MetLife 10-K 2023-12-31

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

__________________________

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023

or

For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 001-15787

MetLife, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(212) 578-9500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

5.875% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D, par value $0.01

3.850% Fixed Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series G, par value $0.01

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No þ

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 30, 2023 was approximately $42.8 billion.

At February 8, 2024, 723,020,313 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III of this Form 10-K incorporates by reference certain information from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 18, 2024, to be filed by the registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the year ended December 31, 2023.

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As used in this Form 10-K, “MetLife,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999, its subsidiaries and affiliates.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10‑K, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events and do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words and terms such as “anticipate,” “are confident,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “if,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and other words and terms of similar meaning or that are otherwise tied to future periods or future performance, in each case in all derivative forms. They include statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, future sales efforts, future expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, and future trends in operations and financial results.

Many factors determine Company results, and they involve unpredictable risks and uncertainties. Our forward-looking statements depend on our assumptions, our expectations, and our understanding of the economic environment, but they may be inaccurate and may change. We do not guarantee any future performance. Our results could differ materially from those we express or imply in forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in MetLife, Inc.’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and others, may cause such differences. These factors include:

(1) economic condition difficulties, including risks relating to interest rates, credit spreads, declining equity or debt markets, real estate, obligors and counterparties, government default, currency exchange rates, derivatives, climate change, public health and terrorism and security;

(2) global capital and credit market adversity;

(3) credit facility inaccessibility;

(4) financial strength or credit ratings downgrades;

(5) unavailability, unaffordability, or inadequate reinsurance, including reinsurance risks that arise from reinsurers’ credit risk, and the potential shortfall or failure of risk mitigants to protect against such risks;

(6) statutory life insurance reserve financing costs or limited market capacity;

(7) legal, regulatory, and supervisory and enforcement policy changes;

(8) changes in tax rates, tax laws or interpretations;

(9) litigation and regulatory investigations;

(10) unsuccessful efforts to meet all environmental, social, and governance standards or to enhance our sustainability;

(11) MetLife, Inc.’s inability to pay dividends and repurchase common stock;

(12) MetLife, Inc.’s subsidiaries’ inability to pay dividends to MetLife, Inc.;

(13) investment defaults, downgrades, or volatility;

(14) investment sales or lending difficulties;

(15) collateral or derivative-related payments;

(16) investment valuations, allowances, or impairments changes;

(17) claims or other results that differ from our estimates, assumptions, or models;

(18) global political, legal, or operational risks;

(19) business competition;

(20) technological changes;

(21) catastrophes;

(22) climate changes or responses to it;

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(23) deficiencies in our closed block;

(24) goodwill or other asset impairment, or deferred income tax asset allowance;

(25) impairment of value of business acquired, value of distribution agreements acquired or value of customer relationships acquired;

(26) product guarantee volatility, costs, and counterparty risks;

(27) risk management failures;

(28) insufficient protection from operational risks;

(29) failure to protect confidentiality and integrity of data or other cybersecurity or disaster recovery failures;

(30) accounting standards changes;

(31) excessive risk-taking;

(32) marketing and distribution difficulties;

(33) pension and other postretirement benefit assumption changes;

(34) inability to protect our intellectual property or avoid infringement claims;

(35) acquisition, integration, growth, disposition, or reorganization difficulties;

(36) Brighthouse Financial, Inc. separation risks;

(37) MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors influence over the outcome of stockholder votes through the voting provisions of the MetLife Policyholder Trust; and

(38) legal- and corporate governance-related effects on business combinations.

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 subsequent reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts

See “Exhibit Index — Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts” for information regarding agreements included as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Part I

Index to Business

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Business Overview & Strategy

As used in this Form 10-K, “MetLife,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999, its subsidiaries and affiliates.

MetLife is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management. We hold leading market positions in the United States (“U.S.”), Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. We are also one of the largest institutional investors in the U.S. with a general account portfolio invested primarily in fixed income securities (corporate, structured products, municipals, and government and agency) and mortgage loans, as well as real estate, real estate joint ventures, other limited partnerships and equity securities.

Our well-recognized brand, globally diversified and market-leading businesses, competitive and innovative product offerings and financial strength and expertise should help drive future growth and enhance shareholder value. We will continue to execute on our Next Horizon strategy, creating value focusing on the following three pillars:

In the fourth quarter of 2023, MetLife reorganized from five segments into the following six segments to reflect changes in management’s responsibilities: Group Benefits; Retirement and Income Solutions (“RIS”); Asia; Latin America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”); and MetLife Holdings. The Group Benefits and RIS businesses were previously reported as the U.S. segment. In addition, the Company continues to report certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other. See “— Segments and Corporate & Other” and Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Company’s segments and Corporate & Other.

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Segments and Corporate & Other

We offer a broad range of products and services aimed at serving the financial needs of our customers. We sell these products to corporations and other institutions (including local, state and federal governments) and their respective employees, as well as individuals.

Group Benefits

We have built a leading position in the U.S. group insurance market through long-standing relationships with many of the largest employers in the U.S.

Our Group Benefits segment, based in the U.S., offers life insurance, dental, group short- and long-term disability, individual disability, accidental death and dismemberment (“AD&D”) insurance, vision, and accident & health insurance, as well as prepaid legal plans

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Any or each of the events described below may (or may continue to) adversely affect the global economy or global financial markets, or our reputation, regulatory, customer, or other relationships, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows, statutory capital position, ability to meet our obligations, credit and financial strength ratings, financial condition, or the market price of our common stock. The effects may vary depending on timing, product, market, region or segment.

Many of these risks are interrelated and could occur under similar business and economic conditions, and the occurrence of any of them may cause others to emerge or worsen. Such combinations could materially increase the severity of the cumulative or separate impact of these risks.

These risk factors do not describe all potential risks that could affect MetLife. You should carefully consider the risk factors together with other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and other reports and materials MetLife submits to the SEC.

Economic Environment and Capital Markets Risks

We May Face Difficult Economic Conditions

Market factors, including interest rates, credit spreads, declining equity or debt markets, derivative prices and availability, real estate conditions, foreign currency exchange rates, consumer and government spending, government default or spending reductions to avoid default, business investment, climate change, public health risks, volatility, disruptions and strength of the capital markets, deflation and inflation, and government actions in response thereto, may inhibit revenue growth, reduce investment opportunities and result in reduced investment returns or losses, derivative losses, reductions in fees generated, changes in insurance liabilities, impairments, increased valuation allowances, increases in reserves, reduced net investment income and changes in unrealized gain or loss positions.

Higher unemployment, changes to inflation, lower family income, lower corporate earnings, greater government regulation, lower business investment, lower consumer spending, elevated incidence of claims, adverse utilization of benefits relative to our best estimate expectations, lapses or surrenders of policies, reduced demand for our products, and deferred or canceled payments of insurance premiums may negatively affect our earnings and capitalization.

Interest Rate Risks

Some of our products and investments expose us to interest rate risks, including changes in the difference between short-term and long-term interest rates, which may reduce or eliminate our investment spread and net income.

Interest rate increases may harm our profitability. During rapidly increasing interest rates, we may not be able to replace the investments in our general account with higher yielding investments needed to fund the higher crediting rates required to stay competitive. This could result in a lower spread, lower profitability, decreased sales, and greater loss of existing contracts and related assets. In addition, policy loans, surrenders and withdrawals may increase as policyholders seek investments with higher perceived returns. This may result in cash outflows requiring the sale of investments on less favorable terms, resulting in investment losses and reductions in net income. Reductions in net income may in turn harm our credit instrument covenants and rating agency assessment of our financial condition. Interest rate increases may harm the value of our investment portfolio, for example, by decreasing the estimated fair value of fixed income securities, and may increase our daily settlement payments on interest rate futures and cleared swaps, resulting in increased cash outflows and liquidity needs. Furthermore, if interest rates rise, our unrealized gains on fixed income securities may decrease and our unrealized losses may increase. We would recognize the accumulated change in estimated fair value of these fixed income securities in net income upon a sale, an intent to sell, a determination it is more likely than not we will be required to sell, or if the decline in estimated fair value is due to a credit loss. During inflationary periods with rising interest rates, the value of fixed income investments falls, which could increase realized and unrealized losses, resulting in additional deferred tax assets that may not be realizable. Finally, an increase in interest rates may decrease fee income associated with a decline in the value of variable annuity account balances invested in fixed income funds.

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Low interest rates and risk asset returns may reduce income from our investment portfolio, increase our liabilities for claims and future benefits, and increase the cost of risk transfer measures, decreasing our profit margins. During certain market events, such as a global credit crisis, a market downturn, or sustained low market returns, we may incur significant losses due to, among other reasons, losses incurred in our general account and the impact of guarantees, including increases in liabilities, capital maintenance obligations and collateral requirements. In addition, during periods of sustained lower interest rates, we may need to reinvest proceeds from certain investments at lower yields, reducing our investment spread. Moreover, borrowers may prepay or redeem the fixed income securities and loans in our investment portfolio with greater frequency. Although we may be able to lower interest crediting rates to help offset decreases in spreads, our ability to lower these rates is limited to our products that have adjustable interest crediting rates, which 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 investment spread may decrease or become negative. Reductions in net income from these factors may in turn harm our credit instrument covenants or rating agency assessment of our financial condition.

During periods of declining interest rates, life insurance and annuity products may be more attractive investments to consumers, resulting in increased premium payments on certain products, repayment of policy loans and increased persistency, while our new investments carry lower returns. A market interest rate decline could also reduce our return on investments that do not support particular policy obligations. During periods of sustained lower interest rates, we may need to increase our reserves.

The measures we take to mitigate the risks of investing in a changing interest rate environment, such as mitigating our fixed income investments relative to our interest rate sensitive liabilities, may not be sufficient. For some of our liability portfolios, we may not be able to invest assets at the full liability duration, thereby creating some asset/liability mismatch. In addition, asymmetrical and non-economic accounting may cause material changes to our net income and stockholders’ equity because we record our non-qualified derivatives at fair value through earnings, while certain hedged items may follow an accrual-based accounting model or are recorded at fair value through other comprehensive income.

Credit Spread Risks

Changes in credit spreads may result in market price volatility and cash flow variability. Market price volatility may result in defaults and a lack of pricing transparency, and can make valuations of our securities difficult if trading becomes less frequent, which may require us to add to our reserves. An increase in credit spreads relative to U.S. Treasury benchmarks may increase our bo

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MetLife has no unresolved comments from the SEC staff regarding its periodic or current reports under the Exchange Act.

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Cybersecurity Management & Strategy

We manage information security risk through, and as part of, MetLife’s Information Security Program (the “Program”), which institutes and maintains controls for the systems, applications, and databases of the Company and of its third-party providers. The primary goal of the Program is to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of all data MetLife owns or possesses, as well as its technology assets, through physical, technical, and administrative safeguards. This includes controls and procedures for monitoring, detecting, reporting, containing, managing, and remediating cyber threats. The Program aims to prevent data exfiltration, manipulation, and destruction, as well as system and transactional disruption. The Program’s threat-centric and risk-based approach for securing the MetLife environment takes into consideration applicable guidelines from the cybersecurity framework developed by the U.S. Government’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, and is managed by MetLife’s CISO, in collaboration across lines of business and corporate functions. Our Board of Directors oversees the Program.

The key features of the Program include:

• A cybersecurity incident response team under the CISO’s direction, which is responsible for monitoring and responding to threats, vulnerabilities, and incidents.

• An incident response plan that is managed by the CISO and our Privacy Office and tested through cross-functional annual exercises in various geographical regions of the Company, many of which include participation from senior executives and the Board of Directors.

• Information security policies and procedures that are reviewed at least annually and updated to reflect applicable changes in law, technology, practice and emerging threats.

• Regular network and application testing and surveillance.

• Periodic review of threats, vulnerabilities and other cybersecurity risks, internal and external.

• Risk mitigation strategies, including annual internal and third-party risk assessments, as well as cybersecurity and privacy liability insurance intended to defray costs associated with an information security breach.

• Vendor management procedures designed to identify and address potential risks associated with the use of third-party service providers.

• Employee training programs on information security, data security, and cybersecurity practices and protection of data against cyber threats, at least annually.

• A cross-functional approach to addressing cybersecurity risk, with participation from Global Technology & Operations, Risk, Compliance, Legal, Privacy and Internal Audit functions.

We exercise risk-based due diligence in selecting our third-party service providers, including, as appropriate, review of vendor applications, general IT controls and the IT facilities used to service MetLife’s business. Third parties are governed by the MetLife Third-Party Risk Management program, which includes risk assessment prior to onboarding. Based on the assessment of risk, certain third-party service providers must periodically update relevant assessment documentation and be reevaluated by MetLife relative to their internal controls. Vendors deemed critical and high risk are continuously monitored by various industry solutions and services designed to identify cybersecurity risks.

We also work with third parties, such as independent assessors (for example, for industry maturity assessments, penetration testing, application security reviews, and independent audits), external legal counsel and other consultants as part of the design and implementation of the Program. The Program is periodically evaluated by external experts, and the results of those reviews are reported to the Board of Directors.

During the period covered by this report, we have not identified risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect MetLife, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For further discussion of MetLife’s risks related to cybersecurity, see “Risk Factors — Operational Risks — We May Fail to Protect the Confidentiality and Integrity of Our Data, Including As a Result of a Failure in Our Cybersecurity or Other Information Security Systems or Our Disaster Recovery Plans or Those of Our Vendors.”

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Cybersecurity Governance

The CISO is a senior-level executive responsible for establishing and executing the Company’s information security strategy. Management provides regular reports to the CISO detailing on-going cybersecurity risk management. The CISO and the head of Global Technology & Operations present updates to the Audit Committee quarterly and, as necessary, to our full Board of Directors. These regular reports include updates on our performance preparing for, preventing, detecting, responding to and recovering from cyber incidents. The Audit Committee also reviews with management, as necessary, but at least annually, the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s policies and internal controls regarding information security and cybersecurity. Additionally, the CISO periodically and on an event-driven basis informs and updates the Board of Directors about information security incidents and the related risks posed to the Company.

The Program is subject to MetLife’s risk management framework and operates under the “Three Lines of Defense” model MetLife uses. The CISO regularly reports about information security risk to the Enterprise Risk Committee (“ERC”), including the Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”), and other members of the senior management team. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management.”

The CISO, who oversees an organization that supports the day-to-day operation of the Program, is qualified in the areas of data protection and cybersecurity, having more than twenty years of professional IT experience in financial services. Prior to his current role, the CISO previously served as MetLife’s Global Chief Technology Officer with accountability for the Company’s global infrastructure, engineering, service operations, quality assurance, application maintenance, and production management functions; he also served variously as the chief technology officer, CISO, chief information officer and global head of telecommunications engineering at other financial institutions prior to joining MetLife in 2012.

Not applicable.

See Note 24 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Not applicable.

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Part II

Issuer Common Equity

MetLife, Inc.’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MET” on April 5, 2000.

At February 8, 2024, there were 72,491 stockholders of record of our common stock.

See Item 12 for information about our equity compensation plans.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Purchases of MetLife, Inc. common stock made by or on behalf of MetLife, Inc. or its affiliates during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 are set forth below:

(1)During the periods October 1 through October 31, 2023, November 1 through November 30, 2023 and December 1 through December 31, 2023, there were no purchases by separate account index funds of MetLife, Inc. common stock on the open market in non-discretionary transactions.

(2)In May 2023, MetLife, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors authorized a total of $4.0 billion of common stock repurchases. At December 31, 2023, MetLife, Inc. had $2.1 billion of common stock repurchases remaining under the authorizations. Neither the authorization remaining, nor the amount repurchased, at December 31, 2023 reflects the $8 million of applicable excise tax payable in connection with such repurchases for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. For more information on common stock repurchases and the related excise tax, see Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. See also “Risk Factors — Capital Risks — We May Not be Able to Pay Dividends or Repurchase Our Stock Due to Legal and Regulatory Restrictions or Cash Buffer Needs.”

Common Stock Performance Graph

The graph and table below compare the total return on our common shares with the total return on the S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) 500, S&P 500 Insurance, S&P 500 Financials and S&P 500 Life & Health Insurance indices, respectively, for the five-year period ended on December 31, 2023. The graph and table show the total return on a hypothetical $100 investment in our common shares and in each index, respectively, on December 31, 2018, including the reinvestment of all dividends. The graph and table below shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed,” or to be incorporated by reference in future filings with the SEC, or to be subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

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Index to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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Forward-Looking Statements and Other Financial Information

For purposes of this discussion, “MetLife,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999, its subsidiaries and affiliates. This discussion should be read in conjunction with “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors,” “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and the Company’s consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for cautionary language regarding forward-looking statements.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes references to our performance measures, adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings available to common shareholders, that are not based on GAAP. See “— Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures” for definitions and a discussion of these and other financial measures, and “— Results of Operations” and “— Investments” for reconciliations of historical non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

Consolidated Company Outlook

Our outlook reflects continued uncertainty around inflation and unemployment in 2024. We expect the U.S. dollar to stabilize around current levels.

