considered fundamental) are true and correct without regard to any materiality or material adverse effect qualifiers to such representations and warranties (except where the failure to be true and correct would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Alico Business);

 

(iii) ALICO Holdings and AIG have performed their obligations on or before the closing;

 

(iv) all ancillary agreements to which ALICO Holdings and its Affiliates are a party have been executed and delivered to MetLife, Inc.;

 

(v) since the date of the Stock Purchase Agreement, no material adverse effect with respect to the Alico Business has occurred;

 

(vi) the estimated ratio (expressed as a percentage) that ALICO’s total adjusted capital bears to its authorized control level risk-based capital is no less than 400% as of the closing; and

(vii) receipt of an opinion from outside counsel to ALICO Holdings in a form reasonably acceptable to MetLife, Inc., concerning MetLife, Inc.’s security interest in the indemnification collateral account funds.

 

The obligation of ALICO Holdings to close the Acquisition is subject to the following additional conditions:

 

(i) MetLife, Inc.’s specified fundamental representations and warranties are true and correct in all respects;

 

(ii) MetLife, Inc.’s representations and warranties (that are not considered fundamental) are true and correct without regard to any materiality or material adverse effect qualifiers to such representations and warranties (except where the failure to be true and correct would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business of MetLife, Inc.);

 

(iii) MetLife, Inc. has performed its obligations in all material respects on or before the closing;

 

(iv) all ancillary agreements to which MetLife, Inc. and its affiliates are a party have been executed and delivered to ALICO Holdings;

 

(v) receipt of an opinion from Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, in a form reasonably acceptable to ALICO Holdings, concerning the valid issuance of the shares MetLife, Inc.’s common stock, the Equity Units and the Series B Preferred Stock; and

 

(vi) since the date of the Stock Purchase Agreement, no material adverse effect with respect to MetLife, Inc. has occurred.

 

Termination

 

The Stock Purchase Agreement may be terminated (i) by mutual consent, (ii) by either ALICO Holdings or MetLife, Inc if the closing is not consummated by January 10, 2011 (provided, that either ALICO Holdings or MetLife, Inc. may extend the outside date until July 10, 2011 if the closing has not occurred due to the failure to receive one or more governmental approvals), (iii) by either ALICO Holdings or MetLife, Inc, if there is a final, non-appealable governmental order issued or law enacted that would restrain, enjoin, prohibit or make illegal the Acquisition (other than in the case where approval under such order or law is not required to satisfy the regulatory approval closing condition described under “— Conditions to Closing”) or (iv) by either party, if there is an incurable breach precluding fulfillment of any of the conditions obligating such party to consummate the Acquisition. If such breach can be cured, the Stock Purchase Agreement may be terminated if the breach is not cured within 60 calendar days after the alleged breaching party receives written notice.

 

The Stock Purchase Agreement will terminate automatically without the requirement of any action or notice by any party upon (i) the institution prior to the closing by or against AIG, ALICO Holdings or ALICO of any insolvency, bankruptcy or similar proceeding or (ii) prior to the closing, the appointment of, or petition for appointment of, an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for all or substantially all of the assets of AIG, ALICO Holdings or ALICO.

 

The following is a general discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences resulting from the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder (as defined below) that acquires our common stock pursuant to this offering. The following discussion is based on provisions of the Code, applicable U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations, all as in effect on the date of this prospectus supplement, and all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This discussion is limited to non-U.S. holders who hold our common stock as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. This discussion is only addressed to non-U.S. holders and does not consider and does not address tax considerations applicable to holders in light of their particular circumstances or to holders that may be subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation, financial institutions (including banks), insurance companies, retirement plans, mutual funds, hybrid entities, certain former citizens or former long-term residents of the United States, dealers in securities or currencies, holders who acquire their common stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or as compensation, persons subject to the mark-to-market rules of the Code, foreign governments, international organizations, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, persons that will hold our stock as a part of a hedging transaction, synthetic security, “straddle,” “conversion transaction,” or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and tax-exempt organizations. This discussion does not consider any U.S. federal gift or estate tax consequences, or U.S. state or local or non-U.S. tax consequences resulting from the purchase, ownership or disposition of our common stock.

 

If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a holder of our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Holders that are partnerships, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their tax advisors about the tax consequences resulting from the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock.

 

As used in this discussion, the term “non-U.S. holder” means a holder that is a beneficial owner of our common stock that is not, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

 

Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state, local, and non-U.S. income and other tax considerations with respect to purchasing, owning and disposing of shares of our common stock.

 

Distributions on Our Common Stock

 

Distributions paid on our common stock will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles.

 

With respect to distributions that are treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will have to withhold U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty), from the gross amount of the dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder, unless such dividends are effectively connected with such holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if an income tax treaty applies, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States). Under applicable

U.S. Treasury regulations, non-U.S. holders are required to satisfy certain certification and other requirements (e.g., as set forth on IRS Form W-8 BEN (or suitable substitute form)) in order to claim a reduced rate of withholding on dividend payments pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty. A non-U.S. holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of withholding of U.S. federal income tax under an income tax treaty may obtain a refund or credit of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under a relevant income tax treaty.

 

Dividends that are effectively connected with a non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if an income tax treaty applies, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States) are taxed on a net income basis at the regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a resident of the United States. In such cases, we will not have to withhold U.S. federal income tax if the non-U.S. holder complies with applicable certification and other requirements (e.g., as set forth on IRS Form W-8ECI (or suitable substitute form)). In addition, a “branch profits tax” may be imposed at a 30% rate, or a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty, if the non-U.S. holder is a foreign corporation that has earnings and profits (attributable to dividends or otherwise) that are effectively connected with such holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States.

 

To the extent distributions exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, such distributions will constitute a return of capital to non-U.S. holders of our common stock, and will first reduce the non-U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such stock, but not below zero. The amounts of any such distribution in excess of such adjusted tax basis will be treated as gain from the sale of stock which generally should not be subject to U.S. federal income tax (except as described below). See discussion below under “— Gain on Disposition of Common Stock” for a more detailed discussion regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a non-U.S. holder with respect to gain on the sale of our common stock.

 

Gain on Disposition of Common Stock

 

Subject to the discussion below under “— Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax” and “— Newly Enacted Legislation,” a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or any withholding thereof with respect to any gain realized on a sale or other disposition of our common stock (including, as a result of receiving distributions that are not treated as dividends on such stock in excess of such holder’s adjusted tax basis in such stock) unless one of the following applies:

 

 

We believe that we are not currently and do not anticipate becoming a USRPHC. Moreover, even if we are, or become, a USRPHC, non-U.S. holders would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax (including withholding thereof) if our stock is “regularly traded on an established securities market” within the meaning of Section 897(c)(3) of the Code, unless such a holder owned (directly or indirectly) more than 5% of our common stock during the applicable period (in which case, such holder would be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to the net gain recognized on the sale of our common stock at regular graduated rates and related reporting

and filing requirements). We believe that our common stock should be treated as “regularly traded on an established securities market.” If our common stock does not meet this requirement and we are, or become, a USRPHC, non-U.S. holders (regardless of the percentage of our common stock owned by such holders) would be subject to U.S. federal income tax (including withholding thereof at the rate of 10% on the gross proceeds paid to such holder) and related reporting and filing requirements with respect to the sale of our common stock. Non-U.S. holders who own or may own (in each case, directly or indirectly) more than 5% of our common stock should consult their tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of a disposition of our common stock.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax

 

Annual reports to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder will be made reporting the amount of distributions paid to such holder and the tax withheld from those distributions, if any. These reporting requirements apply regardless of whether withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty. Copies of the information returns reporting those distributions and withholding may also be made available under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or agreement to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder is a resident.

 

Under some circumstances, U.S. Treasury regulations require backup withholding and additional information reporting on reportable payments on common stock. The gross amount of dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder that fails to certify its non-U.S. holder status in accordance with applicable U.S. Treasury regulations generally will be reduced by backup withholding at the applicable rate (currently 28%), unless the 30% rate of withholding described above applies.

 

The payment of the proceeds of the sale or other disposition of common stock by a non-U.S. holder to or through the U.S. office of any broker, U.S. or foreign, generally will be reported to the IRS and reduced by backup withholding, unless the non-U.S. holder either certifies under penalties of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder and that certain other conditions are met, or otherwise establishes an exemption. The payment of the proceeds from the disposition of common stock by a non-U.S. holder to or through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker generally will not be reduced by backup withholding or reported to the IRS. However, the payment of proceeds from the disposition of common stock to or through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is a United States person or has certain enumerated connections with the United States will be reported to the IRS unless the broker has documentary evidence in its files that the holder is a non-U.S. holder and certain other conditions are met, or the non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-U.S. holder can be refunded or credited against the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any; provided, that the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner. These backup withholding and information reporting rules are complex and non-U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules to them.

 

Newly Enacted Legislation

 

Legislation was enacted on March 18, 2010 that generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on dividends paid with respect to stock of U.S. issuers and the gross proceeds of a disposition of such stock paid to a foreign financial institution (other than with respect to dividends or gross proceeds that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States), unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which would include certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners). For this purpose, a foreign financial institution includes, among others, a non-U.S. entity that (i) is a bank, (ii) holds, as a substantial portion of its business, financial assets for the account for others or (iii) is engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, partnership interests, commodities or any interest in securities, partnership interests or commodities. The legislation also generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on dividends from such stock and the gross proceeds of a disposition of such stock paid to a non-financial foreign entity (other than with respect to dividends or gross proceeds that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States), unless such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification that it does not

have any substantial U.S. owners or a certification identifying the direct and indirect substantial U.S. owners of the entity. These reporting requirements generally will not apply to any payment beneficially owned by (i) a non-financial foreign entity that is a corporation the stock of which is regularly traded on an established securities market, (ii) certain corporations that are affiliated with an entity described in clause (i), or (iii) certain other specified types of entities. Under certain circumstances (for example, if the recipient is a resident in a country having a treaty with the United States), a holder of such stock might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. The newly enacted withholding and reporting requirements generally will apply to payments made on or after January 1, 2013 and will not require any amount to be deducted or withheld from any payment under any obligation outstanding on March 18, 2012 or from the gross proceeds from any disposition of such an obligation. The legislation also imposes new U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties for failure to disclose) on individuals required to file U.S. federal income tax returns that hold certain specified foreign financial assets (which include financial accounts in foreign financial institutions). Potential investors are urged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this recently enacted legislation on their investment in our common stock.

 

The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax considerations is for general information purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. Accordingly, you should consult your own tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences to you of purchasing, owning and disposing of our common stock, including the applicability and effect of any U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax laws, and of any changes or proposed changes in applicable law.

 

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., UBS Securities LLC, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are acting as representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among MetLife, Inc. and the underwriters, MetLife, Inc. has agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from MetLife, Inc., the number of shares of common stock set forth opposite its name below.

 

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.

 

MetLife, Inc. has agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

 

The underwriters are offering the shares of common stock, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

 

Commissions and Discounts

 

The representatives have advised MetLife, Inc. that the underwriters propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $      per share. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of the offering may be changed.

The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their overallotment option described below.

 

 

The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $780,000 and are payable by MetLife, Inc.

 

Overallotment Option

 

MetLife, Inc. has granted an option to the underwriters to purchase up to 11,250,000 additional shares of common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters may exercise this option for 30 days from the date of this prospectus solely to cover any overallotments. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the purchase agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to that underwriter’s initial amount reflected in the above table.

 

No Sales of Similar Securities

 

MetLife, Inc., its executive officers and directors have agreed not to sell or transfer any common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for common stock, for 60 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. Specifically, MetLife, Inc. and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions (including relating to securities issued under our benefit plans and securities to be issued in the Acquisition), not to directly or indirectly:

 

 

in each case, without the prior written consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

 

New York Stock Exchange Listing

 

The shares of common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MET.”

 

Price Stabilization, Short Positions

 

Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing the common stock. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell the common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ overallotment option described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their overallotment option or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the overallotment option. “Naked” short sales are sales in excess of the overallotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of shares of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

 

Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters’ purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

Neither MetLife, Inc. nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the common stock. In addition, neither MetLife, Inc. nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

 

Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Shares

 

In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail. In addition, one or more of the underwriters may facilitate Internet distribution for this offering to certain of its Internet subscription customers. One or more of the underwriters may allocate a limited number of shares for sale to its online brokerage customers. An electronic prospectus is available on the Internet web site maintained by one or more of the underwriters. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on such underwriters web site is neither part of this prospectus supplement nor of the accompanying prospectus.

 

Other Relationships