MetLife 2026 Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: MetLife (NYSE: MET) - **Date**: February 10, 2026 - **Speakers**: Michel Khalaf (President and CEO), John McCallion (Head of Investment Management) Key Points Strategic Initiatives - **New Frontier Strategy**: Launched over a year ago, focusing on strong growth, attractive returns, and lower risk. Aimed to deliver a superior value proposition by 2025 [5][6] - **Financial Performance**: In 2025, MetLife achieved $10 billion in free cash flow and reduced direct expenses by 40 basis points, reflecting an efficiency mindset [5][6] - **Growth in Key Segments**: Significant progress in group benefits, asset management, and international markets, with a focus on retirement origination and reinsurance capabilities [6][7] Financial Metrics - **Assets Under Management (AUM)**: Increased from approximately $600 billion to over $740 billion, indicating strong growth across various segments [7] - **Earnings Per Share (EPS)**: MetLife established a target for double-digit EPS growth, with a 60-40 split between earnings growth and capital management [9] - **Return on Equity (ROE)**: Current target set at 15%-17%, with expectations for continued growth driven by high-return businesses and the runoff of legacy businesses [10][11] Expense Management - **Expense Ratio Goals**: Committed to reducing the expense ratio by 100 basis points over five years, with a current ratio of 11.7% expected to reach 11.3% [13][14] - **Use of AI**: Leveraging AI to enhance process efficiency and reduce expenses, contributing to overall cost management [13][24] Market Dynamics - **Disability and Life Insurance Trends**: Adjusted loss ratios in life insurance and slight increases in average severity in disability insurance, with expectations for favorable trends to persist [19][20] - **Impact of AI on Employment**: AI is expected to enhance productivity rather than reduce workforce size, creating new opportunities for growth [22][23] International Growth - **Japan and Korea Markets**: Strong growth driven by diversified distribution and product capabilities, with a focus on market-linked instruments as cash savings transition [36][37] - **Sales Performance**: 2/3 of sales in 2025 came from US dollar products, capitalizing on favorable currency conditions [37] Investment Management - **PineBridge Acquisition**: Closed on December 30, 2025, expected to enhance growth in EBITDA and earnings through revenue synergies [31][32] - **Investment Strategy**: Focus on higher-yielding fixed income assets in response to the current economic environment, maintaining a 9% annualized return target for 2026 [43] Regional Performance - **LATAM Growth**: Confident in continued momentum in Latin America, targeting near-term earnings of $1 billion [42] Conclusion - MetLife is positioned for strong growth through strategic initiatives, effective expense management, and leveraging market opportunities across various segments and regions. The focus on diversification and innovation, particularly through AI and acquisitions, is expected to drive future performance.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, adjusted earnings were reported at $1.6 billion or $2.49 per share, with an adjusted EPS of $2.58, up 24% from $2.08 a year ago, marking MetLife's highest single EPS quarter [11][20] - For the full year 2025, adjusted earnings, excluding notable items, totaled $6 billion or $8.89 per share, reflecting a growth of approximately 10% [12][20] - The company achieved a 10% adjusted EPS growth and an adjusted return on equity (ROE) of 16%, within the target range [9][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group Benefits adjusted earnings for Q4 were $465 million, up 12% year-over-year, driven by favorable underwriting in life and dental, despite weaker disability results [24] - Retirement and Income Solutions (RIS) adjusted earnings were $454 million for Q4, up 18%, benefiting from record origination in pension risk transfers and U.K. longevity reinsurance [14][25] - Asia adjusted earnings were $444 million, essentially flat year-over-year, with sales growth of 18% on a constant currency basis, primarily driven by Japan and Korea [26] - Latin America adjusted earnings were $227 million, up 13%, with adjusted PFOs rising 25% [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Asia saw constant currency sales jump 18% in 2025, while Latin America sales rose by 12%, with Mexico leading the growth [7] - EMEA adjusted earnings increased by 64%, driven by robust volume growth and favorable underwriting margins [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company launched the "New Frontier" strategy focusing on growth, capital deployment, and operational efficiency [5] - MetLife Investment Management (MIM) was established as a new business segment following the acquisition of PineBridge Investments, with $742 billion in assets under management [6][28] - The company aims to achieve double-digit adjusted EPS growth and maintain a direct expense ratio target of 11.3% over five years [9][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to adapt to changing economic environments, emphasizing the importance of disciplined capital management and operational efficiency [10][18] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for double-digit adjusted EPS growth and a stable U.S. dollar, with a projected increase in long-term interest rates [35] Other Important Information - MetLife returned approximately $4.4 billion to shareholders through stock repurchases and dividends in 2025 [8] - The company reported a total of $50 billion in policyholder benefits and claims paid in 2025 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on Group Benefits renewal season and pricing - Management noted robust results in persistency, particularly in dental, with good sales growth across the business, including disability [47] Question: Impact of macroeconomic volatility in Japan - Management acknowledged short-term impacts on sales due to macroeconomic fluctuations but maintained a strong value proposition and diversified product portfolio [48][49] Question: Change in GAAP earnings for real estate accounting - Management explained the change aimed to better reflect annual cash flows and returns, aligning with overall economics of the asset class [52][54] Question: Outlook for U.S. retail retirement space - Management highlighted successful execution of flow reinsurance deals, enhancing liability origination and capital flexibility [62] Question: Surrender activity in Japan - Management reported a slight increase in surrender trends in Q4 but expected surrenders to return to long-term assumptions in 2026 [64] Question: Employment actions and their impact on Group Benefits - Management indicated that employment actions were considered in the outlook, but strong sales growth and persistency were also observed [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a return on equity (ROE) of 15.2% last year, with a new target of 15% to 17% under the New Frontier strategy, indicating a strong improvement from the previous target of 12% to 14% [5][10] - Group sales grew by 9% in the first half of the year, with liability balances increasing by 6%, surpassing the previously committed range of 3% to 5% [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group benefits business raised its premium and fee growth target to 4% to 7% from 4% to 6%, reflecting confidence in driving top-line growth [16] - The retirement income solutions (RIS) business achieved a 6% growth in total liability balances in the second quarter, with expectations to remain within the 3% to 5% growth range for the year [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Asia, sales increased by 10% in Japan and over 40% in Korea during the first half of the year, driven by demographic and economic shifts [38] - The company has seen strong growth momentum in Latin America, with earnings more than doubling since the pandemic, and a target of reaching $1 billion in earnings [46][50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The New Frontier strategy focuses on extending leadership in group benefits, leveraging global retirement platforms, accelerating growth in MetLife Investment Management, and expanding presence in key international markets [6][7] - The company aims to reach $1 trillion in assets under management (AUM) for MetLife Investment Management [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the execution of the New Frontier strategy, highlighting strong early momentum and strategic initiatives such as acquisitions and reinsurance transactions [8][10] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the second half of the year, particularly in group benefits and retirement income solutions [22][30] Other Important Information - The company launched Chariot Re, a Bermuda-based reinsurer, to augment capital generation and support growth opportunities in retirement solutions [35][37] - The implementation of the economic solvency ratio (ESR) in Japan is expected to have a seamless transition for the company, with no significant impact on dividend capacity [43][45] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the plans to improve the direct expense ratio? - Management plans to reduce the direct expense ratio by 100 basis points over the next five years, with an evenly distributed reduction expected [11][12] Question: How is the group benefits business driving growth? - The company is focusing on adding more products for existing employers and increasing employee participation, leveraging its comprehensive product portfolio [18][21] Question: What is the outlook for the retirement income solutions business? - The RIS business is expected to maintain a healthy growth trajectory, benefiting from diversification and demographic trends [29][30] Question: How is the company managing capital allocation? - The company prioritizes organic growth, strategic M&A, and maintaining an attractive dividend yield, with a history of significant buybacks [57][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings for Q2 2025 were reported at $1.4 billion or $2.2 per share, reflecting a 16% decrease year-over-year due to less favorable underwriting and lower investment margins [8][21] - The adjusted return on equity was 14.6%, above the cost of capital and near the mid-teen target range [9] - Free cash flow allowed the company to return approximately $900 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [9][18] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group Benefits adjusted earnings were $400 million, down 25% from the previous year due to less favorable life and non-medical health underwriting [10][22] - Retirement and Income Solutions (RIS) reported adjusted earnings of $368 million, down 10% year-over-year, primarily due to lower recurring interest margins [12][24] - Asia adjusted earnings were $350 million, down 22% year-over-year, with sales up 9% on a constant currency basis [14][26] - Latin America adjusted earnings totaled $233 million, up 3% and 15% on a constant currency basis, driven by volume growth [28] - EMEA posted adjusted earnings of $100 million, up 30% year-over-year, primarily due to strong volume growth [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total liability exposures increased by 6% year-over-year, driven by growth in UK longevity reinsurance [13] - General account assets under management in Asia rose by 6% year-over-year on a constant currency basis [14][27] - Adjusted premiums, fees, and other revenues in Group Benefits grew by 4% from a year ago [10][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing its "new frontier growth strategy," focusing on managing expenses, returning capital to shareholders, and capitalizing on market trends [7][19] - Strategic partnerships, such as with Workday, aim to enhance the benefits experience and drive sales growth [11] - Recent acquisitions and strategic transactions, including Pinebridge Investments and Chariot Re, are expected to support growth in investment management [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver on commitments despite the current economic environment [7] - The company anticipates improvements in underwriting and investment margins in the upcoming quarters [39] - Management noted that the current quarter's earnings do not fully reflect the company's earnings power, with expectations for better performance in the second half of the year [36] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $500 million of its common stock in Q2, bringing the total year-to-date repurchases to over $2 billion [18][34] - Cash and liquid assets at holding companies were reported at $5.2 billion, exceeding the target buffer range [18][34] - The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was approximately 24%, at the bottom end of the guidance range [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Observations on elevated claims in the non-medical health sector - Management indicated that the elevated claims were not surprising and attributed them to normal fluctuations, expecting improvements in the third and fourth quarters [38][39] Question: Outlook for Chariot Re and sidecars - Management sees Chariot Re as a growth vehicle, focusing on MetLife-originated liabilities and expects more transactions in the future [44][46] Question: Strong sales in Japan and Korea - Management highlighted strong sales performance driven by new product launches and expects this momentum to continue [49][50] Question: Stability of retirement spreads - Management expects core spreads to remain stable, with some seasonal impacts anticipated in Q3 [54][56] Question: Analysis of disability claims - Management clarified that the pressure on disability claims was due to specific high-value claims and not indicative of broader trends [61][63] Question: Update on the PRT market - Management noted a lighter quarter for PRT but expects jumbo cases to transact in the second half of the year, maintaining a disciplined pricing approach [95][97] Question: Implementation of Gen AI - Management expressed excitement about AI's potential, emphasizing ongoing investments in technology to enhance efficiency and drive growth [100][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings for the second quarter were reported at $1.4 billion or $2.2 per share, reflecting a 16% decrease year-over-year due to less favorable underwriting and investment margins [7][21] - The adjusted return on equity was 14.6%, well above the cost of capital and near the mid-teen target range [8] - Free cash flow allowed the company to return approximately $900 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [8][18] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group Benefits adjusted earnings were $400 million, down 25% from the previous year due to less favorable life and non-medical health underwriting [8][22] - Retirement and Income Solutions (RIS) reported adjusted earnings of $368 million, down 10% year-over-year, primarily due to lower recurring interest margins [11][24] - Asia adjusted earnings were $350 million, down 22% year-over-year, with sales up 9% on a constant currency basis [13][26] - Latin America adjusted earnings totaled $233 million, up 3% and 15% on a constant currency basis, driven by volume growth [14][28] - EMEA adjusted earnings were $100 million, up 30% on both a reported and constant currency basis, primarily due to strong volume growth [15][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total liability exposures increased by 6% year-over-year, exceeding the 2025 outlook range of 3% to 5% [12] - In Japan, sales increased by 29% on a constant currency basis, while Korea saw a 36% increase year-over-year [13][50] - EMEA's quarterly run rate is expected to remain above its 2025 guidance of $70 million to $75 million for the remainder of the year [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing its "New Frontier" growth strategy, focusing on managing expenses, returning capital to shareholders, and capitalizing on market trends [6][19] - Strategic partnerships, such as with Workday, are aimed at enhancing the benefits experience and driving sales growth [10][15] - Recent acquisitions and partnerships, including Pinebridge Investments and Chariot Re, are expected to support growth in the investment management platform [16][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver on commitments despite the current economic environment [6] - The company anticipates improvements in underwriting and investment margins in the upcoming quarters [39][72] - Management noted that the current quarter's results do not fully reflect the company's earnings power, with expectations for better performance in the second half of the year [19][36] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased approximately $2 billion of its common stock year-to-date, with a total of nearly $16 billion repurchased since 2021 [18][34] - Cash and liquid assets at holding companies were reported at $5.2 billion, exceeding the target buffer range [18][34] - The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was approximately 24%, at the bottom end of the 2025 guidance range [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Observations on elevated claims in the sector - Management indicated that the elevated claims were not surprising and expected improvements in the non-medical health ratio in the upcoming quarters [38][39] Question: Outlook for Chariot Re and growth opportunities - Management views Chariot Re as a vehicle for growth, focusing on MetLife-originated liabilities and anticipating more transactions [44][46] Question: Strong sales in Japan and Korea - Management reported strong sales performance driven by new product launches and expects to remain at the top end of guidance for Asia sales [49][52] Question: Stability of retirement spreads - Management expects core spreads to remain stable, with some seasonality anticipated in Q3 [53][56] Question: Analysis of disability claims - Management clarified that the pressure on disability claims was related to specific clients and not indicative of broader trends [61][62] Question: Update on commercial mortgage loan reserves - Management acknowledged an increase in reserves for commercial mortgages, indicating it reflects stabilization in the market [65][66] Question: Implementation of Gen AI - Management expressed excitement about the potential of AI, highlighting ongoing investments and improvements in processes to leverage emerging technologies [98][100]