Based on the forward yield curve as of December 31, 2023, we expect long-term interest rates to remain largely unchanged in 2024 with the yield curve steepening, as short-term interest rates decline. We believe that our investment portfolio is highly diversified and positioned to perform well in a variety of economic scenarios. See “— Industry Trends — Impact of Market Interest Rates” for discussion of the mitigating actions the Company has taken to reduce interest rate sensitivity, as market interest rates are a key driver of our results.

As of December 31, 2023, we had $5.2 billion of cash and liquid assets at the holding companies which is above the high end of our $3.0 billion to $4.0 billion holding company cash target. In 2024, we expect to maintain this holding company cash target.

Our continued capital stress testing and longstanding commitment to liquidity position us to withstand a variety of economic conditions. We do not expect any material liquidity deficiencies, and we expect to remain able to comply with the financial covenants of our credit agreements. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources.” We will continue reviewing accounting estimates, asset valuations and various financial scenarios for capital and liquidity implications. See “— Investments — Current Environment” and “Risk Factors” for additional information.

Assuming (i) interest rates following the observable forward yield curves as of December 31, 2023, including a 10-year U.S. Treasury rate of 3.84% at December 31, 2024, (ii) S&P 500 equity index annual return of 5% over the near-term, and (iii) private equity annual returns between 7% to 10% over the near-term which is below our long-term historical returns of 12% and assumes continued pressure in the first quarter of 2024 before trending higher; we expect to maintain the two-year average annual ratio of free cash flow to adjusted earnings, excluding total notable items, at 65% to 75%.

Further, based on the aforementioned assumptions, we are maintaining our target for adjusted return on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) other than foreign currency translation adjustments (“FCTA”) and total notable items, of 13% to 15% over the near-term. Lastly, we expect to exceed our goals to generate approximately $20.0 billion of free cash flow and make available an additional $1.0 billion to invest in growth and innovation, over the time period of 2020 through 2024.

Based on our continued focus on expense discipline, building capacity to reinvest in growth initiatives and our overall efficiency mindset, we are lowering our full year direct expense ratio target, excluding total notable items related to direct expenses and pension risk transfers, from 12.6% to 12.3% over the near-term.

Our outlook relies on the accuracy of our assumptions about future economic and business conditions, which can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. We continually review our assumptions, implement mitigation plans, and take precautions. We may revise our outlook as we obtain more information regarding economic conditions, regulatory changes, and other events, and the impact of these events on our business operations, investment portfolio, derivatives, financial results and financial condition.

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Industry Trends

We continue to be impacted by the changing global financial and economic environment that has been affecting the industry.

Financial and Economic Environment

Our business and results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global financial markets and the economy generally due to our market presence in numerous countries, our large investment portfolio and the sensitivity of our insurance liabilities and derivatives to changing market factors.

We are closely monitoring political and economic conditions that might contribute to global market volatility and impact our business operations, investment portfolio and derivatives, such as global inflation, supply chain disruptions, acts of war and banking sector volatility. We are also monitoring the imposition of tariffs, sanctions or other barriers to international trade,

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The following discussion on market risk should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management.”

Market Risk Exposures

We regularly analyze our exposure to interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and equity market price risk. As a result of that analysis, we have determined that the estimated fair values of certain assets and liabilities are materially exposed to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity markets. We have exposure to market risk through our insurance operations and investment activities. For purposes of this disclosure, “market risk” is defined as the risk of loss due to potential changes in the value of assets and liabilities arising from fluctuation in the financial markets and other economic factors.

Interest Rates

Our exposure to interest rate changes results most significantly from our holdings of fixed maturity securities AFS, mortgage loans, derivatives, and our interest rate sensitive liabilities. Fixed maturity securities AFS include U.S. and foreign government bonds, securities issued by government agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities and ABS & CLO, all of which are mainly exposed to changes in medium- and long-term interest rates. The interest rate sensitive liabilities for purposes of this disclosure include FPBs, PABs related to certain investment type contracts, debt and MRBs primarily consisting of variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits which have the same type of interest rate exposure (medium- and long-term interest rates) as fixed maturity securities AFS. See “Risk Factors — Economic Environment and Capital Markets Risks — We May Face Difficult Economic Conditions.”

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar results most significantly from our holdings in non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed maturity and equity securities, mortgage loans, and insurance liabilities, as well as through our investments in foreign subsidiaries. The principal currencies that create foreign currency exchange rate risk in our investment portfolios and insurance liabilities are the Japanese yen, the Euro and the British pound. Selectively, we use U.S. dollar assets to support certain long-duration foreign currency liabilities. Through our investments in foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures, we are primarily exposed to the Japanese yen, the Euro, the Australian dollar, the British pound, the Mexican peso, the Chilean peso and the Korean won. In addition to hedging with foreign currency swaps, forwards and options, local surplus in some countries may be held entirely or in part in U.S. dollar assets, which further minimize exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation risk. We have matched much of our foreign currency insurance liabilities in our foreign subsidiaries with their respective foreign currency assets, thereby reducing our risk to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation. See “Risk Factors — Economic Environment and Capital Markets Risks — We May Face Difficult Economic Conditions.”

Equity Market

Along with investments in equity securities and FVO securities, we have exposure to equity market risk through certain liabilities that involve long-term guarantees on equity performance, such as MRBs for variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits and certain PABs. Equity exposures associated with real estate and limited partnership interests are excluded from this discussion.

Management of Market Risk Exposures

We use a variety of strategies to manage interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and equity market risk, including the use of derivatives.

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Interest Rate Risk Management

To support management of interest rate risk, we perform analysis using various models, including multi-scenario cash flow projection models that forecast cash flows of the liabilities and their supporting investments, including derivatives. These projections involve evaluating the potential gain or loss on most of our in-force business under various increasing and decreasing interest rate environments. The NYDFS regulations require that we perform some of these analyses annually as part of our review of the sufficiency of our regulatory reserves. For several of our legal entities, we maintain segmented operating and surplus asset portfolios for the purpose of ALM and the allocation of investment income to product lines. In the U.S., for each segment, invested assets greater than or equal to the GAAP liabilities, net of certain non-invested assets allocated to the segment, are maintained, with any excess allocated to Corporate & Other. The business segments may reflect differences in legal entity, statutory line of business and any product market characteristic which may drive a distinct investment strategy with respect to duration, liquidity or credit quality of the invested assets. Certain smaller entities make use of unsegmented general accounts for which the investment strategy reflects the aggregate characteristics of liabilities in those entities. We measure relative sensitivities of the value of our assets and liabilities to changes in key assumptions utilizing internal models. These models reflect specific product characteristics and include assumptions based on current and anticipated experience regarding lapse, mortality, morbidity and interest crediting rates. In addition, these models include asset cash flow projections reflecting interest payments, sinking fund payments, principal payments, bond calls, mortgage loan prepayments and defaults.

We employ product design, pricing and ALM strategies to reduce the potential effects of interest rate movements. Product design and pricing strategies include the use of surrender charges or restrictions on withdrawals in some products and the ability to reset crediting rates for certain products. ALM strategies include the use of derivatives. We also use reinsurance to mitigate interest rate risk.

We also use common industry metrics, such as duration and convexity, to measure the relative sensitivity of assets and liability values to changes in interest rates. In computing the duration of liabilities, we consider policyholder guarantees and how we intend to set indeterminate policy elements such as interest credits or dividends. Each asset portfolio or portfolio group has a duration target based on the liability duration and the investment objectives of that portfolio. Where a liability cash flow may exceed the maturity of available assets, we may support such liabilities with equity investments, derivatives or interest rate curve mismatch strategies.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Management

MetLife has a well-established policy to manage foreign currency exchange rate exposures within its risk tolerance. In general, investments backing specific liabilities are currency matched. This is achieved through direct investments in matching currency or through the use of foreign currency exchange rate derivatives. Enterprise foreign currency exchange rate risk limits are established by the ERC. Management of each of our segments, with oversight from our FX Working Group and the ALM committee for the respective segment, is responsible for managing any foreign currency exchange rate exposure.

We use foreign currency swaps, forwards and options to mitigate the liability exposure, risk of loss and financial statement volatility associated with our investments in foreign subsidiaries, foreign currency denominated fixed income investments and foreign currency insurance liabilities.

Equity Market Risk Management

We manage equity market risk on an integrated basis with other risks through our ALM strategies, including the dynamic hedging with derivatives of certain variable annuity guarantee benefits accounted for as MRBs, as well as reinsurance, in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to large risks, and provide additional capacity for future growth. We also manage equity market risk exposure in our investment portfolio through the use of derivatives. These derivatives include exchange-traded equity futures, equity index options contracts, TRRs and equity variance swaps.

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Hedging Activities

We use derivative contracts primarily to hedge a wide range of risks including interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, and equity market risk. Derivative hedges are designed to reduce risk on an economic basis while considering their impact on financial results under different accounting regimes, including GAAP and local statutory accounting. Our derivative hedge programs vary depending on the type of risk being hedged. Some hedge programs are asset or liability specific while others are portfolio hedges that reduce risk related to a group of liabilities or assets. Our use of derivatives by major hedge programs is as follows:

• Risks Related to Guarantee Benefits — We use a wide range of derivative contracts to mitigate the risk associated with living guarantee benefits accounted for as MRBs. These derivatives include equity and interest rate futures, interest rate swaps, currency futures/forwards, equity indexed options, TRRs, interest rate option contracts and equity variance swaps.

• Minimum Interest Rate Guarantees — For certain liability contracts, we provide the contractholder a guaranteed minimum interest rate. These contracts include certain fixed annuities and other insurance liabilities. We purchase interest rate caps and floors to reduce risk associated with these liability guarantees.

• Reinvestment Risk in Long-Duration Liability Contracts — Derivatives are used to hedge interest rate risk related to certain long-duration liability contracts. Hedges include interest rate swaps, swaptions and Treasury bond forwards.

• Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk — We use foreign currency swaps, futures, forwards and options to hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk. These hedges are generally used to swap foreign currency denominated bonds, investments in foreign subsidiaries or equity market exposures to U.S. dollars. Our foreign subsidiaries also use these hedges to swap non-local currency assets to local currency assets in order to match liabilities**.**

• General ALM Hedging Strategies — In the ordinary course of managing our asset/liability risks, we use interest rate futures, interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, interest rate floors, and inflation swaps. These hedges are designed to reduce interest rate risk or inflation risk related to the existing assets or liabilities or related to expected future cash flows.

• Macro Hedge Program — We use equity options, equity TRRs, interest rate swaptions, interest rate swaps and Treasury locks to mitigate the potential loss of legal entity statutory capital under stress scenarios.

Risk Measurement: Sensitivity Analysis

We measure market risk related to our market sensitive assets and liabilities based on changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity market prices utilizing a sensitivity analysis. This analysis estimates the potential changes in estimated fair value based on a hypothetical 100 basis point change (increase or decrease) in interest rates, as well as a 10% change (increase or decrease) in foreign currency exchange rates and equity market prices. We believe these changes in market rates and prices are reasonably possible in the near term. In performing the analysis summarized below, we used market rates at December 31, 2023. The sensitivity analysis separately calculates each of our market risk exposures (interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and equity market) relating to our assets and liabilities. We modeled the impact of changes (increases and decreases) in market rates and prices on the estimated fair values of our market sensitive assets and liabilities and present the results with the most adverse level of market risk impact to the Company for each of these market risk exposures as follows:

• the net present values of our interest rate sensitive exposures resulting from a 100-basis point change (increase or decrease) in interest rates;

• estimated fair values of our foreign currency exchange rate sensitive exposures due to a 10% change (appreciation or depreciation) in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to all other currencies; and

• the estimated fair value of our equity market sensitive exposures due to a 10% change (increase or decrease) in equity market prices.

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The sensitivity analysis is an estimate and should not be viewed as predictive of our future financial performance. We cannot ensure that our actual losses in any particular period will not exceed the amounts indicated in the table below. Limitations related to this sensitivity analysis include:

• liabilities do not include $19.7 billion of other policy-related balances largely consisting of claims, unearned revenue liabilities and policyholder dividends;

• the analysis excludes real estate holdings, private equity and hedge fund holdings;

• the market risk information is limited by the assumptions and parameters established in creating the related sensitivity analysis, including the impact of prepayment rates on mortgage loans;

• sensitivities do not include the impact on asset or liability valuation of changes in market liquidity or changes in market credit spreads;

• foreign currency exchange rate risk is not isolated for certain MRBs for variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits, as the risk on these instruments is reflected as equity;

• the impact on reported earnings may be materially different from the change in market values, most notably for fixed maturity securities AFS, mortgage loans, FPBs, and derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting; and

• the model assumes that the composition of assets and liabilities remains unchanged throughout the period.

Accordingly, we use such models as tools and not as substitutes for the experience and judgment of our management. Based on our analysis of the impact of a 100-basis point change (increase or decrease) in interest rates, as well as a 10% change (increase or decrease) in foreign currency exchange rates and equity market prices, we have determined that such a change could have a material adverse effect on the estimated fair value of certain assets and liabilities from interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and equity market exposures.

The table below illustrates the potential loss in estimated fair value for each market risk exposure based on market sensitive assets and liabilities at:

The risk sensitivities derived used a 100-basis point increase to interest rates, a 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, and a 10% decrease in equity prices. The potential losses in estimated fair value presented are for non-trading securities.

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The table below provides additional detail regarding the potential gain (loss) from changes in estimated fair value at:

(1)The carrying value for FPBs, as reported on the consolidated balance sheets, was used for these sensitivities. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on FPBs.

(2)Separate account assets and liabilities and contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities (“Unit-linked investments”) and associated PABs, which are interest rate sensitive, are not included herein as any interest rate risk is borne by the contractholder.

(3)Does not necessarily represent those financial instruments solely subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. Separate account assets and liabilities and Unit-linked investments and associated PABs, which are foreign currency exchange rate sensitive, are not included herein as any foreign currency exchange rate risk is borne by the contractholder.

(4)Does not necessarily represent those financial instruments solely subject to equity price risk. Additionally, separate account assets and liabilities and Unit-linked investments and associated PABs, which are equity market sensitive, are not included herein as any equity market risk is borne by the contractholder.

(5)Includes FVO securities.

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes and Schedules

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of MetLife, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MetLife, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes and Schedules (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 15, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting and presentation related to long-duration insurance contracts and certain related balances effective January 1, 2023, due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-12, Financial Services— Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts, as amended (“ASU 2018-12”), with a transition date of January 1, 2021. Also see Critical Audit Matters section below.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based

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None.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. The Company has designed these controls and procedures to ensure that information the Company is required to disclose in reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to Company management, including the CEO and CFO as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management, including the CEO and CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023.

During the first quarter of 2023, MetLife adopted LDTI resulting in material changes to certain measurement models and disclosures for periodic results and balances related to long-duration insurance contracts. To address the additional requirements under LDTI, MetLife implemented changes to policies and processes for the estimation and disclosure of these periodic results and balances.

There were no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. In fulfilling this responsibility, management’s estimates and judgments must assess the expected benefits and related costs of control procedures. The Company’s internal control objectives include providing management with reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the Company has safeguarded assets against loss from unauthorized use or disposition, and that the Company has executed transactions in accordance with management’s authorization and recorded them properly to permit the preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP.

Management evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In the opinion of management, MetLife, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023.

Deloitte has issued its report on its audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which is set forth below.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of MetLife, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of MetLife, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, of the Company and our report dated February 15, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New York, New York

February 15, 2024

Securities trading plans

During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the following Section 16 officers or directors (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated a contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of our securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Exchange Act or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (as defined in Section 408(c) of Regulation S-K):

Iran activity

Pursuant to Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act, the Company is required to disclose in its periodic reports whether it or any of its affiliates knowingly conducted transactions or dealings with the Government of Iran, or any person or entity owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Government of Iran or any of its subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities (a “Government Related Entity”). The activities described below and reportable under Section 13(r) took place during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and were reported in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the second and third fiscal quarters of 2023 after they became known to management.

In the second quarter of 2023, a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. issued group medical policies to (i) the Iranian Khadije Kobra School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (“UAE”), an educational organization that appears to be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a Government Related Entity, and (ii) the Directorate of Iranian Schools in the UAE, an educational organization that appears to be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a Government Related Entity. The Company recorded in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 approximately $78 thousand of premiums related to these policies that were received during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company paid approximately seven thousand dollars in claims under these policies during the year ended December 31, 2023.

In the third quarter of 2023, after further investigation, the Company determined that two former policyholders, (i) the Al Adab Iranian Private School for Boys in Dubai, UAE (“Al Adab”), and (ii) the Iranian Towheed Boys School in Dubai, UAE (“Iranian Towheed”), may be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a Government Related Entity. A subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. issued two group insurance policies to Al Adab in March 2021 and two group medical policies and one group life insurance policy to Iranian Towheed in March 2022, all of which terminated in March 2023 in accordance with their terms. The Company did not receive any premiums and paid approximately $84 thousand in claims under these policies during the year ended December 31, 2023.

In each case, the Company does not intend to continue any services related to or involving the policies. The Company has investigated the circumstances of the issuance of each policy. The Company does not intend to conduct any transactions or dealings with a Government Related Entity not authorized by a U.S. federal department or agency.

Not applicable.

