What is the main reason for MetLife's segment reporting changes?

The primary driver for the segment reporting changes is MetLife's plan to separate a substantial portion of its former Retail segment and other business units into a new entity named Brighthouse Financial.

Did these segment changes affect MetLife's reported profits in the past?

No, MetLife explicitly states that these segment realignments were applied retrospectively and did not have an impact on total consolidated net income or operating earnings in prior periods.

Where can I find the updated financial information related to these segment changes?

The revised sections of MetLife's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, reflecting these segment changes, are filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this 8-K. For more current financial information, investors should refer to MetLife's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2016.

What is the new 'MetLife Holdings' segment?

The MetLife Holdings segment comprises businesses that were formerly in the Retail segment but will not be part of the Brighthouse Financial separation. It also includes the long-term care business and a reinsurance treaty related to a former Japan joint venture.

METLIFE INC 8-K SEC Disclosure

Summary

MetLife Inc. (MET) filed an 8-K on November 18, 2016, to disclose significant changes to its business segment reporting. These changes are primarily driven by the anticipated separation of a substantial portion of its former Retail segment and other business units into a new entity, Brighthouse Financial. The company has reorganized its reporting structure into six distinct segments: U.S., Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), MetLife Holdings, and Brighthouse Financial, with certain results also reported in Corporate & Other. These segment realignments were applied retrospectively to the company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, with revised sections being filed as an exhibit. Importantly, MetLife states that these changes did not impact total consolidated net income or operating earnings for prior periods. Investors should note that this filing updates disclosures related to business organization and segment reporting, and more current financial information can be found in MetLife's subsequent Form 10-Q filing for the quarter ended September 30, 2016.

Key Highlights

1MetLife is reorganizing its business segments in preparation for the separation of its Retail business and other units into Brighthouse Financial.
2The company has established six new reporting segments: U.S., Asia, Latin America, EMEA, MetLife Holdings, and Brighthouse Financial, plus a Corporate & Other category.
3The MetLife Holdings segment will include businesses not part of Brighthouse Financial, the long-term care business, and a reinsurance treaty.
4The U.S. segment will encompass Property & Casualty, Retirement and Income Solutions, and most of the Group Benefits business.
5These segment reporting changes are being applied retrospectively to MetLife's 2015 Annual Report (10-K).
6The segment realignments did not affect prior periods' total consolidated net income or operating earnings.
7Revised sections of the 2015 Annual Report are filed as an exhibit to this 8-K, superseding the original disclosures.

METLIFE INC 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Nov 18, 2016)

Summary

Key Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions