Summary
MetLife Inc.'s (MET) third-quarter 2009 report shows a net loss of $650 million, or $(0.79) per diluted share, a significant drop from the $600 million net income in the same period of 2008. This decline was primarily driven by substantial net investment losses, amounting to $1.4 billion after adjustments, compared to a net investment gain of $422 million in the prior year. The increase in investment losses was largely due to unfavorable derivative movements and increased impairments across various asset classes, reflecting the challenging economic environment. Despite the GAAP net loss, operating earnings available to common shareholders saw an increase of 18% to $718 million, driven by strong underlying business performance, cost efficiencies, and the benefits of acquisitions, partially offset by lower net investment income and higher pension costs. Total assets grew to $535.2 billion from $501.7 billion at the end of 2008, with total liabilities also increasing. Total revenues declined to $10.2 billion from $13.4 billion in the prior year, impacted by lower investment income and a decrease in premiums. The company highlighted ongoing efforts to manage expenses and capital, including cost reduction initiatives and the strategic management of its investment portfolio in response to market volatility. The company remains focused on maintaining its financial strength and managing risks, while navigating a challenging economic landscape.
Financial Highlights
37 data points| Revenue | $10.24B |
| Operating Expenses | $2.54B |
| Operating Income | -$2.69B |
| Interest Expense | $274.00M |
| Net Income | -$620.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $-0.79 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $-0.79 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 821.76M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 821.76M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net loss of $650 million ($0.79 per diluted share) for the quarter, a significant decline from a net income of $600 million in Q3 2008.
- 2Net investment losses were $1.42 billion (after adjustments) for the quarter, a substantial increase from a net investment gain of $422 million (after adjustments) in Q3 2008, primarily due to derivative movements and asset impairments.
- 3Operating earnings available to common shareholders increased by 18% to $718 million, demonstrating resilience in core business performance.
- 4Total assets increased to $535.2 billion from $501.7 billion at year-end 2008, while total liabilities also rose.
- 5Total revenues decreased to $10.2 billion from $13.4 billion in Q3 2008, impacted by lower investment income and premiums.
- 6The company is undertaking an enterprise-wide cost reduction and revenue enhancement initiative to improve efficiency.
- 7Despite market challenges, MetLife's overall financial strength and liquidity remain robust, with management focused on disciplined underwriting, pricing, hedging, and expense management.