Part III

The information called for by this Item pertaining to Directors is incorporated herein by reference to the following sections in MetLife, Inc.’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 18, 2024, to be filed by MetLife, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2024 Proxy Statement”):

• “Proxy Statement Summary — Corporate Governance Highlights — Experienced and Diverse Board”;

• “Corporate Governance — Proposal 1 — Election of Directors for a One-Year Term Ending at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders — Director Nominees”;

• “Corporate Governance — Proposal 1 — Election of Directors for a One-Year Term Ending at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders — Information About the Board of Directors – Board Committees”;

• “Security Ownership Information — Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports”; and

• “Other Information — Additional Information — 2025 Annual Meeting Shareholder Proposals and Nominations Deadline.”

The information called for by this Item pertaining to Executive Officers appears in “Business — Information About Our Executive Officers” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company has adopted the Financial Management Code of Business Ethics (the “Financial Management Code”), a “code of ethics” as defined under the rules of the SEC, that applies to MetLife, Inc.’s CEO, CFO, Chief Accounting Officer and all professionals in finance and finance-related departments. In addition, the Company has adopted the Directors’ Code of Business Ethics (the “Directors’ Code”) which applies to all members of Board of Directors, including the CEO, who is a member of the Board, and the Code of Business Ethics, which applies to all employees of the Company, including MetLife, Inc.’s CEO, CFO and Chief Accounting Officer. These codes are available on the Company’s website at www.metlife.com/about-us/corporate-governance/corporate-conduct/ by selecting “Codes of Conduct” under “Reports.” The Company intends to satisfy any disclosure obligations under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K by posting information on the Company’s website at the address given above.

The information called for by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the following sections in the 2024 Proxy Statement:

• “Corporate Governance — Proposal 1 — Election of Directors for a One-Year Term Ending at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders – Information About the Board of Directors – Board Committees”;

• “Corporate Governance — Proposal 1 — Election of Directors for a One-Year Term Ending at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders — Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation”;

• “Corporate Governance — Proposal 1 — Election of Directors for a One-Year Term Ending at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders — Director Compensation in 2023”;

• “Executive Compensation — Proposal 3 — Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation Paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers” other than the disclosures under the heading “Pay versus Performance” responsive to Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K”;

• “Executive Compensation – Pay Ratio”;

• “Appendix A — Compensation Discussion and Analysis Supplementary Information”; and

• “Appendix B — Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures.”

The information called for by this Item pertaining to ownership of shares of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock (“Shares”) is incorporated herein by reference in the 2024 Proxy Statement to the following sections:

• “Security Ownership Information — Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers”; and

• “Security Ownership Information — Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.”

The following table provides information at December 31, 2023, regarding MetLife, Inc.’s equity compensation plans:

Equity Compensation Plan Information at December 31, 2023

(1) Column (a) reflects the following items outstanding as of December 31, 2023:

As of December 31, 2023:

• Stock Options under the MetLife, Inc. 2015 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2015 Stock Plan”) and its predecessor plan, the MetLife, Inc. 2005 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2005 Stock Plan”) were outstanding;

• Restricted Stock Units and Performance Shares under the 2015 Stock Plan were outstanding; and

• Deferred Shares related to awards under the 2015 Stock Plan, MetLife, Inc. 2015 Non-Management Directors Stock Compensation Plan (the “2015 Director Stock Plan”), 2005 Stock Plan, MetLife, Inc. 2005 Non-Management Directors Stock Compensation Plan (the “2005 Director Stock Plan”), and earlier plans, were outstanding. Deferred Shares are related to awards that have become payable in Shares under any plan, the issuance of which has been deferred.

The maximum performance factor for Performance Shares granted in 2015 through 2023 was 175%. The number of Performance Shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023 at target (100%) performance factor was 2,913,498.

MetLife, Inc. may issue Shares pursuant to awards (including Stock Option exercises, if any) under any plan using Shares held in treasury by MetLife, Inc. or by issuing new Shares.

For a general description of how the number of Shares paid out on account of Performance Shares and Restricted Stock Units is determined, and the vesting periods applicable to Performance Shares and Restricted Stock Units, see Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2) Column (b) reflects the weighted average exercise price of all Stock Options under any plan that, as of December 31, 2023, had been granted but not forfeited, expired, or exercised. Performance Shares, Restricted Stock Units, and Deferred Shares are not included in determining the weighted average in column (b) because they have no exercise price.

(3) Column (c) reflects the following items outstanding as of December 31, 2023:

(i) Consists of Shares that were not covered by awards, including Shares previously covered by awards but recovered due to forfeiture of awards or other reasons and once again available for issuance.

(ii) Consists of Shares remaining authorized for issuance under the predecessor plan, the 2005 Director Stock Plan, that were not covered by awards, including Shares previously covered by awards but recovered due to forfeiture of awards or other reasons and once again available.

(iii) In 2017, MetLife, Inc. completed the separation of Brighthouse through a distribution of shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock to the MetLife, Inc. common shareholders (the “Separation”). In light of the Separation, and in order to maintain the Share authorizations under each plan at the levels that shareholders had approved, MetLife, Inc. increased the number of Shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 Stock Plan and 2015 Director Stock Plan as of August 4, 2017, excluding those Shares from the authorizations that had already been issued, by the Adjustment Ratio. MetLife, Inc. also increased the number of Shares covered by outstanding Stock Options, Performance Shares, Restricted Stock Units, and Deferred Shares on that date by the Adjustment Ratio, in order to maintain the intrinsic value of those awards and Deferred Shares, which decreased the number of Shares available for issuance under both plans. The amount in this row is the net increase in the Share authorization under both the 2015 Stock Plan and 2015 Director Stock Plan as a result of these adjustments. For a description of the adjustment to Stock Options, Performance Shares, Restricted Stock Units, and Deferred Shares, see Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(iv) Consists of Shares utilized under the 2005 Stock Plan or 2015 Stock Plan that were recovered during each of the indicated calendar years, and therefore once again available for issuance, due to: (i) termination of the award by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, lapse, or otherwise without issuing Shares; (ii) settlement of the award in cash either in lieu of Shares or otherwise; (iii) exchange of the award for awards not involving Shares; (iv) payment of the exercise price of a Stock Option, or the tax withholding requirements with respect to an award, satisfied by tendering Shares to MetLife, Inc. (by either actual delivery or by attestation); (v) satisfaction of tax withholding requirements with respect to an award satisfied by MetLife, Inc. withholding Shares otherwise issuable; and (vi) the payout of Performance Shares at any performance factor less than the maximum performance factor.

(v) Consists of Shares covered by awards granted under the 2015 Stock Plan (including Performance Shares assuming future payout at maximum performance factor). Shares covered by awards granted under the 2015 Directors Stock Plan and Shares covered by imputed reinvested dividends credited on Deferred Shares owed to directors, employees or agents, in each case during each of the indicated calendar years.

Each Share MetLife, Inc. issues in connection with awards granted under the 2005 Stock Plan other than Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights (such as Shares payable on account of Performance Shares or Restricted Stock Units under that plan, including any Deferred Shares resulting from such awards) reduces the number of Shares remaining for issuance by 1.179 (“2005 Stock Plan Share Award Ratio”). Each Share MetLife, Inc. issues in connection with a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right granted under the 2005 Stock Plan, or in connection with any award under any other plan for employees and agents (including any Deferred Shares resulting from such awards), reduces the number of Shares remaining for issuance by 1.0. (“Standard Award Ratio”). Shares related to awards that are recovered, and therefore authorized for issuance under the 2015 Stock Plan, are recovered with consideration of the 2005 Stock Plan Share Award Ratio and Standard Award Ratio, as applicable. Each Share MetLife, Inc. issues under the 2005 Director Stock Plan or 2015 Director Stock Plan (including any Deferred Shares resulting from such awards) reduces the number of Shares remaining for issuance under that plan by one. Shares related to awards that are recovered, and therefore authorized for issuance under the 2015 Director Stock Plan are recovered with consideration of this ratio. If MetLife, Inc. was to grant a Share-settled Stock Appreciation Right under the 2015 Stock Plan and the award holder exercised it, only the number of Shares MetLife, Inc. issued, net of the Shares tendered, if any, would be deemed delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of Shares MetLife, Inc. may issue under the 2015 Stock Plan.

Any Shares covered by awards under the 2015 Director Stock Plan that were to be recovered due to (i) termination of the award by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, lapse, or otherwise without issuing Shares; (ii) settlement of the award in cash either in lieu of Shares or otherwise; (iii) exchange of the award for awards not involving Shares; and (iv) payment of the exercise price of a Stock Option, or the tax withholding requirements with respect to an award, satisfied by tendering Shares to MetLife, Inc. (by either actual delivery or by attestation) would be available to be issued under the 2015 Director Stock Plan. In addition, if MetLife, Inc. was to grant a Share-settled Stock Appreciation Right under the 2015 Director Stock Plan, only the number of Shares issued, net of the Shares tendered, if any, would be deemed delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of Shares available for issuance under the 2015 Director Stock Plan.

Under both the 2015 Stock Plan and the 2015 Director Stock Plan, in the event of a corporate event or transaction (including, but not limited to, a change in the Shares or the capitalization of MetLife) such as a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, separation, stock dividend, extraordinary dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split up, spin-off, or other distribution of stock or property of MetLife, combination of securities, exchange of securities, dividend in kind, or other like change in capital structure or distribution (other than normal cash dividends) to shareholders of MetLife, or any similar corporate event or transaction, the appropriate committee of the Board of Directors of MetLife, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of participants’ rights under the applicable plan, shall substitute or adjust, as applicable, the number and kind of Shares that may be issued under that plan and shall adjust the number and kind of Shares subject to outstanding awards. Any Shares related to awards under either plan which: (i) terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without the issuance of Shares; (ii) are settled in cash either in lieu of Shares or otherwise; or (iii) are exchanged with the appropriate committee’s permission for awards not involving Shares, are available again for grant under the applicable plan. If the option price of any Stock Option granted under either plan or the tax withholding requirements with respect to any award granted under either plan is satisfied by tendering Shares to MetLife (by either actual delivery or by attestation), or if a Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, only the number of Shares issued, net of the Shares tendered, if any, will be deemed delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of Shares available for issuance under that plan. The maximum number of Shares available for issuance under either plan shall not be reduced to reflect any dividends or dividend equivalents that are reinvested into additional Shares or credited as additional Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.

For a description of the kinds of awards that have been or may be made under the 2015 Stock Plan and 2015 Director Stock Plan and awards that remained outstanding under the 2005 Stock Plan, see Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The information called for by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the following sections in the 2024 Proxy Statement:

• “Corporate Governance — Proposal 1 — Election of Directors for a One-Year Term Ending at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders — Information About the Board of Directors — Procedures for Reviewing Related Person Transactions”;

• “Corporate Governance — Proposal 1 — Election of Directors for a One-Year Term Ending at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders — Information About the Board of Directors — Related Person Transactions”; and

• “Corporate Governance — Proposal 1 — Election of Directors for a One-Year Term Ending at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders — Information About the Board of Directors — Board Composition — Independent Oversight of Management.”

The information called for by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Audit Matters — Proposal 2 — Ratification of Appointment of the Independent Auditor” in the 2024 Proxy Statement.

Part IV

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1. Financial Statements

The financial statements are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes and Schedules on page 129.

2. Financial Statement Schedules

The financial statement schedules are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes and Schedules on page 129.

3. Exhibits

The exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index which begins on page 339.

None.

Exhibit Index

(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates may be found elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and MetLife, Inc.’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.)

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